Interesting project idea - ever heard it made? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

w201028 · 12-31-2012, 04:49 PM

Hey guys, Im not a sled-head at all, but love my dirtbikes and atvs. I was thinking of a project offroad machine somewhat like a tank. Take two snowmobile engines and drivetrains, tracks parralell on the sides of the vehicle. Controlled by levers that actuate the left, or right throttles to turn, or both for forward. In my head, the driver would sit between the 2 tracks, for a low cg, rather than on top of the vehicle.
Anybody ever seen or heard of anything like this? And what potential problems would one face using a snowmobile in no snow conditions, like on a trail or quarry road? Is overheating an issue, track wear? Im not in any way close to building a machine like this right now, but I can imagine how cool it would be to ride the coal mines in a "tank" like machine.
Any and all feed back is welcome, lets start a project thread!

cam615 · 12-31-2012, 05:01 PM

There is a video on youtube of a guy who mated two m1000's just like you described although i believed he removed the inside ski of each sled and so just the two on the outside turned, im not sure how the throttles were hooked up, ill try and find the video...

Ultrafrozen · 12-31-2012, 05:07 PM

Welcome to the forum.

I think the sideways thrust on the tracks when turning would cause some problems. Tracked vehichles like you describe are all over youtube and have lot bigger guides to help with tracking. It might work well but don't expect 180 degree turns by stopping one track and driving the other.

Sleds are modified to run in the desert so I'm sure no snow conditions would be OK. You would need a small car rad with electric fan for improved cooling and better slider material, maybe brass, bronze or steel? The older sleds had boggie wheels instead of slide suspension so they could run without snow. Many conversion wheel kits or homemade wheel instead of skis were used in the late '60s and '70s.

Have fun and let us know how it works out.

w201028 · 12-31-2012, 05:41 PM

What you guys are talking about is cool, but I didnt even consider using the skis. My idea is to use just the engines and tracks (two sleds with reverse would be a bonus, for zero-turn ability), although I definately see a problem with the engine mounting. Again, I dont know shite about snowmobiles, but it seems to me that the engines are way out front on almost all sleds. That would have to be modified so the driver isnt slamming the engines into everything in front of them, not to mention the terrible weight balence.
I should draw up a diagram, but what I am thinking of is basically a tracked backhoe, without all the digging equipment.
Interesting to know that people use modded sleds in the desert. I know most things today are watercooled, but would an older aircooled engine still be possible? Many of my motorcycles have been aircooled, and therefore performed poorly in winter due to overcooling, but how would an aircooled motor meant to operate in 20 degrees fair in 90 degree weather?

nunrleft · 12-31-2012, 11:26 PM

It's called an Argo. Amphibious Vehicles - Amphibious ARGO ATV, ARGO AATV, ARGO All Terrain Vehicle

**RJ Gleason** · 01-01-2013, 05:52 AM

You can jet a fan cooled engine for any operating temp range.

Look up "ripsaw" on YouTube, that will give you some better ideas.

**smallengineguy** · 01-01-2013, 07:40 AM

MAAX also makes them.

w201028 · 01-01-2013, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Thats just what I had in mind. Maybe I can find a pair of older sleds on the cheap, and if so, I will start up another thread for the build. I appriciate all of the replies!

JD8345RT · 01-01-2013, 04:39 PM

It was done back in 1970 by Ridge Runner. They were underpowered and had no real suspension, but still very capable and definately the most tank-like twin-tracks made. 2 tracks but with a single motor and a transmission, steered with two levers.

ASV Ridge Runner 1.MPG - YouTube

Really cool vehicles, I've seen one operated in person. I think a single motor and drivetrain might be a more manageable concept for your project.

**RJ Gleason** · 01-01-2013, 05:30 PM

Look up "Raider" too, twin tracked sleds with skis.

**kccats** · 01-01-2013, 06:58 PM

Or the twin track oval racer!