Purchasing a ski module for a motorized towing vehicle means expanding the capabilities of a classic motorized dog, making its operation on snow more comfortable. With the help of a simple component, the price of which is affordable for every towing vehicle owner, a traditional motor sleigh can be transformed into a compact snowmobile anywhere, in a matter of minutes, and with your own hands.
A motorized towing vehicle with a ski module is an economical and efficient vehicle for traveling on icy surfaces and snow cover. Living in a rural area and having a kind of motorized farm, you can solve a number of problems. For example, transporting goods or traveling to neighboring villages to visit friends, despite the snowdrifts.
A motorized dog with a ski module is no less useful for city residents who are interested in winter fishing, hunting, or prefer to actively relax with children and friends outside the city. When stored separately, the motorized towing vehicle, which is also simple and inexpensive to maintain, and the ski module will take up very little free space in the garage.
The design of ski modules, as a rule, consists of a bicycle-type handlebar with controls, a single seat with a backrest, two skis made of frost-resistant plastic or metal and spring shock absorbers. For the most comfortable and safe movement in the dark, many ski modules are equipped with a headlight mounted on the handlebars.
In our online store you can purchase a ski module for a motorized towing vehicle at retail prices that are strongly recommended for sale by the manufacturers themselves. It is also possible to order a motorized towing vehicle with an assembled ski module, including a drag sled. Delivery of equipment to the buyer’s address is carried out with the help of transport companies.
Today, almost all manufacturers of motorized dogs offer ski modules for their products, and some also wheel modules, suitable for installation on towing vehicles of their own production. Therefore, if you decide to order a ski module for a motorized towing vehicle, we advise you to choose the steering module of the exact brand under which your motorized dog was manufactured.
Universally compatible ski and wheel modules are very difficult to find on sale. In any case, you risk purchasing a ski module that you cannot use with your tow vehicle. If you do not have the skills of a mechanic to remake the connecting elements yourself, it is better to initially purchase a motorized towing vehicle with an assembled ski module.
The effectiveness of using motorized dogs with a ski module can be easily assessed from videos and photos of owners of this type of equipment. Their reviews, left on specialized forums and in numerous blogs, including personal communication in private conversations, can either convince you of the advisability of the purchase or, on the contrary, force you to abandon the idea of purchasing a ski module.
We are ready to offer a ski module for motorized towing vehicles Mukhtar, Burlak, Bars, Ladoga, Jack, Mink, Pelets, as well as modules from other manufacturers. The store’s assortment is constantly being updated, which means that you have the opportunity to order a ski module for almost any motorized towing vehicle or purchase a motorized towing vehicle with a ski module, like a mini snowmobile.
How to do it yourself?
In this part of the article we will look at how to make a homemade ski module.
Tools and materials
Materials can be purchased at the store or taken from old unnecessary equipment:
- profile pipe;
- saddle;
- plastic skis;
- steering wheel;
- shock absorbers.
Tools:
- welding machine;
- Bulgarian;
- drill;
- spanners;
- small consumables (fasteners).
Manufacturing scheme
The main part of the ski module design is the frame-frame; it is recommended to start assembly with it, in accordance with the previously selected drawing. The main design feature is the distance between the skis (about 90 cm).
The motorized towing vehicle control system will be transferred to the steering wheel of the future module. The last step is to attach the seat and spring skis.
Universal ski module
Today a huge number of motorized towing vehicles are produced. There are so many brands that you can’t even count them. The variety of models and their modifications makes your head spin. In this regard, the question of unification arises acutely. Of course, it is impossible to create an absolutely universal ski module, but it is quite possible to create a design that would fit several brands of towing vehicles at once.
Thus, the universal ski module “Universal” can be installed on rear-engine motorized towing vehicles with track widths of 380, 500 and 550 mm, such as Bars, Raida, Chinook and many others. This module has two factory-made plastic skis, a comfortable saddle and a lever suspension with two spring shock absorbers, well-adjusted ergonomics and a familiar bicycle handlebar.
The universal ski module increases the stability of the motorized dog and its maneuverability on fresh snow cover and on icy surfaces. The module design is collapsible. Compact overall dimensions when disassembled allow you to store it anywhere and transport it in the trunk of a car. If you purchase a universal module, it is very easy to turn a towing vehicle into a snowmobile.
