Explaining the Snow Rat Better

After reading some of these comments, I think I need to explain a little better about just what I'm trying to build here. Hopefully this will give you a little better idea about what the heck I'm talking about! HA!
Have a great day and enjoy!

[@tmccormick48]

Good morning young man. # 1 today. Have a great day

[@texlahomagirl9809]

🏅

[@MuskratOutdoors]

GOOD MORNING! WHOO HOO!!!

[@thecamocowboyoutdoors5693]

Good morning Gary, Great picture for your Snow Rat. Lol. My uncle had a Bombardier like that. Skis in winter and he would put tires on in the spring. I used to go with him spring beaver trapping in that thing. It was a lot of fun. Have a good day my friend

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Wow! I would love to ride in one! I bet it was a lot of fun!

[@msgtjim4692]

That picture of the "Snow Rat" was great. Those machines just look like a blast to scoot around on. They have multiple work functions, but having fun is the best one.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

They sure do. All I really need it to do is get up and down the mountain. Some of these guys are doing a lot more than I need it to do.

[@texlahomagirl9809]

That picture was hilarious. 😂 LOVE Iggy! He is a gem of a friend.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Me too! It's too bad we are a half a world apart. I think he would be fun to get together with. You and Guy too!

[@paulporter4684]

That tracker rat picture is very cool. Talented guy !

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Ain't it though! He did a great job on it!

[@SueTay.]

Good morning, I like how Igor thinks, thats how the snow rat should look like :)

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning! So do I! He's done other things like that and he's good at it!

[@IdahoHillbilly]

Them are some pretty cool Contraptions 👍

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Ain't they though? Those guys really make some amazing things!

[@KunesRGr8]

Good morning 🌞 Muskrat, I love the picture of the snow rat. That’s awesome, I hope you can find the differential that you’re looking for. I really was amazed that the little ranger truck did so well with a 6 horsepower engine. That’s pretty impressive ingenuity, blessings to you and your family and watch your topknots my friends 👍💪🙌🙏🌈✌️🐽🐷🐖

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good morning! It is surprising. It's all in the gearing. I wonder how well it does on a hill though?

[@NonTypicalRacing]

@@MuskratOutdoors you'll have to hold the right hand brake to get both tracks turning under load(hill), otherwise the the RH will only drive and now with heavy brake pressure along with the hill...it'll bogg engine into a kill. Probably tilt clockwise 1st if it's up on crust, it'll blow thru n drop. Want em both to drive. 👍🏻

[@impalaman4546]

Good morning friend can't wait until you get the snow rat done

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Me either! I gotta find those parts......

[@ImixSpb]

I also watched some videos about snow rats. The design is about the same. Once you find a suitable drive axle with disc brakes, things will go faster. In a way, it's easier for craftsmen in Russia than it is for you, because they have fewer problems finding the necessary units, especially from old Soviet vehicles. Thanks for sharing, have a great day!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good morning Igor! Thanks again for that great picture! It's pretty simple really, just hard to find the parts. They over complicated the newer cars and trucks. Have a great day too!

[@Oldminerdon]

I enjoyed the videos this morning. The picture that Igor drew is perfect for you Gary. You gotta put that on your rat when you get it finished. Good luck at the junkyard.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good! Thanks Don. Yeah, that picture is great! I gotta use it somehow on it!

[@johndavis2720]

Good morning! Igors snow rat pic is great! What a nice fella. Can really get the idea now. Wish i had parts for ya,i would drive em down there.thanks and have a great day!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning! He did a great job on that picture! Once this thing is done, I gotta paint it on there! Have a great day too.

[@IdahoHillbilly]

Good Morning 🌄

[@MuskratOutdoors]

GOOD MORNING!

[@eastcoastcabinfever]

Awesome 👏 love the rooster intro muskrat driving the rat awesome ha ha ha

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Ha! Thanks! I love that picture he did!

[@virginia7191]

That “rat” picture is so funny! I wasn’t expecting that! A lot of interesting vehicles in the video! I really hope you plan on having a cab on it!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

HA! Ain't that great?!! He did a great job on that picture! There is, those Russian guys make some really amazing things. Cab is a must. If nothing else, it gets you out of the wind.

[@JW-es5un]

OMG THAT THUMB NAIL IS HILARIOUS!!!! What a Snow Rat GOD BLESS from Central Indiana Farmland

[@MuskratOutdoors]

I thought so too! Igor is one heck of a talented guy!

