How to make a module for a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands

Hi all! In this article I will talk about the main stages of building a homemade motorized towing vehicle on a standard Buranovsk track, 380 mm wide, with a Lifan engine with 8 hp. So, straight to the point:

Assembly video:

First of all, you need to weld the base of the frame, which is a simple rectangle, from 20x40 mm profile pipes.

Next, we prepare and weld the steering wheel mounting posts from the same profile, but with a larger wall thickness, in our case 2 mm.

The next step is to start making the steering wheel from a 20×20 mm profile and a round pipe with a diameter of about 22 mm. We further strengthen the place where the steering wheel is attached to the frame by welding washers, because this node experiences quite high loads.

After this, he begins to manufacture the drive shaft mounts from an iron sheet, 3 mm thick.

Now we return to the base of the frame. For engine mounting and general rigidity, it is necessary to supplement it with transverse sections from the same profile.

Next, we weld the drive shaft mounts flush to the front of the frame.

Then we proceed to the manufacture of the engine protective frame. In our case, a homemade pipe bender was used for this, but you can do without it by simply welding the pipes into a structure of the desired shape.

Next, we make the engine mount from a 40x4 mm corner. We cut 8 pieces of equal length and weld them into the front of the frame.

The next step is preparing the fastenings for the suspension bogies of the motorized towing vehicle, which are sections cut from a 40×4 mm steel strip with drilled holes. And immediately weld them.

Now that the frame is almost ready, we weld the previously prepared engine protective frame and the sections connecting this frame with the steering wheel mounting posts.

The frame is ready, we clean the welds and sharp edges, and prepare the structure for painting.

After the paint has completely dried, we fasten the pre-cut galvanized sheet using rivets, and then cut out holes for the engine mounting bolts.

The design is ready, you can begin final assembly. First, we install the track with the drive and driven shafts. Then 3 suspension rollers, a mudguard, a driven sprocket and, finally, an engine with a drive sprocket and chain.

Let's move on to preliminary tests. It is clear that without snow it will not be possible to fully test the structure, but I don’t see any particular need for this. Now I will explain why.

In general terms, this design repeats our previous motorized towing vehicle, created at the end of last fall and which has proven itself well over several months of operation. All of its shortcomings and weak points were eliminated in the new design, which is also quite primitive in itself and there is nothing special to break there.

What to look for when choosing

Suspension

The greatest load during off-road driving falls on this element. The suspension distributes the weight of the equipment and cargo onto the track, while the force can change dramatically. The suspension is:

• roller (this type is considered to be all-season) - the tracks move on rotating rollers: not suitable for driving on melted or loose snow;
• slick - an ideal option for moving on snow, since the design features involve the sliding of the caterpillar track along the slicks (skis), in addition, heating occurs due to friction, and the main components cool under the influence of snow;

Important! Vehicles with this type of suspension stand out from the rest due to their excellent cross-country ability and economical fuel consumption, however, it is not recommended to operate such motorized towing vehicles without snow. Certain types of equipment are equipped with springs for better comfort during movement.

pneumatic - made specifically to overcome swampy terrain (units with such a suspension are characterized by a smooth ride, which makes the ride as comfortable as possible).

Motor

The latest generation of motorized towing vehicles, as a rule, have 4-stroke gasoline engines with a power of 5-15 horsepower. Honda (Japan) and Briggs&Stratton (USA) have proven themselves to be excellent. Their worthy rivals are Lifan and MTR from China. Experts advise giving preference to high-power models, because only such a motorized dog can cope with the most difficult tasks.

Transmission

For ease of controllability, manufacturers equip their units with an automatic clutch or a CVT. The most favorable solution, according to experts and buyers, is a transmission with a Safari variator, which has proven itself excellent in the harsh Russian climate.

Application area

The equipment is selected taking into account the specifics of the territory, the cargo that is planned to be transported, as well as the type of road surface. For fans of winter fishing and hunters, a small-sized device that perfectly overcomes ice and snow would be an excellent option.

To operate motorized dogs in the fall and spring, experts advise taking a closer look at units that are capable of crossing swampy terrain.

Helpful information! Motorized towing vehicles with roller suspension ride well on grass and mud.

Load capacity

To have a pleasant time outdoors with friends, you should focus your attention on the traction capabilities of a particular model. If the user loves speed, then it is worth giving preference to lightweight and high-speed equipment

A sled's carrying capacity of about 200 kg is enough for one fisherman, and if a group of several people gathers to hunt, then it is worth purchasing a model that can handle 500-700 kg of cargo in a hitch.

Manufacturer

The final criterion is the manufacturer, since the Internet presents a large number of primitive equipment assembled by amateurs.

Man K2 - 18.5M

The “heart” of this axlebox is a 4-stroke engine with 15 horsepower. The unit is equipped with a 2-bearing transmission and a safari variator. A metal hood is used to protect the engine compartment. The frame material is durable 3mm steel. The drive shaft maintains a constant horizontal position thanks to self-aligning, serviceable bearings.

The length of the motorized dog is optimal for products of this kind and is 1450 mm. Track width – 500 mm. Thanks to the increased angle of attack, the pressure on the snow is reduced. This allows the motorized towing vehicle to pass through even 1.5-meter snowdrifts without problems.

Advantages:

• high level of load capacity – up to 0.75 t;
• thoughtful design (all units are reliably protected from external contamination);
• good lighting;
• increased angle of attack.

The disadvantage of the design is that it is somewhat prone to collapse.

