from what I've seen your on the right track with a sprite. but 8 foot of fresh snow you may need a groomer on the first trip.
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Recommendations for a snow cat
- Thread starter Tmadse
- Start date
IMHO, so much of any snow cats ability comes from a capable patience operator, and very experienced operator can make any snow cat look good, and Jim VT is a great example of that very patience operator...
I think that statement has a lot of truth to it. I haven't scared myself yet and I don't plan on it (not on purpose anyway). But I maybe I've been in bad situations and too inexperienced to know it?? I go slow stay away of where I think the edge of the road might be, stay away from tree wells and look for water running under the snow. other than that I don't think on my trip there is anything else that could hurt me other than a breakdown.
I actually wrote a much longer post with a lot of information, but it may be stuff you've found already, and if so, I didn't want write something that you might consider too basic. So after heavily editing it for brevity:
My recommendation would be for a long track machine. The cab style is your preference (two door Tuckers are almost always cheaper), but I would recommend an automatic transmission. Whether you need (or want) a blade, or winch is up to you. (The factory winch was the Warn model 8274.)
One key takeaway from this long post should be this : The cheapest machine, be it a Tucker or any other make, is almost always not the best value. For Tuckers, I think all the parts in the track system are available. But when you start replacing idler wheels, drive sprockets and track belts; they add up… fast. You are way better off spending more money for a low hour machine in great shape than a machine with a lot of hours that was "rode hard-put away wet”.
Good luck in your search, and on these forums the only "dumb" question is the one not asked...
My recommendation would be for a long track machine. The cab style is your preference (two door Tuckers are almost always cheaper), but I would recommend an automatic transmission. Whether you need (or want) a blade, or winch is up to you. (The factory winch was the Warn model 8274.)
One key takeaway from this long post should be this : The cheapest machine, be it a Tucker or any other make, is almost always not the best value. For Tuckers, I think all the parts in the track system are available. But when you start replacing idler wheels, drive sprockets and track belts; they add up… fast. You are way better off spending more money for a low hour machine in great shape than a machine with a lot of hours that was "rode hard-put away wet”.
Good luck in your search, and on these forums the only "dumb" question is the one not asked...
I want to thank everyone for their input. I have spent alot of hours the last couple days researching and weighing my options. I am confident I know what i want now. I am looking for a 2 track machine, most probably a thiokol spryte . I would like to have a 5 or 10 person cab but a 2 person cab isn't a deal breaker. I want a good winch or a blade. I Have a couple i am looking at but i might try to hold out for one that is the right price and a little closer to home. again thanks for all the advice
PJL
Well-known member
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Thiokol-Spryte-1200-C-Snowcat-/282821327109?rmvSB=true&nma=true&si=J8FMj4GNjlKrhUeimdHr%252FtnXfwg%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
To my knowledge this one never sold. He wanted 15,000 USD for it.
http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?p=20648250#post20648250
Has a full cab and blade. It's a Spryte. 300 CID Ford 6 with a C-6 automatic. I run an 88 with the same powertrain and it runs and drives very well. There are some aftermarket fuel injection systems available for that engine.
To my knowledge this one never sold. He wanted 15,000 USD for it.
http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?p=20648250#post20648250
Has a full cab and blade. It's a Spryte. 300 CID Ford 6 with a C-6 automatic. I run an 88 with the same powertrain and it runs and drives very well. There are some aftermarket fuel injection systems available for that engine.
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PJL beat to it (recommending this particular machine). He's absolutely right though. But it was for sale more recently than the links he posted, which might mean it's still available.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283289958831
Yes, it's in Canada, and having it shipped would likely be quite expensive. However, picking one up in Canada is not difficult (I've done it twice).
I'll confess I thought (still think) this is a bargain price for the value of that machine. I've thought seriously of buying it to resell... and if it's still available in a few months... I might.
I had been flirting with that machine a little, pretty sure it sold for the 15,000 starting price on eBay, I believe there was just the one bid. Had it only not been a wide track and 40 hours away....
I, for some reason, keep posting this super imp in Idaho, closer, widetrack, six, auto, oc12, tilt trailer what’s not to like??
https://eastidaho.craigslist.org/hvo/d/pinehurst-smaller-groomer-reduced/6809177413.html