And so, you decided that you need a motorized towing vehicle for hunting, fishing, transporting goods, or just for driving, but you want a more powerful engine, larger standard headlights, heating, and a special color. But in the product catalog there is no such individual model, just for your taste. But it’s not scary, today you can assemble high-quality DIY motorized towing vehicle. You just need to have a little experience in locksmith work, a set of tools and a desire to get unique equipment. The assembly process can be divided into several technological stages:

1. Choosing the configuration of a future motorized towing vehicle: at the first stage, you need to decide what kind of motorized towing vehicle you want, write down its description and specifications: determine the load capacity, engine power, type of start (manual or electric starter), select the type of transmission, sled (drag) and frame color. And also decide which additional equipment you want to equip a motorized towing vehicle with manual assembly: for example a winch, a protective casing, chain protection, extra. headlights, etc.
2. Once you have decided on the package, you need to select the necessary parts on our website. You can buy separately the motor, electrics, base for the motorized dog ( chassis and body) and other necessary spare parts.
3. Order all the parts for self-assembly. All components will be packaged and shipped. The necessary instructions will be attached to the main components.
4. After receiving all the spare parts, you will need to familiarize yourself with the parts and their descriptions. Be sure to check the package.
5. Assembly is the most important point in independently designing a motorized towing vehicle. It is necessary to install all the components on the base, connect everything according to the attached instructions. If you have any questions, you can call and get advice.
6. Test it. Now you need to make sure that you have assembled everything correctly, check the reliability of all components and connections for your safety.

That's it, ready. Thus, you get exactly the equipment you want at the cost of a regular model, and sometimes even cheaper. And it will be a self-assembled motorized towing vehicle, which is doubly nice. But still before self-assembly It’s worth studying the catalog carefully, maybe you can find the model you need.

By making a motorized dog ourselves, we are not responsible for the final product; all work is performed entirely under your responsibility.

High prices for modern snowmobile equipment simply force amateurs or winter hunting professionals to make a motorized towing vehicle with their own hands.

It is a motorized towing vehicle (most often they are also called a motorized dog) that is actually perfect option for active recreation. Naturally, the basis of any such unit will be some “Buranov” parts, although the most important tool in creation will be your knowledge and skills.

Step 1. Initially, a mount for the motor and gearbox is welded onto the frame. The motorized dog will move with the help of caterpillars.

Step 2. For this, the elements we need are taken from Buran. It must be cut crosswise. This is done primarily in order to maximize its main chassis.

Step 3. Jumpers made of special metal “U”-shaped profiles can serve as connecting elements. But the tracks will be rotated by two axes, which must be specially machined according to the right sizes– 50 cm long and 25 mm thick. “Cheeks” are welded to them, which are needed to attach all the drive sprockets.

Step 4. In addition, support bearings are also attached to the frame itself on all two sides (that is, two at the back and two at the front). They are inserted into the supporting parts of the body itself. It is very important to take three carriages equipped with rollers so that the tracks themselves are supported. They are first subjected to expansion and for this purpose the already sawn carriages begin to be connected using inserts.

Step 5. Prepared carriages are placed on the “ears” welded to the frame. We install the motor with a pulley, connecting it to a four-speed gearbox with a belt drive (there is also a pulley on the box).

Step 6. For full control, handles are installed from the pipe itself (1.5 cm, and also 120 cm long), which are tightened with ordinary jumpers (in principle, in a completely arbitrary arrangement).

Step 7 After that, it all closes metal profile, and all amenities are created for full movement and transportation of necessary goods. And yet, it is very important to make handles - both for the legs and for the arms. This is necessary in order to move as comfortably and safely as possible on snow and ice. At the same time, this motorized towing vehicle turns out to be very quiet and convenient, and you can save significantly - about 60%, when compared with purchasing a new snowmobile or some other similar equipment.

A motorized towing vehicle or motorized dog is a necessary thing for a hunter. This type of transport can be purchased at a specialized store, but the prices for such equipment are high. There is a solution: you can assemble the product yourself, then the costs will be small. In order for a do-it-yourself motorized dog to be made with high quality and serve for a long time, you need detailed diagram and drawings, a number of tools and parts.

