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Snow Trac
Snow Trac
from Wikipedia

The Snow Trac is a small personal Snowcat that is roughly the size of a modern compact car. Aktiv Snow Trac were manufactured in Sweden between 1957 and 1981, with additional vehicles manufactured in Scotland.

1972 Snow Trac ST4 7 passenger cabin variant

Origins and description

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In 1954, Lars Larsson, the chief design engineer for a Swedish farm equipment company, AB Westeråsmaskiner, decided to develop a tracked vehicle to take him and his brother on fishing trips in the winter. The company put his snow vehicle into production in 1957. It uses a unique steering mechanism called a variator that allows a tracked vehicle to be steered using a traditional automotive steering wheel instead of levers.

VW powered Snow Trac, 54hp, 4 manual speed transmission

The Aktiv Fischer Snow Trac is a tracked vehicle, which was manufactured from 1957 to 1981 in Sweden. It runs on two rubber tracks powered by a Volkswagen flat 4 industrial boxer style engine and is suitable for both deep snow and soft surface use. The engine developed about 40 horsepower, but that varied from year to year as the earlier models developed 36 hp, and later models developed 54 hp. With a length of approximately 12 ft (3.7 meters) and width of 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) the vehicle is the size of a small car.

In the standard cabin configuration, only the driver is facing forward. The interior is equipped with side-facing bench seats and there are enough seats for 7 people (including the driver). The entrance is by a door attached at the tail. There are no other entrances, but many are equipped with a large sunroof, which could double as an emergency exit. Unlike most other snow vehicles, the Snow Trac uses a traditional steering wheel instead of levers. Early brochures describe it as follows: As easy to drive as a car.

Usage

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Icelandic Snow Tracs currently in use as remote region Search & Rescue vehicles

While manufactured in Sweden, the Snow Trac proved to be a successful export with over half sold to North America. Approximately 550 Snow Tracs were shipped to Alaska. At least 200 units were shipped to Canadian telephone utility Northwest Telephone in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Approximately 200 Snow Tracs ended up at the Canadian National Railway, and Snow Tracs were also located at each of the microwave sites along the length of the ALCAN (Alaska Canadian Highway). At least 400 more Snow Tracs were known to have been shipped to the Lower 48 states of the United States. At least 200 were known to have been shipped to Scotland.

Wide track Snow Master version of the Snow Trac used for deep powder snow conditions
Royal Marines open version of Snow Trac with a L6 Wombat 120mm recoilless rifle anti-tank weapon

The ability to configure the basic vehicle in many different ways allowed it to be suitable for multiple uses. In addition to the standard 7 person cabin, the Snow Trac was also available with a two-person enclosed cabin which had an exposed cargo area. Alternately, it could be ordered with only a windshield and side wing windows and a canvas top. (Most of the military versions were equipped in this fashion). A fully open-top version was also available and this version was used on sand in Texas oilfields, as well as by the British Commandos of the Royal Marines to carry a L6 Wombat anti-tank weapon.

The Snow Trac was used successfully by NATO forces during the cold war between NATO and the USSR. The REME Museum at MOD Lyneham in England has a Royal Marines Snow Trac on display as part of its Military Tracked Vehicle collection. Military units are differentiated from civilian units by utilizing a 24-volt electrical system instead of the civilian 12-volt system. Military units also had the fuel tank moved outside the cabin area and mounted over the left (driver's side) track on the cargo ledge. Many military Snow Tracs were used by NATO forces as well as British Royal Marines forces. Military Snow Tracs were also often equipped with special hooking points so they could be transported quickly to remote regions by being carried under a helicopter without the need for special cargo carriers. The Snow Tracs utilitzed by NATO were later replaced by the 4-track amphibious articulated Volvo BV202 Bandvagn 202, and those were later replaced by a more evolved Hägglunds BV206 Bandvagn 206.

Royal Marines canvas top Snow Trac on NATO patrol in Norway
Preparing a L6 Wombat, mounted on a Snow Trac, for firing

Snow Tracs were also called Sand Tracs and saw use in the Sahara Desert as over-sand transport vehicles. The crawler track design was well suited for either sand or snow use but was not generally suitable for rocky all-terrain use. The track required loose ground to properly function so it was able to work equally well on gravel, sand, snow, or other loose material like tall grass. Because of their ability to be used in many conditions and climates, the Snow Trac was used worldwide and still is in use today by emergency organizations and some commercial enterprises, although large utilities no longer use Snow Tracs.