Choice
When choosing a pusher, it is necessary to take into account that the width of the drag sled should be slightly larger than the width of the tracks of the motorized towing vehicle. The trough should be made of high-strength plastic - this material reduces the weight of the structure and will not create unnecessary load on the equipment.
The driver's seat should be soft and adjustable to suit the user's height. Riding in a hard and uncomfortable seat is very difficult and uncomfortable, especially over bumps. It will be good if the design of the pusher includes a headlight and protective glass. The frame must be painted with an anti-corrosion coating.
The pusher can be mounted both at the front and at the back. A pusher model with both of these options would be ideal, as the mount behind the tow can be used to carry additional cargo.
As for the height of the sides, they can be low or high. It is a mistaken belief that high sides provide better protection against snow getting inside the module. On the contrary, low sides are much more convenient, and snow does not fall into the trough, since it is already compacted by the front part of the device, which has a beveled appearance.
Ski module Mototug
The LM-820 ski module is designed for installation on Izhevsk motorized towing vehicles “Tugs-500M”, “Sever-M” and “Shturman-M”. On such a mini-snowmobile, the manufacturer guarantees movement on snow cover no more than half a meter thick. The maximum load on the ski module cannot exceed 100 kg, but a motorized dog with a ski module can tow drags with a load of up to 125 kg.
The ski module Motorized towing vehicle, depending on the model of the motorized towing vehicle, forms a different length of the vehicle. For example, when installed on the Sever M towing vehicle, the length of the snowmobile will be 250 mm longer than when used with the Tug-500M version. The dismountable design of the attachment allows the module to be brought into transportable condition, which makes it possible to transport it in cars.
The driver sits on the seat included in the set-top box and controls the vehicle using a bicycle-type steering wheel. For greater driver comfort, the steering adapter is equipped with a spring suspension for each ski. The LM-820 ski module is not intended for movement over very rough terrain, as well as through mud and hard surfaces, including public roads.
The ski module Mototuksir can be used with motorized towing vehicles “Tugs 500M”, “Sever M” and “Shturman M” in snowless conditions. To do this, the manufacturer optionally offers to purchase wheels with low-pressure tires for the attachment, which are installed instead of skis. Thus, you can convert a ski module into a wheeled one with your own hands, spending very little time on replacement.
What are they?
You can turn a motorized tug into a vehicle that resembles a snowmobile using a ski-wheel module. With it, ease of use increases several times. The driver no longer sits on the sled, but in front of the motorized dog, and makes the steering wheel turns himself. The most convenient device for driving on snow; in summer it can be replaced with a similar wheel module.
The entire system weighs about 20 kilograms and also does not take up much space when transporting it. You can use a single-ski module or with two skis in front.
The advantages obtained by installing the steering module are an increase in the capacity of the drag sled:
- the driver no longer controls the vehicle from them;
- the speed of the motorized towing increases because the weight is distributed evenly;
- ease of control;
- also, due to proper load distribution, the contact of skis and tracks with the surface increases, and fuel consumption decreases;
- the stability of the system due to the wide arrangement of the skis, that is, the motorized towing vehicle will not tip over at an unexpected moment.
In addition to the advantages, there are also a number of disadvantages:
- you will have to obtain a driving license, since the new design is comparable to a mini snowmobile;
- it is difficult to drive through loose snow;
- frequent breakdowns due to heavy loads on the frame and chassis of the motorized dog.
The pusher module looks like a sled with metal runners and a plywood bottom. Its main function is to compact the snow in front of the tracks. The transforming pusher can be located both in front of the motorized towing vehicle and behind it.
Their name comes from an ancient design - “drag”. A regular sled moves through the snow with the help of two runners, while a drag sled does this with the help of a bottom. They can be divided into 2 subspecies - transport and fishing, the differences are only in size. In addition, special 8 mm thick pads can be attached to the bottom of the sled, which will protect the plastic from abrasion.
Ski module Burlak-M
The ski module LM-2 is designed for rear-engine motorized towing vehicles Burlak-M. The steering attachment is made of a metal profile with a cross-section of 20×40 mm, coated with powder enamel. Unlike the previous version LM-1, the LM-2 model has a more advanced, durable design. For example, the new modification is equipped with more reliable steering rods and not only...