[@stevemccoy8138]

Good Morning Muskrat, Very interesting video ,love it ! I like the tractor tire idea, you just need taller tires. There are lots over there in the farming country, Nyssa tractor in Oregon would probably have what you need. They are close to Ontario, Oregon. I really like the idea ,you could always make the fram wider if necessary. Basically you will be steering it like a bulldozer. 😊

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning! Me too! It would be for sure the easiest way to do it, and you could use it all year then too. I think if I can just get the parts, it will be a lot of fun! Those old Farm-all tires would be perfect. There might be some old worn out ones at the tire shop in town. I'll have to go ask them.

[@masstrapper7645]

Great picture. Need to get it made into a sticker for it after it’s built. Good luck on the hunt for parts. Enjoy the day 👍👍

[@MuskratOutdoors]

It sure is! I gotta have that on there!!! HA!

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

No bored here ! More excited than anything ! Love the tracked rat machine picture , reminds me of the rat rods back in the 70s ! Thanks for sharing !!!!! 🙏👍😊❤️

[@johncox7121]

Dang Muskrat that camera makes you look even more handsome...have a warm safe day #Snow Rat🐀

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Ha! Thanks!

[@patriotpreacher43]

I just realized that I nearly have one of these! Actually, a Grillo (like BCS) Italian made walking tractor. It has an 11 horse Honda motor and it is the smallest size that has a split differential for skid steering. In transport gear it goes 9MPH. Power take off. I have it with a rototiller but you can also reverse the handle bars and even put a snow blower on it. A number of other things, too. I just figured you could weld on a frame extension with an axel with wheels to then be able to use tracks. I think I am actually closer than you are at this point without even trying!😂 Of course, I won't be but maybe this will give you another angle to consider. Have a good one!

[@FreeSpeechZoneUSA]

Good morning all!! 🌄 -3 in North Central Nebraska this morning. Love the info and love the picture Igor sent to you!! I think you need the cab on it

[@MuskratOutdoors]

It's cold here today too. -1F right now, but as the sun was coming up, we had -14F. UGG!

[@billiep4338]

Good morning 👋🏻 Those things look like fun. Have a great day ❤🙏🏻❤️

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning! They sure do.

[@homegrowncountryhomeplace]

Thanks for sharing the videos. That is interesting and like you said, pretty simple with the right parts. I think the drum brakes will work fine as long as they are kept adjusted. Disc brakes would be simpler to maintain and replace and better braking with less pressure. Lol, put a little oil on the brake shoe and they will catch for sure! Years of working on vehicles, anytime you get a little oil on drum brakes, they will lock up on you with a little pressure. Have a Blessed Day Gary! Justin

[@MuskratOutdoors]

I think drums should work. For a lot of years that's all there was really. Discs would be better I think, but if I can't get 'em, second best will have to do.

[@jackkeeble9272]

That is very interesting. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jimelifritz8700]

Good Morning 🌄! Good Luck getting it together. I'm sure you will.Have a great day

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning! I'll get it done, but it might take longer than I had hoped.....I would like to get it by the middle of May at the latest. There will still be enough snow here to try it out up high. Not sure I'll be able to though.

[@victorriceroni8455]

There is an ancient swather at my house. It has a very interesting "differential" steering system. you pull back on a stick and it turns, then you pull back farther and the stopped tire counter rotates. just like a modern skidder, but it is entirely mechanical.

[@amyeteel5379]

Very cool graphic of the snow rat Muskrat, interesting watching you engineer this project. More power to ya, and everything you need to make it happen. Not bored at all. 😊

[@billc3405]

Best way for me to describe what you're trying to do. Is like on the old tractors brake that work independently on there own peddle.

[@reginaldwinsor2759]

Good morning Gary Some interesting rigs there. They used to use bambadiers in the north to haul freight, passengers & mail. I've seen a few that weren't operational but could be with a bit of TLC. I've got an argo with tracks which I use mainly to haul moose out of the country. It is amphibious as well. Great thing in deep snow & over wet boggy terrain. The cartoon is pretty funny. Thanks & have a nice day.

[@travisboling735]

I'm sitting under a juniper tree waiting on a javelina to come in, I was watching your video I have a headset with nothing can hear it but me I looked up in the tree twice some kind of weird bird that we don't have here in Arizona did that twice until I realized it was your bird on the video laugh out loud

[@MuskratOutdoors]

HA! THAT'S FUNNY! Good luck on the Javelina! I always wanted to try hunting them.

[@Johnathan-ib3qh]

Morning!😊 great explanation video. Good luck 👍

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffreydevillez7433]

Just might build me one now!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

You should! It's really not that hard except for finding the parts.