Snow Master version utilized as a ski slope groomer at the Sapporo Olympic games

An industrial version of the Snow Trac was called a Trac Master, and later renamed a Snow Master. The Trac/Snow Master was equipped with a longer and wider track that made it more suitable for the deepest soft snow conditions. Optional hydraulic implements were available for the Trac/Snow Masters for grooming ski trails. Implements for grooming were capable of being mounted on both the front and the rear of the Snow Master and were powered by an auxiliary hydraulic pump that was an option on the Snow Master units. Shipping records show that Japan was a popular destination for Snow Masters and many are still in use by private owners in the northern regions of Japan. Snow Trac and Snow Master units were used during the Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan as trail groomers and for transportation.

Porsche Snow Trac with custom cabin designed for Antarctic use.

The Swedish made Aktiv Snow Trac of which approximately 2265 were manufactured in Sweden between 1957 and 1981. Production of the Snow Trac ceased when VW stopped European production of the engines that were used to power these vehicles. Additional vehicles were manufactured in Scotland bringing the total to over 2300 units produced. Numerous accounts from Antarctica related successful use of the Snow Trac by research organizations such as ANARE in Antarctica. Snow Tracs were used at all major Antarctica research bases by numerous government research bodies and several examples now reside in museums with Antarctic research exhibits.

Mechanicals

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The Snow Trac is made up largely of off the shelf automotive and industrial parts supplied by Volkswagen including an air cooled flat 4 industrial version of VW Beetle engine, a VW Bus transmission, and hundreds of surplus parts including steering wheels, shift knobs, and lighting components. A proprietary drive variator was adapted to the transmission to allow the use of a steering wheel to control the tracks. The variator steplessly changes the speed of the left and right tracks, accelerating one track while slowing the other to effect a turn. Unlike traditional tracked vehicle steering, the brakes are not used to turn, increasing efficiency and reducing brake wear. Production of the air cooled VW engine ceased in 1981 in Europe and this effectively led to the demise of the Snow Trac, which ended factory production in Sweden.

VW Industrial Engines used in 2 different versions of the Snow Trac engine compartment

Because of the common use of Volkswagen engines, transmissions and other critical parts, the Snow Trac is still a very popular vehicle with many 30- to 40-year-old vehicles being used daily during the winter months. Snow Trac vehicles are commonly used as personal vehicles for transport, and are often used for providing tours to tourists in remote areas. The Roughwoods Inn, located in Nenana Alaska, runs a small fleet of Snow Tracs and Snow Masters for tourists in the winter months. The fleet at The Roughwoods Inn is probably the largest fleet in ownership today. Other resorts and hotels also use Snow Tracs and other models of snowcats to provide tours to remote snowbound areas.

Snow Tracs in use today are often modified and it is common to find overheating problems plaguing these machines because heat shield have been removed to make it easier to work on the engines. There were 2 primary types of heat shields that were installed in Snow Tracs, a vertical heat shield that divided the engine compartment fore and aft or a horizontal heat shield that separated the muffler area from the rest of the engine compartment. In either case the function was ultimately the same, to keep the exhaust and muffler heat away from the engine. The vertical heat shield seems to have been commonly utilized on the Royal Marines and N.A.T.O. versions of the Snow Trac, it may also have been used in civilian versions. The horizontal heat shield is the most commonly found on Snow Tracs.

Snow Trac toys

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So popular and unique was the Snow Trac that a line of toys from Matchbox was introduced. Lesney MATCHBOX of England made 3 different versions of the Aktiv Fischer Snow Trac ST4. All were very similar in appearance, 2 of them used the same molds. All of the Matchbox toys are modeled after the 2 large wheel Aktiv Snow Trac; this version has 2 large rubber tires, one at the rear, and the third about 24" aft of the drive sprocket. Lesney designated their toy #35 in the Matchbox series.

  • Version 1 had the words SNOW TRAC embossed in the sides of the tractor
  • Version 2 had no identification of the Snow Trac at all with smooth sides
  • Version 3 had white decals reading SNOW TRAC on the smooth sides

Matchbox also produced a very limited run of cardboard puzzles featuring agricultural equipment and vehicles, one such puzzle featured the Snow Trac.

R&L Cereal toy Snow Trac toys

In 1967, a toy maker in Melbourne, Australia, produced a snap together model kit of the Snow Trac. The company, ROSENHAIN & LIPMANN, more commonly referred to as R&L, specialised in the manufacture of cereal premiums. The Snow Trac was part of their "Polar Base" series that took inspiration from the ANARE activities in Antarctica. The toys were issued as a free cereal premium inside boxes of cereal in Australia by the Kellogg Company. They may have also been issued as a cereal premium in the USA. They were produced in at least five colours and built up into a model 45 mm in length. In 1975, R&L produced a large order of toys for use by Aurora in the USA. The Snap-A-Roos series by Aurora, included an "Antarctic Explorers" box set that contained the Snow Trac model.

