What a Snowdog Can and Can't Do-Martin's Old Off Grid Log Cabin

I show my successes and failures in using a Snowdog at my Minnesota Cabin

[@randyscott8660]

Get yourself an older 250 Skidoo they were called Olympic..They had a single cylinder Bombadier engine..We use to pull 10 square bales on a old car hood with 2 people on it with no problem..It would go no matter the depth or condition of the snow..Best snow machine I ever owned..

[@frederickmoller]

Yeah, I owned a '77 Ski Doo Elan SS twin 24 hp that went almost anywhere, it's downfall was it's tiny and thirsty fuel tank.

[@gman77gas]

I have a old Polaris 500 fan and will tank through anything here in northern Wisconsin! 10 gal gas tank. Super reliable.... That snow dog needs to be taken out back and shot.

[@whiskeyharbour8850]

Yes, we used an old 1966 GMC pickup hood to tow behind the skidoo, it hauled people, cord wood and just about anything you put on it through the bush….

[@carmichaelmoritz8662]

or just put a 144 or more with a 2 inch lug on that machine and then see a so called miracle

[@randyscott8660]

@@carmichaelmoritz8662 But it has no ability to stay on top the snow like skis or a tub and the track doesn't spin fast enough..I doubt a different track would make much of a difference..

[@brianspencer4220]

I really appreciate the other side of the story, Stay safe & thanks Brian 81

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Great machine but buyer beware.

[@mikepatton9537]

I sure admire your ingenuity at being able to fashion a solution to a problem out of assorted parts and other items. You are a very clever man and I enjoy your videos very much! Thanks for posting!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

This one got to be a challenge and got heavy but it does a good job with the proper conditions.

[@46tatty]

Oh my that's alot of snow...beautiful but alot....I bet you could make a perfect snow Angel in that snow.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Snow angles in that much snow could be hard to pull off as you can't get back up without destroying it all.

[@theyangview1898]

Double Header from the Cabin ??? Man, I wasn’t expecting TWO videos within 24hrs!!!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They were both pretty specialized so I splurged with my inventory.

[@jerryenochson4409]

Nice video, Martin. That was impressive watching you tackle that deep snow. As a young man I used to shovel the walks for four neighbors to earn money. I'm now a slightly older young man (a year older than you)...but shoveling ONE walkway is PLENTY for me. (Smiles).Earlier this winter, a local weatherman said we'd have flurries on the weekend. We woke up to 21 INCHES! You and Jim can be commended for what you do up there. That is some undertaking. Well done.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Very cool!

[@jerryenochson4409]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 What is good is that you have done something what other folks haven't done...and that is TWO videos in ONE day. That has to account for your large following and you deserve a lot of respect for that and your replies. Thanks.

[@nikburton9264]

Good instructional video video Martin. Thanks!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Trying to keep some from buying what they should stay away from.

[@kevintulak9987]

This is a dog you have to shovel before rather than after, so at least there are no surprise things to step in. I bet the deer love the paths it makes so they can get around in that snow. Thanks for sharing

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Very true, the deer start using the trails the first night. A bonus is the brush nibbling they do to keep the trails browsed back.

[@JB-dz1zc]

2 in a day! You're doing a great job keeping me entertained! The dog is actually getting the job you wanted it for, isn't it?! 😉

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It will carry the mail when conditions are right for it. I had dreams that it would groom trails in deep snow snow but that is not going to happen.

[@genefulghum7549]

Martin you need a snowmobile to get around on.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I am taking notes on the models that would work in the deep soft snow.

[@joat_mon]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 Deep soft snow? Look for a longer track. Had a 1976 Ski Doo Tnt 340. Long track, Aluminum frame, and slides not bogies. Not saying that's what to buy, but the design concept of very small ground pressure is key. The lighter it is the easier it will be to get unstuck... everything will eventually.

[@mattclark5480]

Looks like a handy machine. Thanks for the video Martin 👍

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It sure is

[@beaandmaddy6623]

As always, enjoyed your video. Lottttt of snow. 🤣

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Welcome in the coming fire season.

[@esbroj01]

This is the first real review I’ve seen on one of these. Makes me uneasy about buying one. I’d really like a snow machine that handles deep snow out of the box, not sure what to get.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They are great for transporting on a hitch carrier or inside an SUV. Also great for icefishing but once you get into any uneven ground you better have strong shoulders. It has served me well as a work horse but not for everyone.

