What is the best and most reliable motorized towing vehicle: TOP-15 rating of the best motorized towing vehicles
If you like to fish, hunt, or simply travel, you probably dreamed more than once to get to your destination as quickly as possible, and so that someone else would drag your things. In the North, dogs do this, but it is much more effective to replace them with a motor. People thought so, and therefore created motorized towing vehicles (known as motorized dogs)... Of course, there are all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, but motorized dogs are much cheaper, they are maneuverable and versatile, simple and unpretentious to use, with a small size and weight they can transport a considerable load. Moreover - even in the most severe conditions! From today's article you will find out which motorized towing vehicle is the best and most reliable.
What do we know about motor dogs
Towing vehicles, like snowmobiles as we know them now, first appeared in Canada. There is a harsh climate and large open spaces, which inevitably led to the mechanization of movement in the winter. But if snowmobiles have changed and developed a lot over the years, then motorized dogs, even today, are extremely simple and inexpensive units.
The first models that went beyond the borders of the handicraft (for example, Bolens hus ski), had a layout that is used to this day: a gasoline engine from a generator, a wide track, a centrifugal clutch. In Russia, for a long time, only garage masters were engaged in the manufacture of motorized dogs, using ready-made drawings from magazines, but now a large assortment of factory models is available.
On a note! Most of these "factories" are the same handicraft workshops, which have grown a little, but there is extreme unification with the available components: many spare parts from "Buran", the engine is, as a rule, another copy of the classic Honda GX, etc. etc.
The huge advantage of motoblocks is not that they are cheap and do not need a license (by law, they are the same as motoblocks). A compact unit that can easily fit in the trunk of a car is always useful for a fisherman or hunter.
Rating of the best and most reliable motorized towing vehicles
Let's take a look at the best models on the market.
Motorized dogs with CVT transmission
Models with such a transmission differ in that they are easy to operate, the engine starts smoothly, and fuel is consumed economically. On uneven terrain and at high speeds, these motorized dogs are more stable and do not need frequent refueling.
No. 5. Rider V500-9.0 Techno
The model with a shortened base can be transported in the trunk of a small car. It remains operational at temperatures down to -35 degrees, as it has a powerful engine and a carburetor heated by exhaust. The caterpillar is solid rubber, almost does not wear out, allows you to move freely on asphalt, ground, snow.
On a note! Motor with a volume of 270 cubic meters. capable of reaching 35 km / h, but does not overheat under heavy loads thanks to the air cooling system.
pros
- ease;
- small size;
- caterpillar 500 mm wide;
- low consumption;
- the presence of a cooling system.
Minuses
- quite low power.
No. 4. Dumplings "Alaska"
A motorized towing vehicle with excellent handling due to its compactness and soft suspension. Excellent characteristics allow the model to hold well on slopes. Moreover, it is easy to operate. The motor does not get dirt and water due to the closed hood. The engine itself, by the way, has a power of 15 hp. and provides 4200 rpm. per minute. And if you also attach a trailer or sled, then the carrying capacity will increase to 350 kg.
pros
- magneto generator;
- excellent handling and cross-country ability;
- capacious fuel tank;
- reliability.
Minuses
- the model accelerates slowly.
No. 3. Burlak-M2 FK 13
The model is small, but its carrying capacity reaches 250 kg. Such good performance is possible thanks to the wide track (50 cm) and the 13 hp motor. There are also welded roof racks and auxiliary stiffeners to increase the strength of the frame.
The model weighs 87 kg, the tank holds 6.5 liters of fuel. The towing vehicle can travel at a speed of 30 km / h, and on any surface. Sleds can be attached at the back.
pros
- small size, lightness;
- excellent cross-country ability;
- wide tracks;
- the body is strong enough.
Minuses
- fuel consumption is 2.5 l / h.
No. 2. Irbis "Mukhtar" 15
It is completed with two different suspensions, therefore it is successfully operated both in summer and winter. Engine displacement - 450 cc. For a more comfortable ride in the snow, you can install a ski module. In addition, "Mukhtar" is equipped with a powerful LED flashlight, a hydraulic brake that allows you to quickly stop regardless of the surface. Modular body, easy to assemble / disassemble without specialized tools.
Irbis "Mukhtar" can be used on various surfaces without any problems. Thanks to the high power and large tracks, you can tackle the most difficult terrain.
pros
- powerful motor;
- collapsible body (modular);
- versatility;
- air cooling system;
- good cross-country ability.