See also

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Snow Trac is a compact, enclosed-cab tracked designed for over-snow travel, originally developed in as a personal capable of transporting up to seven passengers or significant cargo through deep snow and ice. Invented in 1954 by Lars Larsson, the chief design engineer at the farm machinery company AB Westeråsmaskiner, the Snow Trac was initially created to facilitate winter fishing trips for Larsson and his family in the harsh Scandinavian winters, addressing the limitations of existing snow vehicles at the time. Production began in 1957 under AB Westeråsmaskiner in , , with early models featuring hand-laid bodies and rubber-belted tracks for reliable traction on powder snow, ice, and even soft terrain. Key models included the original ST4, introduced in 1957, and the more robust ST4B variant, which became popular for ski area grooming and transport due to its enhanced durability and versatility. Power came from air-cooled engines, with later versions adopting Volkswagen flat-four industrial units for improved performance, while steering utilized a unique variator system operated via a conventional steering wheel, simplifying control compared to lever-based predecessors. In 1969, production shifted to Aktiv-Fischer AB after acquisition of the line, continuing until 1981, resulting in over 8,000 units built and exported worldwide. The Snow Trac gained renown for its adaptability beyond recreational use, serving military applications during the —such as patrols by forces including the British —and civilian roles in extreme environments like expeditions, Alpine rescue operations, Canadian railway maintenance, Texas oilfields, and even the Sahara Desert for its low ground pressure and multi-terrain capability. Notably, the ST4B model supported transportation and grooming duties at the in , , highlighting its reliability in high-stakes settings. Its legacy endures through preserved examples in museums, such as the REME Museum in the UK, and cultural appearances in films like The Shining and Doctor Who, underscoring its iconic status in over-snow vehicle history; modern revivals include the American-made Sno Trac, with production ongoing as of 2025.

Development and History

Origins

The Snow Trac was invented in 1954 by Lars Larsson, a Swedish serving as chief at the farm equipment AB Westeråsmaskiner. Larsson's motivation stemmed from practical challenges in accessing a remote winter fishing cabin shared with his brother amid deep Scandinavian snow. The initial design emphasized flotation and accessibility, featuring two continuous rubber-belted tracks that achieved a low ground pressure of approximately 0.75 pounds per square inch to traverse soft snow without excessive sinking. These tracks were inspired by rubber components in agricultural machinery, marking a key innovation over earlier snow vehicles that relied on rigid metal tracks prone to higher pressure and less flexibility on uneven terrain. The vehicle included an enclosed aluminum cab accommodating up to seven passengers for protection against cold, with basic steering achieved through a variator system operated via a conventional steering wheel, akin to automotive controls, rather than track differential or levers common in contemporaries. Early prototypes were rigorously tested in Sweden's severe winters, validating the design's performance in deep and while refining the rubber track durability and cab insulation. These trials confirmed the vehicle's viability, paving the way for the first production model in 1957, manufactured by AB Westeråsmaskiner.

Production Timeline

Production of the Snow Trac commenced in 1957 under the Swedish company AB Westeråsmaskiner, based in , following the prototype developed by engineer Lars Larsson for accessing remote winter areas. The vehicle was initially manufactured with a air-cooled , marking the start of a production run that emphasized reliability for over-snow transport. In 1969, production rights transferred to Aktiv-Fischer AB, which continued manufacturing in Västerås. Under Aktiv-Fischer AB, the company produced over 8,000 units by 1981, with output peaking during the 1960s and 1970s as demand grew. Serial numbers progressed sequentially from the early models, reflecting steady expansion, though exact yearly figures vary; for instance, production emphasized export models tailored for international markets. The vehicle's popularity in export destinations, including the United Kingdom and Antarctic expeditions, significantly boosted sales and sustained manufacturing momentum through these decades. By the late 1970s, Aktiv-Fischer AB introduced minor updates to the lineup while maintaining the core design, but rising competition from larger snow vehicles contributed to declining demand. Operations ceased entirely in 1981 amid these economic pressures, ending the original Swedish production era after 24 years.

