DIY snowmobile sleds

Based on historical facts, we can say with confidence that the use of a dog as a draft force began a long time ago. Initially, the dog was not a sled dog; primitive hunters tried to take them as assistants and trusted them to pull the valuables obtained by the tribe. The further spread of riding art was facilitated by man's mastery of fishing? the catch fully met human needs and was considered excellent food for dogs used for transport. Subsequently, sled dog breeding was inextricably linked with the development of trade; transporting goods over fairly long distances with the help of such an intelligent animal greatly facilitated the process.

The development and detailed study of the northern regions became possible thanks to the dog, only in this way could people reach hard-to-reach places. Today, our planet still has many unexplored territories, which only a dog sled can reach.

In the modern world, riding animals are not something rare or unusual; they are considered practically the only means of transportation in the Arctic. Dog packs have become an integral part of a beautiful and spectacular sport; now the races of northern favorites are more designed for aesthetic pleasure, so true applied goals have somewhat lost their relevance.

Sleds for dogs

Sleds for dogs are special racing sleds. It is recommended to purchase them together with special ammunition that allows you to harness the animals. There are many different models, but each item has several necessary elements:

The runners are located parallel to the ground at a slight angle, making them quite stable.
The arc (the second name is ram) is a special place that the driver holds on to while moving.
Hoof legs are parts that are connected using crossbars.
A special flooring on which cargo is placed or a passenger is seated.

Sleds can be designed in such a way that they can harness from one to one and a half dozen dogs.

Types of sleds

There are several types of sleds, which differ in design, load capacity and other characteristics. Sleds for dogs can be open or closed; they can safely transport cargo and passengers.

Volokushi

Volokushi are the simplest and most affordable model of modern sleds. Externally, the device resembles a large trough on which a snowmobile drawbar is attached. The undoubted positive qualities of such a device are the following:

low price,
simple design,
light weight,
rare freezing,
convenient to pack and transport luggage,
low center of gravity, which makes the sled more stable and protects against capsizing,
can be used on water - they just float.

Unfortunately, such plastic sleds are difficult to use for transporting people - they are very inconvenient. In addition, while moving, the sled completely slides along the ground (with its entire bottom), which leads to increased sensitivity to any unevenness. As a result, damage may occur in the event of a serious impact.

Attention! In case of strong impacts, the drawbar may break. The disadvantages also include low load capacity, the possibility of the load getting wet, and poor stability on slopes.

Cargo sleds

Cargo models have special skis (runners), in some cases there are even shock absorbers. The positive aspects of such devices are their fairly high load capacity, excellent stability, and the ability to transport passengers. In a closed sled, the load will not get wet and suffer.

However, such devices are quite heavy, so when loading it is necessary to correctly distribute the load in the sled. In addition, metal parts often freeze.

Sleds have different purposes - for passengers, cargo and shared use.

Passenger sleds

Passenger sleds can be open or closed and can accommodate up to 8 people. They come in small sizes or, conversely, larger and more comfortable ones. The main characteristics depend on the manufacturers.

Homemade

Many craftsmen make sleds for dogs with their own hands. If you wish, you can find many drawings and diagrams. Making your own sled will be cheaper than buying it. In addition, this allows you to create exactly what is needed and fits well, as well as realize a variety of ideas.

Types of homemade sleds for snowmobiles

In general terms, a sled is a universal vehicle. There are several types, but they all simply attach to any snowmobile. To decide on a suitable model, you need to take into account a number of factors:

the complexity of the route along which you have to navigate;
thickness and quality of snow cover;
terrain features of the site;
type of cargo transported;
travel distance;
driving style.