[@guysview]

When I a little kid living in MN almost all winters had snow this deep. The snow in most parts of MN are now very little compared to this. Winters have become mild.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

We sure had the good old days this year.

[@robertsimard735]

Good to see the Dawg at work. Nothing like a hard packed trail.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

You know that all so well, looking forward to next year so I can learn more of how to get around with the Dawg.

[@3rubberboats]

Install chains or cleats on the dog's drive belt and mount a plow blade on it? Or buy a cheap backhoe with a front loader? Or just take the rest of the day off and enjoy some of your wife's famous cheery pies inside the warm cabin. Just some thoughts to ponder. Your doing great Mr. Martin. Have a wonderful day.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I think I will just go for the pie and coffee.

[@privatepilot4064]

That snowdog is great for dragging those logs. You almost need a snowblower with a track behind it for that snow.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I knew we were way too deep for the Dawg to excel but thought I could answer a lot of questions with a little demonstration of what it can and can't do.

[@tomdale1313]

great on to the cabin built...txs for sharing

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michelhoule1]

Fantastic explanation if you ask me ! i really want one for my snowshoe trails ! thanks for the advices !

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-outfitter-gen-4-30mp-black-ir-trail-camera-combo

[@5-minute-witness356]

I was just dying to ski down your nice neat path. Wow! Having grown up in California I had no idea how much work snow is.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Like so many things, more is not always better.

[@3Bluetick]

Great video Martin! I believe I will still buy a snowdog soon but I will get the longer model and pack my trails down before the snow gets too deep. Here in Northern WI we generally get thaws that crust up the snow a lot. This makes it fairly easy to snow shoe and I believe a snow dog would stay on top. I have heard great things about them from guys who have them. They seem to excel at ice fishing.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

The 20 inches of snow this year worked well with the snowdog. If the trail was clear of down trees I was able to go right through with no prep work ahead of time. If it got tough I just stepped off the sled for a few steps.

[@geraldnichols1853]

This looked like me last weekend up north trying to trudge through that snow to the cabin. Seems like that whole northern Minn northern Wisconsin corridor had a healthy shot of snow all winter. I am in the Lake Superior snowbelt but one local claims we had 180 inches this year. Good news is I just talked to the fella at the local sawmill and got the loft floor lumber ordered and when the snow is gone I can resume the process. Looking forward to some relaxation time at the cabin!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Good times ahead for Gerald!!

[@rainyriverjoe4609]

Another entertaining video. Thank you. I see a couple guys already beat me to it, so I'll add to their sentiment. You could get yourself a nice early 2000s Tundra R for a couple thousand and go anywhere and do anything the Snowdog can. Or I could swing over with my 2021 tundra and pack some trails for ya. I'll only charge you a world famous cherry pie. 😃

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Sounds like a good trade, call first and I may have you stop by Alice's and bring me out a pancake to go. I have gotten a lot of good input on what models of snowmobile would work for me, I just need to find a cheap one that would not let me down out in a bog.

[@jamessandman3708]

announce those world famous cherry pies for free and we could have an old fashioned stampede that would look like concrete! Then all you would need is a skateboard dog! 😂

[@leocthier8922]

WOW! That snow is so deep, you have to wear 2 hats!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

tough days

[@JanetWilham]

make you some ice cream with that snow and have it with your world famous cherry pie..lol

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

You noticed the texture, we could have make a lot of icecream.

[@tonirad9577]

I am sorry it is not just plowing right thru like a tank . But that was some pretty deep stuff . We are still waiting for spring here in Northern Michigan . You Will figure it out I have no doubt .

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

No fault of the Snowdog as those in the northern regions know it takes a lot of track to make it through those really tough snow situations. I just felt a fair review should be out there for those thinking about a machine that will do what they need done.

[@jan6293]

Martin, You are so clever at tackling a problem! Thanks for the demo!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Martin's way but it did work and allowed for a much easier use of the Snowdog.

[@badcompany3057]

I get what you're saying, but I can't help thinking having a legit snowblower up there would make things a lot easier. Good vid.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Great point but once away from the yard I doubt it would handle the rough country.

