Advice on Bombardier SW48

[Semipro]

Hi everyone! New member here, looking for some advice. I have a place up in the mountians of AZ (Yes! We actually get lots of snow here!) that gets enough snow to make it impossible to get in/out of in the winter. The dirt roads are steep (up to 19% grade) and narrow, and I want something that I can use to plow about 2 miles of roads, 2-10 times per year. I have my eye on the Bombardier SW48.

1) Is this a good choice?
2) Is there a preference between the Hydrostatic model vs the manual steering model?
3) Where can I get parts?
4) As I am looking for a snow cat, beyond the obvious things like it runs and drives, what should I look for? Track wear? A beat up blade?
5) Does anyone have one for sale?

While I am new to snow cats, I am a mechanical engineer with tons of automotive repair experience so I think with some learning and support, I can get this fugured out.

Thanks in advance

 

[redsqwrl]

take my words lightly. I have many snow cats and I have never owned a sw48.
an SW is a through/Thru the snow machine. Bombardier used a very common platform to fill a niche market * side walk plowing * they are excellent at plowing - pushing and pulling. they are heavier than they look and struggle to go straight in the snow. I personally am not aware of a hydrostatic version. They come up for sale often as many people see them as a versatile recreational toy and convince themselves the cheap price and small size will be perfect for their dreams. and then quickly find out they are best suited to plow sidewalks. not haul sap, skid trees or add a seat for the dog and go ice fishing.

I feel the need to point out sidewalks are generally not a 19% slope,
I am addicted to track machines. I have found out the strengths and weaknesses of many of the designs through the generosity of many of the people here. I have attended many snow cat get togethers and operated most every model out there. I groom snow for ski-ing snowmobiling I pull loads over the snow on frozen lakes and forest and agricultural farm land. If I were to buy a SW series, It would be to part it out and use its parts to service other bombardier products i own. my advice is buy one and try it out. if it meets you needs, perfect. if not sell it and try another style. NO one snow cat will be the perfect car for all the different types of snow that falls.

$.02 worth of nutty advice.

 

[Semipro]

@redsqwrl - Thank you for the advice. Don't sell yourself short - the sidewalk comment alone is worth more than $0.02. I really need it for plowing snow on narrow roads, so maybe its a fit. I also like the thought that the parts are going to be somewhat aligned with other Bombardier machines.

I actually stopped today to look at a Bombardier BR180 that was super cool, but probably will sell at auction for more than I want to spend. I'd love to know if you have thoughts on the BR160 or BR180.

 

[redsqwrl]

I have a br180. Perkins 6cyl i love it. 8 way blade that doesn't drift

Its been modified with a hydraulic dump bed. Ground speed Is quite fast.

I personally am not a fan of the hp consumption of a hydrostatic power train but zero turning on snow is nice.

 

[Bobcatbob]

Redsqwrl is the paterfamilias of snow cats in the Midwest…..he’s 100% on this. I own an SW48 and use it to plow a 3/4 mile long gravel road. They are tanks! You could plow a corn field with one. They absolutely drift when plowing on flat surfaces at speed (slower speed….say 2-3mph….they’ll track as long as you have grip). A 19 % slope would be too much….they’re just not wide enough (48”….SideWalk48”…SW48). They’re a ton of fun….lots of power with a Ford 300 …and bulletproof with a C6 transmission. I just can’t see plowing a mountain road (though I’d sure give it a try….lol).

 

[Semipro]

Thanks @Bobcatbob - can I get you to expand on the hill comment? Do they just not climb hills well or are you thinking it would roll on a 19% side-grade? Thanks again for your expertise.

 

[Bobcatbob]

I’d be nervous getting sideways at a grade of 19% (almost a foot of drop per five feet). I’ve attached a couple picks showing width (blade is 4 feet wide) and how much track sticks out from frame. My tracks are rubber….if you had steel tracks….maybe. Roads get icy and a 19% grade would be a tough one with a lot of machines (if plowing). I don’t have enough experience on larger grades (biggest one I have is a 10% grade)….hopefully someone can shed more light on a 19% grade…..

 

[redsqwrl]

Redsqwrl is the paterfamilias of snow cats in the Midwest…..he’s 100% on this. I own an SW48 and use it to plow a 3/4 mile long gravel road. They are tanks! You could plow a corn field with one. They absolutely drift when plowing on flat surfaces at speed (slower speed….say 2-3mph….they’ll track as long as you have grip). A 19 % slope would be too much….they’re just not wide enough (48”….SideWalk48”…SW48). They’re a ton of fun….lots of power with a Ford 300 …and bulletproof with a C6 transmission. I just can’t see plowing a mountain road (though I’d sure give it a try….lol).

I had to look up paterfamilias. Thats a compliment im not sure i worthy of. But thank you. I will own up to being heavily vested in snow cats. I learn by doing. And ive done them all. I serviced my br180 this weekend. I find the motivation by interacting with like minded folks. I had a failed side post battery that plagued me longer than i would like to admit. User name Weatherby helped me acquire this machine and it has been a solid performer at dysfunction junction north. With a proper battery connection i look forward to a clear driveway and smooth snowmobile trails.

 

[Semipro]

I’d be nervous getting sideways at a grade of 19% (almost a foot of drop per five feet). I’ve attached a couple picks showing width (blade is 4 feet wide) and how much track sticks out from frame. My tracks are rubber….if you had steel tracks….maybe. Roads get icy and a 19% grade would be a tough one with a lot of machines (if plowing). I don’t have enough experience on larger grades (biggest one I have is a 10% grade)….hopefully someone can shed more light on a 19% grade…..

Man that thing is super cool. Ok - I understand. I probably should have been clear that there is only one hill that is 19% grade. One other is 13%, and everything else is in that 12% or less range. That 19% hill does not get plowed today. We just all wait for the snow to melt. So I guess worst case scenario is that it just stays unplowed all winter. I do still have my eye on a BR180, but it is in Edmonton, so super expensive to ship to me.