Great video - very useful commentary on what the machine can do and its limitations. I made one this winter from an old Polaris Indy 650 chassis, a 6.5hp Predator motor and a small Comet style CVT - cost a few hundred bucks to build. It doesn't have the pulling power of a Snowdog but its great for hauling my ice fishing gear. Here in Ontario you don't need a licence, insurance or registration to operate these machines on public land so that is another big advantage over a snowmobile.
Needed a machines like this for Long time. Thought about building one haha. It’s still just a bit too expensive. I know ppl got to make a living but 3000-3400 seems about the area for affordability not 45-5
good review, thanks...apparently a slide system needs snow for lubrication so bogies are good for summer...i am putting together parts for a build, your review helped...Creator bless...doug
John Grytbakk it’s a nice little machine! Especially this winter with the snow restricting even 4x4’s to the roads, it gets me out where I really want to be. Definitely a cure for the “Cabin Fever”!
I wonder if you could take off the handlebars and remount them on the other side of the machine. It seems like that would allow you to put the butt end of the log up on top of the machine and drag the log in reverse. Not only would that reduce the drag resistance, but it would add weight and therefore traction to the tracks. I have a DR Powerwagon, and I move heavy logs that way. I have used a tripod made of poles and a chain hoist to lift a large ash log (16 inch diameter, 10 feet long) up on one end, drive the Powerwagon under it, and then secure the log to the powerwagon. I wonder if that would work with the snowdog, or if the engine is mounted too close to the center? I wonder how much weight the Snowdog could hold on top? I use a Logrite Junior arch on the other end of the log, but could put that more centered on the log to balance it however works best.
Yeah, for sure! In my “homestead logging for lumber” video, I show how I ran cut off downhill skis on both sides, over top of failed cross country skis (too light on the tips and quickly broke off). Gave it a little height so the aluminum sheet clears (most) snow. Good observation, wish I had started off that direction!
Thank you for the video. I am considering buying one of these. I was curious if the maker made a plow mod and was surprised that they didn't advertise one on there website. In your opinion would your snowdog module make a good walk behind plow for light to moderate accumulation?
I have the same snowdog. Would anyone know where i could find user’s manual for that motor ? I tried company website in the manual’s section but cannot get a hold on it
I watched marten cabin videos he has a logging video he skidded 18 foot tamarack logs he used a old metal wheel barrel lifted and chained it in and road it to the landing
Just picked up a lightly used one (compact 10hp) and can't wait to try it this weekend. Curious what you think of the seat? Mine didn't have one and I was debating if it was worth it. Awesome overview video!
Thank you! I purchased the seat with the machine right out of the gate. I took it off 3 days later and haven't used it since. I don't regret owning it, just hasn't filled a need as of yet.
I was worried about my thighs, but I think when the bars are set to the correct height, you stand in a more natural position and my thighs have been fine. The steering of this machine varies considerably between packed trails and deep snow. It is actually much easier to control in deep virgin snow as it just takes down pressure to turn the machine. On hard-pack, it is more a complete upper body endeavor to control. There is a surprising learning curve, especially when transitioning from hard-pack to deep snow regularly.
brophymd “satisfactory” is probably not what your looking for. But I don’t really have info on that. The factory claims .8 g/h. I would guess that is ideal, packed trail conditions. When I’m using the machine, I’m working it, so I would guess I come up a little short of that. But honestly, I’m satisfied with how it does with the fuel consumption.
I watched marten cabin videos he has a logging video he skidded 18 foot tamarack logs he used a old metal wheel barrel lifted and chained it in and road it to the landing
Great video - very useful commentary on what the machine can do and its limitations. I made one this winter from an old Polaris Indy 650 chassis, a 6.5hp Predator motor and a small Comet style CVT - cost a few hundred bucks to build. It doesn't have the pulling power of a Snowdog but its great for hauling my ice fishing gear. Here in Ontario you don't need a licence, insurance or registration to operate these machines on public land so that is another big advantage over a snowmobile.
I had to check that out! Neat rig!
This is a spectacular review! ) Thank you so much! We hope you don't mind we use it for customers.
Snowdog that’s great, glad you like it. Let’s just forget some of these skidding sequences should any warranty needs arise!😜
Needed a machines like this for
Long time. Thought about building one haha. It’s still just a bit too expensive. I know ppl got to make a living but 3000-3400 seems about the area for affordability not 45-5
Best review I have seen on this. Snowdog should sponsor u .
Put in a good word for me!!
Excellent review man trying to see if this would be good for my late season hunts and trapping etc and if it’s legal on state trails
Papa Romes Outdoors hey thanks, at least here in MN, because it’s below 25 hp, there are very few regulations that apply to it.
Tactical Pulpit that’s awesome I believe it’s ok here in NY also
Does the under carriage bogie wheels.
good review, thanks...apparently a slide system needs snow for lubrication so bogies are good for summer...i am putting together parts for a build, your review helped...Creator bless...doug
Such a fun and useful little "helper" .. ..would love to own one :o)
John Grytbakk it’s a nice little machine! Especially this winter with the snow restricting even 4x4’s to the roads, it gets me out where I really want to be. Definitely a cure for the “Cabin Fever”!