What is a motorized towing vehicle - description and purpose

A motorized dog is understood to mean a mini snowmobile (mini-all-terrain vehicle) with an engine. This vehicle is a coupling of a caterpillar towing vehicle with a sleigh or drag sleigh. The driver of the motorized dog sits in the sleigh, and any cargo is placed there. Some dog models have a special cargo area on the tractor. Engine power is usually from 6 liters. With. up to 13 l. s., speed is 30-40 km/h. The motorized dog does not have a brake, which the driver must always remember.

Motorized towing vehicles are popular among fishermen and hunters. They can also be used in agriculture and forestry for transporting small loads. Unlike wheeled vehicles, skis on a motorized dog sled allow you to move even on loose snow and winter off-road conditions, which makes the vehicle resemble a snowmobile. The only difference is the driver’s position: he sits outside the platform with the motor, which reduces the weight of the motorized dog and increases cross-country ability. Also advantages in comparison with a snowmobile are the simplicity of the design and lower price.

You can use motorized dogs to move along the frozen surface of a body of water - a lake, a river. They are ideal for ice fishing enthusiasts and have been designed specifically for them. The machine can be easily transported in a car using a cover, unloaded on shore, and then used for its intended purpose. On a motorized dog it is possible to transport cargo over rough terrain, replete with descents and ascents. They use the equipment for traveling in summer, spring, and autumn along swampy meadows and forest paths.

Why is it worth making a motorized dog - reasons

Both purchased equipment and homemade equipment are unpretentious, compact, and do not require much space for transportation and storage. But some hunters prefer to make motorized dogs themselves, using improvised means. The main reason is efficiency: homemade version will cost an order of magnitude cheaper. For no more than the cost of the simplest towing vehicle from China, you can also build a reliable, durable pusher towing vehicle.

Many models of motorized dogs, especially those made in China, have a lot of design flaws. For example, the caterpillar can often become clogged with snow, which is associated with mistakes by the developers. Others possible problems– a motorized dog rearing up, burying itself in too deep snow, throwing snow into a sled. All these troubles can be avoided if you build the vehicle yourself.

With a front-mounted motorized dog engine, which is almost always planned in homemade models, the machine will operate much more efficiently. Here are the obvious advantages:

• fuel savings and overall reduction in design costs;
• higher driving speed;
• the ability to make additional compartments for gear.

Basic elements of a motorized dog

The most important detail technology - engine. Typically, a single-cylinder carburetor gasoline engine is used to create motorized dogs. An equally important part is the rubber-metal track - the propulsion unit with suspension. With the help of a caterpillar, you can drive on snow, ice, and soft ground in warm weather. It is worth taking a closer look at all the components of a motorized dog.

Car engine

Most often, motorized dogs use engines from Honda, Yamaha (expensive) or Chinese brands (MTR, Lifan and other budget ones). These power units vary greatly in price, although their power is usually equivalent. Lifan engines with a centrifugal (dry) clutch have proven themselves to be excellent. Some people use a motor from a walk-behind tractor to create motorized dogs; they remove the engine from a Ural chainsaw or a Druzhba saw.

The motor from the Sh-58 moped, designed for manual gearbox shifting, is considered popular. Scooter engines can also be used. The main thing is that the product has good traction characteristics, a power of at least 6 hp. With. This is enough to transport one person and a load of 30-50 kg on a motorized dog. For a trip of two people and a load of 150-200 kg, it is better to choose an engine with a power of more than 9 liters. With. A chain tensioner is often used as an engine tuning element.

Motorized dog support frame

The frame must be of excellent quality, because on the road it experiences high loads, especially when driving off-road. This design is made entirely with your own hands, cooked from metal pipes rectangular section. Usually a pipe thickness of 3 millimeters is enough; thinner metal is not suitable, it quickly deforms.

