Choosing a walk-behind tractor for conversion into a snowmobile
The main purpose of the walk-behind tractor is agricultural work. Typically, such equipment is used for mowing grass, cultivating land, and transporting goods. With the onset of cold weather, the unit is sent to the garage. However, if the engine power allows, why not use the equipment in winter. The motor is adapted to a homemade snowmobile, and in the spring it is returned to its original frame.
A tracked snowmobile is considered the best in cross-country ability
To convert a walk-behind tractor into a snowmobile, it must meet the following requirements:
- have a rear tow hitch;
- have the ability to manually control;
- have an air-cooled engine of at least medium power.
Motoblocks of the Neva brand meet all requirements. The traction force of the units varies from 6 to 9 liters. With. The motor is durable, since it is assembled in Japan.
Important! The engine power of the Neva walk-behind tractor is enough to transport a driver and one passenger on a snowmobile.
How to make a snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands
Reconstructing an agricultural unit is a complex matter. Welding and turning skills will be required. Basic knowledge of this type of technology is required. It’s best to see homemade products from friends or acquaintances. A real overview will give a better idea of where and what unit is located, as well as its structure.
Developing a plan
The first step is to develop a plan and decide for yourself what type of car you need. Homemade snowmobiles are made on skis, wheels or caterpillar tracks.
The easiest to manufacture is considered to be a wheeled unit. There is practically nothing that needs to be changed here. Only original wheels can be replaced. You can take large diameter tires from agricultural machinery. Sometimes a snowmobile is made from a walk-behind tractor on low-pressure wheels, which gives the vehicle better maneuverability. However, all wheeled models are capable of moving through shallow snowdrifts.
A self-propelled vehicle on skis is similarly simple in design. It reminds me of a motor sleigh. The basis for skis is either a ready-made sled or homemade plastic runners.
Tracked vehicles have better maneuverability and maneuverability in difficult areas. However, assembling such a snowmobile is not easy. A walk-behind tractor usually uses one motor. The chassis is being assembled new.
Before assembling a tracked snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, carefully study the drawing. You will need to accurately copy all the nodes and maintain the recommended dimensions.
All components of the tracked vehicle are assembled according to the drawing in compliance with the specified dimensions
The snowmobile is made of two main parts: driving and driven. In turn, the leading part consists of three nodes:
- engine;
- frame;
- drive mechanism.
The driven part includes:
- steering column;
- shock absorbers;
- elements of the caterpillar unit.
When the plan is ready, we begin purchasing materials and preparing tools.
Tools and materials
First of all, the parts necessary for assembling the main components according to the drawing are purchased. If you have a lathe, you can turn simple elements yourself. To assemble the frame you will need metal. Profile pipes, angles, and sheet steel are suitable.
Among the tools, you definitely need an electric welder, a grinder, a pipe bender and an electric drill. Additionally, you will need a regular locksmith's kit, which includes keys, a hammer, pliers, and a chisel.
Frame for a homemade snowmobile based on a walk-behind tractor
The first element is to assemble the frame. It is on this that all the nodes will be attached. For a homemade mini-snowmobile with an engine from a walk-behind tractor, the frame is welded from profile pipes. If bends are required, use a pipe bender. Round pipes can be used. Diameter minimum 25 mm. If reinforcing gussets are required, they are cut from sheet steel with a minimum thickness of 5 mm.
A diagram with the indicated components will help in assembling the frame
When the main frame is welded, a subframe is made in front. The unit is a platform made of angles and sheet steel on which the motor will be installed. Mounting holes are marked on it. Additionally, windows are provided in the traverse. They are needed to pull the drive chain from the motor shaft to the chassis.
Intermediate shaft and steering column
The intermediate shaft assemblies are turned on a lathe. Cross members and supports are welded from the profile. For the shaft itself, a round pipe or rod is suitable.
The assembly of the intermediate shaft assemblies is carried out according to the presented diagram
The next element to assemble is the steering column. It is important to correctly maintain all the dimensions indicated in the drawing. After assembly, adjustments are made. The cross-country ability of a homemade snowmobile and its maneuverability depend on the quality of the steering column.
