I am new to the snowcat market. I have been looking mostly at LMC 1500's. I need a cat that is very easy to operate and maintain (my 80+ inlaws have finally sold their snowmobiles and still need access to the cabin) Any recommendations? What should I expect to pay? I am seeing pricing all over the place. Looking for any help I can get Thanks
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Snowtrac Nome
member formerly known as dds
I like the cost to operate and the portability of snow trac's the lmc should be quite a bit easier to get in and out of than say a bombi. last thing to think of is when it comes to ease of operation it is tough to beat a hydrostatic machine, they are generally quite reliable but if repairs are needed to hydraulic components that can be spendy
Snowtrac Nome
member formerly known as dds
just one thaught any thing you enter from the side may be difficult for mobility challenged older folks to get in and out of. but the narrow channel of the snow trac has it's challenges too. take mom and pops out when you have a look at them let then try getting in and out find out what works best for them. also if you go with a rig with break steering if your parents aren't as strong as they once were some kind of hydraulic assist may be in order. I think the lmc 1500 may have this feature i'm just not to familiar with it Boggie sells a kit to convert older cat's to a joy stick steering that may be something to look at. get rid of the steering laterals will make getting in and out of the machine easier.
Blackfoot Tucker
Well-known member
How mechanically inclined are you, and how important is reliability? What about driveability, and of course, budget?
My girlfriend's parents are about the same age as yours. Her Mom is in amazing shape for her age, while her Dad struggles a fair bit. They're great folks, but thinking realistically, what they can physically do now they may not be able to in just a few years.
If you're new to the Snow Cat world, and mechanical reliability is important, you need to get a good one out of the box. These things can be very expensive to repair and several manufacturers are no longer in business, which can present a problem in terms of getting parts.
I'm a Tucker guy so I'm partial to their Sno-Cats. They drive like a car in that they have a steering wheel. They come with both automatic and manual transmissions. The company has been in business for over 50 years and is owned by the same family. Their design is truly time tested, they utilize a great many parts that are readily available, and you can always call the company for parts or advice. The downside is they aren't as easy as some to get in.
In terms of "value" I think you'd be very hard pressed to beat this, (and I see you've requested information):
http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?t=65029
Definitely a newer machine that looks "unmolested", automatic transmission for easier operation, lots of recent maintenance.... I wouldn't be concerned about the hassle of bringing a US built machine back into the US. I bought a used Tucker in Canada a few years ago and it was virtually a non-event.
There's a fair amount of high-priced" junk out there, and you want to avoid that stuff.
A potential source you might consider is a company called Sno Trans. Bill Guthrie very sadly passed away earlier this year but I believe his wife Mary is continuing the business.
Good Luck!
My girlfriend's parents are about the same age as yours. Her Mom is in amazing shape for her age, while her Dad struggles a fair bit. They're great folks, but thinking realistically, what they can physically do now they may not be able to in just a few years.
If you're new to the Snow Cat world, and mechanical reliability is important, you need to get a good one out of the box. These things can be very expensive to repair and several manufacturers are no longer in business, which can present a problem in terms of getting parts.
I'm a Tucker guy so I'm partial to their Sno-Cats. They drive like a car in that they have a steering wheel. They come with both automatic and manual transmissions. The company has been in business for over 50 years and is owned by the same family. Their design is truly time tested, they utilize a great many parts that are readily available, and you can always call the company for parts or advice. The downside is they aren't as easy as some to get in.
In terms of "value" I think you'd be very hard pressed to beat this, (and I see you've requested information):
http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?t=65029
Definitely a newer machine that looks "unmolested", automatic transmission for easier operation, lots of recent maintenance.... I wouldn't be concerned about the hassle of bringing a US built machine back into the US. I bought a used Tucker in Canada a few years ago and it was virtually a non-event.
There's a fair amount of high-priced" junk out there, and you want to avoid that stuff.
A potential source you might consider is a company called Sno Trans. Bill Guthrie very sadly passed away earlier this year but I believe his wife Mary is continuing the business.
Good Luck!
Blackfoot Tucker
Well-known member
That's a good question! I only have a few minutes so I won't be able to answer your question thoroughly...
Generally speaking snow cats were purchased new by three distinct groups. Utility companies, governmental agencies and ski areas. Utility companies tend to put few hours on their machines and maintain them very well. Ski areas put lots of hard hours on their machines and maintenance/repairs can be downright poor. Governmental agencies tend to be closer to utility companies, but in my experience not as good. I've owned three Tuckers, ironically one from each of the groups I mentioned above. I'd look for a machine that was owned by a utility company. There would have to be a compelling reason for me to buy anything that was used as a groomer.
Here's a link to a treasure trove of manufacturer specification sheets. You can learn a great deal, and narrow your selection down, by checking out some models you might be interested in:
http://safetyoneinc.com/snowcats/snowcat-manufacturer-specification-sheets/
If you're interested in a Tucker I'd encourage you to call them directly (1-800-SNO-CAT1). I've talked at length to both Dan Dressler and Jeff Godard. Hugely knowledgeable guys who are generous with their time.
Lastly, have you considered a UTV on tracks (such as a Polaris Ranger)? While bone stock they have few creature comforts, but a dizzying array of options are available (at significant extra cost). I don't think they have the capability of a true snow cat, but one of those may meet your needs. Gotta run...
Snowtrac Nome
member formerly known as dds
that's a good point I normally won't recommend a utv with pod tracks but, in this case it may be just what you need. as they will be using the same trail and not venturing off into the unknown or pulling large loads.as a bonus easy for older people to get into.