[hbwall]

Our snowmobile club is looking for a utility vehicle to get onto our snowmobile trails in the early season when the ice is around 4-6 inches thick. We run across a lot of swamps and beaver ponds. Our big groomer requires 15 inches of ice. We do not want to groom at this stage, just pack the trail and force the frost deeper by driving and pulling a small drag behind the unit.

We are looking at a Ranger 6x6 with a cab/heater combo, blade and front and rear tracks. Any feedback on how this may work. And how about the longevity of the machine. We would put on approx 1000 miles per season.

Thank you,

 

[swaugie]

should be fine with some preventive maintenence. keep the oil changed, check the belt, and keep an eye on the cv joints. should work great.

 

[fiberguy]

A 6x6 is an animal when it comes to work like this. We have a sponsor that make tracks that go over the rears and with a set up front it would make for an unstoppable machine.
BTW a polaris 6x6 is the best utility vehicle on the market today.

 

[Ran]

Brad,

That's an interesting idea. I groom trails here in the Tomahawk, WI area and we have much the same conditions that you're talking about. Early season, we often send the groomers out without the drags. Our BPB 180s will 'float' on about 10" of ice. Many times we also send out the sledders to pack the trails down before we go out.

 

[ButteBrute]

Brad...
I am the sponsor that Fiberguy was referring to regarding tracks for your 6x6. While there used to be quite a few posts regarding this subject at PRC and at my Sponsor Forum, since the server was changed awhile back, I have just not had the time to transfer everything to the new server. While there is probably a way to access the archived posts from the old server, perhaps the best course would be to contact me directly or visit my website at www.TheTracksCompany.com. Based on my own experience and those of my customers, I am sure that a 6x6 set up as you describe will significantly improve your performance and allow you to do tasks that tires alone would not accomplish. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Christian