Minuses
- the engine is quite noisy.
# 1. Baltmotors Snowdog "Standard" S-B13ME-WR
The model is very easy to maintain, which is made possible by self-aligning bearings and a special mechanism (from motorcycles) chain tension. The handlebars are foldable and can be used as a lever to raise the front when driving over obstacles. The engine has a power of 13 HP, the tank holds 6.6 liters of fuel. Disc brakes and an electric starter make driving much easier. There are 2 pendants available. Also included is a waterproof case for storing a motorized dog.
pros
- protected circuit;
- high engine power;
- cast hitch;
- folding steering wheel (3 positions are provided);
- wide frame.
Minuses
- quite high cost.
This is a great option to get around both on the ground and in the snow. The carrying capacity of the model reaches 500 kg, and therefore it will become an indispensable assistant for group fishing and hunting.
Motorized dogs with a four-stroke engine
These units are distinguished by economical consumption of gasoline, durability and ease of use. They can be used and stored in the most adverse weather conditions.
No. 5. ZiD MBG-2 "Blizzard"
A collapsible motorized towing vehicle consists of 6 elements that can be connected without any special tools. The tracks and the chassis are connected by hinges, and therefore deviate from a single plane, depending on the terrain; therefore, the permeability is increased.
5 hp engine consumes 2 l / h. The ski / track modules can be used at the same time to increase comfort when moving on different surfaces.
pros
- the engine starts quickly at any temperature;
- the motorized dog is convenient to transport;
- simple assembly;
- excellent cross-country ability.
Minuses
- small tank volume.
No. 4. Cronus CR9A
The lightweight model with wide tracks has high flotation where a regular snowmobile will not pass. A smooth start is ensured by an automatic transmission, and even a beginner can handle the controls without any problems. The engine has a power of 9 HP, the tank holds 5.5 liters of fuel. If you attach a sled, the carrying capacity will reach 200 kg.
pros
- convenient control;
- good cross-country ability;
- easy to start, no handling issues.
Minuses
- maximum speed is poor.
No. 3. Ladoga 9V
A good option for almost any weather: heated gas trigger and grips, ski module, powerful headlight. Carrying capacity reaches 150 kg. 9 hp engine, 6 liter tank. No special tools are required to install the ski module, it is easy and quick to remove / install.
Ladoga 9V model is perfect for long-term transportation of goods. For a long hunt in remote areas - just the right thing.
pros
- small size;
- can be used in any weather;
- the ski module can be easily removed;
- excellent handling;
- low fuel consumption.
Minuses
- sufficiently low carrying capacity.
No. 2. Snowball DV500
The model with a rigid roller suspension, a volumetric frame is characterized by high stability while driving. The engine is protected from dirt and water by a waterproof nylon hood. The weight of the model is 85 kg, the engine has a power of 9 hp. Such a motorized towing vehicle can easily fit in the trunk of a car. Thanks to electronic ignition, the engine starts smoothly and energy consumption is reduced.
pros
- small size;
- low consumption;
- stability, patency;
- the presence of a cooling system.
Minuses
- the engine is running noisily.
# 1. Paxus 600 "Taiga"
The model has a wider track - 60 cm.Thanks to this, it can cope with the most difficult areas. The engine has a power of 15 hp. At the same time, up to 3 sleds can be attached to the towing vehicle for transporting up to 600 kg. Rear-wheel drive, 6.5 liter tank. Separately, it is worth reporting the maximum speed - in this case it is 40 km / h, and therefore it becomes possible to cover long distances quickly enough.
pros
- the presence of air cooling;
- sufficiently high speed;
- versatility;
- powerful motor;
- high carrying capacity.
Minuses
- no seat.
Inexpensive towing vehicles
Check out the best models worth up to 50,000 rubles... They are mobile, but small, and therefore fit in the trunk without any problems.
No. 5. Tofalar 380 mini
The engine starts instantly regardless of weather conditions, which is provided by a manual starter. The model is compact, but has a relatively powerful engine (7 HP) and a lifting capacity of up to 200 kg. Vibrations are quickly damped by a damper suspension, which simplifies handling and significantly increases stability. Together with the sled, the model weighs only 50 kg.
pros
- good motor power;
- excellent shock absorption;
- starts quickly;
- high carrying capacity;
- convenient transportation.
