it's not a John Deere...

GordNovo · Jan 26, 2009

but I'd still want one !!!

Came across this video of a winter tractor, which can outmaneuver any other tractor or snow machine i've ever seen before. And it was built in 1924!!!

Watch the video in full

New ride video

Why did this concept not succeed?!?!

Gn

turbotime · Jan 27, 2009

That's awesome! The modern version would be mattracks (crazy expensive), but it's neat to think they came up with those back then.
It's all about having lowest possible PSI on snow, then you can take on anything

Thanks for the video!

Willl · Jan 27, 2009

Same concept only with a Russia military scheme.

YouTube - Extreme Off-Road

mjncad · Jan 27, 2009

That is an interesting concept to say the least. Actually the mechanism should be simpler in some ways than traditional tracks since there aren't all the idler wheels, grouser shoes, etc. It just needs a ROPS and a modern gearbox to replace the chain drive.

I notice the Rooskie vehicle didn't have the suspension like the Snow Motor did. The Snow Motor could keep more drive area in contact with the ground in rough terrain than the Zil could. I also noticed the Rooskie version has more aggressive flights than the Snow Motor.

Cidertom · Jan 27, 2009

GordNovo said:
but I'd still want one !!!

Came across this video of a winter tractor, which can outmaneuver any other tractor or snow machine i've ever seen before. And it was built in 1924!!!

Watch the video in full

New ride video

Why did this concept not succeed?!?!

Gn

Don't know exactly, but read the history of Tucker Sno-Cat, and he gave up on it.
Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation - About Us

JasonMac · Jan 27, 2009

THAT IS SO COOL!! I WOULD LOVE THAT! That would be the most awesome thing going!

deerefan · Jan 27, 2009

Put a gear box on it and cover the tracks w/ a platform and its a go, wonder if it goes across water too??

Cidertom · Jan 27, 2009

Looking at the various videos on this type of snow travel.

If you were crossing flat terrain it would be a blast. However, where I snow travel the sideways slides would be fatal. The Tucker I ride in slides enough as is. I want one of the new Camoplast Troopers, I'm only short $90K in the change purse.

There was a company that built a snowcar that was the snow version of an everglades air boat. V8 that drove a 6-8 ft prop. Was supposed to be very fast, very fun, very dangerous. Something about no brakes....