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Snow Trac Models.....What are the differences?
- Thread starter berg
- Start date
mtntopper
Back On Track
The 2nd pic is a wide track, well traveled Snow Master with very low hours, only a few miles and in extremely good condition. It has been in Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and now Alasaka................
Search FBI rig in the FF search and see a history of this unique snow cat. The seats are filled with money according to Boggie............ or were....
It now belongs to FF member Teledawg in Alaska..........
Search FBI rig in the FF search and see a history of this unique snow cat. The seats are filled with money according to Boggie............ or were....
It now belongs to FF member Teledawg in Alaska..........
Snowcat Operations
Active member
The Snow Tracs and Snow Masters are the same size length wise. The diffrence are the track widths. I believe the Snow Tracs have 18" wide tracks while the Smow Masters and Trac Masters have 32" wide tracks. The diffrence in number of tires or bogies is mainly the year. The older versions have extra smaller tires in place of the larger front tire. There are some minor diffrences on specailty units but those are not the norm.
Snowcat Operations
Active member
The Trac Masters and Snow Master did have a bit longer tracks but the bodies were the same. The Track and Snow Masters had an extra small bogie as seen in the above pictures of the FBI rig. The diffrence between the Track Master and Snow Master is that the two front smaller tires were replaced with one larger diameter tire It typically the same size as the larger rear tire. Did this help?
paul webster
Banned
That quote was from Willie Nelson talking to James Caan in the Michael Mann 1981 great movie Thief, with Tuesday Weld, James Belushi, Great Quote...........
There were 2 basic models. The Snow Trac (mine is your first photo) and the Snow Master (Lyndon's FBI rid in your second photo). Arguably those are two of the most famous machines known to exist. A TV restoration was done by BBC's SALVAGE SQUAD show on mine, and the FBI rig participated in the famous DB COOPER manhunt.
Of those 2 basic models there were a few differences as they evolved.
With regards to SNOW TRACs, mine is commonly called a "big wheel" Snow Trac, it features a large boggie wheel in the front and in the rear. This is the standard configuration for all the later years of production. Early production years featured "small wheels" in the front with only 1 big wheel, in the rear. There were also some slight changes to the tracks, earlier models were 2 belt, later models were 3 belt. Grousers also changed over time. The interior configuration remained pretty much the same, as many parts are surplus VW parts, there were minor changes, substitutions over the years, but the basic shell was pretty much unchanged as well as the basic interior. One noted difference was the drivers seat, early models differed from later models.
What is generically called the SNOW MASTER now, was originally called the TRAC MASTER. As noted above the tracks are both wider and longer than the Snow Trac. The TRAC MASTER designation change to SNOW MASTER seems to be more for the sake of whim than anything else, not much really was different between the two. The Snow Master was more of a workhorse than the narrow track Snow Trac, it also featured optional hydraulics so the operator could control grooming equipment for ski slope maintenance.
All models of Snow Trac, Trac Master and Snow Master were available with the standard cabin that seats 7 people. Short cabin variations were also available that seated 2 inside and 4 outside/cargo outside. Other versions, typified by some of the military variants had a canvas back/top with the traditional windscreen. All of these used the same basic mechanicals except the military versions. The military used 24volt electric systems instead of 12 volt. Military models also had 'helicopter hooks' so they could be transported easily by crane or helicopter.
Antarctic versions were also made for ANARE. Some of those were equipped with a Porsche industrial engine. Some also had a reverse slope windscreen cabin that I've only seen on ANARE special models. These special cabins were apparently custom built in Australia before being transported to Antarctica.
Of those 2 basic models there were a few differences as they evolved.
With regards to SNOW TRACs, mine is commonly called a "big wheel" Snow Trac, it features a large boggie wheel in the front and in the rear. This is the standard configuration for all the later years of production. Early production years featured "small wheels" in the front with only 1 big wheel, in the rear. There were also some slight changes to the tracks, earlier models were 2 belt, later models were 3 belt. Grousers also changed over time. The interior configuration remained pretty much the same, as many parts are surplus VW parts, there were minor changes, substitutions over the years, but the basic shell was pretty much unchanged as well as the basic interior. One noted difference was the drivers seat, early models differed from later models.
What is generically called the SNOW MASTER now, was originally called the TRAC MASTER. As noted above the tracks are both wider and longer than the Snow Trac. The TRAC MASTER designation change to SNOW MASTER seems to be more for the sake of whim than anything else, not much really was different between the two. The Snow Master was more of a workhorse than the narrow track Snow Trac, it also featured optional hydraulics so the operator could control grooming equipment for ski slope maintenance.
All models of Snow Trac, Trac Master and Snow Master were available with the standard cabin that seats 7 people. Short cabin variations were also available that seated 2 inside and 4 outside/cargo outside. Other versions, typified by some of the military variants had a canvas back/top with the traditional windscreen. All of these used the same basic mechanicals except the military versions. The military used 24volt electric systems instead of 12 volt. Military models also had 'helicopter hooks' so they could be transported easily by crane or helicopter.
Antarctic versions were also made for ANARE. Some of those were equipped with a Porsche industrial engine. Some also had a reverse slope windscreen cabin that I've only seen on ANARE special models. These special cabins were apparently custom built in Australia before being transported to Antarctica.
There were 2 basic models. The Snow Trac (mine is your first photo) and the Snow Master (Lyndon's FBI rid in your second photo).
Of those 2 basic models there were a few differences as they evolved.
With regards to SNOW TRACs, mine is commonly called a "big wheel" Snow Trac, it features a large boggie wheel in the front and in the rear. This is the standard configuration for all the later years of production. Early production years featured "small wheels" in the front with only 1 big wheel, in the rear. There were also some slight changes to the tracks, earlier models were 2 belt, later models were 3 belt. Grousers also changed over time. The interior configuration remained pretty much the same, as many parts are surplus VW parts, there were minor changes, substitutions over the years, but the basic shell was pretty much unchanged as well as the basic interior. One noted difference was the drivers seat, early models differed from later models.
What is generically called the SNOW MASTER now, was originally called the TRAC MASTER. As noted above the tracks are both wider and longer than the Snow Trac. The TRAC MASTER designation change to SNOW MASTER seems to be more for the sake of whim than anything else, not much really was different between the two. The Snow Master was more of a workhorse than the narrow track Snow Trac, it also featured optional hydraulics so the operator could control grooming equipment for ski slope maintenance.
All models of Snow Trac, Trac Master and Snow Master were available with the standard cabin that seats 7 people. Short cabin variations were also available that seated 2 inside and 4 outside/cargo outside. Other versions, typified by some of the military variants had a canvas back/top with the traditional windscreen. All of these used the same basic mechanicals except the military versions. The military used 24volt electric systems instead of 12 volt. Military models also had 'helicopter hooks' so they could be transported easily by crane or helicopter.
Antarctic versions were also made for ANARE. Some of those were equipped with a Porsche industrial engine. Some also had a reverse slope windscreen cabin that I've only seen on ANARE special models. These special cabins were apparently custom built in Australia before being transported to Antarctica.
Of those 2 basic models there were a few differences as they evolved.
With regards to SNOW TRACs, mine is commonly called a "big wheel" Snow Trac, it features a large boggie wheel in the front and in the rear. This is the standard configuration for all the later years of production. Early production years featured "small wheels" in the front with only 1 big wheel, in the rear. There were also some slight changes to the tracks, earlier models were 2 belt, later models were 3 belt. Grousers also changed over time. The interior configuration remained pretty much the same, as many parts are surplus VW parts, there were minor changes, substitutions over the years, but the basic shell was pretty much unchanged as well as the basic interior. One noted difference was the drivers seat, early models differed from later models.
What is generically called the SNOW MASTER now, was originally called the TRAC MASTER. As noted above the tracks are both wider and longer than the Snow Trac. The TRAC MASTER designation change to SNOW MASTER seems to be more for the sake of whim than anything else, not much really was different between the two. The Snow Master was more of a workhorse than the narrow track Snow Trac, it also featured optional hydraulics so the operator could control grooming equipment for ski slope maintenance.
All models of Snow Trac, Trac Master and Snow Master were available with the standard cabin that seats 7 people. Short cabin variations were also available that seated 2 inside and 4 outside/cargo outside. Other versions, typified by some of the military variants had a canvas back/top with the traditional windscreen. All of these used the same basic mechanicals except the military versions. The military used 24volt electric systems instead of 12 volt. Military models also had 'helicopter hooks' so they could be transported easily by crane or helicopter.
Antarctic versions were also made for ANARE. Some of those were equipped with a Porsche industrial engine. Some also had a reverse slope windscreen cabin that I've only seen on ANARE special models. These special cabins were apparently custom built in Australia before being transported to Antarctica.
Snowcat Operations
Active member
The name change from Trac Master to Snow Master occured when Aktiv (the manufacturer) changed the type of drive sprocket and at the same time went to the bigger style front tire deleting the two smaller tires. The drive sprocket change also changed the location of the brakes from outside (in the drive sprocket) to inside the engine compartment seperate from the drive sprocket. It was this combination of change in design that promted the name change.
Lyndon
Bronze Member
Snow Trac's had 2 track belts until the year they converted to the "Big Wheel" model around 1970. So there are Big Wheel 3 belt machines and all small bogie 2 belt machines. The overall dimensions of the machine are 12 foot by 6ft.3 inches, and the factory weight was 2800 lbs.
Trac masters had 4 belts and were the same chasis, modified to accomodate a 34 inch track with an additional bogie in the rear, and they flipped the rear wheel around so the trac is a foot longer. The belts of the tracks stick out from the fenders and are the widest part of the machine, giving an overall dimension of 13 foot by 8ft 6 inches. They weigh in at 3300 pounds.
The Snow Master is the exact same overall dimensions and weight, but was the "Big Wheel" model, and sports 5 track belts per track.
This gives you: 2 belt and 3 belt snow tracs, and 4 belt trac master, and 5 belt Snow Master.
They came with Short Cabs, Tall Cabs, a cut-off Cab that just seated the driver and was specifically for grooming(increased visibility). 4 models, 4possible cabs= 16 varieties.
There were some Military units that had a really lousy canvas cab, and on these models the wing windows don't open.
There was also an Ambulance model that had double doors in the back.
Because of the 2 different cab heights, their are 4 different sets of Glass for the cabs."Old Style", or 2 Belt Snow Trac's don't have rear windows, and at some point along about 1966 the eliminated the full sliding sunroof and replaced it with a lexan "Pop-Top". The old Oak, full sliding top was much classier than the Pop-Top. Since the machines have a throttle, one can open the roof, pull out the throttle, and drive standing up! There fun! It's is also much better for taking pictures and video taping.
Trac masters had 4 belts and were the same chasis, modified to accomodate a 34 inch track with an additional bogie in the rear, and they flipped the rear wheel around so the trac is a foot longer. The belts of the tracks stick out from the fenders and are the widest part of the machine, giving an overall dimension of 13 foot by 8ft 6 inches. They weigh in at 3300 pounds.
The Snow Master is the exact same overall dimensions and weight, but was the "Big Wheel" model, and sports 5 track belts per track.
This gives you: 2 belt and 3 belt snow tracs, and 4 belt trac master, and 5 belt Snow Master.
They came with Short Cabs, Tall Cabs, a cut-off Cab that just seated the driver and was specifically for grooming(increased visibility). 4 models, 4possible cabs= 16 varieties.
There were some Military units that had a really lousy canvas cab, and on these models the wing windows don't open.
There was also an Ambulance model that had double doors in the back.
Because of the 2 different cab heights, their are 4 different sets of Glass for the cabs."Old Style", or 2 Belt Snow Trac's don't have rear windows, and at some point along about 1966 the eliminated the full sliding sunroof and replaced it with a lexan "Pop-Top". The old Oak, full sliding top was much classier than the Pop-Top. Since the machines have a throttle, one can open the roof, pull out the throttle, and drive standing up! There fun! It's is also much better for taking pictures and video taping.
Lyndon
Bronze Member
Just remember: 2 Belt, 3 Belt, 4 belt, 5 belt.
2 belt is "Old Style" Snow Trac
3 belt is Late Style Snow Trac
4 belt is a Trac Master
and 5 belt is a Snow Master.
The overall width of the Trac master's 4 belt tracks is the same as a Snow Master's 5 belt tracks.
When I first learned to Ski, Snow Trac's were in their prime. After a big snow at the Vermont Ski Areas such as Mt. Snow, Killington, Straton, Haystack, Okemo, Stowe... we would ski behind the machines as there was less resistance where the snow tracks had mashed down the new powder. This meant you didn't have to "Pole" as much(push yourself along with your ski poles). We marveled at how they increased from 2 belt, to 3 belt, then 4 belt, and finally 5 belt machines. Long before I ever owned a Snow Trac, I had skiied in the "Tracks" of all the models. My Life long ski buddy and I were old(then young) VW 'hippies' and the first time we saw one broken down we marveled at the VW Engine, and the unpronouncable name(Westermaskiner)tag. They wern't used for grooming much, just to get around in. What really stuck in you mind was that there was always a driver, and the other guy was hanging out the back door. Prior to 64 they had "Stale Air" heat systems and if there was any spillage or leakage of oil, fumes gassed you right out of the cab. Didn't find out about that until I owned one, 30 years later.
2 belt is "Old Style" Snow Trac
3 belt is Late Style Snow Trac
4 belt is a Trac Master
and 5 belt is a Snow Master.
The overall width of the Trac master's 4 belt tracks is the same as a Snow Master's 5 belt tracks.
When I first learned to Ski, Snow Trac's were in their prime. After a big snow at the Vermont Ski Areas such as Mt. Snow, Killington, Straton, Haystack, Okemo, Stowe... we would ski behind the machines as there was less resistance where the snow tracks had mashed down the new powder. This meant you didn't have to "Pole" as much(push yourself along with your ski poles). We marveled at how they increased from 2 belt, to 3 belt, then 4 belt, and finally 5 belt machines. Long before I ever owned a Snow Trac, I had skiied in the "Tracks" of all the models. My Life long ski buddy and I were old(then young) VW 'hippies' and the first time we saw one broken down we marveled at the VW Engine, and the unpronouncable name(Westermaskiner)tag. They wern't used for grooming much, just to get around in. What really stuck in you mind was that there was always a driver, and the other guy was hanging out the back door. Prior to 64 they had "Stale Air" heat systems and if there was any spillage or leakage of oil, fumes gassed you right out of the cab. Didn't find out about that until I owned one, 30 years later.