Minuses
- fuel consumption is large enough.
No. 4. Albatross-M
This towing vehicle can easily overcome difficult-to-pass areas, since the weight of a person in it is evenly distributed between the sleigh and the towing vehicle itself. 6.5 hp engine accelerates the unit to 25 km / h, since the dimensions of the model are small. The total carrying capacity - with a trailer or sleigh - reaches 170 kg. What is characteristic is that the motor does not stall during overloads, since the gearbox with a centrifugal automatic clutch acts in this case as a transmission.
pros
- small weight;
- long service life;
- good top speed;
- stability;
- good carrying capacity.
Minuses
- the volume of the fuel tank is quite small.
No. 3. Forza 6.5 HP
What about this model? First of all, it is easy to manage. The gas trigger starts the engine and the button stops it. In addition, the engine starts without problems even at -30 degrees. The angle of attack of the roller suspension is 20 degrees, which increases the stability of the towing vehicle and facilitates its movement on slopes.
Engine power - 6.5 hp, tracks are 38 cm wide. Compact dimensions - 1050x750x450 - allow you to accommodate a dog in the back of a car.
pros
- the engine starts quickly even in cold weather;
- develops a fairly good speed;
- small size;
- easy transportation;
- low consumption.
Minuses
- the lifting capacity is quite low.
No. 2. Mink 380 mini
The model is very maneuverable. The motor is biased forward, and therefore the load is distributed in a balanced manner. Traction with surfaces is provided by a tractor tread of great depth. All major structural elements are attached to a multi-layer frame. The motor has a power of 6.5 hp, the maximum carrying capacity of the model is 150 kg.Front-wheel drive unit, good cross-country ability.
pros
- compactness;
- good speed, cross-country ability;
- users noted good controllability;
- excellent build.
Minuses
- fuel is consumed quickly enough.
# 1. Pomor 380 1250 S6.5
The towing vehicle has an excellent build quality: its frame is made of special structural steel, from which army ATVs are made. Steel mounts provide a high strength class of 8.8, and therefore the towing vehicle can withstand heavy loads. With a motor power of 6.5 hp the model accelerates to 30 km / h. The motor is centered to improve agility and balance. It can carry up to 200 kg of cargo, that is, two people can fit together with equipment.
pros
- small size;
- easy maintenance;
- good speed;
- excellent body strength;
- stability.
Minuses
- the caterpillar is rather narrow.
How to choose a motorized towing vehicle (motorized dog)?
To begin with, the correct choice will depend on the goal set by the buyer. Let's get acquainted with the main parameters for choosing a motorized dog.
Table. Criteria for choosing the best motorized towing vehicle.
| Selection criterion | Short description |
|---|---|
| Power | The more powerful the motor dog's engine, the better. The simplest models have 6-7 hp. Towers with more power are not only "stronger" but also faster. The most popular manufacturers are Chinese companies Lifan and Zongshen. The Honda engine will cost more, but its resource and performance are much better. |
| Drive - rear or front | Here, again, a lot depends on the operating conditions. With front-wheel drive, the upper branch of the caterpillar is stretched, but the working - the lower one - relaxes, and therefore does not wear out so much on uneven surfaces. There is also a better hold. A rear-wheel drive motor dog is better on loose snow. |
| Transmission | Cheap models have a conventional centrifugal clutch, but CVT towing vehicles are more practical. If possible, give preference to the latter. |
| Track width | In reality, the width should be such that the track can be purchased without any problems. Also, do not forget about the load: models with low power do not need a 50 cm wide track, it will not give any advantages, but it is ideal for the "swamp" version due to the minimum pressure on the soil. |
| Suspension | Still better is the roller suspension, it is universal, in contrast to the skids, for which wet / loose snow serves as the necessary lubricant. Although the best option is the Mukhtar-15 model: the suspension in it is easily and quickly reassembled for specific needs. |
The size of the motor dog also matters.... If the model is compact, it will be convenient to transport it in a trailer or in the trunk of a car. Collapsible structures can also be transported without problems, but difficulties arise with them when assembling in the cold. In a word, before purchasing, you should definitely decide how exactly the motorized dog will be delivered to its destination.
Important! The legislation of the Russian Federation states that towing vehicles are means of small-scale mechanization. In this case, the registration certificate is not issued after the purchase; there is no need to register a motor dog. But such a vehicle must not be used on public roads!