Initially, it is worth finding the answers to each item. After this, it will be easier to choose a sled for your snowmobile, and all models are divided into three types:

Volokushi are considered the simplest type of sled. In the factory version, they are often made of plastic and resemble a rectangular trough in shape. The drags do not have skis. While driving, the bottom slips on the snow. The weak point of the drag is considered to be the front part. It is most often destroyed. However, such a product is inexpensive, it is easier to buy it than to make it yourself. The drags are shaped like a rectangular trough, and the bottom is not equipped with skis
Passenger sleds are extremely rare for sale. This is due to low demand. The design is a covered booth mounted on skis or a skid. There is one or more seats for passengers inside. Advanced models have heating and lighting. In such a booth it is convenient to go fishing together or just relax. Most often, passenger sleds for snowmobiles are assembled with their own hands, which significantly reduces the cost of the design. Their main disadvantage is their heavy weight. You can only attach it to a powerful snowmobile. Passenger sleds are convenient for going fishing or relaxing in winter, but they can only be attached to a powerful snowmobile
The cargo sled took all the best qualities from previous varieties. They are more resistant to drag due to the presence of skis. With small dimensions, they are lighter than passenger sleighs, although they can withstand several times more load. Due to the presence of skis, maneuverability and maneuverability on difficult terrain are improved. The main purpose of the sled is to transport goods. However, people can ride them with success. Devices in the form of springs are usually installed between the skis and the bottom of the cargo sled to increase the load capacity.

READ ALSO: Mistakes when welding (soldering) polypropylene pipes: what do you need to know?

Of all the options, the most popular on the farm are cargo sleds. Volokushi and passenger models are used by amateurs for entertainment and recreation.

In the video, a homemade sled for a snowmobile with your own hands in running-in:

How to make a dog sled with your own hands

It is quite possible to make sleds with your own hands. The work is carried out on the following points:

Select runners - width 10 cm, length 2 m.
Insert bars half a meter high into the runners (3-4 pieces).
Make a rectangular frame for the flooring from the bars.
Create a backrest from long pipes.
Make an arc so that its horns are pulled towards the vertical bars.
For pulling, choose a rope or belt.

Detailed instructions and master classes are available on the Internet.

If desired, you can make a sleigh with your own hands

Cargo homemade sleds for snowmobiles

A special feature of cargo sleds is their resistance to heavy loads. This is achieved by using durable materials, such as metal. Skis are made wide. Due to this, the runners do not fall into the snow. Improves maneuverability and stability when the snowmobile moves at high speed. Shock absorbers are sometimes provided between the runners and the platform frame. They smooth out impacts on bumps. The sled bounces less, which reduces the likelihood of damage or loss of cargo.

Shock absorbers smooth out impacts when riding a snowmobile on uneven terrain, thereby improving cargo safety

READ ALSO: After 3 years, swelling appeared on plastic pipes (photo inside)

The snowmobile sleds shown in the photo are made from metal with your own hands. The platform is covered with plywood. The sides are welded from tubes. They won't interfere with cargo sleds. It is convenient to secure the transported cargo with straps over the sides.

How to make it yourself

You can make homemade sleds for snowmobiles. To do this, you need to make a rectangular metal frame from 4 pipes. In order for the structure to be durable and able to transport heavy objects, it must be equipped with crossbars. Then the racks are welded, their number depends on the size of the structure, and the strength depends on the presence of racks.

Necessary materials

To make a snowmobile sled with your own hands, you need to prepare the materials in advance:

Wide steel sheet.
Metal pipes with a cross section of 20x20 mm.
Polyethylene pipes.
Plywood 10-15 mm thick.

A sled with a steel frame will be stronger than a plastic one. The disadvantage of metal devices is their heavy weight, but they have high strength and durability. In such a design, it will be necessary to replace plastic skis, which wear out over time.

Drawing

To make a snowmobile sled, you first need to complete the blueprints. To work, you will need a detailed design diagram indicating all dimensions and welding joints. Then they begin to make the product.

Operating procedure

You can make a sled for a snowmobile with your own hands. First, skis are made from pipes. They need to be flat, then the device will glide well in the snow. A heater is used to straighten plastic pipes. If it is not there, then the pipes are heated with a hairdryer and leveled. After heating the structure, you need to place it under the plywood, put a weight on top and do not touch it until it cools down. After this, in front of the pipes, a bend is made to the upper side.

Place the runners on the frame. The top parts of the skis should reach the base and be installed in front. A drawbar is mounted in front. It is necessary to reinforce the installation site with a steel sheet and place a bushing in it. Then the plywood flooring is fixed to the frame. All parts are connected by welding. The result is a finished sled. After this, it is necessary to check all welded joints for strength.