Design and Features

Mechanical Specifications

The Snow Trac features a rear-mounted designed for optimal balance and traction in snow conditions. It is powered by a industrial flat-four air-cooled boxer engine, with early models using a 1200 cc displacement producing approximately 36 horsepower, while later variants increased output to around 40-44 horsepower through engine upgrades. The engine drives a Volkswagen-sourced four-speed with reverse, which transfers power via a to the front-mounted drive sprockets on the tracks. Mobility is provided by dual reinforced rubber tracks, each 18 inches wide, constructed with fabric layers and metal crosspieces for durability, supported by 14 rubber-shod wheels per track. Steering is achieved through a variator system that adjusts the effective diameter of pulleys on each track to create differential speeds via V-belts, allowing car-like handling with a turning radius of about 14 feet, rather than traditional skid steering. The low ground pressure of 0.75 pounds per square inch enables excellent flotation, making it suitable for traversing soft snow and uneven terrain. The consists of a welded for structural integrity, paired with a lightweight cab typically made of panels for corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Overall dimensions are approximately 12 feet in length, 6 feet 3 inches in width, and 6 feet 3 inches in height, with an unladen weight of around 2,500 to 2,800 pounds (1,150 to 1,250 kg) depending on configuration. Key performance characteristics include a top speed of up to 25 on packed , with supporting a range exceeding 100 miles per full tank under typical operating conditions. The cab includes a using an exhaust driven by the engine fan to maintain passenger comfort in sub-zero temperatures.

Variants and Models

The primary model of the Snow Trac, designated ST4, was produced from primarily during the and by Aktiv-Fischer AB in after initial production by AB Westeråsmaskiner, featuring a standard 7-passenger cab mounted on a tracked suitable for utility transport in snow and soft terrain. This configuration emphasized passenger capacity and basic enclosed protection, with the vehicle measuring approximately 12 feet long and 6 feet wide to navigate narrow paths. Related production lines included the Snow Master, a variant similar in overall size to the ST4 but equipped with wider tracks (approximately 32 inches wide) to accommodate heavier loads and deeper conditions, as demonstrated in applications like the 1972 Sapporo Olympics for snow management. The Trac Master represented an intermediate evolution, with slightly longer tracks and an additional for enhanced stability under load. Military variants diverged from civilian models through reinforcements to the cab for durability in combat zones and integrated mounts for radio equipment, enabling use by forces and the British Royal Marines during operations in . These adaptations prioritized tactical mobility in extreme winter environments, often incorporating a 24-volt electrical system over the standard 12-volt setup. Custom configurations expanded the Snow Trac's versatility, including enclosed cargo versions with rear access for equipment haulage, open-top scout models for , and expedition kits featuring extended fuel tanks to support prolonged polar operations, such as those in . Following the core production run ending in 1981, post-1976 Aktiv models incorporated engine updates from , progressing to a 1.6-liter flat-four unit delivering 54 horsepower for improved performance. In total, approximately five to six recognized variants emerged, differentiated primarily by cab configurations (e.g., standard enclosed, short utility, or canvas military) and track setups (narrow for agility or wide for load-bearing).

Applications and Usage

Civilian and Commercial Use

The Snow Trac was initially developed for personal civilian use in , where engineer Lars Larsson designed it in 1954 to facilitate family trips across frozen lakes and remote cabin access during harsh winters. This origin reflected its role in everyday activities in snowy regions, including maintenance through the addition of attachments to clear tracks for local travel. In commercial applications, the Snow Trac saw adoption by postal and telecommunications services for rural delivery and emergency access in isolated areas. The British General Post Office (GPO), for instance, acquired six units in the mid-1960s, deploying them as snow emergency vehicles to reach remote stations within 24 hours during heavy snowfalls and support urgent fault repairs or refueling in challenging terrains like marshes and hills. Ski resorts in the Alps utilized the vehicle for grooming and slope preparation, leveraging its ability to navigate deep snow and create paths for winter sports. Key operational advantages included a payload capacity of up to 1,100 pounds for or , alongside seating for up to seven passengers in its enclosed cab, making it suitable for group transport or utility tasks. Its air-cooled ensured reliability in sub-zero conditions down to -40°F without freezing risks, while the use of readily available VW components simplified maintenance for operators in remote areas. The vehicle's market expanded beyond Sweden through exports, with significant adoption in the UK for emergency services and in starting in the early for and roles, peaking during the and amid growing demand for reliable snow transport. At least 400 units were exported to , supporting commercial operations in snowy environments.