You can see how to make a frame with your own hands in the photo and video. Take two pipes with a cross-section of 20*20 mm, add two more sizes of 20*40 mm, and form a frame. Two 40 mm corners are welded into it, and a protective frame for the engine is welded on top, which will prevent it from being damaged when the equipment rolls over. It is also advisable to attach a galvanized sheet to the frame with rivets to cover the track.

Motorcycle dog suspension

The suspension serves as an important indicator of the performance of the chassis. By design, it can be skating or sliding. The skating rink performs worse in the snow, but is ideal for movement in the warm season. The suspension on skids prevents the tracks from clogging, but is used only in winter: it needs snow to cool the system (ski module).

For homemade For motorized dogs and trips in any season of the year, it is worth choosing a modern roller suspension, but not with a rigid one, but with spring support for the rollers. Such a motorized dog will move more smoothly on a frozen road. When driving, you will have to avoid too loose snow.

Motorized dog transmission

The transmission is responsible for transmitting shaft rotation to the main track sprocket. The gearbox can be CVT, mechanical, automatic gearbox, some have reverse (reverse capability). The advantage of an automatic transmission is a large traction force, the disadvantage is the rapid wear of a number of parts and the need for regular maintenance.

As a mechanical one, you can use a box from a VAZ or other old car. Its advantage is ease of maintenance, no need for frequent repairs, but using such a transmission is less comfortable. The variator ensures smooth transmission of force from the engine to the track, which helps reduce the wear rate of parts and save on gasoline. The downside is a weak drive belt that has to be changed regularly.

Motorized dog caterpillar

Such devices can be snowmobile or specialized, created specifically for motorized dogs. They differ in width, height, length. There are replacement snowmobile tracks on sale that can be used in the manufacture of motorized towing vehicles. The tracks from Buran are popular, but they are not distinguished by high cross-country ability; motorized dogs will only have to be used on a frozen body of water, on a well-trodden road.

You should purchase tracks that are not too narrow. A 50 cm product is considered optimal, since it makes the motorized dog stable, passable, and maneuverable. There are also “aggressive” off-road tracks on sale, their width is from 55 cm, and they have a special tread pattern. The products have an increased lug height - it is 32 mm (the standard is 21 mm). You can also make your own caterpillars from conveyor belts. Tracks are made of birch planks and other materials.

Electrical equipment and machine control systems

To control a motorized dog, they use a steering wheel connected to the gearbox, clutch handle, gas, which should be taken from any suitable old technology. Typically, the basic configurations of towing vehicles are equipped with a manual start, but if desired, it can be changed to an electric starter or a lighting coil can be added. All this can be easily constructed independently, but the cost of manufacturing a motorized dog will increase.

It is quite possible to do without an electric starter; besides, a manual start is considered more reliable in terms of breakdown. But without lighting at night it will definitely be bad for a motorized dog; this system must be provided. The car must be equipped with a 7 ampere coil so that problems with recharging the headlights do not arise.

Homemade motorized dog: technology

Before you start, you need to prepare everything necessary tools and equipment for motorized dogs. You can learn more about the progress of the work by watching the thematic video.

Preparing for work

To avoid problems with using a motorized dog, it is important to immediately determine its main technical parameters:

• load capacity;
• engine power;
• transmission type;
• engine starting system - manual or electric.

You should also think about additional accessories for the motorized dog - a winch, lighting, protective elements, seats. Then an accurate drawing is drawn up, which will reflect all the nuances. Next, you can order a set of parts for a motorized dog or select them yourself from those available from other equipment.

Required Tools

When working you cannot do without welding inverter, drills and grinders, set wrenches. Also, to install the motorized dog you will need screwdrivers, a file, etc. small tools. The craftsman must have access to lathes and milling machines.

Assembling a motorized dog

First, they make the frame of the motorized dog, which will help secure the engine, gearbox, and chassis. To do this, selected pipes (a beam or channel is also suitable) are welded into a rectangular frame. Then the fastenings for all the important components of the motorized dog are welded. Afterwards you can install the engine.

The running gear must be based on support bearings. On lathe machine the corresponding bushings with a wall thickness of 5 mm. Using bushings, bearings are placed at the corners of the frame. Afterwards, the front and rear axles are made, which will form the shafts along with bushings and bearings. The rear shaft of the motorized dog is made the drive shaft by putting a drive sprocket on it and welding it securely. It must be connected to the gearbox with a chain.