Then, before using it, you need to check the device for stability and maneuverability in terrain covered with snow or ice. After this, you can safely begin to operate the structure, which is not inferior in strength to factory models, but will cost much less.

The snowmobile as a means of transportation in the winter season is gaining increasing popularity. Sometimes you really want to ride on snow in a big group, but as you know, a snowmobile can accommodate a maximum of 2 people (pilot and one passenger). The solution to this problem was the production of special passenger sleds for snowmobiles. Once you connect the sled to the towing device, the passenger capacity increases significantly. Depending on the design features, 2-10 people can sit on the sled at the same time. Thus, with the help of this simple device you can take snowy walks and hikes with the whole company, with friends or as part of your family. Sleighs will also help a large group go fishing or hunting.

Basically, the mass of the sled is insignificant, which means it does not affect the reduction in the traction characteristics of the snowmobile. Skis are made in most cases from durable plastic. This solution helps prevent snow from sticking, which is very common on skis made of metal. If necessary, the sled can be detached within a minute and moved to the desired location. To prevent rain or snow from entering, most sled models are equipped with a special roof or awning.

How to choose the right dog sled?

In order for a winter walk or training to be beneficial and enjoyable for the driver, so that the dogs do not get overtired, you need to approach the issue of choosing a sled correctly.

Weight. The design of Finnish sleds should not be heavy: after stopping along the way, the dog will have to strain to move them from their place. Walking or training sleds weigh no more than 10 kg.
Material of manufacture. The sled must be strong enough not to be damaged after the first fall and to last for more than one season. The frame should not be rigid, but articulated in order to maintain maneuverability and allow turning over a wide radius. We sell sleds for dogs made of Karelian birch - a durable, lightweight, wear-resistant material that glides well on a snowy surface.
Compactness. For country races, it is good to purchase small sledges that can be transported by car or public transport. If the sleds also fold, this is generally the most convenient option for walks in nature.
Comfort. When choosing a walking or training sled for dogs, you should pay attention to the quality of the runners: they should be wide and long enough to glide well over the snow. The front part of the sled should not have sharp corners so that the dogs do not get injured during a sudden stop, and at the same time be strong enough not to break when colliding with a tree or stone.
Brake system. In addition, some models are equipped with a brake - this greatly simplifies the control of the sled; a reliable braking system will allow you to keep the sled in place even when teamed with several dogs.

A design made of high-quality materials that meets all the mentioned criteria will serve you for many years, and the dog will feel comfortable in the harness and not be overtired.

What kind of dogs are harnessed to sleds?

Not all breeds are suitable for harnessing an animal to a sled. Basically, such devices are used in rather cold areas, so it is necessary to choose suitable dogs.

Sled dogs are animals that were specially bred to transport goods and people. The main ones are:

husky,
malamutes,
Chukchi, Kamchatka, Norwegian, Lapon, Taimyr sled dogs,
likes,
samoyed dog,
Greenland dog and the like.

Depending on the purpose of the sled, different breeds are used. For example, sleds for huskies are not heavy, dogs have greater endurance and can pull them for a long time, and malamutes are able to move with heavy loads.

Different breeds of dogs are harnessed to the sleds

What kind of races are there on modern sleds?

Today, dog riding has turned not only into a popular sport, but also simply into a pleasant pastime in the winter - walks, for which special sleds and sleds are used. Competitions on a lightweight modern version of a sled are called skipulling. You can buy models of modern Finnish sleds for dogs in our Finsani online store.

Depending on the purpose of the competition, a sled is selected, which you can buy from us, and the number of dogs harnessed to the sleigh. Limited version of racing - when the number of dogs is strictly regulated, for example, 4 dogs; unlimited – you can harness any available number of animals to the sleigh. Types of races are classified according to the nature of their conduct as follows:

sprint – short distance races in which dogs must demonstrate agility, the ability to avoid obstacles, and develop maximum speed;
cargo - when instead of a person a load of a certain weight is placed on the sled;
orienteering - dog sled mushers navigate a given unfamiliar route using a map and compass.

