Winter hunting, fishing or simply delivering cargo across snowy fields require specialized equipment that can overcome where conventional transport is hopelessly stuck. It is for such conditions that motor tow trucks were created and continue to be created, among which a special place is occupied by the company. Cat L at Ural Base. This is not just a homemade craft, but a time-tested design that combines the reliability of a heavy motorcycle and the cross-country ability of a tracked motor.
Many owners of old motorcycles ural They are looking for a way to give their technique a second life, turning it into a useful tool for survival in harsh winter conditions. Conversion of a motorcycle to a snowmobile is a technically difficult process, but the result is worth it, because you get a powerful tractor with excellent repairability.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the design features, advantages of such a bundle and nuances that must be taken into account when assembling or buying a finished kit. You will learn why this model has become the de facto standard for many hunters and why. tracker paired with a boxed engine shows phenomenal results.
Conceptual features of the design of Cat L
The main idea of the project is to use a proven motorcycle power unit Irbit Motorcycle Factory as a tractor for a specialized tracked platform. The motorcycle engine, having a low center of gravity and high torque at low revs, is ideal for working in pairs with a snowmobile type variator.
The key element here is transmission, which should effectively transfer power from the crankshaft of the motorcycle to the leading star of the caterpillar. Unlike a regular motorcycle gearbox, a belt gear is used here, often protected by a casing from snow and dirt. This allows smoothing the engine jerks and ensures smoothness of the ride even on broken virgin land.
⚠️ Attention: When assembling a clutch assembly, it is critical to ensure that the shafts are properly centered. A distortion even a couple of millimeters will lead to rapid wear of the CVR belt and a possible break at the most inopportune moment.
The snowmobile frame is usually made of rectangular steel pipes, which gives the design the necessary rigidity and strength. The motorcycle is mounted on the platform in such a way that the front wheel is either raised above the ground or completely dismantled, giving way to the ski rack. The rear wheel of the motorcycle becomes the leading, transferring rotation through the chain gear to the shaft of the caterpillar.
Technical characteristics and capabilities
Considering technical Ligaments Ural-Kat L, it is impossible not to note the impressive traction indicators. The opposition engine with a volume of 650 cubic centimeters is capable of developing power sufficient to tow a sled weighing up to 300-400 kilograms, not counting the weight of the driver and passengers.
Cat caterpillar type has a width of 500 mm and length, varying depending on the modification (usually about 2800-3000 mm). This support area provides low specific pressure on snow, which allows the technique not to fall even into a deep puff. The variator provides a wide range of gear ratios, allowing you to confidently start from a place and reach speeds of 40-50 km / h on a rolled-up road.
An important aspect is fuel-efficiency. Despite the large volume of the engine, in the mode of towing at a moderate speed, fuel consumption remains within reasonable limits, which is critical for long-distance expeditions. The engine cooling system is air-powered, which in winter is an advantage, excluding the risk of defrosting the radiator, but requires control of the temperature regime during long-term operation at high speeds.
Advantages of using the Ural motorcycle as a base
Why? uralnot a more modern imported motorcycle or domestic Iz? The answer lies in a unique combination of characteristics. The engine of the boxing circuit has a low center of gravity, which increases the stability of the entire structure on turns and slopes.
Besides, repairability The Irbit motorcycle is legendary. Spare parts can be found in almost any village, and the design of the engine allows for complex repairs in the field with a minimum set of tools. This makes the Cat L bundle on the Urals base an ideal choice for remote areas.
Use engine oil with the viscosity recommended for winter use (e.g. 5W-40 or 0W-40) to facilitate cold start and ensure the knots are lubricated in the first seconds of operation.
Another advantage is the presence of generator increased power, which allows you to connect additional electrical equipment: winches, powerful headlights, navigators and chargers for gadgets. The regular electric system of the motorcycle with a margin withstands these loads.
Assembly process and key nodes
The assembly of a snowmobile requires care and adherence to technology. The first step is always to prepare the frame and install the engine. The motorcycle is attached to the frame at four points, while it is important to maintain the ability to access the service of the gearbox and engine.
