Looking for a Bombi??

[GlenT]

Hey All - I'm brand new to the Forum and to tracked vehicles. I have a need for a smaller vehicle like the Bombardier Bombi BR-100 or the like. Just bought a property in MT with a 1/4 mile driveway. I'd like to find a small tracked vehicle with a blade as I would need to plow the driveway but I'd also like to cruise the backcountry with my grandson and whoever else wants to go. Budget: under $25K, yes, I know almost impossible . . . but I've seen a few out there . . . but either sold are extremely far away. Any help would be appreciated.

I've been to FB Snow Cat sales, FB Bombardier Bombi and BR-100 and a host of other sites I found on Google search. Nothing seems to be for sale in my price range and type of vehicle I'm looking for. Yeah, probably need to up the budget a bit but thought I'd ask to see what might be out there I haven't found yet.

Thanks for your responses in advance.

Glen

 

[Bobcatbob]

I saw a Skidozer with a blade on sale here for a great price. I own a Bombi and don’t believe it would be a good choice to plow snow. The Bombi is stick shift and a tight fit in the cab. It’s a ton of fun to play around in the snow with, but to clear a driveway…..I’d go with the Skidozer or an SW48.

Bob

P.s. Just looked for that thread (Skidozer)….saw you’re in it…that’s the way I’d go for under $25k. Are you mechanically inclined? Will it stay at your property?

 

[GlenT]

Hey Bob! Thanks for the reply. May I ask why you don't recommend the Bombi to plow? A caveat, the driveway is downhill from my garage area to the street so I would have gravity and momentum on my side. I wouldn't have to plow on the way up, I can just do a couple passes going down. The Bombi is right in my price range, so it was attractive to me. I also have heard had people have put in automatics which is an option, I guess.

I looked at the SW48 and it seemed smaller (narrower) than the Bombi, is it more powerful? I'm trying to keep the price reasonable (for me), the $25K is way on the top end. Maybe I have to save and get one next season . . . I am talking to someone with a Skidozer on here but I was learning towards the Bombi . . . mostly due to price and ease of transporting.

Thanks again for the reply, I'm learning from the experts!

 

[Bobcatbob]

The Bombi comes stock with a 4 speed stick shift (works well in 1-3, 4th gear is a stretch with its engine ….a 98 ci 4 cylinder, essentially a Ford Pinto engine). To plow, it might be difficult in wet snow…..not much power imho. The SW-48 is a narrower machine, but a lot heavier. It has a Ford 300 engine paired with a C6 transmission. You could plow a farm field with its power (and the stock blade is only 48” wide….ie SW48…..SideWalk48”). Both machines serve their purpose extremely well…..Bombi for fun, SW48 for plowing.

If you find a Bombi with an automatic…..and plowing fluffy snow….that might work.

Pic of the Bombi interior:

 

[GlenT]

Bob,
Thanks again for your feedback. I will take all this information into consideration. I have a bit to think about. I've learned my cousin has a Bombi with Chevy Chevette engine and an auto transmission. He does snowmobile trail maintenance in VT. I'm trying to get a hold of him for feedback as how his has worked out.

If the Bombi is so weak it can't plow, how well does it do on a hill? It makes me think they are only good on a flat.

That is a nice interior, looks fairly roomy for a couple people, especially if it's me and my grandson who is 8, A Skidozer would be better for several people and it can plow . . . decisions, decisions

Glen

 

[redsqwrl]

Ive played with most every snow cat made. I own many. Your budget is very doable for a good to great cat.

I just rehomed a bombi - 1 (bigger cab bigger doors)
The bombi has small doors, i found them miserable to get in and out of. They (in my opinion) are quite small and light. They are the gateway snow cat. My first cat was a bombi. I currently have a bombi 1 i like it a lot but its a fast nimble trail cruiser. Weight of the plow really fatigues the front axles flexators quickly.The br-100 is its similar looking but much more capable brother. Look out east for them.
Many of the cats you will find are being flipped it frustrating but capitalism is alive and well in the snowcat world.(Buy in summer)

Snow cats are like shoes fashion and function need to be balanced.

If you find anything in the midwest or alaska keep me in mind i have big trailers.

As you new to cats. If you want to try any of them out. Stop over you can run 20 different makes and models and go home truly confused.

 

[Bobcatbob]

It performs well (the Bombi) with just people, but plowing anything beyond fluffy snow, might be difficult. Your grandkids will love it!

Redsqwrl is the go to guy on anything snowcat….He’ll know what you need.

 

[GlenT]

Ive played with most every snow cat made. I own many. Your budget is very doable for a good to great cat.

I just rehomed a bombi - 1 (bigger cab bigger doors)
The bombi has small doors, i found them miserable to get in and out of. They (in my opinion) are quite small and light. They are the gateway snow cat. My first cat was a bombi. I currently have a bombi 1 i like it a lot but its a fast nimble trail cruiser. Weight of the plow really fatigues the front axles flexators quickly.The br-100 is its similar looking but much more capable brother. Look out east for them.
Many of the cats you will find are being flipped it frustrating but capitalism is alive and well in the snowcat world.(Buy in summer)

Snow cats are like shoes fashion and function need to be balanced.

If you find anything in the midwest or alaska keep me in mind i have big trailers.

As you new to cats. If you want to try any of them out. Stop over you can run 20 different makes and models and go home truly confused.

Nice to "meet" you redsqwrl! I've seen and read many of your post in the Forums. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond. I do appreciate the responses I've received.

I'm a pretty small guy, 5'7" so I don't mind smaller vehicles. I would love to see and play with any Snowcat since I've never even been in one. It looks as though you are in Wisconsin? which is quite a drive for me but I would love a single place to try out as many snowcats as I can . . . Maybe I can cruise out in the summer just to have a look, I'm always looking for "excuses" to ride the Harley.

There is a Skidozer for sale of which I'm in communication with the seller, i'm sure you know about it. It's at the high end of my budget especially when you consider the shipping costs. I'm trying to find all the information I can on a few different machines so I hope I make the right choice . . . and not make a costly mistake.

Thank you for your time.