Military and Scientific Expeditions

The Snow Trac was adopted by the British Army's in the for warfare training and patrols in , where its compact design and rubber tracks provided superior maneuverability over deep snow and ice compared to wheeled vehicles. These vehicles were integrated into operations, including joint exercises with Norwegian forces during the , supporting reconnaissance and rapid deployment in sub-zero conditions across eastern . Norwegian military units also employed the Snow Trac for similar patrols, leveraging its low ground pressure of approximately 3/4 lb per to traverse soft snow without excessive sinking. Military adaptations included mounting the L6 recoilless for defensive patrols, enhancing its role in potential conflict zones while preserving its core mobility. In scientific contexts, the Snow Trac played a vital role in polar , particularly with the (BAS) during traverses from bases like Halley Bay in the 1960s and 1970s, where it towed sledges carrying supplies and scientific instruments over hundreds of miles of ice. These expeditions relied on the vehicle's durability in extreme cold—down to sub-zero temperatures approaching -50°F (-46°C)—with few breakdowns reported during extended operations, allowing teams to cover vast distances while hauling up to approximately 2,000 pounds (900 kg) in convoy configurations. The Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) also used Snow Trac vehicles since 1960 for scouting and local transport in Antarctica, with modifications for the environment. To suit polar extremes, Snow Tracs were configured for deep snow, powder snow, and ice. These enhancements ensured operational continuity in convoys, underscoring its value in high-stakes scientific and military endeavors.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Toys and Replicas

The Snow Trac inspired several commercial toys during the 1960s, capturing public interest in its Antarctic expeditions and rugged design. The Lesney Matchbox company of England produced a popular die-cast model as part of its 1-75 series, numbered 35 and released in 1964, featuring a detailed body with rubber tracks for realistic movement. This model was manufactured until 1968 and came in three main variants: an initial red version with smooth sides and no markings, a subsequent red version with "Snow Trac" tampo-printed on the sides, and a final maroon version with the same printing. The toys were constructed from metal with plastic elements for the tracks and windows, emphasizing durability for children's play while accurately representing the vehicle's tracked configuration. In 1967, an Australian toy manufacturer in released a snap-together of the Snow Trac at 1:32 scale, part of a series inspired by themes. These kits allowed users to assemble the vehicle without glue, promoting hands-on creativity among young builders. The series, in particular, played a key role in popularizing the Snow Trac's distinctive form in children's toys, mirroring the era's growing fascination with specialized snow vehicles amid Cold War-era adventures in remote regions. Hobbyists have created custom replicas of the Snow Trac, often scaling down the original design for remote-controlled (RC) operation or static display. Examples include modifications to existing die-cast models, such as rescaling the Matchbox version to approximately 1:56 for tabletop gaming or use, involving custom tracks and detailing. Larger builds, like 1:6 scale models powered by miniature engines, replicate the original's mechanical essence on a reduced footprint for or indoor demonstrations. Preservation enthusiasts, through individual restoration projects, have revived original Snow Trac vehicles for museum displays and events, focusing on maintaining historical authenticity while adapting tracks and engines for modern reliability. Today, these toys hold collectible appeal, with well-preserved variants fetching $20 to $100 depending on condition and rarity, while scarce editions like early smooth-sided models or boxed sets can reach $50 to $200 at auction. The enduring interest stems from the Snow Trac's legacy as a reliable workhorse, making its miniature forms prized items among vintage toy and vehicle collectors.

Modern Developments

In 2013, TFT-Sno Trac, LLC was established to revive and modernize the Snow Trac design, incorporating contemporary components such as a paired with a hydrostatic drive system for improved reliability and emissions compliance. This updated iteration preserves the original's core 7-passenger heated cab and articulated track system, enabling access to remote winter cabins, trails, and off-road environments while enhancing ease of operation through a single that manages speed, direction, turning, and braking without traditional pedals. Enthusiast communities have driven significant restoration efforts on surviving 1970s-era Snow Tracs, focusing on refurbishing mechanical components like air-cooled Volkswagen engines and variator transmissions to restore functionality for recreational and utility purposes. Online forums serve as hubs for owners to share repair techniques, source parts, and document full rebuilds, ensuring these vehicles remain viable for niche applications beyond their original production run. The Snow Trac's low ground pressure has allowed its use in non-snow terrains, including desert environments, with historical variants like the Sand Trac tested in sandy conditions in African deserts. While specific hybrid powertrains have not been implemented in production models, the revival emphasizes eco-friendly diesel options and potential for future integrations like GPS for navigation in remote operations. As of November 2025, Sno Trac, LLC has produced a limited run of new units, with the first 2025/26 models available since late October, featuring customizable add-ons for enhanced storage and towing, reflecting ongoing refinements for durability in extreme conditions. Today, the revived Snow Trac occupies a specialized niche in adventure tourism and professional off-road services, where its compact, towable facilitates group in challenging winter and mixed terrains, with base prices starting at $95,000 for fully equipped units. This modern evolution has contributed to broader advancements in technology, inspiring compact, passenger-focused vehicles from manufacturers like Ski Cat Company that prioritize accessibility and versatility in applications.

References

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