Pomor 500 S15 (1450 mm)

The best option for multifunctional use. In addition to the standard functionality, the kit is rich in additional accessories: mounts for snowboards/skis, a removable rack, hand protection from the wind. The manufacturer did not focus on the design of the towing vehicle, devoting more effort to ergonomics and convenience. But this did not in any way affect the maneuverability of the vehicle.

The choice of roller or skid suspension smoothes out uneven terrain in wilderness areas, preventing rollovers. Deep snow is no problem for a motorized towing vehicle. The wide 50 cm double-sided caterpillar will prevent you from digging in or falling through.

Advantages:

• Heated handles;
• Storage case;
• High quality brakes;
• Navigation materials;
• Engine noise insulation;
• Develops a speed of 50 km/h.

Flaws:

Weight 120 kg.

When transporting large quantities of cargo, the steering wheel is adjusted to a vertical position. This allows the driver to drive while standing and have a better view of the road. For these purposes, users are advised to give preference to AI-95 gasoline.

Second life for old tires

There is another well-known method. Let's look at how to make a homemade motorcycle track using old tires. For such work, it is best to choose tires from large trucks. It is better that the tread pattern is kept in satisfactory condition. To work, we will need a very sharp shoe knife and some cutting skills, no matter how strange it may sound. In the manufacture of such a caterpillar, the method of cutting out the sides from tires is used. To ease the effort when cutting thick tires, you need to periodically dip the knife in a soapy solution. You can also use an electric jigsaw with fine teeth.

So, for old tires we remove the beads, select parts with a well-preserved tread pattern, or we will have to cut it ourselves to improve grip on the road surface. The undoubted advantage of such a tire chain is that it consists of a closed solid material, which means it is more resistant to breaks. The disadvantage of this design is the limited tire size.

Basic elements of a motorized dog

The most important piece of equipment is the engine. Typically, a single-cylinder carburetor gasoline engine is used to create motorized dogs.

An equally important part is the rubber-metal track - the propulsion unit with suspension. With the help of the caterpillar you can drive on snow, ice, soft ground in warm weather

It is worth taking a closer look at all the components of a motorized dog.

Car engine

The motor from the Sh-58 moped, designed for manual gearbox shifting, is considered popular. Scooter engines can also be used. The main thing is that the product has good traction characteristics, a power of at least 6 hp. With. This is enough to transport one person and a load of 30-50 kg on a motorized dog. For a trip of two people and a load of 150-200 kg, it is better to choose an engine with a power of more than 9 liters. With. A chain tensioner is often used as an engine tuning element.

Motorized dog support frame

The frame must be of excellent quality, because on the road it experiences high loads, especially when driving off-road. This design is made entirely with your own hands, welded from rectangular metal pipes. Usually a pipe thickness of 3 millimeters is enough; thinner metal is not suitable, it quickly deforms.

You can see how to make a frame with your own hands in the photo and video. Take two pipes with a cross-section of 20*20 mm, add two more sizes of 20*40 mm, and form a frame. Two 40 mm corners are welded into it, and a protective frame for the engine is welded on top, which will prevent it from being damaged when the equipment rolls over. It is also advisable to attach a galvanized sheet to the frame with rivets to cover the track.

Motorcycle dog suspension

The suspension serves as an important indicator of the performance of the chassis. By design, it can be skating or sliding. The skating rink performs worse in the snow, but is ideal for movement in the warm season. The suspension on skids prevents the tracks from clogging, but is used only in winter: it needs snow to cool the system (ski module).

To make a motorized dog at home and travel in any season of the year, you should choose a modern roller suspension, but not with a rigid one, but with a spring support for the rollers. Such a motorized dog will move more smoothly on a frozen road. When driving, you will have to avoid too loose snow.

Recommendations

Some tips on how to properly carry out maintenance to extend the life of your motorized towing vehicle, from professionals.

Track Maintenance

In order for the caterpillar belt to work for a long time, you should adhere to a number of basic recommendations.

Before you start operating (once a day), inspect the condition of the chassis: “stiff” rollers or loose bolts can become a source of caterpillar failure. After a break in operation, it is necessary to clean the track and elements of the suspension system from the ice crust.

Over time, the track stretches and needs to be tightened.

You can check the tension by measuring the sag of the track. A sag of 2 to 5 centimeters can be considered standard.

It is worse to tighten the track too much than to loosen it too much, since this leads to stretching of the element and breakage of the driven and driven axle bearings.

If the caterpillar has stopped making revolutions, this indicates a breakdown of the chassis. The main factor in its braking is the malfunction of the shaft supports or bogie rollers due to moisture penetration inside.

You need to regularly inspect the condition of the chassis by rolling the motorized dog with your hands. It should also be easy to ride by hand with the chain and belt removed. Once every 12 months or every 40 hours of operation, maintenance of the undercarriage of motorized dogs should be carried out.

Motor Maintenance

The key rules are easy to learn. The first thing that needs to be monitored, in addition to refueling, is the oil level. To do this, unscrew the plug and look at the dipstick. Add oil to the required level. We change the oil every 5 tanks of fuel used.

A common problem is the air filter becoming clogged with tiny snow particles or the appearance of an ice crust. Signs: unstable operation, smoking, difficult to start. Dry the filter or install a new one.