The distances over which participants run can be short or long. In addition, there are lightweight, training or pleasure sleds for dogs, which can be purchased in the Finsani online store.

In this sport, what is important is the will to win, high-quality sleds that we have for sale, and also a touching component - the coherence of the direct participants in the race, their desire to give their owner victory. All this makes dog sledding not only an exciting activity, but also a kind, “soulful” form of entertainment that cultivates the best human qualities in adults and children.

Reliable sleds for snowmobiles and motorized towing vehicles

The section includes passenger drags with seats (as well as separate seats) and cargo sleds. Used for hunting, fishing and outdoor walks (for example, in the mountains or for ski trips for provisions). Sleighs can be of various sizes and configurations. They also differ in the material they are made of: metal or durable plastic.

The drags are designed for snowmobiles or motorized towing vehicles, but plastic versions can be used without equipment: attached to sled dogs or even people (this is often done during winter expeditions). The load in most drags is carried in bulk or can be secured with straps (usually in a metal sled). There are also covers that cover the contents of the container.

What are dog pulls made from?

There are special requirements for sports equipment for dogs, since the health, comfort, and safety of the animal and person depend on it. The pull must be made exclusively from high-quality, practical, elastic and durable materials.

The leash must withstand maximum loads, be flexible and not succumb to deformation under heavy loads.

Important! The pull can be for one or more dogs. There are designs for 10-14 animals on sale.

To make pulls, in most cases, synthetic polypropylene, high-quality nylon sling with a width of at least 2.5 cm are used. Climbing cord, floating waterproof hollow cable with a diameter of 8 mm, and thick ropes are also often used as materials for production.

How to make a snowmobile sled

Assembling the sled is not that difficult. There are many simple designs that you can create in your garage. It is important to immediately determine their purpose. This will determine what type of sled to assemble for your snowmobile: passenger, cargo or drag.

Tools and materials

The choice of material will depend on the design of the sled. Basically, plywood, boards, and metal profiles are suitable for such work. Skis are made from stainless steel sheets or use thick-walled plastic pipe.

A universal set of tools will help you work with different materials

The list of suitable tools depends on the materials used for the work. However, when assembling a sled, a combination of wood, metal and plastic is often used. It is optimal to have a universal set of tools that allows you to process all materials. From complex equipment, the list must include a welding machine, an angle grinder, an electric drill, and a grinder.

Pull design for dogs

On one side the pull has a reliable metal carabiner, on the other side there is a convenient loop-handle. One end of the pull is fixed to the harness worn on the dog, the second end, as a rule, to the belt on the person. To soften jerks there is a built-in shock absorber of different power. The power of the shock absorbers depends on the number of dogs. The shock absorber is fixed to the pull using built-in loops (“loop to loop”).

The pull can be for one or more dogs. For example, for 2-3-10 sled dogs, the pull consists of several sections. So, for two dogs, the length of the pull rod with a shock absorber should be 2.7-3 meters, two carabiners. The main part of the pull rod is one meter long, two lines are attached to it, each at least 100 cm long.

Preparation

Before we start creating our winter structure, we need to decide what material it should be made of. Wood is perfect as a starting material if you want to make a sled like a sled or entirely made of plastic or metal with plastic parts. There are a lot of homemade models you can assemble. Sleds, thanks to their design solutions, are a very universal item; they can be easily attached to all models of snowmobiles. To optimally select sled models, consider these factors.

The best option would be to make a sled on a steel frame, as it will be more durable than plastic ones. The main disadvantage of such equipment is considered weight, however, this pays off with a significant margin of safety and a long service life.

In such devices, it will be necessary to change the plastic slides as they wear out, but at least once every three years.

Dimensions and drawings

Before preparing your masterpiece, you need to make a design for it, in which you need to constructively decide what size the sled will be. We have prepared a rough drawing of the sled, which we will describe later. As you can see, the dimensions of the structure are a little more than two meters in length, the height of the product is 98.5 cm, the width in the front part is 75 cm, and in the back it narrows to 74 cm. The drawing is very detailed in the height of all parts. Drawings can be found on the Internet, but it is better to come up with your own based on your technical considerations and calculations.