[@joelyazell7380]

No depth of snow has ever stopped me from shoveling. I don’t wait for it to stop before I start,and I keep shoveling so it doesn’t build up. So if you’re getting a good amount of snow,start driving you’re snow dog and sled around enough to keep it backed down. A few hundred pounds of prevention,ahead of a stand still.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Well said! My problem is I come up from ILL and the snow gets there first.

[@frederickmoller]

Thanks Martin....Good to know, at least you are honest, unlike those You tubers that you mentioned, and probably the Snowdog deallers too!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

A great machine but does have its limitations.

[@Zekerose]

Just came across your video today. Being from Minnesota I had to subscribe. I also saw a video where they had the sled in front of the machine. Look up Taiga Dog extended model.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks but I have seen that and wonder.

[@denaredford6701]

Honest video .🥶

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That was the idea, not a machine for the elderly in rough country.

[@davidferguson9213]

Thank you!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

No worries!

[@gerardhiggins1]

Martin I've never seen, or used, a Snow Dog except in your videos. What are the advantages, or disadvantages, of the Snow Dog compared to a snow mobile? Thanks for a second trip today.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Good question! $3500 for starters, 300 pounds makes it easier to dig out by yourself and only 24 inches wide means it can sneak through the woods easily. Big disadvantage is the handling in rough country, it is very hard to keep going straight in knobby terrain. Every lean on a hummock and it heads off to the side.

[@johngrober6244]

Thx Martin🤝🤝👋👋👍👍

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

A good machine but not for all conditions.

[@jake2213b]

People who have never been in snow that deep will never know what it is like. You have to dig out before you can move. Our county didn’t have anything that could plow the road with that much snow and the state had to find a snow blower and have it brought in to open up the roads.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I know that many have never been in those conditions and think the Snowdog is at fault.

[@Valorius]

Down here on my Kentucky homestead (videos on my channel if interested) it's getting green and beautiful. Everything is either in bloom, or about to be.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yeah, rub it in!! In northern IL we just got 5 inches of wet snow, but should be gone by this afternoon.

[@Valorius]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 The snow dog will be sad!

[@ernestkooistra1559]

Interesting. Thanks.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

You're welcome

[@finpainter1]

She will climb right out of there if you wait till June,

[@theyangview1898]

Hahahhaha

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That is why I have not gone with a big tracked snowmobile that would weigh over twice as much. My Hok skis look better all the time.

[@finpainter1]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 The new machines have to much power there road machines. I had an old skidoo Olimpic was 15 horse one lunger.went all over in deep snow.

[@xmozzazx]

Nothing like having to break trail for a utility snow machine, without a load. I know though this is not what a person would do, they would regularly pack a trail and stay on it, which would function better for anything with less than 1000hp and 28 feet of track. There are few machines that can navigate those snow conditions without getting stuck and needing a trail break.

[@xmozzazx]

I should add that, reverse would certainly have helped out. It would certainly have backed out and made headway in the sugar with far less effort from the operator.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

For sure. And yes, with continual trail maintenance the Snowdog excels at groomimg trails.

[@my2cents945]

every machine has limitations. You avoid frustration by learning those limitations and staying with in them. Any machine short of a snow-cat would have problems with 3 foot deep soft snow. The big problem I see with the dog is the flat front. A wedged front would push snow off the the side instead of pushing up a mound in front of you.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

If you look closely you will see the track in pumping snow out in front of the machine. I now know that when that starts to happen it is time to stomp a path in front to get going again.

[@xxlxpman]

Evidently you've never ridden an off trail snowmobile.

[@independentprepper1]

We had a light snow this year.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

We must have gotten yours on top of our regular amount.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Very interesting

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Trying to get the rest of the story out there for people thinking about getting that type of machine.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 sounds good- I would have thought those machines would be unstoppable

[@arthurfiorillo8591]

Martin, the dog will give you a heart attack. Get a snowmobile!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Once we get the log hauling finished for the new cabin I will start the search for a deep snow machine.

[@randyscott8660]

Oh i forgot to add i had it almost vertical in deep snow and it still kept going.. It was amazing in deep snow..

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Nice to know

[@jeanadamsick9854]

SO MANY OPINIONS?? WITH ALL THAT SNOW FALL & AS YOU SAID, IT ISH'T OFTEN THAT MUCH SNOW FALL. SO ???? COOL STUFF!! Do take care. Fl.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

So many snow types and so many different snowmobiles too. It would take a select few to go in that snow we had.