It is important to accurately maintain all dimensions of the steering column parts shown in the drawing.
Caterpillars for a homemade snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor
To assemble the tracks, a conveyor belt, plastic pipes and motorcycle chains are used. This option is suitable for a light model. For example, when there is a goal to build a snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands for fishing, which can be ridden by one person without heavy equipment.
According to the drawing, the tracks of a heavy snowmobile are made from bars 500 mm long
When making a car for transporting goods, the tracks are cut from wooden blocks. Up to 30 of them are placed on the caterpillar at a distance of about 38 mm from each other. Recommended track width is 500 mm. Conveyor belt is used with a thickness of 18 mm.
Ski making
They put skis from a sled on the front or make runners themselves. Thick plastic is used for this. You can unravel a thick-walled pipe, heat it and bend the ends.
Skis are used from a sled or bent from a thick-walled plastic pipe. In order for the snowmobile to go well over bumps and toss less, the skis are equipped with spars and springs. Additionally, a lever is installed to help free a snowmobile that is stuck in a snowdrift.
Assembling a caterpillar snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor
When all the components are individually assembled, all that remains is to connect them into one unit. Take the following steps:
- The motor is installed on the frame. It is fixed with bolts through holes drilled on the prepared site.
- The next unit is to install the intermediate shaft. It helps reduce angular speed and increase traction force.
- Install and adjust the steering column. It may need to be adjusted again after the first movement of the snowmobile.
- Mount the track unit.
- The driver's seat is mounted on the frame. A passenger car seat will do.
Upon completion of assembly, a homemade snowmobile with an engine from a walk-behind tractor is tested in operation. They are trying to start the engine and make the first movements. During testing, additional adjustments are made. Most often, the steering column and traction drive need them.
When the running-in is successfully completed, all components are configured, you can worry about the appearance. Metal parts are treated with anti-corrosion primer and painted.
Advice! If snow flies heavily towards the driver from under the tracks, they are covered with wings made of galvanized steel.
Drawing and materials
The drawing should be created based on individual requests and your own capabilities. When creating, you need to pay special attention to the dimensions of the product and each individual element. You can also use ready-made projects of homemade tracked snowmobiles with an engine from a chainsaw or motorcycle.
The exact list of necessary materials and tools will be determined after drawing up the drawing. Among the things that you will definitely need when creating a snowmobile with your own hands are:
- steel sheets, pipes or wooden blocks;
- soft seat of the desired shape;
- disc brakes;
- steering column;
- caterpillar mechanism consisting of a belt and a roller;
- chain for connecting the engine and the track;
- skis;
- fuel tank.
Individual parts can be purchased or made independently. The frame is made from profiles and sheets. For maximum savings, you can create a structure without a suspension, but it will be extremely uncomfortable to use.
Among the tools that will be required for the job: a welding machine, screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, a pipe bender (if the frame will be created from pipes), and a grinder. It is advisable to provide yourself with everything you need in advance. If difficulties arise during the work, you can purchase the missing parts or tools.
Soft seat
Track mechanism
Skis
Fuel tank
Other options for a crawler snowmobile made from a walk-behind tractor
The example considered shows a snowmobile on one wide track. This model is considered the best cross-country ability in deep snow and difficult terrain. However, there are other homemade tracked snowmobiles made from a walk-behind tractor, which are assembled with your own hands from tractor tires and other materials.
A snowmobile can be made with two tracks
No less popular are models with two tracks, which use the same conveyor belt. The base and tracks are made from it. To do this, strips are cut and secured to the base with bolts or rivets.
If you cut the tread out of a tractor tire, the finished ring will act as a caterpillar. The chassis of a snowmobile uses wheels. They are placed on a walk-behind tractor from a passenger car. The tread from the tire is pulled onto the wheels.
Manufacturing stages
You can make a homemade snowmobile by following step-by-step instructions. If you approach each stage responsibly, you will ultimately be able to obtain a reliable vehicle. First of all, you need to manufacture or purchase ready-made individual elements of the product, after which you need to correctly assemble them together.