Tools and materials

To make a snowmobile sled yourself, you need to stock up on the following materials:

Snowmobile sleds are made from any available materials, not just those purchased specifically for this purpose. Craftsmen can make a sled from a motorcycle carriage or a sled from wood, and some craftsmen even make sleds from barrels.

Mechanical “smaller brothers”

You can also make a motorized dog with your own hands. The huge demand for light motorized towing vehicles is due to the compact size of the device and excellent cross-country ability. The main element for making a motorized dog with your own hands is the engine, for example, the Sh-58 moped motor, designed for manual switching. Homemade motorized dogs are universal. The controls of a motorized towing vehicle are also important, and a steering wheel with built-in controls is best suited here, namely the gearbox switch, gas handle and clutch from a motorcycle. The supporting structure of a motorized dog can be a welded frame consisting of pipes of various diameters.

Dog Sled: Born to Run

Other types of sleds

In addition to drags, there are other types of fishing sleds that are used by “penguins”. Among them the most famous are:

Finnish;
inflatable;
on skids.

Each option has the right to life, its pros and cons, design features.

Inflatable

Inflatable sleds for winter fishing are made of rubber and PVC. Products made from polyvinyl chloride are more reliable and durable. However, this option has its drawbacks:

the need to inflate the sled before fishing;
can be easily damaged by contact with hummocks or gear and sharp elements of equipment;
it is necessary to additionally secure the equipment so that it does not fly off when moving on uneven ice or snowdrifts;
an insufficiently loaded sled can easily be blown away or overturned by a strong gust of wind.

The main advantage of an inflatable sled is its compactness during transportation and storage. They take up almost no space and are light in weight.

On skids

Fishing sleds on runners are the oldest model used by winter fishing enthusiasts. Any children's, metal, wooden ones are suitable for going out on the ice. Most importantly, they allow you to transport equipment, tackle and gear, making it easier to move from one promising place to another.

The disadvantage of sleds on runners is their weight compared to plastic drags. Also, not every model is strong and durable. They are not comfortable when moving on uneven ice, but they do a good job on snow cover.

Finnish

Finnish sleds for winter fishing are popular in the northern region of our country, as well as among the Scandinavian “penguins”. Structurally, they are runners with special pads for positioning the legs. There is a stool installed in front, designed to secure equipment while moving and sitting during fishing.

Finnish sleighs are a good alternative to drags

The fisherman is positioned at the back of the sled. He puts one foot on the runners, and the other pushes, moving around the water area. There are options with a folding design, and there are non-collapsible modifications. Some craftsmen modify them by installing guides for attaching the drawer directly behind the seat.

***

Where to buy sleds for dogs?

If you like to combine winter walks in the fresh air with excitement, if you are interested in active recreation and like exotic sports, buy a Finnish dog sled, presented in an assortment on the official Finsani website. On our website you can order and purchase inexpensive, high-quality products from the world's leading manufacturers of Finnish sleds. The prices of dog sled sleds presented in our online store are affordable and optimal for products in this category.

The models presented in the catalog are suitable for walking and training runs, for riding by adults and children.
The products are made from high-quality materials, the wooden elements are made from strong, durable and lightweight Karelian birch.
A reliable and spacious cargo area allows you to transport one more person, or use the seat for rest during a rest stop.
The folding design of the sled for dogs offered by us makes it possible to transport the sled in the trunk of a car or on public transport.

In addition to sleighs, you can purchase various harness equipment and other products for sledding from us. We deliver throughout Moscow and other regions of the Russian Federation.

Dog training

Dogs need to be trained from an early age. During this period, it is necessary to stock up on patience and care. Training takes place on the following points:

accustom to harness,
teach to go out in harness one at a time,
explain how to pull the load in the required direction,
teach the “stay” command so that the dog stops in time,
learn to line up on command.

It is recommended to constantly change the weights so that the pet does not get used to the same weight.

Dogs need to be harnessed correctly so that the animals can comfortably pull the sled.