Sled stuck removal techniques

[snopro]

I have been working on several handy techniques over the years that aid the removal of sleds from nasty stucks. I would like to share some and also learn more. There are many that work well and as the sport progresses new ones pop up. Techniques such as "pin and wiggle" "basic ski pulls", the "wedge maneuver" "rolling out" etc.


So the first I will talk about is tree wells or nosing down in holes where going forward is not an option.


I have been know to visit a few tree wells now and again. The last one took 5 guys to pull the sled uphill backwards. I have a locking pulley that I hooked to a tree to keep tensioning the rope up as we managed to move the sled back a couple inches at a time. I suggested to my buddies that we hook the rope to the track and throw it in reverse so the motor could do the work. The idea was not accepted very well but I think it would work well. Just want to make sure that I didn't rip the track window. Any feedback is appreciated as I am always looking for new techniques to have in my arsenal.

So just wondering? Did you pioneer the wedge move and name it after yourself? Lol

 

[Teth-Air]

So just wondering? Did you pioneer the wedge move and name it after yourself? Lol

Yes and no, Yes my last name is Wedge but it was also the best way to describe what I came up with. I can't say I was the first to do it only I had never seen it done before. I posted a separate thread on it to describe how it came to be.

 

[Teth-Air]

I don't know about that, must be different snowbungies then i use.
Mine packs very well on top of my SMALL tunnel bag and if you want i can weigh it but will bet ya weighs less then 1lb.
Question, how many tools do you pack?
And how do you plan to execute a repair with out parts or even know how on the issue.
Willing to bet that there are more people packing heavy tools which are essentially useless other then if you also pack parts.
Tools should only consist of doing a patch to get you out. Point is the the snowbungy being too heavy, bulky is unfounded.
JMO though


View attachment 233789

They work just fine but if a smaller object (strap) can substitute and fit in my pocket then I can carry more tools.

 

[Teth-Air]

Here is a ratcheting pully I used till I lost it somewhere...

https://prosense.ca/consumer-products/quickie-tie-downs/

Yup those new type are a little bulkier but likely worth it to have the ratchet.

 

[skegpro]

Dig a side hill exit, and throw the track sideways. Drive it out.

 

[Teth-Air]

Dig a side hill exit, and throw the track sideways. Drive it out.

That is often a viable plan but in this case my hood was crushing against the tree and I did not want to go anyway but back to take the load off it. I can't believe I only popped my headlight out of it's sockets and no damage was done. We rarely get the shovels out these days unless it is a really nasty stuck.

 

[Lund]

That is often a viable plan but in this case my hood was crushing against the tree and I did not want to go anyway but back to take the load off it. I can't believe I only popped my headlight out of it's sockets and no damage was done. We rarely get the shovels out these days unless it is a really nasty stuck.

I have used the bungie on the track window to back a sled out. Especially if there is an existing tree behind you.
You would use a choker on that tree and install a pulley to it. You then hook up the bungie as far as possible to a window at the track. You then tie your rope to the bungie handle rout it through the pulley and bring the loose end of the rope to the sled. Fire up the sled, put in reverse and throw the rope over your shoulder facing forward. Now be a man and put your weight into it while throttling up.
It works, but if your a little man it might not LOL
If there is no tree behind you, you can achieve the same result by choking to the tree your straddled too, its just a little more work to get in there.

 

[Modman]

get some pull tape. Used for pulling cable / fibre through conduits. 1000 ft for $200. 3/4" x 2500 lb. 100' (or 200') weighs nothing and fits in the bottom of the pack or back of the seat for anytime you need it, won't even know its there. Split a roll with your riding buddies, 200' each - $50 each. Super cheap considering what you can do with it.

tie around bumpers, arms whatever. Can use it to make repairs (like tying track windows together if you rip your track....or tying a-arms back on etc). It knots so tight that once its pulled, you wont get it off, you just cut off the 6-8" of your tie point and good to go for the next time. Wrap around track and through windows and throw sled in reverse. lift sled almost vertically out of a creek well using log skids. Hook to truck and tow truck with sleds (comes standard on all Chevy trucks....). you can poke holes in it and put screws / bolts through it and lash your buddies seat back on his sled for him (like a seatbelt) or use it for first aid to tie up slings if your buddy breaks his arm or needs a tourniquet (god forbid). fits through small pulleys. too many uses to list. Great stuff.