Frame
After creating the drawing, they proceed to work with the frame. It can be welded from metal pipes or made from wooden blocks. The second option is considered more budget-friendly, but less reliable. The metal frame is created as follows:
- A suitable pipe is selected. As a rule, a square cross-section material with a diameter of at least 40 mm is used.
- The pieces are cut to the required length.
- The pipes are connected to each other by welding. A structure of the desired shape is created.
- Corners are welded for fastening various structural elements.
A wooden frame is formed according to the same rules, but special plates are used for connection, into which bolts are screwed. The finished frame must have a load-bearing capacity higher than the future load.
It is better to make a homemade snowmobile with a large margin of safety. That is why it is recommended to make the frame from metal. The joints must be welded securely. If a person does not have the necessary welding skills, you can contact a professional welder who will create a frame according to the finished drawing.
Skis for speed
The front of the vehicle rests on skis. With their help, it is possible to navigate even in deep snow. In addition, they help manage equipment. Guide skis must be as reliable as possible, so it is recommended to purchase ready-made solutions created specifically for snowmobiles.
You can make your own skis from metal or wood. They can be created from durable birch boards. The ski of the required shape is simply cut out. The product is created from metal by welding two plates and a thin corner.
The skis are installed on an already assembled suspension. In order for the equipment to work well in holes, it is necessary to use high-quality shock absorbers. A tracked snowmobile must be created on the basis of high-quality suspension and transmission.
Track wheels
To make a homemade caterpillar for a snowmobile, you will need to perform the following algorithm of actions:
- Pre-prepare the tire and lugs. For a large shaft, a tire from an MTZ tractor is usually used.
- Next, cut off the tire beads. You can cut with a sharp knife.
- Attach lugs to the cut fabric. As a replacement, they can be cut plastic pipes attached with bolts.
Lugs are used to increase the adhesion of equipment to snow.
The caterpillar is installed on the drive shaft. It should be mounted with slight tension. The selection of the tire from which the caterpillar will be made must be carried out taking into account the size of the shaft. If you need a small product, then a small car tire will do.
The stronger the raw material used, the longer the track will last.
Snowmobile made from a walk-behind tractor and simple wheels
A wheeled model of a snowmobile will require a trailer. It is connected rigidly to the walk-behind tractor frame. You also need winter wheels and a little ingenuity.
A channel is used for a rigid trailer coupling. A blank about 50 cm long is rigidly attached parallel to the axis of the future snowmobile. First, holes are drilled at the ends of the channel and clamps are installed. A crosspiece is welded to the axis of the snowmobile, the workpiece is secured with a bolted connection, and locknuts are installed. The unit will act as a stopper, preventing the trailer from moving to the side.
Important! A stiff clutch reduces maneuverability. However, the snowmobile's stability improves.
The trailer will be a homemade sled on skis made of stainless steel sheets.
The trailer is placed on skis and the driver's seat is equipped. The original wheels are removed from the walk-behind tractor. Winter tires are installed instead. Sometimes they are made independently in the form of ring attachments with tracks on the original wheels of the walk-behind tractor.
Snowmobile with a walk-behind tractor engine and inner tubes
The walk-behind tractor practically does not have to be redone if you upgrade the original wheels. You will need lowered tubes from the truck. Five of them are pulled onto each wheel and secured with chains. The cameras are pumping. Due to the fixation with chains, their shape becomes like a daisy with segments in the form of an ellipse. The new wheels will handle deep snow well.
Chains, metal hoops, and strips of conveyor belt are used to tie the chambers together.
Another wheeled snowmobile can be built from a walk-behind tractor by putting steel hoops on the inner tubes instead of chains. They are equipped with tracks on the outside. The jumpers are welded from metal plates. The height of the track is about 2-3 cm. After inflating the chambers, the metal hoops will be securely fixed to the wheels.
How to make a snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor with tires
Tires from the rear wheels of the tractor can serve as tracks. You will need to cut off the side flanges to leave a ring with a protector. The walk-behind tractor is equipped with additional wheels. To do this, a frame is welded from pipes. The structure is rigidly coupled to the walk-behind tractor frame. The distance between the front and rear wheels is calculated so that each pair can be fitted with a tread ring, that is, a caterpillar.