[@ronwatson4902]

I like it! I guess that's the same as what people call tractor brakes.? Thanks Gary.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Pretty much. Most tractors have separated brakes like that with two pedals.

[@mauricenations7511]

The way most tractors work is u can lock either side of the wheels and the other side turns to steer. U could use a old tractor or a zero turn mower would work.

[@glenwise2631]

Cool vehicles! If those were set up with a heater and lights, you'd never get me off of the dang thing.

[@PerrySmith-y8f]

Definitely want it set up like a bombardier or a tank w two or three smaller tires n the middle so u can get over things and it'll ride smoothly .

[@MuskratOutdoors]

I'm planning on 3 tires on each side covered in tracks. Mostly I just need to get up and down the mountain, but it would be nice to be able to do more.

[@DennyOrton]

Very interesting. Carry on.See ya tomorrow.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Thank you! See ya!

[@texlahomagirl9809]

BTW, I would love to have a snow rat, but we never get any snow. ❄️

[@MuskratOutdoors]

HA! True! Yours would be a Cactus Rat!

[@texlahomagirl9809]

@@MuskratOutdoors 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paulsisco7595]

Appreciate it pretty neat stuff ,not as complicated as one would think.

[@j.c.curnes]

Mornin' !

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning!

[@GarrettGalloway-c8h]

Thanx 4 the video Mr muskrat ❤God bless my friend

[@MuskratOutdoors]

thank you and you too!

[@charlesdowning6147]

Good morning from central Ohio no snow here yet

[@MuskratOutdoors]

GOOD MORNING! I guess we got your snow. You are welcome to come get some of it!

[@MaryGarner-sk5uz]

Hello my friend not been doing well for long time just wonted to let you know still watching every day still here. Big Thumbs up always tell your wonderful wife Hello 😃

[@darreldwalton8763]

HEY!!! I see Morelli's out with a fresh vid today! Yippee!

[@Skidderoperator]

I like the ski setup. Get you mobile sooner.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

It would. I think it would limit you more where you could go though.

[@wildwes.]

HOW YOU DOING OLBOY❤

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Not too bad, how 'bout you???

[@wildwes.]

@MuskratOutdoors BEING GREAT .MY FRIEND 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@NonTypicalRacing]

Igor is what we named my Tinger (snow dog). We imported 2 from Russia(the big jump was from Romania into Utah), engineless, Igor and Victor(Veek). Yup, seen a few of those, over the 7 or 8 yrs I've thought about building 1. Absolutely a limited slip will be my choice, very very, VERY easy for a disc brake to hold 1 side COMPLETELY still and spin opposite. Now if you wanna see some ingenuity, watch the mini Ripsaw build and study that steer clutch in the diff engineered by Howe. Hell I think even a 4 coil posi would work. How does a ltd slip "send the power the wrong direction"? That.....I need an answer on, lol. Who told you that? The diagram video is 100% irrelevant remember. Gary, its the SAME only slips very limitedly. Lol, aw that's funny. Niw I "gotta" build it with a ltd slip, of course I want it to self correct anyways. Only thing fella in the POSI vid had right in relevance to tank drive or skid steering is the acronym he called it, probably had a lil too much of it...LSD, 😆 😂. My only question is tracks. Use motorcyle legs horizontally for the ultimate tensioner with stroke range if you put suspension in it, like Im doing. But....A LIMITED SLIP, WHICH BARELY DOES ANYTHING, WILL NOT ONLY WORK, BUT BE THE PREFERRED METHOD. (otherwise it'll pull to the left). I've ran this by a 61yo differential builder, builds everything from 7sec 1/4 mile diffs to just old pick up diffs, show car muscle car diffs, circle track diffs...he knows diffs....it'll work. Ever see the screw drive 1? Lol, show "that" thing...its crazy. Get a ltd slip Gary, dont go in circles, dont get drums unless youre gonna start a workout regiment and keep a flat blade screwdriver on ya for constant, constant adjustment. Could be dangerous so make a nice leather scarab for it.

[@Oldminerdon]

You nailed it man!

[@NonTypicalRacing]

@Oldminerdon 🫡

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Because of the video length, I cut a lot out of the limited slip diff video. It explains a lot better how they work if you watch it alone. Because of the clutch packs inside, it tightens the side with the most grab sending power to that wheel. If you brake that wheel, the clutch packs will grab that wheel more than the loose side. You will be fighting the brake every time you put it on. I would rather have discs over the drums, they would work better. Screw drive looks like it worked pretty well and there was a modern version of a military truck I saw not too long ago. I think it was a Russian video too, but I'm not positive. It's not a new idea. Look up Forson Snow Tractor.