Chain tension

The dog chain communicates rotational movements from the drive sprocket to the sprocket connected to the driven link; it should not be too tense, since the load on the bearings of the driven part of the CVT gearbox increases, and it should not be allowed to sag. The chain is tensioned by raising/lowering the right lobe of the hub, the driven part of the CVT gearbox. Over time, the chain can stretch and should be tightened.

Transmission Maintenance

Protect the CVT gearbox and its mating part from dirt, monitor the cleanliness and integrity of the aluminum discs, chain and drive belt of the CVT gearbox, wipe with a cloth after completing each drive, and prevent oil from getting on the belt and discs. Lubricate the shaft and cheeks as needed. Excessive amounts of lubricants can cause problems.

After any trip, wash the chain with gasoline and lubricate or wipe the chain and profiled wheels. It is always advisable to take a backup circuit with you.

Keep an eye on the detachable connections, clean and let the motorized dog dry after any trip, store it horizontally in a dry, ventilated place, and your motorized towing vehicle will serve without breakdowns for many years.

How to make a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands, see below.

Tselina MB-509VB

Powerful and reliable engine Country: Russia (manufactured in China) Average price: 71,500 rubles.
Rating (2020): 4.2 The powerful motorized towing vehicle TSELINA MB-509VB takes a worthy place in the list of the best low-speed models of motorized dogs. The device is perfect for both household needs and for recreation and entertainment. One of the features of this model is that a drag sled is supplied with it. The weight of the motorized dog is 105 kg, which is relatively small. The total permissible load on the equipment is no more than 150 kg, including the driver. At the same time, the highest speed that the motorized towing vehicle will develop will be 20 km/h. The manual starting system will make starting the engine much easier, even in severe frosts.

The main advantages of using this model in customer reviews include convenient controls, a robust body and a reliable engine. A 4-stroke single-cylinder unit with a capacity of 9 liters is installed here. pp., which is powered by AI-92 or AI-95 gasoline. Maximum fuel consumption is 2.8 l/hour. A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of heated handles, which is especially important for winter use. The steering wheel folds, making storing equipment much more convenient. A strong LED headlight is installed at the front. Weaknesses include high cost and low carrying capacity.

When purchasing a motorized towing vehicle, we recommend paying attention to the following important characteristics:

Engine. The more powerful it is, the faster the motorized dog will move, and the larger the load can be placed on the drag sled. As a rule, single-cylinder four-stroke units with a power of up to 15 hp are installed. It should be remembered that greater engine power implies increased consumption and requires a larger fuel supply. Load capacity. Most motorized dogs have their own trunk, which is most often used to transport tools and an additional canister of fuel. In addition, the motorized towing vehicle is capable of pulling sleds with a load of 150 to 500 kg, depending on the design and engine power. Transmission. There are 2 types: automatic and CVT. The first type provides the greatest traction force, but is less reliable due to the large number of parts in the assembly. The CVT is somewhat more expensive than the automatic, but it lasts an order of magnitude longer. Track and chassis design. Here it is necessary to take into account the surface on which you plan to move on a motorized dog. For snow, devices with large hooks are better suited, but on hard ground they will only get in the way. In addition, some motorized towing vehicles can be equipped with replaceable ski and wheel modules. Frame. This is the main power element of a motorized towing vehicle.

It is necessary to pay attention to the profile of the frame and the thickness of the steel sheet from which it is made. Recommended thickness – at least 3 mm

This thickness will ensure that shock loads are received harmlessly for the overall structure and will not allow deformation. Fuel tank volume. It should be selected based on how voracious the motorized towing vehicle is. Optimally, it will be 2-2.5 hours of constant work. It should be remembered that carrying a large supply of fuel with you is not always convenient.

Factory models

After the rapidly increasing demand for a motorized dog pusher, such units began to be manufactured in Russia. The designers were able to develop options with a small engine that fit perfectly with the two-track attachment. Each track is equipped with special holes. Classic models boast the presence of two plastic sprockets on the axle, where the tracks are mounted. This technical approach is more practical, since specialists managed to extend the service life of the motorized dog.

The disadvantages include the low power of the engine, which is designed for only seven liters. The final acceleration will not exceed 20 km/h. Of course, it will be difficult for such a technique to cope with two drags at once, since it belongs to the category of lightweight mechanisms

To choose the right caterpillar for a motorized dog, you need to pay attention to the power of the products

Replacing the top sprocket on the driven shaft

For those raiders who have already traveled, for experienced riders on motorized towing vehicles, who move along a reservoir or along a well-worn road, speed is partly important, because you can accelerate and get there faster.

It’s possible to make such a motorized towing vehicle. Put the 30th belt and the 11th (11 teeth) top sprocket on the driven shaft, and your speed will increase if the transmission is set up correctly and the engine is running correctly at the right speed. In general, the towing vehicle can accelerate with a 15 horsepower engine, with a 30 belt and 11 top sprockets on the drive shaft and a 26 on the driven shaft - it will accelerate from 40 to 50 km per hour.

If this is not enough for you and you still decide to tune your motorized towing vehicle and make it as fast as possible, what should you do? If you have a classic transmission from a Buran snowmobile - this is a Safari variator with movable and stationary transmission discs, what should you do? The driven disk is removed, 4 mm washers are placed there so that the 33rd belt fits there perfectly. It all comes back together - the driven transmission. It turns out that the gap between the slave and master disks has become larger and increased. Accordingly, the variator itself is designed for 33 belts from the very beginning, there is no need to adjust anything there. And that's it - put on the 33rd belt.

