Getting a snowcat ready for winter

[mungo45]

I just bought a DMC 1450 super imp and I want to get it ready for winter. What parts should I take a look at to make sure it's ready to go for the winter. I know there are issues that will arise no matter what I do, but I just want to know what kind of maintenance needs to be done before I start using it for the winter.

For example, what should I look for on the tracks? What should I examine on the engine? Are there fluids that need to be changed other then the oil? Where can I get the tires filled with foam? And anything else that I might need to fix or check out this fall.

thanks again.

jeff

 

[Melensdad]

Foam filling tires is not something that most tire places do. Foam fill is fairly common in forklifts, and occasionally found in agricultural tractors. Your best bet for foam fill is to contact all the tire services in your area, especially the type that service industrial and/or agricultural customers. As a lot of places do not offer the service, ask for referrals if you get a place that doesn't do it.

As for the tracks, make sure the rubber belting is not cracked badly, cracks are the start of future tears. Make sure all the metal parts (inside and outside) of the tracks are secure and not tearing the belting. Anything loose will cause an eventual problem.

While the weather is nice, run the engine for a while and listen for odd noises, run the snowcat (in a straight line) forward and back a few times to listen for things. It helps to have someone outside the cab walking along side the snowcat to listen.

Fluids. My general rule with any vehicle is change all of them if it is not coming new from a dealer. Others may disagree.

 

[bczoom]

Jeff,

Welcome to the forum.

I don't have a snowcat so can't help much.

All I can say/add is add gas. They go farther if you have some.

Actually, it's a good habit to keep the fuel tank full (re-fill after each riding day) to assure you don't get condensation buildup in the tank which can/will occur if you leave air in the tank. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer as well.

Check/charge the battery. Consider replacing (or at least getting a spare) if it's over 5 years old.

 

[mtncrawler]

Change all the fluids, grease all the zerks, fix whats broken. Repeat as necessary. And always carry a scoop shovel and snowshoes.

 

[Vance]

On the subject of batteries:

What are you using for your cats? Especially those that leave yours out in the weather with no block/battery heater. What works for the cold best?

I have been running the Optima(red top) for many years in both my Jeeps and most of my personal vehicles. It's soooooo nice not to have to deal with acid and the cleaning of terminals.

I was thinking of a red or yellow top Optima and then getting one of those portable "jump start" boxes for backup.

What works for you?? Are there other cold-friendly batteries I should consider?

Vance

 

[Melensdad]

I use am INTERSTATE brand knock off of an Optima.

I also tend to keep my machines connected to a battery tender because sometimes they sit for longer than I intend for them to sit and other times they get used frequently. The battery tenders keep them topped off. I also noticed that there is a new waterproof battery tender available for machines that are parked outside.

 

[mtntopper]

Change all the fluids, grease all the zerks, fix whats broken. Repeat as necessary. And always carry a scoop shovel and snowshoes.

And survival supplies. Re read this topic for survival and supplies to carry from the past:
http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?t=1798&highlight=snow+survival

And I am sure something will jump up and bite you in the butt anyway, but you will be better prepared than many if you follow basic common sense guide lines.

 

[Ice Queen]

I WANT SOME SNOW then I have an excuse to get the snowtrac out and on the road. I leave one battery lead off the snowtrac so that it does not run down. Both the Jeep and the Foden have battery isolators, so no problem. The Norsebox has a battery lead off and Lady Rose, the Scammell does not seem to have any problems in that department. Bob what is a battery minder, I have never heard of one of those?

 

[Melensdad]

A battery minder is a small device that plugs into your AC current and connects up to your car/boat/snowcat battery to keep it fully charged. They are sold here in the US under several brand names. Some simply act as 'trickle chargers' and others are fairly sophisticated battery monitors that monitor, charge and desulphate as needed. Many have quick connect connectors so you can permanantly attach them to a your battery and leave the main unit plugged into the AC current. When you are done with your toy, you just reconnect the quick connects. I use them on my emergency generator, my Snow Trac, and my convertibles.

Here is what the Sears Die Hard Charger/Maintainer advertisement says:

Charge your battery from inside the vehicle! Fully Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer with Float Mode Monitoring for 6 and 12 volt batteries. 2 Amp, 12 Volt/4 Amp, 6 Volt slow charge with Reverse Hook-Up Protection is ideal for keeping stored, lead-acid batteries charged and power maintained at all times. Great for Motorcycle, Lawn Tractor, ATV, Snowmobile size batteries and to maintain larger Car, RV, Boat, Deep Cycle, Antique and Classic Car batteries too! Includes: 50 amp battery clamps, 12V accessory plug and permanent ring connectors for fast, easy charging every time.​