[@NonTypicalRacing]

@MuskratOutdoors that is just not how that works, that is explaining "s" track (not "s" spring) a proprietory Toyota drive system, there's nothing that's going to force all of the FORCE to your inside wheel....plain n simple, just merely keep a LITTLE MINISCULE pressure on it, could almost be overcome by hand on hub. Look at the comments from years ago in "kartbuilds" channel. They have built em and they fail with open diffs or 1 way wheel wonders, 1 eherl peels. They spin in circles when they're all done, need absolute constant steering to go straight and fail on hills....even with dbl the power. Even with TWO transmissions to really, really reduce gearing...all because only 1 side is spinning. But! That part....where someone or some irrelevant instructional video is saying that it'll send all the force to the non-spinning or inside wheel....no....no. Not in this application. This is independently doused with a brake, that FAR overcomes spinning inline symmetrical drive that the ltd slip will give that it was initially engineered for. Here's what you do Gary, grab a box of 🍩 doughnuts and head for the area's most renowned differential rebuilder, show him your vids, sketches, and concerns. Your epiphany awaits...."trust" that man.

[@tt600pch]

Datsun drum brakes worked...kind of. When the aluminum wheel cylinders weren't frozen by corrosion, constant adjustments were required. Loved the Datsun pickups back in the day but the brakes really sucked. I wonder if a junked out zero turn mower could be found for the under carriage.

[@MuskratOutdoors]

That's good to know...the brakes are really one of the most important parts to this. There are two small, older trucks there, one is a Datsun, I'm not sure what the other one was. Those mowers, I don't know anything about. They might work if they were heavy duty enough?

[@ralphl8055]

🤔😱 complicated 🤣😂👍🇺🇸

[@John-k2x6h]

Ever think about running just a hydraulic set up?

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Yes, but they are a LOT more money.

[@busman1630]

What you are thinking of building, the Snow Rat.. .. doesn't ARGO build a 6 or 8 wheel version, and you put tracks on them, similar to what you want to do? . What do they use for drivetrain(s) and brakes, power etc ??

[@numbskullskills]

75ish Ford Granada's have rear disk brakes to

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Do they have a solid axle or independent suspension? That might work if it's a solid axle.

[@numbskullskills]

@@MuskratOutdoors thr both solid an didnt you say that was a ford trans

[@darreldwalton8763]

Hmmmm...... Not tryin' ta influence a none, but I'm a thinkin' that if I was gonna put one together, I'd serious consider a selectable locker. You keep yer open diff, but if things git "western" you open an air valve, and it locks or puts equal power to both wheels. Vent the air, and its an open diff again. Real popular fer Dana type axles and Ford, and Chev axles. Pipe dreamin' again. Them things is spendy!. They make 'em fer Toyota axles, dont know bout Datsun/Nissan stuff. Take er easy!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

I would rather have that in the pickup really. Lockers aren't cheap either. Watching these videos, if it gets stuck, they brake one side then the other back and forth and sort of wiggle out. I figure a winch too!

[@glennpoorman5937]

Good morning

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning!

[@leonardryan8723]

Gary your going to need more power drive in snow ❄️. Underless you run it on wet snow ❄️ take 1/2 the power to dry snow ❄️ Gary. I run Bombardier nick name the J-5 with 6 cycle motor. I been everywhere over the mtns in Newfoundland pick up 🆙 moose with it . If you can walk there the J-5 will go there if you got nerve to stay in the driving seat 💺. Alright for me I knew from a kid drive the Bombardier track machine. Own thing there stop 🛑 make them in Canada 🇨🇦 and the parts to . 😢

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Maybe. These guys seem to have those little engines doing the job though? I am a little worried about that small of an engine, but there's a lot of them using it. Checking traps, you go over the same trail no more than every 3 days apart. That should pack down a pretty good trail.

[@numbskullskills]

I was thinkin you were makin a bigger version of what you had. Yep you need a open diff. Ill shut up now

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Ha! No, please don't! I'm figuring on 3 wheels on each side covered with tracks about 8 feet long. It should be a lot more comfortable and warmer than the snow dog.

[@numbskullskills]

@MuskratOutdoors I get now, I'm a little slow lol. Iv thought of making the same thing. Don't know if you can find one but a Ford explorer in the 90s has disk brakes not sure if there an open diff or not

[@perryanderson9127]

Good morning

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning!

[@Vester661]

Good morning

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Good Morning!