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Thanks, MBOSS13!That is the direction that I plan to go. I am also going to get reverse so I can collapse the handle and run it backwards in reverse up a ramp into the back of my pickup. I saw that on a video and, because I have a topper on my truck, it would work great.
I am also going to get reverse so I can collapse the handle and run it backwards in reverse up a ramp into the back of my pickup.
You guys have me curious now. I've only used the reverse a couple times moving the machine around in the driveway. So far, I've had no issue loading it in forward. I just stop the machine once the middle "bogey wheel" hits the tailgate, tilt the machine down, and fold the handle. That leaves a couple inches of clearance. Then I slide it under the cap. Pretty simple.If I fish Wednesday afternoon, I'll try walking it up the ramp in reverse and give you a report.
Where is your reverse gear activation lever located? I have been told that this years models with reverse have the control located under the front cover zipper. That is not really an issue but more of a PITA to get to it. In conversations with Snowdog I have been told the 2018 models will have the reverse activation located on the handle bars, maybe just push button or a cable actuated lever but I have not yet seen this newer style. I would love to see a clear picture of the reverse components that I don't have on mine-----YET!I would absolutely have gone for the B13MER model with reverse but NO machines were available when I bought mine in November. I am waiting for Snowdog to get me the parts to retrofit it.Gam
I was shocked at how much room I still have in the bed of my truck for my hut, sleds, and stuff.
Where is your reverse gear activation lever located? I have been told that this years models with reverse have the control located under the front cover zipper. That is not really an issue but more of a PITA to get to it.
If you think the reverse is inconvenient the way you have it on your machine then think about this. My very first time on the dog was in about 8 inches of snow. I drove on the side of the plowed road for about a half mile from the house. One minute I was going fine and all of a sudden I got a bit off track and drove right into the ditch where I had small trees in front and on both sides of the machine. Not a crash but I could not go forward at all. I also could not yank the 300 pounds backwards to get out. Had to walk back home and get the Kubota to drag me out. Drive the Kubota back home and then walk back up to get the dog. It sure would have been a lot easier to just play with the R and back the beast out.Gam
Thanks for all the info. Planning to pick up a Snowdog.Last question, the compact seems much easier to load/store. Do you think that the standard is that much better if all I do is pull stuff on the ice?
Ok how about deep slush? We have about 8" - 10" of snow with the bottom maybe 5" is water slush under the snow. I almost got stuck in the slush yesterday with my snowmobile towing a sled, luckily I was able to blast my way out of it. When you get stuck in deep slush with a snowmobile you are in trouble, very hard to get out without a tow or maybe 3 other people. I had to walk about a mile and a half once across a lake with snowmobile stuck in deep slush to call friends for help.
One more question...What or how do you manage your sleds and stuff.I saw a Youtube where one guy hitched his 2 person Clam sled directly to the Snowdog and sat in the swivel seat turned forward to drive. This eliminates the extra sled of stuff.I have a few different shanty options that I use, based on the fishing location and if I am with company. 1. I plan to pull my 1-man Clam Blazer behind the Snowdog sled when fishing alone or in the BWCA. I can tow my Blazer to the edge of the BWCA and then trudge it in the rest of the way myself.2. I have a large 6 person Clam Spearfisher pop-up that I can load in a sled(s) and haul out when I fish in groups. I think that I could get everything in the Snowdog sled and one additional sled.3. I am planning to get a heavier 2 person Clam on a sled and do something like the Youtube I mentioned above, if I fish on normal lakes outside the BWCA. I think I can get everything in one sled and it would be easy to set up and move.Sound reasonable?
Hello all,I bought a 13hp compact back in November and have only used it snow. It’s really an awesome machine and does the job for getting to spots on the ice perfectly. Now it’s march and the snow on the lakes are starting to get down to bare glare ice. I didn’t get the studded track. I saw a video of some guy who did some modifications and added studs to his track. So bought some studs but I really don’t know how to get to the track. I can only install studs on the paddles on the front and back, meaning 99.9% of the track is inaccessible. Gam, I read your review and it gave me some peace of mind knowing it will still go on glare ice but I just want a little extra grip. Any of you fellas have suggestions for installing studs on the rest of the track?
By studs, I mean these things
Love to read about the sleds. Great to see guys are seeing the light
I take that as a compliment, thank you