It is better to use Zhiguli wheels for a snowmobile.
A homemade snowmobile is equipped with a seat. They attach it to the manufactured frame where the rear wheels are installed.
Assembly nuances
Homemade tracked snowmobiles are assembled as follows:
- A fixing shaft with a receiving star is installed on the frame.
- Next, the engine is installed with a transmission sprocket and a gasoline tank. The motor and shaft stars are connected to each other by a chain.
- The front and rear wheel axles for the tracks are mounted. As a rule, the front axle is fixed with a fixed mount or welding, and the rear axle with a movable mount.
- The front suspension with guide ski and steering column is assembled.
- The seat, brakes and individual body elements are installed.
To tension the track, a movable rear axle mount is used. After installation of the main components and assemblies, the brakes are installed. Typically, disc brakes are used, which stop the track shaft when the handle is pulled.
When assembling, you need to pay special attention to fasteners. All bolts must be tightly tightened. Pre-prepared fasteners must be properly welded to the frame so that not a single unit falls off the equipment while driving.
Having studied in detail the information on how to make a snowmobile, you can proceed directly to creating and assembling the vehicle. You need to understand that the homemade version will be inferior in quality to mid-budget store models. The main advantages of homemade products are extremely low cost and the ability to set your own parameters for the product.
Advantages of a homemade snowmobile from a walk-behind tractor
Externally, a homemade car is less attractive compared to a factory-made analogue. However, there are many positive aspects to be found. One of the advantages is the fact that the snowmobile is customized. That is, the owner clearly knows what he wants: to transport cargo, go fishing, to the forest, and do other things.
Externally, the homemade product is not attractive, but it meets all the owner’s requirements
Other advantages include the following:
- Buying a walk-behind tractor and a snowmobile for your farm is expensive. You will need space to store two cars, and each of them will be idle during the off-season. It’s cheaper to get one walk-behind tractor. Use it in winter instead of a snowmobile, and in summer for its intended purpose.
- A homemade design will not require large expenses. Many spare parts are suitable for used cars. At scrap metal you can cheaply buy scraps of pipes, channels and other metal.
- The snowmobile can be used even in summer. The tracked vehicle has good cross-country ability in mud.
Homemade products are a big plus for craftsmen who are accustomed to doing everything with their own hands. A person who shows interest in technology constantly improves it and comes up with new devices.
Tips and tricks for building and using a self-propelled vehicle
Remember that your snowmobile, due to the fact that it is made by you, is not considered a full-fledged vehicle. In this regard, it is better to avoid traveling on highways and major roads and drive at your own risk on snow-covered paths. Also, the presence of skis does not make a snowmobile a floating all-terrain vehicle. While their overall appearance is quite similar, their weight ratios are very different.
Also keep in mind that the chainsaw motor does not have much power. In this regard, transporting large loads becomes difficult and sometimes even impossible. Most often, snowmobiles assembled by your own hands have only one seat. Thus, you get a mini snowmobile made from a chainsaw, where even a children's version is possible.
Additional lighting is up to you; you can install one or more headlights for comfortable driving in the dark or in poor visibility conditions. The owner recommends installing the pendulum axis behind the drive axis of the gearbox in a perpendicular position to the drive axis of the gear. He also points out that when tensioning the chain, pay attention to the fact that when it sag, the chain becomes even tighter.
Recommendations from professionals
It must be remembered that a homemade snowmobile is a vehicle. Experts recommend not to forget about this. Even if you have many years of experience in driving a walk-behind tractor, after the modification you need to get used to the new machine. You cannot immediately master snowdrifts and unknown terrain at high speed. The maneuverability of the snowmobile due to the rigid coupling with the sled is reduced. The risk of overturning on difficult roads increases.
Children are driven at low speed on level ground
Children will definitely want to ride in the sleigh. You cannot deprive yourself of such pleasure, but again you need to remember about safety precautions. They choose a flat road and drive at low speed. You can make a train from several drags.
In the video, a homemade snowmobile made from a walk-behind tractor:
