FOUR-ON-THE SNOW Newsletter A publication of Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation Made in the USA since 1942 NO SNOW TOO DEEP NO ROAD TOO STEEP November 2018 Volume 10 Issue 11 Apparel, headwear, and other merchandise is now available online! Both the Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation and Classic Cats by Tucker web sites have links to our new Online Store! On our www.sno-cat.com site look for the logo. On our www.classiccatsbytucker.com site look on the top tool bar for the SHOP logo. Page 1 of 6
Jason Says.This a reprint from January 2016 but it is worth repeating! This time of year we always get questions that stem from fuel problems. Diesel needs to be treated for cold weather. Diesel engines must be able to turn over quickly to build the compression necessary to combust the fuel; if the fuel is frozen then it needs to be thawed before anything else can happen. Below are excerpts from an article on winter fuel. Diesel fuel needs to be winterized. Why? Diesel fuels contain paraffin (wax) which causes it to gel as it cools, leading to possible engine failure. No one wants to have a stalled vehicle in frigid temperatures. Number 1 (1D) and Number 2 (2D) are the primary fuels for most diesel applications. During warmer months, 2D, considered a summer-grade fuel. As the weather cools, distributors change the mixture of the fuel to a winter blend or winterized blend of 2D and 1D. As the seasons change, it is a good idea to check the fuel grade, as well as the cetane rating on the pump. The higher the cetane number, the easier the diesel vehicle will start in cold weather. Note: There is a difference between winter diesel and winterized diesel. Fuel stations in cold areas in the northern U.S. offer two kinds of winter diesel fuel. Number 2 diesel is mixed with number 1 kerosene in the gas station to make winter blend. Number 2 diesel treated with additives by the supplier is known as winterized diesel. Most fuel stations offer winterized diesel instead of winter diesel because it can be less expensive to make. However, some offer both kinds to let consumers decide for themselves. For newer vehicles with the latest technologies, winterized diesel containing the proper additives is preferable. Lastly, if a fleet has switched over to bio-diesel, it can t use the same fuel treatment with bio-diesel as it does with diesel, as the cloud points are different, and it reacts differently with fuel system components. Biodiesel, just like diesel, does gel in cold weather but the exact temperature at which it will gel depends on what it was made from. The fuel will gel at around the same temperature as the oil or fat that was used to make it. Therefore, those using biodiesel you will need to pay attention to the cloud and gel points of the fuel purchased. A reputable supplier of high-quality biodiesel should have this information readily available to you. First is the cloud point which is the point at which paraffin wax just begins to precipitate out of the fuel. The fuel will start to become cloudy but the actual temperature can vary somewhat. Second is the pour point which is also referred to as the gel point. This is the point at which so much wax precipitates out of the fuel that it no longer flows. The gel point is generally ten to fifteen degrees below the cloud point. We put diesel engines in Tuckers Sno-Cat vehicles because of the torque over gasoline engines but they can be more of a challenge to start in really cold weather. Running winter or winterized fuel is the first thing you should do, the next biggest thing would be to plug in the vehicle which will add some heat to the system and help it start easier. If you discover that the fuel is frozen then you will need to remove the fuel filters (the filters are usually the first things to freeze) and pour in a product designed to melt the ice crystals ( i.e. Diesel 911by Power Service). Make sure the filters are filled completely, also use absorbent cloth to prevent any spills. At this time also add the suggested amount of additive to your fuel tank. Warming your hydraulic oil is another important step before starting your trip. For the past several years we have been using an external heating element attached to the hydraulic tank, so if you can keep your vehicle plugged in then that will help. Vehicle with tillers can speed the heating process by raising the tiller and running it at about 30%, vehicle w/o tillers can run the blade function or other implements to help. Another thing to check is to make sure your terra tracks have their inside ice scrappers attached, these are designed to keep snow from building on top of the axle tubes. The 175 tracks have 2 per track and the 200 have 3, all spaced evenly. Page 2 of 6
The 1642 Front Engine Series is now available with a channel frame and Tier 4 Final emission package. The below pictures are of the first one out of production. This vehicle will be fitted with side cat walks, rear flat bed, and a hydraulic knuckle boom. Page 3 of 6 Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation BUY AMERICAN 2872 S. Pacific Hwy Medford, OR 97501 www.sno-cat.com (541) 779-3731 BUY ORANGE Toll Free (866) 766-2281
Page 4 of 6 Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation BUY AMERICAN 2872 S. Pacific Hwy Medford, OR 97501 www.sno-cat.com (541) 779-3731 BUY ORANGE Toll Free (866) 766-2281
2016 Model 2000E-26-6 Tucker-Terra (CONVERTIBLE TO 5-PASS) 173 HP Cummins w/allison Transmission, 10 12-Way Blade, Raised Carriers, Brush Guards, Lower Corner Lights, 1760 Hours, Air Lockers, Spotlight, Rear Tool Box, Brush Guards, 100 Gallon Fuel Tank, Webasto Heater, 1904 Hours 2013 Model 2000E-26-6 Tucker-Terra (CONVERTIBLE TO 5-PASS) 173 HP Cummins w/allison Transmission, Raised Carriers, Brush Guard, Lower Corner Lights Bo om Door Windows, 10 12-Way Blade, Air Lockers, Brush Guards, 100 Gallon Fuel Tank, 1891 Hours 1 1 PENDING (2 ea) 2013 Model 2000E-26-6 Tucker-Terra (CONVERTIBLE TO 5-PASS) 173 HP Cummins w/allison Transmission, 8 6-Way Blade, Raised Carriers, Brush Guard, Lower Corner Lights Bo om Door Windows, 1760 Hours 2012 Model 2000E-26-6 Tucker-Terra (CONVERTIBLE 5-PASS) 173 HP Cummins w/allison Transmission, 8 6-Way Blade, Raised Carriers, Brush Guard, Lower Corner Lights, Bo om Door Windows, 1232 Hours Our newest addition, very nice, all original 1978 Year, 8- Passenger, Model 1643, very low usage. Call us about this one or any of the other older Sno-Cats Call Clyde for more information. 541-779-3731 Page 5 of 6
If you are interested in purchasing a demonstrator please contact our sales department. We manufacture demo units for both tes ng and demonstra ons. Purchasing a demonstrator can be beneficial. We sell our demonstrators at a discounted price yet s ll offer the factory warranty. Currently we have the following demo s available for immediate delivery! 2018 2000XL Tier 4F, 4-Pass, 6-Way Blade, 26 Rubber Tracks 2016 2000XL Tier 4i, 4-Pass, 6-Way Blade, 26 Rubber Tracks 2017 2000E Tier 4i, 5- Pass Groomer- Utility Ready 12-Way Blade, 38 Steel Tracks 2017 2000G Tier 4i, 5- Pass Groomer, 10 Tiller, Drag Ready 10k Demo Trailer Empty Weight 1780 lbs. Dual Axles w/ Electric Brakes Used Two Seasons, Setup for Rubber Track Page 6 of 6