how to lift your sled for track maintenance
Amsnow
From The Trailer Deck
This position is preferred when the elevation needs to be high or when the tow vehicle is not available.
The stand is constructed of common 2x4 framing lumber with trianglesof 1/2- inch plywood secured at the corners to stabilize its shape. The model shown is 33 inches wide and 56 inches high. You may prefer to makeit up to foot higher, but the model shown accommodates use in a basement garage with a low ceiling.
The frame of the stand is U-shaped for a good reason. As your sled's track will likely extend to the rear of an eight foot trailer, the standis able to bridge the sled without interfering with the track, when it issupported by the trailer deck. A V-shaped cutout is added to the ends ofthe vertical supports to allow the stand to secure itself to the back edgeof the trailer deck and assume a stable and natural hoisting angle.
When the stand is inverted and the sled is to be supported from the ground,a length of pipe is placed in the V-shaped cutout that was described above.If built taller than the model shown, it may be preferred to not invertthe stand, eliminating the need for the pipe. Small steel "mendingplates" were added just below the "V" to prevent any possiblecracking of the vertical supports.
You can get more elaborate about the method of hoisting the sled, butthe strap normally used to secure the sled's rear end during travel willwork just fine, as shown. The steel eyebolt which is used to hang the hoistingstrap in the ground supported position is an optional item.
Editor's note: The author has performed track maintenance withthis stand with complete sled stability and safety. He recommends a backuphoisting strap be applied when running an elevated track.
Robert Granell is a 12-year snowmobiling veteran and a long time readerof American Snowmobiler. He does most repairs to his snowmobile himself-hence the sled hoist idea. Look for him on the trails of Western Massachusetts,New York and Vermont.