Know your Bombardier

[pixie]

People have all sorts of names for Muskegs, J5s and SWs. They mix them all up together. To me, it's like calling a Ford Explorer an F350. They are not the same. Each model has it's own name just like cars and trucks do.

A "Bombi" is a model of Bombardier. It has the smaller differential.

An SW comes in different widths. ( Boggie can explain these better than me when he has time) They have the same differential and wheels as J5 and Muskeg until the 1980s models. They have 14 inch wide tracks.

A J5 is 60-64 inches wide and has 16" wide tracks. They have 6 wheels and 2 drive sprockets. They were made out of 1/16" thick steel in the early years ( 60"wide). Even the differential housing is 1/16" and tend to rust and leak. These are easy to recognise by the pressed in corrugation on the side decks that are spaced about every 16". I guess they were to stiffen them up some. Some of the earliest J5s had smaller axles. Standard axle size on most is 2" with the bearings going on a 1.5" shaft diam..
After about 1955, the J5 was made out of 1/8" steel and the front of the differential housing was often reinforced. These are much stiffer and don't oilcan like the earlier ones.

Muskegs have two rows of wheels in the tracks for a total of 16 wheels and 4 drive sprockets. The tracks are 28" wide. The machine is 88" wide ( 7 feet 4 inches) Engine can be in the front = Carrier, or center = Tractor. They have a ladder thing down the sides that supports the axles.

Photos: First, rear of older (thin body) J5
Second: rear of Muskeg
Third: side of Muskeg

 

[pixie]

Here are some pictures of an early J5 so you can see the corrugations.

The last picture is of the bottom of a front bogey axle from a thin body J5. When power is applied to the track, the tub 'oilcans', effectively shortening the body length. This makes the track too long relative to the tires/sprocket. The track is sucked up between the sprocket and the first wheel as it goes around and the tire guides wear on this front bogey shortening it's life and the life of the tire guides.

The heavier steel in the later J5 models stopped this 'oil canning'.

 

[aulen2002]

That bugs me too

around here they're all "bomb-ba-deer's"

 

[tatman]

I have a friend who bought a muskeg that looks just like the green one in the picture. He wanted the Perkins diesel for a Mustang skid steer. I have what was left if anyone needs parts or complete less motor. I think it is about a 1972 model. I think a small block chevy would make it a better rig!!!

 

[fubar]

Tatman
What would be the price...I'm about to close the deal on a Spryte, but have a little time to look around for a potentialy better deal.

Scotty
KL1YO

 

[J5 Bombardier]

Well said Pixie,the different models of Bombardiers have definitely been mixed up over the years.Everytime an old sales brochure pops up,it seems some obscure model comes to light. Maybe some day someone will put pen to paper and bring all of Mr Bombardier's designs into book form.
P.S nice pics J5 Bombardier

 

[fubar]

Tatman:
Never mind, I'm picking up the Swamp Spryte this Sunday
Scotty
KL1YO

 

[newj5owner]

Heres what one looks like stuck

 

[tatman]

These are photos that I took with my phone, of what I know now is a Muskeg, I am new to this forum and was just seeing how they would look.

 

[tatman]

Here is one more photo of the Muskeg (Plus the day we pickup the Tucker) They aren't that bad for a cell phone!!!

 

[pixie]

Tatman, Thanks for the pictures ! i have blade envy. That same blade is pictured in a Bombardier advertising sheet from that year. My Muskeg is also a 1972. It has a Chrysler Industrial 318.

If you go to this website and look around, all the popular Bombardier models are described with PDFs of some of the original advertising and spec sheets.
Of course, Bombardier also made custom machines and there are some models with very short runs ( RedRam) that aren't represented at this site.
http://www.safetyoneinc.com/specsheets/bombardier.html

Thanks J5Bombardier and aulen2002.

 

[4legacy]

Pixie:

Many thanks for your informative post regarding j-5's. I have a question. I have looked at a few machines and read many posts, and I agree that there could be some confusion regarding what is being sold and what is being purchased. This problem is compounded by the many modifications made with engines and transmissions. Many machines had a plate affixed to the dash with information about the machine. If the plate was removed, have you found that there is there an ID stamped elsewhere on the frame?

WMT

 

[pixie]

Welcome to this forum, 4legacy.