Motorized dog tracks are made independently from a conveyor belt more than 30 cm wide, or they are taken ready-made, but the latter will have to be cut and expanded with inserts. Tracks are made from wood, plastic pipes, or removed from an old snowmobile. Pulleys are placed on the box and motor, connected by a belt drive. The motorized dog controls are attached to the steering wheel - the clutch handle is on the left side, the gas handle is on the right. The steering wheel is secured to the frame with two pipes by welding it to the fork. The latter is located on the rear axle and is secured with welded steel washers.

Upon completion of work they are installed additional accessories motorized dogs, hanging necessary equipment. The design is complemented by seating, cargo compartment, etc. Ready product It will not be inferior in quality to store-bought equipment, but it will be made reliably and can be repaired in case of breakdown by the master himself.

The general design is not complicated and anyone who knows how to hold a tool in their hands can make a motorized dog with their own hands (see the end of the article for drawings and explanations).

The great popularity of light motorized towing vehicles is due to the fact that, coupled with a fairly compact size, they have excellent maneuverability, are unpretentious in maintenance and consume little fuel.

Let's try to figure out what a motorized dog is? Essentially, it is a small motorized crawler unit that is designed to tow small loads.

Engine selection and installation

Most important element homemade is the engine. In our case, we chose the fairly common domestic moped motor Sh-58, the main advantage of which is that it is designed to use a manual gearbox switch.

Homemade motorized dog

It is also worth noting that homemade motorized dogs can successfully use engines and foreign production. Especially, small-displacement engines from Yamaha and Honda are in demand.

The main feature of these internal combustion engines is their versatility; they are perfect not only for creating a homemade motorized towing vehicle, but also for large quantity other devices, ranging from small power plants to homemade walk-behind tractors.

As for the number of strokes, two-stroke engines are best suited for this, since compared to their four-stroke counterparts they have smaller dimensions and weight, while their power characteristics are approximately the same.

Don’t forget about the motorized dog controls. Here, a steering wheel with built-in controls is best suited, that is, with a gearshift switch, gas and clutch handles from old motorcycles.

Before starting to assemble the chassis, it is necessary to select support bearings, after which bushings are machined under these bearings. As load-bearing structure a welded frame is used, consisting of water pipes various diameters. To give the pipes the desired shape, they are first filled with dry sand and tightly sealed with plugs.

Consumption no more than 2 liters per 100 km

The workpiece is then placed in a vice and slowly, using blowtorch, bends in the right places. In order for the bend to be even, a reference template made of plywood is used.

After all frame elements have been purchased the required form they are fastened using welding clamps.

This is done specifically so that if defects occur during the assembly stage, they can be easily corrected. After all defects have been eliminated, the frame is finally fastened together by welding.

Sheet steel blanks are ideal for installing the engine on the frame. Such blanks are made using cardboard templates pre-fitted to the frame. First of all, the blanks are fixed to the engine, after which the resulting structure is attached to the frame with welding points. The engine is then disconnected from the workpiece and finally welded to the frame.

Our tracked unit will use collapsible shafts made of bushings, bearings and the shaft itself. As mentioned earlier, bushings are specially machined for bearings, and the thickness of the bushing walls should not exceed 5 mm. Due to the fact that the greatest loads in a homemade motorized dog fall on the rear axle, we make it the leading axle. To do this, to rear shaft The drive sprocket is welded, which is connected to the gearbox via a chain drive.

In addition to composite shafts, motorized dogs also use composite wheels. Each of these wheels consists of two cheeks 3 mm thick and several dozen lugs made of small steel pipes. In order for the wheels to better dampen vibration, rubber bushings are inserted into the ends of the lugs.

Mover

For the manufacture of tracks, a conveyor belt with a width of at least 220 mm is best suited. The tracks for our walk-behind tractor are made of smooth birch slats 1260 mm long. To strengthen the structure of the tracks, you can use steel ridges that are attached to birch bars. The track parts are fastened with M6 threaded bolts.

