CALLING ALL SLED RESCUE EXPERIENCE! NEED HELP!

[sammywoolf]

Unfortunately there isnt ever enough to cover up everything thats out there. A nice fist size diameter dead tree managed to find its way up into my track and skid on the way out. Snapped the track, bent some skid pieces. This was about 330pm. Tried to do all that we knew / had tools for (strapped a snowboard to the bottom, started on a flat packed out track, bumper to bumper tow), and managed to move the pigglet 5 feet. We tried again, without me to lighten her up, to no avail. 2 hrs later and we figured we outta get movin.

Ive towed out before, but on a packed trail in Logan. Sled is currently sitting about 5 miles back in Gaurdsmans, with a few hill climbs and a not so bad, but not groomed trail to get her out

Definitely now in over my head, and need some advice.

How do I tow a sled with no track out? My buddy has a Summit 800 151, and we couldnt budge it with that. We had it rigged up bumper to bumper, and his sled was instantly trenching.

Put it on a plastic sled? Wrap it in a tarp? I know this isnt the first thread about this, but any and all advice is much appreciated. Whats the best way to attach? Bumper to bumper? skis to bumper? should we use a long line for hill climbs and not packed out trails?

Thanks in advance, for the help.

 

[Summit 800]

Here's one approach. Remove the skis and reattach with front facing backwards. Then put the track up on the tunnel of the pulling sled. Strap the tunnels together. Pull it out backwards. Good luck.

 

[sammywoolf]

Awesome. Thanks for the advice. That seems like the move

 

[FNG]

Bummer!

I'm certain there is another way to get it out of there than what I have to offer but all of them are going to be a PITA!!! and some of them may damage your sled more than it already is, or at least toast a belt on the towing sled. If you gotta tow it I'd suggest a 20 ft or so tow strap rather than tied bumper to bumper, this makes it much easier on the towing sled too.

Here is an option: If the skids and suspension weren't toasted then bring your replacement track to the sled and change it out on site. Heck, throw yourself on the mercy of the shop that you are buying the track from and tell the shop guys what you are going to have to do and ask if they have a similar sled to yours so you can MAKE SURE (can't emphasize that enough) that you are bringing all the right tools in with you. It's only a moderate pain to swap a track, having the sled on it's side helps when pulling the suspension, but get there early in the day and pick some mild weather if you can... and plan on owing your buddies who are helping you for the rest of you life...LOL

Oh, don't bring beer, leave that for the parking lot when you have it back to the trailer.

You may want to bring a propane torch along to help un-stick frozen bolts if it's been out there a few days BTW and even one of those small propane heaters to thaw your hands while you work if it's gonna be cold, and plan on it taking far longer than you imagine and that you will run into unexpected difficulties, it's a salvage day, not a riding day.

Bring more tools than you think you are going to need, and have a breaker bar in that kit.

Best of luck dude!

 

[CANNONMAN]

I have done this a number of times and it works like a champ. A group was here at the lodge recently and they did the same thing. It has worked every time. Good luck.

Here's one approach. Remove the skis and reattach with front facing backwards. Then put the track up on the tunnel of the pulling sled. Strap the tunnels together. Pull it out backwards. Good luck.

 

[PowderCrew]

Here's one approach. Remove the skis and reattach with front facing backwards. Then put the track up on the tunnel of the pulling sled. Strap the tunnels together. Pull it out backwards. Good luck.

...thats if your "buddies" will agree to the "collateral" damage (whatever it may be, to their tunnel) If you have your own second sled, non-issue. If the tracks already toast... cut it out, remove it... unbolt the skid and just give 'er a slow pull letting the tunnel slide on the snow. Use that 20' rope idea and go around the spindles and use 2 large caribeners(?) to clip the rope to the ski-hoops (will help turn the skis to track when you turn. GOOD LUCK!!! (mines been stuck in the mtns for almost a month now... STILL trying to get'er home!)

 

[Qreiff]

Here's one approach. Remove the skis and reattach with front facing backwards. Then put the track up on the tunnel of the pulling sled. Strap the tunnels together. Pull it out backwards. Good luck.

X3.........Takes a bit of "prep" but, it works.

Good luck.

 

[Dam Dave]

Here's one approach. Remove the skis and reattach with front facing backwards. Then put the track up on the tunnel of the pulling sled. Strap the tunnels together. Pull it out backwards. Good luck.

times 4, been there done that, or fix it right there

 

[06 RMK 900]

I have herd and seen people put a bunji in the middle of a 20ft rope seems to work pretty good.

I hit a rock in west in Jan and had to be pulled out. We used a buddy tow (you can't because you have no track). I was lucky and was still able to drive up the steep hills but didn't have no coolant.

I would say pull it as much as you can with another sled if not see if you can find a gas powered winch to pull when it's deep or steep.

Good luck man, let us know how it goes.

 

[Mtn-Track]

So where is "Gaurdsmans"?

 

[Kevin]

So where is "Gaurdsmans"?

I was wondering the same thing. Logan and Guardsmans are mentioned. Maybe Utah? I noticed this same thread is posted in Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah sections.

 

[jdog1]

You can buy a tow buddy. It wraps around where the track should be, I think they are around $35. The skid slides on that. Try usning 2 sleds to pull it out, works alot easier. Good luck.

 

[Skippyspad]

I don't know how far you are from the nearest groomed trail, but you may want to contact the groomers. They may help you out with the snow cat for a case of beer.

Mike

 

[Mtn-Track]

I don't know how far you are from the nearest groomed trail, but you may want to contact the groomers. They may help you out with the snow cat for a case of beer.

Mike

Who needs groomed trails? They're more fun in the powder....

There are more cats in private ownership than most realize and most guy's don't need much of an excuse to go 'play' with them either. Something to keep in mind when a sled gets hammered in the back country...

 

[zeekzq14]

I was wondering the same thing. Logan and Guardsmans are mentioned. Maybe Utah? I noticed this same thread is posted in Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah sections.

Utah....Around the park city area

 

[milehighassassin]

We got a sled out with a broken drive shaft (bearing) by using a hunting sled. If you are not dealing with a packed trail, make one. Take as many sleds as you can and pack down a way out. Try to make sure you keep it smooth, not trenching, and make it a 2-2.5 sleds wide. It will save you a lot of time.

 

[baddodges]

i got an idea get the parts you need and drive it out.

 

[Coldfinger]

Maybe a couple 2x4's under the track and tied up to the A-arms or front bumper. They would act like ski runners and offer some directional stability.

 

[playbaby]

Just to let you guys no he got the sled out i seen it on another tred from utah would have been nice for him to let all you guys that posted ways for him to get it out that it was out just thought id let you know

 

[tmk50]

There are more cats in private ownership than most realize and most guy's don't need much of an excuse to go 'play' with them either. Something to keep in mind when a sled gets hammered in the back country...

Agreed - I'd love to use ours to go on a sled rescue someday.