On many of the older machines the plate that is fixed to the engine cowl has lost it's numbers. I haven't found any numbers stamped on a J5. Models made since the '80's may have more ID.

Some other Bombardier models have the number stamped on the right front bumper.

 

[4legacy]

Pixie:

Thank you for your reply. If you replace the Chrysler flathead in a j-5 with a Chevrolet straight six and a 5-speed, do you think one would you have to cut or bend the frame to get it in? I have never worked on one, so I have no idea.

WMT

 

[pixie]

Before you get too far along with that idea, find out if you can get an adapter so that the transmission stick won't be sticking up where your seat should be.

The tub is the frame. A person could add steel sleepers to support the mounts for lots of engines to the heavier body J5s. The catch is finding a transmission that will shift out the front/back like the one that's attached to the Chrysler flathead.

 

[northeastheavy]

Here is a picture of a later model Muskeg and Bombi. As you say there are many specialty models!! Here is a 1970 J-8. Same as a J-5 but had a forestry application.

 

[MNoutdoors RIP]

Here is a picture of a later model Muskeg and Bombi. As you say there are many specialty models!! Here is a 1970 J-8. Same as a J-5 but had a forestry application.

Tom, is that a " 8" or a "s" to me it almost looks like a "s" ?

 

[northeastheavy]

The 8 in the model # is a little shy on the top. The 8 in the chassis # is pretty clear. Was there ever a JS model in 1970?? Is there a number stamped anywhere on the chassis???

 

[northeastheavy]

Just to set the record straight, Boggie is 100% correct!!! That id plate is a JS not J8 !!!!!! There is no J8 !!! I blew up the numbers to about 2 inches and it is clearly a JS model. Still the same as a j5 though!! Jeesh!! Bombardier is confusing on its models!!! Has anyone ever seen or know any production numbers on Bombardiers?????

 

[sandybay]

Just to set the record straight, Boggie is 100% correct!!! That id plate is a JS not J8 !!!!!! There is no J8 !!! I blew up the numbers to about 2 inches and it is clearly a JS model. Still the same as a j5 though!! Jeesh!! Bombardier is confusing on its models!!! Has anyone ever seen or know any production numbers on Bombardiers?????

Do you think maybe the guy stamping the tag was not able to find his #5 stamp and used a S instead? Just trying to make it more confusing.

 

[how610]

Pixie: I have a Muskeg tractor and would like to know if the one in the pix you posted has a small block GM in place of the original 318??
The engine looks like it sits higher than the engine in mine as the exhaust manifolds are reversed and higher.
If it does have the GM , is there anywhere I could get the swap info?

 

[pixie]

It has the 318 Industrial. Great engine. I have it in 2 other things.

 

[timandkim]

js or j8 or j5 ????i just seen a tag that is clearly stamped jw 48 on what i would think is a sw48 machine...all this confusion maybe a language barrier they were made in quebec may be it all makes sense in french .....pixie can you tell me why the old timers around here call my muskeg carrier a m7 was there such a machine called that
Tim

 

[northeastheavy]

For such a large company with so many products, over so many years, you would think somewhere in Canada is a list of all Bombardier snowcat models, years built and production numbers and serial numbers!!!!!!!!!

 

[dpaulson]

I have received info for the bombardier museum in Valcourt, QC.

collectionneurs@museebombardier.com

A good fellow by the name of Guy Pepin has been kind enough to give any info that he has on a serial plate. I don't know if this curtisy is part of his job or just his good nature.

 

[northeastheavy]

Sounds like he is the person to ask if all this info exists?? Will do.

 

[northeastheavy]

Oh well. My email to that person was returned as undeliverable. Anyone have any other contacts??? or ideas who may have access to all the bombardier production, models, years.

 

[J5 Welder]

Heres what one looks like stuck

Now thats stuck!! How you get it out??

 

[benz9]

Northeastheavy, Mr. Pepin has supplied me with loads of info on many types of Bombardier snow cats. Here is his direct e-mail that anyone can pick up at the museum:

g.pepin@fjab.qc.ca

For those who would like to know what the fjab stands for: Fondation Joseph-Armand Bombardier.

I was just in that neck of the woods two weeks ago, try that and let me know.

 

[northeastheavy]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! Just got that email from another thread and emailed him yesterday. Will let you know how it works out. Maybe get some good info!!!