1971 Aktiv Fischer AB: Snow Trac ST4 - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

melensdad · 03-25-2005, 10:50 PM

I just found this site and thought I'd share my pride and joy.

We are rebuilding the interior this summer, adding padded seats, a SkyFi2 XM radio, Blaupunkt stereo & speakers, plus a Magellin Color GPS system.

**smallengineguy** · 03-26-2005, 06:25 AM

Is it in this country? How hard is it to get parts for?

melensdad · 03-26-2005, 07:38 AM

Mine is currently in England, it is being shipped back here in a couple of weeks. The top picture is on a mountain in Scotland, the middle picture was taken in England at my friend's house. The bottom picture is a Matchbox toy version of it. The engine is a VW industrial engine, parts are available for that. Most everything else need to be fabricated by a machine shop. About 2000 were built between 1958 and 1981 many are still running, many are in north America scattered from Alaska to the Atlantic. Japan also was a big customer. It is probably safe to say that most of the running ST4s are somewhere in Europe as they were Swedish made unit. There is also a trail grooming version called the Trac Master which had wider tracks and a 2 man short cab. The ST4 was used as a family vehicle, by British Commando as a light armored vehicle and a rescue vehicle, as a transportation vehicle for the Canadian utility companies, and even as an ambulance. Most are in private ownership now, although I am familiar with a couple of resorts that use them for snowmobile tours.

Snow Freak · 03-26-2005, 08:44 AM

I would hate to get that thing stuck!!! But that is pretty sweet!

melensdad · 03-26-2005, 08:53 AM

Here is a shot of the VW industrial engine. It is 4 cylinder, air cooled, and nearly identical (but a bit heavier duty) to the Flat 4 engines in the old Bug!

This is a rescue version picture (obviously not mine)

This is the version that was used by the British Commando forces and was ferried by helicopter into remote mountain regions.

SnowRida · 03-26-2005, 08:30 PM

Neat. But that's not a vintage sled.

**smallengineguy** · 03-26-2005, 09:09 PM

That's alright. Never seen one before. Neat to learn about it!

YamahaRyy · 03-26-2005, 11:14 PM

that thing is sick, good lukc with it

Arctic · 03-27-2005, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Snow Freak
I would hate to get that thing stuck!!! But that is pretty sweet!

Me too!!!!!

melensdad · 03-27-2005, 10:55 AM

Neat. But that's not a vintage sled

Sled, no it is not. It is, however a snowmobile by definition, and this forum is not titled "vintage sleds" it is titled "Vintage Snowmobiles." As these are mostly used for recreational and/or personal use toys, and as I have been "snowmobiling" in one form or another since I was a kid, and as this travels the same club trails as any traditional sled, I'm not sure why I'd need to qualify it as a sled. But thank you for the warm welcome!

I would hate to get that thing stuck!!! But that is pretty sweet!

We've not gotten it stuck yet. It floats pretty well on powder and manages trails without any problems. The body is aluminum so it is not as heavy as it looks. It just sort of plods along. It is an amazing climbing vehicle, as it has 4 gears, it can put a lot of torque to the tracks.

.

ITriumph · 03-30-2005, 07:30 PM

That thing is cool as hell. I want one

Arctic · 03-31-2005, 08:14 AM

that would be so cool to have one.

melensdad · 03-31-2005, 08:29 AM

that would be so cool to have one.

Only ONE? I know a guy in Alaska who has 4! 3 are running, and he is still restoring the 4th one. He uses them for daily transportation in addition to recreation.

Fastman14609 · 03-31-2005, 12:25 PM

That is awsome. sweet party machine

SnowRida · 04-15-2005, 11:15 AM

Ok, it's not a vintage snowmobile, sorry.

icequeen · 01-23-2006, 05:32 PM

To melensdad, can you help please? I too now own a snowtrac and cannot seem to find a way to contact Activ Fischer, are they still in existance. I desperately need a workshop manual for mine, do you know where I can get one? Your snowtrac looks super, I only hope mine will look good one day. All best wishes, icequeen

Cleve · 01-23-2006, 06:55 PM

Hi, Icequeen;

I would recommend trying to e-mail melensdad if you already haven't. He hasn't posted here since March of last year, so I rather doubt he reads on a regular basis Go into his profile and click on the e-mail link.

Good luck with your Activ. I had the Matchbox as a child - always wished I had the *real* thing! I hate to say it - but I'd trade my 'Cat in a heartbeat for a working tracked vehicle like that.

Jim

Cleve · 01-23-2006, 07:08 PM

Hey, Icequeen;

I did some Google searching and struggled through some Swedish (of which I don't speak a word!) to find this page...

http://www.klovsjo.com/snowtrac/

He's an owner who has some spare parts available - technical information available, and links to other owners and clubs. Enjoy!

rgoers · 01-23-2006, 08:29 PM

Hey, that thing is wicked cool! It's really strange, but I saw two semi-junked ones on eBay today!!! Then I came here and saw yours. I read all about it... aluminum body, etc. Nice!

Well, I searched all over and thought I would never find it again. But I did... Do a search for 4606470270. Here's the text.

Vehicle Description

Two large snow groomers/snow mobiles in poor , not running condition. Should be purchased only by someone who is an accomplished mechanic and would be able to dis-assemble and refurbish both units. One working unit should be able to be rebuilt from these two units and some additional parts will probably need to be purchased. Dual 32" tracks with enclosed cabin, 12 feet long, eight and one half feet wide built by A. B. Westerasmaskiner in Morgongava, Sweden around 1967. Type ST-4. One unit has no tracks. Both units have 4 cyclinder air cooled VW engines, some parts missing but I believe they are still available. Bodies are mostly Alumnium.These 2 machines are stored outside and are probably frozen to the ground, therefore it woul be best to wait until Spring to pick up.These units are located at Remsen NY 13438 , about 20 miles north of Utica, NY which is exit 30 on Interstate 90. Pick up at buyers expense at the above location. I will not ship or arrange for shipping. Most likely would require rolloff truck with winch for transport.These units are sold as is and are described as accurately as possibly.

They're right in NY. Might be useful for extra parts???