To be even more sure that it will start watering at all, you need to replace the standard 11-teeth upper sprocket on the drive shaft with 13 teeth, and accordingly the speed will increase.

And your towing vehicle, with proper tuning and good components, will probably accelerate to 60 km per hour. But we must not forget that this is very dangerous, because a person, as a rule, does not have any means of protection - neither motorcycles nor snowmobiles - a sheepskin coat, a winter suit and that’s it.

And even at a speed of 30 km per hour, falling from a sled onto rolled snow is tantamount to hitting the asphalt. But if there are uneven spots or stumps, it’s unsafe. A person who understands will never do this, because with a standard belt, if everything is correctly configured at the factory, 40 km per hour is a good, decent speed.

Moreover, if you set your motorized towing vehicle to 60 km, where can you drive at that speed? The motorized towing vehicle is designed for driving in snowy areas, where walking on foot is inconvenient due to the great depth, and skiing takes a long time and you get tired. On virgin soil, on snow, a motorized towing vehicle will not run 60 km per hour, the speed is still lost.

We collect components

The second point is the components. It’s one thing when the manufacturer does something himself and the manufacturer’s power is enough to turn the sprocket and make the shafts yourself, but you need to buy it in the store and you buy the spare part at a premium from the manufacturer, who created it and gave it to the store for his own margin . The store, in turn, also wants to make money, and you buy components for the towing vehicle with a markup of approximately +100 percent of the cost.

The engine, transmission, variator belt, chains, bogies - all this costs money. Assembling the carts yourself is expensive. The manufacturer buys the caterpillar for 6,000 rubles, and they will sell it to you for ten.

The maximum you can save on when assembling a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands is in metal. You can save on the frame. But what you saved on the frame, you will spend it all on buying spare parts, buying tools, plus you need to set up the whole thing so that everything works.

How to choose?

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a motorized towing vehicle and its components is the dimensions. Compact models can be placed in a car, while standard-sized units are transported in a trailer.

Goose and its cross-country ability

Considering the size, we should not forget that the larger the tracked transporter of a motorized towing vehicle, the better.

Engine and its power. The more people ride a motorized dog, the more horsepower the engine should have. It is worth remembering that Chinese manufacturers actually have “horses” that are not as powerful as those of the Americans. That is, the American engine is 13 liters. With. will work more productively than the Chinese 15 hp. With.

Workmanship. You must immediately carefully examine the accuracy and evenness of the seams, the uniformity of the coating of the parts.

Drive - front or rear. With rear-wheel drive, driving a loaded motorized towing vehicle is easier, since the center of gravity is located near the steering wheel, but an empty unit will rear up or bury itself in the snow instead of moving. In front-wheel drive vehicles, the track contact with the surface is better and maneuverability does not depend on the load.

CVT or gearbox, as well as suspension type.

Ease of system adjustment. Any motorized towing vehicle requires periodic inspection of its structural components; an important criterion is the simplicity and convenience of these operations. When choosing, you should pay attention to the casing - it can be plastic and can be easily removed or made of a special material with fastening flaps.

Accessories. Here you can do without restrictions, according to the principle “the more, the better” thanks to all kinds of modules, ski track builders, and wheeled carts. The motorized towing vehicle will become an indispensable assistant with many options for any time of year.

Exploitation

Before using the pusher, you must check all fastenings, the operation of the stop and gas levers, the functionality of the headlight, and the fastening of cables and wires. The pusher should be securely attached to the motorized towing vehicle.

After the first trip, check the tightness of all threaded connections, and after each use, clean the module from dirt, snow, ice, and lubricate the hinge joints with oil. If it is heavily soiled, it is necessary to wash the module. To wash, you must use detergent.

The pusher should be stored in a dry room with good ventilation or in a special small building. You can also leave it outdoors under a canopy, but so that it is not exposed to direct rays of the sun in the warm season.

Before turning on the engine of the motorized towing vehicle, you must make sure that the throttle lever of the pusher module has free movement and is not blocked. In addition, you need to apply the parking brake.

Changing the module design is strictly prohibited.

Its use is permitted exclusively for coupling to a motorized towing vehicle or sled in the front or rear. Not intended for use on sandy soils and water.

Review of the Hurricane model in the video below.

Additional accessories

Accessories for such devices include the following:

• A pusher module, which makes it easier to control the cross-country ability of a motorized dog. Typically, these devices are equipped with two seats.
• A sled made of dense sheet plastic, the thickness of which is 8 mm, a metal frame and protective lining on the bottom (height - 13 mm, width - 5 cm). The sled has the ability to transport a pusher.
• Slip-type suspension, with which you can improve the cross-country ability of a motorized dog in melted or deep snow.
• A cover that will protect vehicles from the negative effects of wind and precipitation. The presence of a cover allows you to reduce wear on the motorized towing vehicle and increase the time of use of the vehicle.
• Muffs that protect the user from frost, wind, snow and rain. They are made from several layers of fabric. The upper one, as a rule, is characterized by high density and moisture resistance. The inner layer assumes the presence of polyurethane inserts and a soft lining. The clutch quickly warms the driver's hands and eliminates the possibility of moisture or wind getting in.

Homemade snowmobile sled made from plastic pipes

Polypropylene or PVC pipes can serve as material for sleds. The design will be lightweight and suitable for any snowmobile. The connection of individual elements is carried out with a soldering iron. The load-carrying capacity of the structure will be small, since the plastic tubes will not withstand heavy loads.

