Snow "Pontoon" Snow Machine?

[smartguyz]

What do you guys make of this? Think we could build one? Looks totally cool.

-Rob

YouTube - Fordson Snow Machine - 1929 Concept

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Now that is cool!
We could use one here in Michigan for as much Snow as we get.
I think it would be fun to build and Drive one of those things! Would be a good project IMO.
Imagine putting a few of those on a Power-Trac!

 

[MossRoad]

Yeah. I've seen that video before. There is also a Russian version that uses a similar drive. The problems with them are, that while they do great in snow, they don't work on clear roads worth a hoot! So unless it is snowing or you are traveling over a mud bog, they are useless.

YouTube - zil screw drive

Lots of links on google too.
russian screw drive tank - Google Search

 

[smartguyz]

Hmm. Interesting point, David. I note that the video shows it going on a dirt road, albeit it doesn't really show how well it does. So, perhaps the "Mattracks" are better?

-Rob

 

[catsco]

I've ridden in/on these during the cold war years.

For short distances on hard packed roads, boths screws are turned in the same direction (gearbox has a selection for that) and it goes sideways.

Somewhat controllable turns by varying the speed between. Very strange sensation.

Sideways is also how they were loaded or unloaded from flatbeds.

When traveling through anything other than snow, soft mud, or in water (they float), there's a LOT of "road noise".

Surprisingly, the screw thread on the pontoons didn't wear as fast as you would think. Engine, gearboxes, and control levers went bad much more quickly!

 

[Gravy]

Catsco,

These have popped up on several forums as a curiosity. It's really cool hearing from somebody who's been there & done that. I would have never thought of running them sideways.

Thanks!