Ski modules for motorized towing vehicles Burlak-M are equipped with foreign-made shock absorbers, a folding seat made of 8 mm thick back plywood and foam rubber, upholstered in high-quality leatherette. The delivery set also includes metal skis from the Taiga snowmobile and an LED headlight with a proprietary plastic case, thanks to which the headlight will not break during transportation.
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.
Universal ski module Ryda
The Rayda universal ski module is designed for installation on any motorized towing vehicle with a track width of 500 mm, regardless of the location of the engine on the frame. Thus, this module can be installed on both front-engine (front-wheel drive) and rear-engine (rear-wheel drive) towing vehicles.
An important feature of the Ryda ski attachment is its independence from the frame of the motorized dog. That is, when moving on an uneven surface, the skis of the module do not come off the surface on which the mini snowmobile is moving. The attachment consists of a frame, a bicycle-type handlebar, a spring-loaded soft seat, a headlight and two plastic skis with a spring suspension.
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.
The best models from manufacturers
We will provide an overview of the most popular models of pushers that have found application in the snowy regions of our country.
For motorized towing vehicles "Koira"
This module comes complete with a sled and a bump stop, and is installed in the front of the towing vehicle. The driver is in a sitting position, which greatly alleviates the hardships of a long journey through snowy terrain, for example, to a hunting or fishing spot. The pusher increases the speed of travel, significantly compacting the snow underneath. The device is manufactured with a high level of quality: the frame, steering wheel and all components for control are made of thick profile pipe with a cross-section of 40x25 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. The steering part rotates smoothly and quietly thanks to rubber bushings.
Dimensions:
- length - 165 cm;
- width - 60 cm;
- height - 26 cm.
The dimensions at the extreme points of the bump stop are 160x82x46 cm. A 56 W halogen headlight is provided on the steering wheel. The soft transforming seat can be adjusted to suit the driver's height. On the steering wheel there is a gas trigger and a button for adjusting the lighting. For safety purposes, an emergency stop check is provided.
Pusher for motorized towing vehicle "Muzhik"
This version of the pusher is also mounted in front of the motorized towing vehicle, and also, like the previous one, allows the driver to move long distances in a sitting position. The trough of the device is made of high-strength plastic. The frame is welded from a profile measuring 20x40 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm. The design dimensions are the same as those of the module for Koira: 165x60x20 cm. The drag sled with a bumper has the following dimensional parameters: length - 145, width - 60, height - 26 cm.
The model has a soft and moisture-resistant seat. There is a throttle lever and cable, and there is an 18 W LED headlight. There is an engine control on the steering wheel. The steering wheel grips have a comfortable rubber base.
Module for towing vehicle BTS
Weighs 25 kg and has the following assembled parameters:
- length-185 cm;
- width-78 cm;
- height-63 cm.
The set includes a drag sled, the length of which is 1.5 m. The design is equipped with a spacious, durable and moisture-resistant seat. The steering wheel has rubberized grips, a headlight for illumination and a throttle cable.
Module parameters
– RAYDA station wagon
Load – 100 kg Skis – 900×100 mm (2 pcs.) Ski material – plastic Suspension – spring Track – 750 mm Seat height – 700 mm Headlight – yes Dimensions – 1320×750×1030 mm Packaging – 1060×560×260 mm Weight – 32 kg
– BARS
Skis – 1040×180 mm Track – 1050 mm Headlight – 3 modes
– TUG
Weight – 24 kg Dimensions – 2300×820×1120 mm Load – 100 kg Suspension – spring Track – 820 mm Speed – 25 km/h
– MUKHTAR-7/15
Weight – 23.5 kg Dimensions – 1320×750×1230 mm Skis – 900×110 mm Pads – 1100×220×6 mm Load – 120 kg
– NORTH
Weight – 24 kg Dimensions – 2550×820×1120 mm Load – 100 kg Suspension – spring Track – 820 mm Speed – 25 km/h
– FORZA
Weight – 39 kg Dimensions – 1450×1230×1070 mm Load – 100 kg Ground clearance – 200 mm Track – 1110 mm
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.
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.