Pipe blanks are cut to size according to the drawing

First you need a drawing. It's simple. The design consists of two curved runners that act as skis. Vertical posts extend from them, which support the main platform.

According to the dimensions of the snowmobile sled indicated on the drawing, blanks are cut from the pipe with your own hands. Prepare shaped elements for soldering. Heat up the soldering iron. From the shaped elements you will need tees and 90° angles. On skis you will need to bend the edges. This can be done by soldering 45° corners. However, the disadvantage of this method is that the soldered fitting has an edge with which the skis can cling to obstacles on the track. You can go another way. Avoid soldering the corners and bend the PVC tubes to the desired angle, after heating them with a hairdryer.

You can give the pipe the desired angle using a hair dryer, heating the area required for bending

After cutting the tubes, begin soldering. First, clean the edges of the workpieces. Nozzles are inserted into the soldering iron. Install the fitting and pipe section. When the plastic softens and begins to melt, the blanks are removed from the hot nozzle and joined together. All elements are collected in a similar way.

Advice! If you have no experience in soldering plastic pipes, it is best to practice on unnecessary scraps to avoid defects in the main structure. The fittings are joined to the pipe using a soldering iron.

The skis are assembled first. They consist of three paired pipes. Tees are soldered at equal intervals along the runners. Racks made of pieces of pipe are attached to the central outlet of the fitting. Their upper end is connected with jumpers using tees and pipes. They form the platform of the future sleigh.

Stands with jumpers are soldered to the runners from pieces of pipes and tees, forming a sleigh platform.

A rectangle is cut out of plywood according to the size of the platform contour. To make the seat soft, the blank is upholstered with an old blanket or foam rubber, and covered with leatherette on top. The platform is secured to the jumpers with overhead clamps or bolts through pre-drilled holes in the tubes.

Important! The plastic structure cannot be used to transport heavy loads. Lightweight homemade sleds for snowmobiles will be a joy for children and can support one adult

Advantages and disadvantages of a ski module for a motorized towing vehicle

Purchasing and maintaining motorized towing vehicles is cheaper than repairing a snowmobile. For this reason, they are so popular among hunters and fishermen. However, driving a motorized dog from a drag sled is not a very convenient experience. Of course, you can try installing a seat on the sled, but even such driving creates some discomfort: a homemade chair is inconvenient to remove, and drag sleds quickly wear out at the attachment points due to the uneven distribution of weight. Therefore, it is much more practical and convenient to use a ski module, which you can make yourself.

The ski module is a metal frame with a seat, steering wheel and sprung skis, which is attached to the motorized towing vehicle with four bolts. Installing a ski module allows you to turn the towing vehicle into a kind of mini snowmobile. The design weighs about 10 kilograms and does not take up much space during transportation. To control the mini-snowmobile, all the necessary switches are installed on the steering wheel: ignition, gas lever, etc.

Among the advantages of installing a ski module are the following:

• increasing the capacity of drag sleighs,
• increasing the speed of the motorized towing vehicle,
• ease of control,
• better contact of skis and tracks with the surface and reduced fuel consumption due to proper weight distribution,
• Due to the wide arrangement of the skis, the stability of the structure increases, which prevents the towing vehicle from turning over.

The main design advantage, undoubtedly, is the versatility of the ski module. Thanks to its simple design, it can be attached to almost any domestic or imported motorized towing vehicle.

The disadvantages of the additional module include the following:

• the need to have a license to drive a newly formed vehicle, since the module-towing hitch is equivalent to a mini snowmobile;
• poor passage of a motorized towing vehicle in deep and loose snow;
• additional load on the towing vehicle frame, its chassis and suspension, which can lead to frequent breakdowns (unlike the ski module, the creators of mini-snowmobiles take such loads into account more).

How to make a ski module with your own hands

In order to make a ski module, you first need to understand its structure. To do this, you can view photographs or drawings of popular models on the Internet. As you will see, there is nothing complicated in its design. Therefore, if you have all the necessary parts, tools and skills, then it is better to make the module yourself. This will cost much less, and with the right approach the structure should be stronger.

As mentioned above, the ski module consists of a frame, saddle, a pair of skis, handlebars and shock absorption. You will need to weld the frame yourself, and the remaining parts can easily be obtained from the store. The principle of the steering wheel is the same as in a regular snowmobile: paired skis from below move together with the steering wheel. However, for a smooth ride, you need to install shock absorption of proper rigidity. Springs can be removed from an old Izh-Planet or another motorcycle or car.

This is how you can easily turn your motorized towing vehicle into a mini snowmobile. As we have seen, there is nothing difficult about this.

Purpose

A motorized pusher can significantly improve the maneuverability and controllability of a motorized towing vehicle in unsteady and deep snow, since the peculiarity of its design and the seated person create a large load on the surface of the snow, crushing the snowdrifts underneath. In this case, the layer of snow along the path of movement is compacted to the width of the towing vehicle's tracks, which facilitates its movement.

Thanks to this module, the performance characteristics of the motorized dog increase while climbing, and the weight of the driver sitting in it contributes to additional compaction of the snow mass, and subsequently to better adhesion of the machine’s tracks to its surface.

The turning angle is also greatly reduced, which increases the maneuverability and speed of the equipment. All the benefits of a pusher are usually felt during long-distance trips.

Of course, coupling to the module significantly increases the load on the towing vehicle frame, which reduces its durability. In summer, the pusher can only be used in swampy areas so as not to damage it.

How to choose a motorized towing vehicle

Suspension. The suspension experiences the heaviest load when driving off-road. It transfers the weight of the vehicle and luggage to the track, and the force can vary significantly. There are several types of pendants.

The roller suspension is considered an all-season suspension, in which the tracks slide on rotating rollers. This design only works poorly in deep, loose or melted snow.

On the contrary, the slick type of suspension is recommended for driving on snowy expanses. In this design, the caterpillar track slides over skis (slides). In this case, heating occurs from friction, and the parts are cooled by the snow mass. Motorized towing vehicles with skid suspension are characterized by high maneuverability and low fuel consumption. But you can’t use equipment without snow. Some models are equipped with springs for a more comfortable ride.

The air suspension is designed to overcome marshy areas. It is soft, which makes moving especially comfortable.

Power unit. Modern motorized dogs are most often equipped with four-stroke gasoline engines with a power of 5 to 15 hp. With. Japanese (Honda) and American (Briggs&Stratton) engines have a good reputation; Chinese products (Lifan, MTR) provide serious competition to them. Experts recommend choosing the most powerful units only when the motorized towing vehicle will perform complex tasks.

Transmission. To make it easy to control a motorized dog, manufacturers equip the equipment with an automatic clutch or variator. The best option, according to experts and users, is a transmission with a Safari CVT. It has proven itself well in the Russian winter.

Scope of application. The motorized towing vehicle is selected taking into account the nature of the terrain, the weight of the luggage being transported and the type of road surface. Fans of winter fishing and hunting will benefit from a compact model that travels well on snow and ice. In the spring-autumn season, preference should be given to equipment adapted to overcome swamps. Roller models move better on mud and grass

Load capacity To relax outdoors in the company of loved ones, it is important to pay attention to the towing capacity of a motorized towing vehicle. If the owner enjoys high-speed riding, then it is better to opt for light and fast models. For single fishermen, a sled carrying capacity of up to 200 kg will be sufficient.

But when a team of 3-4 people gathers to hunt, then you will need a motorized dog capable of pulling 500-700 kg of cargo in a hitch.

We have selected 17 of the best motorized towing vehicles for review. They can be purchased in the trading network of our country. When compiling the rating, expert opinions and consumer reviews were taken into account.

Tofalar 500 Pusher

A pusher motorized towing vehicle in fact performs not only this function. Depending on weather conditions, terrain, type of cargo, it transforms into a “tractor”. The manufacturer claims that the transport can even cope with the passage of sand embankments. For this purpose, 2 types of seats have been designed. When attaching the ski module, Tofalar turns into a snowmobile with a capacity of up to 3 people. Small dimensions do not affect the power in any way, so the drags can easily be filled with 500 kg of the required load.

Advantages:

• Electric starter;
• Soft suspension;
• Compact size;
• Headlight 3 amp.

Flaws:

Front-wheel drive.

Buyers are advised to choose routes with compacted snow, as there is a possibility of falling through. And pulling out 180 kg, and even with a load, on your own is not a pleasant thing.

In harsh climates with long winters, an assistant device is simply necessary to cope with movement and transportation of goods through deep snowdrifts. To make the choice easier, more than 120 models were compared. The best motorized towing vehicles are represented by the following 5 options.

Popular brands

To develop and produce equipment with better cross-country ability and very powerful engines, you need considerable experience in mechanical engineering. The following companies have proven themselves to be the best:

• Lebedev Motors is a young company from Russia, since 2008 it has been producing all-terrain vehicles with one or two tracks;
• "Omela Group" - became famous thanks to the "Pomor" brand, produces motorized towing vehicles and equipment for them;
• “Baltmotors” is a Russian production company, closely cooperating with partners from China, their main goal is customer focus and affordable prices;
• “Paxus” - the all-terrain vehicles of this company are characterized by low fuel consumption, high maneuverability and ease of operation;
• “Irbis” - the company began its activities in 2001, now the main office is located in Moscow and has more than 2000 service centers throughout the country.

Wheel modules for motorized towing vehicles

The principle of operation of a motorized towing vehicle, or, as they are also called, motorized dogs, and their traditional design suggest that the motorized team drags the rider behind it either in a drag sleigh, or on skis, or in a cart, but if the driver is placed on horseback on a mini-all-terrain vehicle, the towing vehicle will turn into already, rather, into a mini snowmobile or compact all-terrain vehicle. That is, if you sit astride a dog, then it is no longer a dog, but a deer or a horse. Some owners of motorized towing vehicles are already actively using wheel and ski modules, installing them on their motorized towing vehicle in summer and winter. The design of such modules significantly expands the scope and scope of year-round use of a traditional towing vehicle. The wheel or ski module is quickly and easily detached from the motorized dog and disassembled, which allows you to easily transport it in a car.

A ski or wheel module for a motorcycle towing vehicle is a metal frame with a pair of sprung skis or wheels, a motorcycle handlebar and a seat. All the necessary control levers of the towing vehicle are displayed on the steering wheel of the module. The frame is attached to the motorized dog platform using four bolts.

The manufacturer states that a motorized towing vehicle, for example, with a ski module creates a minimum specific pressure on the ground, which allows such a mini-snowmobile to more effectively overcome loose snow, and a towing vehicle with a wheeled module has greater maneuverability in wetlands and sand. Together with the module, any motorized towing vehicle weighs several times less than any snowmobile or ATV; moreover, a towing vehicle with a ski or wheeled module is much more compact.