[@Atvsrawsome]

They are made for ice fishing and flat land work. I built two of them they kick butt on the ice. But a small hill and a foot of snow will stop them.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have gotten better at getting more out of them. I think knowing what it is going to do with every change in terrain makes it easier to keep on the right track. 20 inches of snow at the cabin this year and I could use it on an untracked trail if I kept the speed up. Hauled some 1000 pound logs with it on hard paced frozen trails.

[@Atvsrawsome]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 I have two that I built and I LOVE them both one was built from scratch and the other is half an old sled. They can be a trick to drive at first no doubt. After you figure them out though they are pretty sweet.

[@dogmom6010]

Hi been watching both of us getting older and little slower. All machines that you could handle will suck in that snow. 4x4 100hp tractor with snow thrower might work. Any trail left ungroomed will be a problem. Have you considered asking bigft to help you out I bet he'd love those pies. Good luck

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That is Plan D as I do not know if he would play by the rules.

[@pauloehmen1665]

I don’t think people realize how much snow we had this season and how fluffy it was .a mountain sled with paddle tracks would be plowing

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Hard to show them what that snow was like.

[@pauloehmen1665]

Seen the first fawns this morning on our way crappie fishing milacs Minnesota

[@raspberryjellydoughnut5727]

New subscriber here

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Welcome!!

[@kao1969]

If that hitch system isn't Red Green material, I don't know what is!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Red Green all the way. All parts off of farm equipment that worked but added too many pounds. It does do a super job in setting a ski track once a track is packed a little.

[@margitaeglendzija8669]

😊👍

[@canajian]

👋😎👍

[@richardbowman2794]

Snowmobile Outriggers makes the dog more useful in deep snow.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

This sugar snow was not going to work no matter what I tried.

[@xxlxpman]

Yeah that's what I want a snowmobile I have to break trail for...

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

This year the snow was not as hard to go through and I could go down a trail with 20 inches of untracked snow. Since we like to hike the woods a lot and use the same miles each day it is worth it to get them packed with the Snowdog. Now I know the trail type it can handle and ones to stay off of. Hauled some 1000 pounds logs once the trails were packed and frozen.

[@gregboyer3585]

We believe you

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

A great machine in the right environment and conditions.

[@ar1701]

Longgggg time ago mid 70'S or so had 2 Bolen's diablo rouges same idea as for Snowdog, to 12 inch tracks and a 20 horse 2 cycle, it to wasnt a deep snow machine even with aluminum cleats 3/4 " high, it could get out of any hole it dug if you took sled off leaned on handle bar and hit gas it would stay on top IF you hit gas watched ....it pull away ....but put even empty sled on it another hole, once like you say get a trail down it had impressive pulling power. they were also dangerous with those big, cleated tracks!!! I had a hard packed trail going down a hill not icy just packed was moving 10 MPH ? squeezed the brake and the machine started sliding sideways down hill the weight of the sled is what did it I think ? machine flipped over ..... tracks still spinning .... me on my ... back side sliding toward tracks, all ended well. they were impossible to steer in even a little snow IF the snow had a crust on it you broke thru, especially in spring, and most terrifying lol if you did hit deep snow like across a field going fast, ...... it would start porpoise Ing violently!!! other than that they were ok lol

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I think we can agree there is a reason the Diablo went out of favor. Ice fishing has become so popular now that the style has a good use. Snowdog does have a wrist strap that when worn will shut the engine down if it gets away from you.

[@harrymills2770]

What's the solution? I think those guys you see horsing theirs in deep snow have something with a smaller engine. snow dog seems heavy for what it's meant to do and the size of its footprint. Maybe there's a niche for something more refined, but the small-engine mechanized idea is still a good one, and they're still sort of figuring it out. Most guys my age think of it as a tool, but the idea came from more of a recreational direction, making it a little less practical than it might be. I'm judging from afar, but it just seems like it ought to have a bigger footprint for its weight. Maybe size the engine down to 80 or 100 ccs, which would still pull plenty, and the average guy could actually pick up if it bogged down.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It does have its design flaws. Mine is short on purpose to fit in my SUV. The engine sits so high that it causes balance problems in the rough stuff. Mine is 13 hp and now the short version only comes in 10hp. They started with a seven but my dealer said it could only handle flat lake travel.