The next step is to install the transmission. It uses a variator similar to snowmobile models (for example, from the borana or Lynxes). The steered pulley is mounted on the shaft of the track, and the lead connects to the motorcycle output shaft through the intermediate shaft or directly, depending on the layout.
☑️ Checklist assembly
Special attention should be paid to the management system. Levers of gas and clutch (if mechanical) are put on the steering wheel, or the regular handle of gas of the motorcycle is used. The braking system is also being finalized: a separate hydraulic brake is often installed on the shaft of the track for more effective braking of laden equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Never ignore quality checks on welded frame seams. Vibrations from the opposing engine and the impacts of the unevenness of the snow create a huge dynamic load on the metal.
Operation and maintenance
Exploitation snowmobile It requires certain rules to be followed. Before each departure, the tension of the caterpillar and the drive chain must be checked. Weak tension will lead to slippage and loss of traction, and excessive tension will lead to breakage and damage to the nodes.
Regular lubrication of the chassis is the key to a long life of the equipment. Bearings of the supporting rollers and the leading star work in an aggressive environment (snow, water, reagents), so the use of frost-resistant lubricants is mandatory. After each trip, it is recommended to wash the appliances to remove salt and dirt.
Engine. ural It also requires care. In winter, it is important to monitor the condition of spark plugs and the purity of the air filter. Carburetors can freeze at sharp temperature changes, so experienced users recommend installing a heated pallet of a carburetor or using special additives in fuel.
Secrets of a long life of a variator
To extend the life of the variator belt, avoid long-term work on boundary modes (full gas at full load on the rise). Try to keep the speeds in the maximum torque range, not maximum power.
Comparison with analogues and modifications
There are various modifications of snowmobiles on the market, but the Catl on the basis of the Urals occupies the niche of the "workhorse". Unlike light motor dogs with engines from chainsaws, this technique has a margin of strength and power. However, it is inferior in maneuverability to specialized snowmobiles of a sports type.
There are modifications with two tracks (two tracks), which significantly improves permeability and stability, but complicates the design and increases weight. There are also versions with an active trailer that turn the equipment into a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle.
| Parameter | Cat L (Ural 650) | Lightweight motobus (15 hp) | The Buran snowmobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 28-32 hp | 15 hp | 34 hp |
| Caterpillar width | 500 mm | 380 mm | 380 mm |
| Weight (without driver) | ~220 kg | ~130 kg | ~290 kg |
| Towing weight | 400 kg | 150 kg | 250 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum speed of the snowmobile Cat L on the basis of the Urals?
The maximum speed on a rolled-in road is about 45-50 km / h. In deep snow, the speed drops to 15-20 km / h, depending on the engine power and the condition of the caterpillar.
Do I need to register such a snowmobile in the Gostechnadzor?
Yes, self-propelled cars with an engine capacity of more than 4 kW (about 5.4 hp) are subject to mandatory registration. Since the engine of the Urals is much more powerful, obtaining numbers and rights category "A1" is necessary.
Can I use a regular motorcycle gearbox?
The standard gearbox is used for gear shifting during start and movement, but the main load falls on the variator. Often, the motorcycle box is used as a demultiplifier, including the first or second gear for start, and then adjust the speed with a variator.
Is it difficult to find spare parts for the tracked part?
Caterpillars and cliches for the model "Kat" are produced serially and are widely available in specialized stores and marketplaces. It is not a scarce commodity, unlike parts for some rare imported snowmobiles.
The Ural-based cat-little is the perfect balance between power, patency and maintainability for the harsh Russian winters.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the creation or purchase of such a snowmobile is an investment in mobility. The unique ability of the boxed engine of the Urals to maintain efficiency at rolls up to 30 degrees makes this snowmobile indispensable for movement on a complex terrain. Proper operation and timely maintenance will allow the equipment to serve for decades, becoming a reliable assistant in any winter conditions.