Description

The motorized towing vehicle also has a second name – “motorized dog”. He received it for his resemblance to a dog sled. Its transport module and sled or drag sled are located separately. The operation of this vehicle most often occurs on icy rivers and lakes or in snowy areas, which is why the motorized dog is so popular among fishermen, tourists and hunters.

Initially, the unit was created for the winter season and driving on frozen bodies of water.

A motorized towing vehicle has a lot in common with a snowmobile, but the most important difference is that the driver is located on a sled, and not on a transport module. Thanks to this modification, the motorized dog has low weight and greater maneuverability. Simple design and low price are two more main advantages. Without any problems, this car can be placed in almost any passenger car. The volume of the gasoline tank is 5-6 liters, and in one hour the device spends about 1-2 liters of fuel.

Comfort and safety

The more a manufacturer thinks about the ergonomics of the equipment they produce, the more convenient it will be for you to subsequently own and use it. These are the “little things” that you can do without, but which will ultimately determine how happy you will be with your purchase. The steering wheel should be folding. This simple idea has not yet been picked up by all manufacturers - but in vain: screwing or unscrewing the steering wheel in the cold is a very dubious pleasure (otherwise you won’t be able to load the motorized towing vehicle into a vehicle). The correct folding steering wheel, among other things, has a height lock. It will not fall under the driver’s feet, is adjusted to the driver’s height, and most importantly, it will be convenient to press on it in order to lift the front part of the track and quickly move over an obstacle. Gas handles and control unit. Here, manufacturers use different options, from cheap Chinese crafts to serious ATV designs. You will have to pay extra for quality, but the ride will be more pleasant and there will be fewer breakdowns. An electric starter is a nice thing, but by and large it is not very necessary. It’s a matter of taste and wallet: if you want to start a motorized towing vehicle with a button on the steering wheel, sitting comfortably in a sleigh, take an electric starter; ready to pull the manual starter and get into the sled a little later - you can save money. Reverse gearbox, or reverse gearbox. You can do without it, but it is a useful thing, especially if you drive through the forest and periodically climb into impenetrable windfalls. Turning a motorized dog around on a narrow spot is not an easy task; the included reverse gear will allow you to easily drive back along the already laid track. Ideally, the reverse gear is activated on the steering wheel, and not on the motorized towing vehicle itself. The safety check is a very important element; wear it every time you ride your motorcycle dog. An accidental stump under the snow, an awkward movement - and now you are already lying in the snow, and your motorcycle friend is cheerfully trotting away from you across the snow field at a speed of 30-40 km/h. The check is designed to prevent such situations: it breaks when the driver falls, which instantly stops the engine

Some manufacturers offer it as an additional option; In our opinion, every motorized towing vehicle should be equipped with this device, so pay attention to whether this part comes “stock”. Headlight, socket, electrical accessories. You can't drive in the dark without a headlight; Without a cigarette lighter socket you won’t be able to recharge your navigator away from home

On high-quality motorized dogs, an “electrical package” with a relay-voltage regulator, which allows the use of various electrical devices, is included immediately, as well as a headlight. The brake with parking mode is a very useful thing: you can safely warm up the motorized towing vehicle without fear that it will drive away from you across the field. Not available in all models and not all manufacturers, so please pay attention.

Sources

• https://zuzako.com/reyting-luchshih-motobuksirovschikov-motosobak/
• https://markakachestva.ru/rating-of/409-luchshie-motobuksirovschiki.html
• https://gadgetok.ru/top-12-luchshih-motobuksirovshhikov.html
• https://brakonyerov.net/ohota/ekipirovka/motobuksirovshhiki.html
• https://expertology.ru/17-luchshikh-motobuksirovshchikov/
• https://VseObzornik.com/5-luchshih-motobuksirovshchikov/
• https://TechnoSova.ru/ratings/rejting-motobuksirovshhikov-po-nadezhnosti-i-prihodimosti/
• https://bagorik.ru/aksessuari/motobuksirovshhik-dlya-rybalki.html
• https://fermersadovod.ru/otdyh-i-dosug/tehnika/luchshie-motobuksirovshhiki-dlya-ohoty-i-rybalki/
• https://navigatorfh.ru/novinki/mototekhnika/2156-11-lajfkhakov-dlya-vybora-motobuksirovshchika

Criteria for choosing a motorized towing vehicle from experienced fishermen

Users who have been able to test a purchased motorized dog can provide useful recommendations. The tips below will help you approach the purchase of a car wisely:

• The most favorable power is considered to be 6.5 hp. This unit is suitable for transporting small loads, as well as several people. For driving through difficult terrain and transporting large loads, experts recommend buying a motorized towing vehicle with a power of 10 horsepower or more.
• Even before purchasing a machine, you need to determine what kind of drive is needed. Models with front-wheel drive differ from cars with rear-wheel drive in having better cross-country ability and, on the contrary, motorized towing vehicles with rear-wheel drive are faster than their “brothers”.
• Experts advise conducting a thorough inspection of the motorized dog to ensure that the main components are protected from corrosion. It would also be useful for the seller to consider the level of strength of the case.
• To drive at night, you need to buy a car with a powerful headlight.
• The heated grip option allows you to drive long distances.

Other types of machines

You can also assemble an ATV from a walk-behind tractor, although this unit does not develop ultra-high speed, but in terms of maneuverability and cross-country ability it is not inferior to its own. The landing position in a homemade ATV remains traditional, not a motorcycle one. Wheels can be used from any passenger car.