Great video, thank you!
I wonder if you could take off the handlebars and remount them on the other side of the machine. It seems like that would allow you to put the butt end of the log up on top of the machine and drag the log in reverse. Not only would that reduce the drag resistance, but it would add weight and therefore traction to the tracks. I have a DR Powerwagon, and I move heavy logs that way. I have used a tripod made of poles and a chain hoist to lift a large ash log (16 inch diameter, 10 feet long) up on one end, drive the Powerwagon under it, and then secure the log to the powerwagon. I wonder if that would work with the snowdog, or if the engine is mounted too close to the center? I wonder how much weight the Snowdog could hold on top? I use a Logrite Junior arch on the other end of the log, but could put that more centered on the log to balance it however works best.
DR Powerwagon.... I will have to look it up, sounds interesting.
I regrettably opted for the model without reverse.
Aluminum on your sled is pretty sticky in snow. Try a polymer of some type and you will probably get better results.
Yeah, for sure! In my “homestead logging for lumber” video, I show how I ran cut off downhill skis on both sides, over top of failed cross country skis (too light on the tips and quickly broke off). Gave it a little height so the aluminum sheet clears (most) snow.
Good observation, wish I had started off that direction!
Any updates after running the snow dog for a year?Everything holding up any breakage?
Thank you for the video. I am considering buying one of these. I was curious if the maker made a plow mod and was surprised that they didn't advertise one on there website. In your opinion would your snowdog module make a good walk behind plow for light to moderate accumulation?
I have the same snowdog. Would anyone know where i could find user’s manual for that motor ? I tried company website in the manual’s section but cannot get a hold on it
Briggs has the manual online
I watched marten cabin videos he has a logging video he skidded 18 foot tamarack logs he used a old metal wheel barrel lifted and chained it in and road it to the landing
I like his videos. I just saw he got himself a snowdog. He must be a couple hours North of where I'm at (We don't have "Grey-Jays")
What made you decide on the Snowdog rather then the Husky?
I didn’t even know the Husky existed. Snowdog had a dealer just a few miles away. Started to see a few guys around driving them.
@@tacticalpulpit8740 Thanks for the reply and great video. Both look like good machines.
Can his machine be driven on snowmobile trails in WI?
not sure about WI, in MN, because it is under 20 hp, no license is needed
Just picked up a lightly used one (compact 10hp) and can't wait to try it this weekend. Curious what you think of the seat? Mine didn't have one and I was debating if it was worth it. Awesome overview video!
Thank you! I purchased the seat with the machine right out of the gate. I took it off 3 days later and haven't used it since. I don't regret owning it, just hasn't filled a need as of yet.
No need for a seat. Love my dog !
How do you feel after a day of bombing around behind one of these? Does it turn easy, or do you need to muscle it?
I was worried about my thighs, but I think when the bars are set to the correct height, you stand in a more natural position and my thighs have been fine.
The steering of this machine varies considerably between packed trails and deep snow. It is actually much easier to control in deep virgin snow as it just takes down pressure to turn the machine. On hard-pack, it is more a complete upper body endeavor to control. There is a surprising learning curve, especially when transitioning from hard-pack to deep snow regularly.
Martins Log cabin said this was made in Russia ,is that true ????
I know they are of Russian design, and owned by Briggs. Where they are currently manufactured, I cannot say.
@@tacticalpulpit8740 I would like to know more if you can find out . I owned a Russia tractor a Belarus and it was a disaster to keep running
George Davidson what??? I have a Belarus 420! The thing is a tank!
I will look into the country of origin.
George Davidson
George. It appears to be still manufactured in Russia!
@@tacticalpulpit8740 maybe there workers sobered up long enough to build something
Any comment on fuel consumption?
brophymd “satisfactory” is probably not what your looking for. But I don’t really have info on that. The factory claims .8 g/h. I would guess that is ideal, packed trail conditions. When I’m using the machine, I’m working it, so I would guess I come up a little short of that. But honestly, I’m satisfied with how it does with the fuel consumption.
I appreciate the reply. The machine is intriguing; I like the simplicity.
Is it a 2-stroke?
Interesting, we should call it a snowmobile, oh wait 🤔
Is that US or CDN dollars
15017 HfX USD
Вся техника ломается. Желаю твоей технике меньше ломаться, а если вдруг сломается, то пусть ломается рядом с домом или мастерской.
Simple tracked off-road vehicle of unique design! th-cam.com/video/_E6idEBf0GA/w-d-xo.html
Rostin Tracked mini ATV or maxi motor-sled! th-cam.com/video/XpxHfD59gc8/w-d-xo.html
I don't want nuthin I can't sit on when I ride it!
Like them, but Russia won’t get a dime of my money
I watched marten cabin videos he has a logging video he skidded 18 foot tamarack logs he used a old metal wheel barrel lifted and chained it in and road it to the landing
I like his videos! Neat old guy.