 

[ferniesnow]

get some pull tape. Used for pulling cable / fibre through conduits. 1000 ft for $200. 3/4" x 2500 lb. 100' (or 200') weighs nothing and fits in the bottom of the pack or back of the seat for anytime you need it, won't even know its there. Split a roll with your riding buddies, 200' each - $50 each. Super cheap considering what you can do with it.

tie around bumpers, arms whatever. Can use it to make repairs (like tying track windows together if you rip your track....or tying a-arms back on etc). It knots so tight that once its pulled, you wont get it off, you just cut off the 6-8" of your tie point and good to go for the next time. Wrap around track and through windows and throw sled in reverse. lift sled almost vertically out of a creek well using log skids. Hook to truck and tow truck with sleds (comes standard on all Chevy trucks....). you can poke holes in it and put screws / bolts through it and lash your buddies seat back on his sled for him (like a seatbelt) or use it for first aid to tie up slings if your buddy breaks his arm or needs a tourniquet (god forbid). fits through small pulleys. too many uses to list. Great stuff.

Sure looks like the material Lori used on loops she passed out at her avy course. They do work great and only limited by ones imagination.

 

[jhurkot]

You don't have to read this thread if you snow checked a Polaris turbo.

 

[ferniesnow]

You don't have to read this thread if you snow checked a Polaris turbo.

You are a sharp one Johnny!!

 

[snopro]

You don't have to read this thread if you snow checked a Polaris turbo.

You must be excited about that new ride next year! I've never seen you cheerleading on the site before. Lol

 

[snochuk]

You must be excited about that new ride next year! I've never seen you cheerleading on the site before. Lol

When its not the same old same old choice and you try variety it is exciting.
Variety is a good thing.
Next season will be fun.k
There will be turbos everywhere!

 

[Cableguy]

mule tape is what we call it
and it works awesome and takes up minimal space
If any of you guys head thru to kelowna pm me and i can spool you some off

get some pull tape. Used for pulling cable / fibre through conduits. 1000 ft for $200. 3/4" x 2500 lb. 100' (or 200') weighs nothing and fits in the bottom of the pack or back of the seat for anytime you need it, won't even know its there. Split a roll with your riding buddies, 200' each - $50 each. Super cheap considering what you can do with it.

tie around bumpers, arms whatever. Can use it to make repairs (like tying track windows together if you rip your track....or tying a-arms back on etc). It knots so tight that once its pulled, you wont get it off, you just cut off the 6-8" of your tie point and good to go for the next time. Wrap around track and through windows and throw sled in reverse. lift sled almost vertically out of a creek well using log skids. Hook to truck and tow truck with sleds (comes standard on all Chevy trucks....). you can poke holes in it and put screws / bolts through it and lash your buddies seat back on his sled for him (like a seatbelt) or use it for first aid to tie up slings if your buddy breaks his arm or needs a tourniquet (god forbid). fits through small pulleys. too many uses to list. Great stuff.

 

[bobsledder]

One of most interesting things I saw on video this winter was dead sled removal on a steep slope. They used a really long rope with a pulley. The pulley was mounted to the back of a sled anchored on top of slope. Then a sled went down hill with said rope pulling dead sled up the hill. I thought was very clever. Could use a tree as anchor instead of sled if available.[/QUOTI carry a long rope, pulley and a sling to go around a tree. You would be amazed what two guys can drag out of a hole up hill with that. Used it a lot in SE BC where tree riding is tight.

 

[Lund]

One of most interesting things I saw on video this winter was dead sled removal on a steep slope. They used a really long rope with a pulley. The pulley was mounted to the back of a sled anchored on top of slope. Then a sled went down hill with said rope pulling dead sled up the hill. I thought was very clever. Could use a tree as anchor instead of sled if available.[/QUOTI carry a long rope, pulley and a sling to go around a tree. You would be amazed what two guys can drag out of a hole up hill with that. Used it a lot in SE BC where tree riding is tight.