It is worth mentioning an interesting homemade product called karakat. The power of the car lies in its large wheels, which are ordinary inner tubes, tightened with strong belts.

They put homemade wheels on carakat, modifying standard car ones. A very original disk is also installed on a lightweight walk-behind tractor. To do this, two aluminum basins are connected along the contour, having previously cut the bottom to fit the size of the hub, stiffeners and side stops are installed to fix the camera.

Despite its external clumsiness, the caracat has high cross-country ability and stability. Not only can it easily overcome swampy lowlands, but it is capable of transporting significant cargo (up to 100 kg).

Types of motorized towing vehicles

All tracked towing vehicles are divided into 2 versions - front- and rear-wheel drive. Both types of drive have their supporters. Objectively, the difference is as follows.

The main advantage of rear-wheel drive motorcycles is maneuverability and controllability due to the fact that the center of gravity is shifted closer to the hitch point. They go great loaded. However, an empty motorized towing vehicle constantly rears up, capsizes on the rise, and simply buries itself in the snow.

In front-wheel drive motorized towing vehicles, the center of gravity is shifted to the front, which increases the contact patch of the track with the surface. The cross-country ability of such motorized towing vehicles is practically independent of the load, which generally provides better towing capacity and driving characteristics.

High loads on the stern of the towing vehicle lead to more frequent failure of drive parts. Most often, the springs of the balancer bogies burst, which immediately cuts the caterpillar in a circle. Even replacing the chassis bearings causes problems, which requires serious dismantling and adjustment work. It is necessary to remove the engine and adjust the lateral and longitudinal displacement of the variator, while repairing a front-wheel drive layout does not face such difficulties.

Thus, front-wheel drive dogs are more capable, require less maintenance, are easier to control and move faster.

Razgulay-18.5 comfort

Powerful, collapsible motorcycle dog with rear-wheel drive. Able to pass through even the most dense places, including icy reservoirs and viscous swamps. Uneven landscapes are smoothed out thanks to high-quality shock absorption. You also don’t have to worry about the track and bearings, because the engineers have thought out special protection for them.

The maximum permissible weight for transportation is 500 kg when attaching a drag net. The 18.5 horsepower Lifan engine, together with electric start, copes with such loads perfectly. The front of the body boasts a bright LED headlight, making driving at night a breeze.

Advantages:

• Economical fuel consumption;
• Rear drive;
• Good maneuverability;
• Easy to disassemble;
• Compact dimensions;
• Easy to find additional accessories.

Flaws:

No engine cover.

It was not without reason that the name “comfort” was added to the name. Users love the soft leather seat that comfortably seats two people. For this model, you can separately buy a windshield and a plastic case for the necessary small items.

Physical Features

When designing such a vehicle, you need to remember several important laws of physics, without knowledge of which your work will be reduced to zero. For good cross-country ability on a snowy surface, you need to make the contact area with the coating as large as possible. This will help the snowmobile not to fall through. In order to reduce the load on the snow cover, you need to make the weight of your vehicle as small as possible. In order for your snowmobile to be stable, another law of physics should be applied - you need to make at least three points of support. That is, a snowmobile with three skis will be more stable when moving than with two. The design may consist not only of skis, but, for example, of one track and two skis or, conversely, of a ski and a pair of tracks. There can be four support points, then you will get something resembling an ATV.

Most often, such units as “Dnepr”, “Izh” are used for such conversion; you can also find a “Ural” motorcycle on tracks. The steering part is left original; all the necessary systems are connected to it - clutch, gas lever. Steel pipes or angles are used for the frame. To make the ski, sheet steel and again angles are used.

Mukhtar 15

Innovative 2022 model. The new product is positioned as a towing vehicle that can be used all year round in a variety of conditions, including complete off-road conditions. The motorized dog is equipped with a 15-horsepower Zongshen unit with a capacity of 420 cm3. A special feature of the model is wide 500 mm tracks. Thanks to the snow hooks, the structure moves through loose snow without any problems. The equipment set includes:

• rollers with seals made of rubberized material;
• towbar;
• Ruben belt 3.3x1.4x112 cm;
• roller-slide suspension;
• skis measuring 1010x150 mm;
• disc brakes;
• powerful LED headlight that allows you to move in the dark.

Such a rich supply set makes it possible to assemble different modifications of the axle box. The optional ski module turns the classic tug into a snowmobile. When equipped with wheels, you get an all-terrain vehicle with increased cross-country ability.

Advantages:

• versatility due to modular design;
• good level of traction;
• headlight included;
• reliable durable bearings.

The disadvantage is the high price. However, it is more than compensated for by its versatility.

Cargo homemade sleds for snowmobiles

A special feature of cargo sleds is their resistance to heavy loads. This is achieved by using durable materials, such as metal. Skis are made wide. Due to this, the runners do not fall into the snow. Improves maneuverability and stability when the snowmobile moves at high speed. Shock absorbers are sometimes provided between the runners and the platform frame. They smooth out impacts on bumps. The sled bounces less, which reduces the likelihood of damage or loss of cargo.

Shock absorbers smooth out impacts when riding a snowmobile on uneven terrain, thereby improving cargo safety

The snowmobile sleds shown in the photo are made from metal with your own hands. The platform is covered with plywood. The sides are welded from tubes. They won't interfere with cargo sleds. It is convenient to secure the transported cargo with straps over the sides.