Homemade caterpillar

The process of controlling a homemade motorized dog is practically no different from driving a moped. On the right handle of the steering wheel there is a gas handle, and on the left there is a clutch handle and a gearshift lever. By the way, the steering wheel is attached to the frame using two pipes, which in turn are welded to a U-shaped fork. The fork itself is attached to the rear axle of the walk-behind tractor using steel washers welded into it.

Due to the fact that the motor of our motorized towing vehicle is located inside the caterpillar, it cannot be started using a standard kickstarter, so it had to be slightly modernized. To do this, you need a fairly long piece of pipe, at the end of which we make a slot of such a size that the lever drive can easily fit into it. Then, using regular welding, we attach the pipe and the kickstarter lever.

Drawing of a motorized dog

Explanations for the drawing: 1-front driven wheels; 2-track lugs (birch slats 35×75-1260 mm); 3-threaded rods M8x170 mm with nuts; 4-upper part of the frame ( steel pipe 30×2 mm); 5-front engine mount (steel strip 2.5 mm thick); 6-comb (steel strip 3 mm thick); 7-reinforcing element ( steel sheet thickness 2.5 mm); 8-post (steel pipe 30×2 mm); 9-plug (steel pipe dia. 22×2.5 mm); 10-fuel tank (2.5 l polyethylene canister); 11-control elements of the tracked unit (on the left: clutch handle and gearbox switch, on the right - pelvis handle); 12-steering wheel (from any brand of moped); 13- fuel tank support (steel strip 2 mm thick); 14-fuel tap with sump (from any moped); 15-fuel line; 16-drive shaft bushing; 17- hook; 18-sleeve (piece of rubber hose); 19-outer cheek of the wheel (duralumin sheet 3 mm thick); 20-washer; 21-fork washers; 22-pin; 23-drive shaft (steel pipe diameter 30×2.5 mm); 24-flange (steel sheet 3 mm thick); 25-pin (steel bar dia. 10 mm); 26-inner cheek of the wheel (duralumin sheet 3 mm thick); 27-rear drive wheel; 28 control system cables; 29-track drive chain; 30-rear engine mount (steel sheet 2.5 mm thick); 31-engine type B-50; 32-muffler (thin-walled steel cylindrical container 0130 mm with holes 20 mm in diameter); 33-lower part of the frame (steel pipe 30×2 mm); 34-front driven shaft bushing; 35-bolts M8x55 mm with nuts; 36,40 - bushings; 37-bearing; 38-adapter; 39-bushing; 41-bushing; 42-drive chain sprocket; 43-rubber-fabric tape (thickness 6 mm, width 220 mm).

If you are making a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands, then you need to take into account the design features before starting work. of this device. As experienced craftsmen note, for any person the production of this equipment will not be too much. challenging task. If you do not want to use the help of specialists, then you need to familiarize yourself with the technology of doing the work. The high popularity of the described motorized towing vehicle, which is also called a motorized dog, is due to the fact that it has small dimensions and good maneuverability. Such equipment is unpretentious in operation, and in the process consumes very little fuel.

Design features

If you are making a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands, then before starting these manipulations you must understand all design features, as well as learn more about the assembly process. Considering this equipment, it can be noted that it is a small-sized motorized tracked unit, which is used to tow various small-sized cargo.

Selection and installation of the motor

If you decide to make a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands, you need to think about an important component of the homemade product - the engine. Used in making similar models a common moped engine, which is known under the brand name Ш-58. He - Russian production. The main advantage of this device is that it is designed to use exclusively a manual box switch. It should be noted that motorized dogs can use foreign-made engines. If you want to create a motorized towing vehicle with your own hands that will last a longer time, then it is best to use engines that are produced under the Yamaha and Honda brands. In the role main feature These motors are universal, since such equipment can be used to create both a motorized towing vehicle and any other device that requires the presence of an engine. Among the latter, oversized power plants can be distinguished.