Yep, i carry 1 pulley, around 75ft of 3/8" paracord, 1 nylon strap in my pocket and 1 snowbungee.
Guys i ride with pretty much similar, if need be we can double up on the gear to fetch a sled but that is unlikely.
With the gear mentioned you can get your self out in most all situation's by your self unless your being a newb and pulled something stupid.

 

[1200]

I usually just roll the sled over or quick shovel just under the boards and a good shake ski pull for good measure. The worst is stuck sled in a creek and yes out comes the rope which is very nice cause your help can be up top and lots of them. Down hill into tree well thats allways a good time lol. A little pulley is not a bad idea. I could make a aluminum one

 

[Teth-Air]

I have used the bungie on the track window to back a sled out. Especially if there is an existing tree behind you.
You would use a choker on that tree and install a pulley to it. You then hook up the bungie as far as possible to a window at the track. You then tie your rope to the bungie handle rout it through the pulley and bring the loose end of the rope to the sled. Fire up the sled, put in reverse and throw the rope over your shoulder facing forward. Now be a man and put your weight into it while throttling up.
It works, but if your a little man it might not LOL
If there is no tree behind you, you can achieve the same result by choking to the tree your straddled too, its just a little more work to get in there.

Fantastic, nice to know it's been done. I plan on testing this in my garage and reverse my sled up a rope and get it hanging from the rafters. I will get some video for sure. Hope my garage ceiling doesn't come down, LOL.

 

[Teth-Air]

get some pull tape. Used for pulling cable / fibre through conduits. 1000 ft for $200. 3/4" x 2500 lb. 100' (or 200') weighs nothing and fits in the bottom of the pack or back of the seat for anytime you need it, won't even know its there. Split a roll with your riding buddies, 200' each - $50 each. Super cheap considering what you can do with it.

tie around bumpers, arms whatever. Can use it to make repairs (like tying track windows together if you rip your track....or tying a-arms back on etc). It knots so tight that once its pulled, you wont get it off, you just cut off the 6-8" of your tie point and good to go for the next time. Wrap around track and through windows and throw sled in reverse. lift sled almost vertically out of a creek well using log skids. Hook to truck and tow truck with sleds (comes standard on all Chevy trucks....). you can poke holes in it and put screws / bolts through it and lash your buddies seat back on his sled for him (like a seatbelt) or use it for first aid to tie up slings if your buddy breaks his arm or needs a tourniquet (god forbid). fits through small pulleys. too many uses to list. Great stuff.

That is exactly what I'm looking for, thank you. I guess If a guy had loops tied or sewn on the ends you may get away without cutting every time? Did you just get it at an electrical wholesaler?

 

[Teth-Air]

You don't have to read this thread if you snow checked a Polaris turbo.

Yes if I was as good of a rider as you I know I would not need any of these techniques. And I'm not being sarcastic here. It is true that if you work on your skills you do find you get stuck much less. But I still come around corners and find myself facing into heavily treed pockets with no out but reverse. This is when one can get stuck.

So knowing this is going to happen and watching my buddies on their Doo's I have noticed over the years that the Polaris used to be better at backing up than the Doo's but in the recent years (G4 chassis) the Doo's back up better. The G4's owe this success to their big 8" rear wheels and longer back-half of their skis that tip up nicely. So not to be outdone I now have 9" wheels on both my sleds and both have extensions on the back of the skis. My friends have named my ski extensions as the "Gene Simmons" mod for obvious reasons. All I can say say about these changes is WOW do they every back up so much better. (maybe better than the Doo) Previously the back of the ski would dig in when backing up, especially when the sled was not level. Maybe it's cheating but it is worth it.

For anyone wanting the "Gene Simmons" it is just 3/16" thick puck board warmed with a heat gun to get a nice curve up and I can't notice any negatives when side-hilling as this was my initial concern.

For anyone wanting the 9" wheels on the Polaris, a 1" offset axle is required. I use the TKI axel, as we are a TKI dealer.. The complete kit is about $400 but on Polaris it has double duty. The new tracks run so tight that the wheels bulge through the track and on my 2016 AXYS the track actually split at the back wheels. Lucky Polaris warrantied the track but now I don't take chances. The big wheels spread the forces and free up power as the track rolls way better. BTW I prefer plastic wheels over the fancy CNC aluminum wheels because once in a while we ride over gravel and aluminum wheels don't like gravel.