[@guygirard5173]

You have to let free the snowdog to control them the sleigh have to be free …that’s it 😊

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Sugar snow that time seemed to be the boss

[@marshalldarcy7423]

I could be wrong but I think something like what trains use that attaches to the front of the snowdog to force the snow under the pads using the weight of the snowdog might work though I do not see anything like that on the internet.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Just not enough weight to the Snowdog for a plow to work in that much snow.

[@marshalldarcy7423]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 I am not thinking plow. Just something in the front that would help to feed the snow into the pads underneath the Snowdog. It is only an idea and it might not work.

[@locksbog4270]

👍😃✌️🇺🇸

[@jerrytravis2850]

Just an idea. Mount a Snow Blower on the front of the Snow Dog.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Now that would be a sight.

[@marianfrances4959]

👍🇨🇦🌲🔥

[@darellsunderlin4670]

I think attaching to the middle of the dog is probably the same reason they run towbars to the middle of those tractor pull tractors and trucks. It would put your pull wight evenly down on the dog front to rear . Just sayin !

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

There are a lot of tweaks others have done to gain more control of the Snowdogs.

[@dennisdaniels2387]

If you have Candle wax on those Oak planks will help it slip on that Powder snow

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Now that it has cleaned itself up I plan to apply something to the whole rig.

[@dogmom6010]

No biggie man just playing with your doggie. What you need is a series of zip lines to your cabin. You have kept modernization from your lifestyle or you'd have serious snowmobile capabile of going thru any snow. You have to draw the line having a sled that cost more than your cabin doesn't add up. Always enjoy your messages and the cabin critters thanks

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

The Snowdog was a concession for our older years but has not proved to be the best answer in our rough country. I had hoped the narrow stature "24 inches" would allow for grooming our narrow ski tracks. I do not think that is going to be feasible so we might look for a long and wide tracked snowmobile but it will only fit down our main trail so may not be worth the effort.

[@macgyver2417]

Lol if that was mine it would sit till spring. Lol

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That is why I did not head out into the swamps with it.

[@livelife4471]

The snowdog is no husky. You need to get yourself a team of huskies to pull a tobacon.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Now that sounds like a whole new hobby.

[@coldspring624]

Old Bravo 250

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I will add it to the list.

[@anthonynixon3220]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@danielleeson8246]

love your videos but this useless Snow Dog that someone invented is a joke why do you not have a snowmobile that will give you less labour

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

There are special models of snowmobile that would work but I have never found one yet

[@stevekunde123]

You have to be willing to carry some speed. You seem to be a little tentative

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I agree and speed being helpful but dangerous in tight quarters. I was breaking trails last month in 20 inches of snow and could get through most spots but if the trail is not flat it is too easy to end up off the trail in the trees or worse yet planted against said tree.

[@kenoberholzer9458]

I have had a snowdog for over 5 years and your lack of ability to keep it going in deep snow is strictly due to you. I have 0 issues getting mine to go through snow as deep if not deeper than that. There are no tricks or trick photography to the other videos. They are as real as real can be.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Ken, the snow type in the north last winter caused a lot of trouble for a lot of snowmobiles too. This winter with 20 inches of normal snow I had no trouble making a trail with out any stomping of the trail. I got a lot of feed back last year and most agreed that only a few select machines could handle it.

[@markwesolowski9384]

I'll bet you regretted making this clip.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

No, not at all. Some truths just need to be clearly aired.

[@thomcarroll5845]

Why can’t he go fed and then back a king snow down hence common sense

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I tried everything but that snow was just too loose.

[@KMaC-wt9lr]

FYI... Snowdogs are made in Russia

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yeah, have to see what they come up with on that one. Briggs engines and a lot of common parts will make it easier as time goes on.

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Not anymore !!

[@paysontom1]

Glad I didn't invest in buying one of these.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I try to make the point that they are a great machine on the lakes and if you can keep up with the trail grooming. Rough country and really deep snow and you are going to wear yourself out trying to horse it around. When things are right it is a sweet ride.

[@paysontom1]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 My cabin is at 9000 feet with heavy snows in the winter. I was also "impressed" byt he ads. Glad I watched you report because it would not work for me.