We take the issue of choosing an engine seriously

A homemade motorized towing vehicle requires a high-quality engine. It is necessary to choose its characteristics correctly. The master must think about the number of engine cycles. It is preferable to use a two-stroke variety, which has impressive size and weight compared to a four-stroke. But as for the power characteristics, they remain almost at the same level.

The important part is the controls

For operation, a homemade motorized towing vehicle must have control elements; this should in no case be forgotten before starting the manipulation. Experienced craftsmen It is recommended to use a steering wheel with built-in controls. The design will have a switch, as well as a gas and clutch handle, which can be borrowed from used equipment.

Motor dog assembly technology

Before making a motorized towing vehicle, it is necessary to prepare a design diagram that will allow you to avoid errors. You only need to collect it after you have prepared the next stage bushings are machined under them. A welded frame must be used as a supporting structure. It will contain tubes different diameters, in order to give these elements the desired shape, they must be filled with dry sand. Now the master seals both ends with plugs, which you can make yourself from wood. The workpiece is placed in a vice, and then slowly bent using hot air should be applied to the required place. It is important to ensure maximum bending, for this it is recommended to use a reference template. You can make this workpiece yourself using a plywood sheet.

Work methodology

Once the variator for the motorized towing vehicle has been selected, you can check whether all the elements have the required shape. The components are fixed to each other, and welding clamps must be used. These works are carried out so that if defects occur during assembly, they can be easily eliminated. After all errors have been eliminated, the frame is well secured by welding. The drawings of the motorized towing vehicle, of course, can be borrowed from the article, but for carrying out the work you can prepare them without the help of professionals. In order to install the motor on the frame, you can use blanks that are pre-made from sheet metal. They must be made of fairly thick cardboard. It should be equal in size to the frame. The workpieces are well secured to the engine, only after that the structure is fixed in the frame system using the same welding clamps. Now the craftsman disconnects the engine from the workpiece to finally attach it to the frame system.

Manipulations with collapsible shafts

A motorized towing vehicle, the technical characteristics of which will depend on the elements used in the work process, can be made independently, but before starting manipulations it is necessary to think through every step. In the tracked unit, it is recommended to use collapsible shafts made of bearings and bushings. The latter are carefully turned for the former, and the wall thickness should not exceed 5 millimeters. The motorized dog will experience the heaviest loads on the rear axle. She should be the leader. For this purpose, a drive sprocket is attached to the rear shaft, which must be connected to the gearbox. This is done through a chain transmission. You can make a sled for a motorized towing vehicle yourself using wooden runners and a lumber-based frame. In addition to composite shafts, the structure must have composite wheels. Each of them consists of cheeks, the dimensions of which are 3 millimeters. In addition, several dozen hooks are used; they are necessary for adhesion to the soil. They are made using metal pipes. In order to dampen vibration of the wheels, rubber bushings are installed on the hooks, and specifically at their ends.

Information about propulsors

If you are thinking about making a motorized dog, then it is important to decide how the tracks will be made. Here we consider an example that involves the use of a conveyor belt.

The width is set to 220 millimeters. Tracks for motorized dogs are made of smooth canvas slats; their length should be 1260 millimeters. In order to provide reinforcement to the tracks, metal ridges should be used, which are installed on bars during the assembly process. The track components are fastened using bolts; you need to choose those with M6 threads.

Finally

If before starting assembly you thought that controlling a motorized dog might seem unnecessarily complicated, this belief is false. Driving such a structure is no more difficult than driving a moped. On the right handle of the steering wheel there will be a gas handle, but on the other there will be a lever used to shift the gearbox. The clutch handle is also located here. The steering wheel is fixed to the frame using two tubes, which are fixed by welding using a U-shaped fork. The latter is fixed on the rear axle, and for this you need to use metal washers.

Due to the fact that the motor is located inside the track, it will not be possible to use it using a kickstarter. It should be somewhat modernized. What is used for is a piece of pipe in which a hole will need to be made, the size of the latter will be sufficient to drive the lever. The pipe and the kickstarter lever are secured together by welding. A sled for a motorized towing vehicle can be made from scrap materials, for example, thick rubber is often used for this.