amf power sleds

The AMF Ski-Daddler was first manufactured in Des Moines, Iowa by the Western Tool Division of American Machine & Foundry in 1966. The first year of production offered only two models- the 5810, known as the Power Sled and the 5920, known as the Clipper.

The Power Sled was easy to identify because it had no front or rear bumper and it had a huge storage compartment. It was painted a two-tone beige and featured a non-slip seat which, at the time, was the best in the business. The 5920 model sported a front bumper and a small storage kit attached to the rear of the backrest. Both sleds were powered by a JLO engine with between 10 and 15 horsepower.

In 1967, the line underwent a complete body restyling and offered three models. The 5811 (Sno-Scout), the 5812 (Super Scout) and 5813 (Cruiser 22). Only the Cruiser 22 offered the wide track. It was powered by a 21hp Motosacoche (Mag) engine and a 22-inch track. The engine was manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland and was not used by any other manufacturer.

Electric start was standard and no recoil starter was offered. All of the sleds in the 1967 lineup were painted gray and black.
In 1968, the lineup expand to five models. The 5811 (Sno-Scout), the 5812 (Super Scout MK I), the 5814 (Super Scout Mark II), the 5815 (Super Scout Mark III) and the 5813 (Wide-Track 22- formerly known as the Cruiser 22). Once again, all of the sleds were painted gray and black. Engines were JLO with the exception of the Mag, Lloyd and Hirth
engines offered on certain models.

In 1969, the model lineup was again expanded to a total of eight. They were 5811-40 (Sno-Scout), the 5811-30 (Sno-Scout), the 5814 (Mark II), the 5814-11 (Mark II Electric), the 5815-20 (Mark III Electric), the 5818-01 (Widetrack 18) and the 5813-31 (Widetrack 22). It was about this time that Ski-Daddler was transferred to York, Pennsylvania and a complete body styling change took place. They became more streamlined
and took on a bright orange hue.

Sleds continued to be manufactured at the York plant of AMF until the 1972 selling season when the company was consolidated into Harley-Davidson. Harley marketed its own line of sled for the first time this year.

Although there were several models, the 5810 and 5920 were the first offerings from AMF and represent how the styling changed in just a few years. The first models were not very attractive, but by the time the last Ski-Daddler was built and the first Harley entered the scene, they had become a beautiful piece of style and engineering.