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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1984-85: VUWAE 29

Notes

Notes

1.The rear of the machine was lifted onto a box each morning so that the tracks could be run unloaded and cleared of ice. It proved very worthwhile to do that at night also as the snow was uncompacted at that time. As the Grizzlies weigh 740 lbs (much heavier than the Snotrics) it is suggested that a simple lever jack and 2 props are provided with each machine making it realistic for a field party to service the vehicle in this manner. It would also greatly assist when checking track tension and running gear. The writer would be quite happy to provide sketches of what is required.page 61
2.A number of exercises was done with respect to linking the vehicles together for safe travelling in crevassed areas. When travelling daily to work site from camp we generally used toboggan linked to tamworth sledge (with breakman) linked to the second toboggan. This provided excellent protection travelling uphill but we found that the second toboggan could provide only negligible reverse load when travelling downhill. Hence, when travelling downhill in suspect areas the sledge had up to four rope brakes fitted and keels lowered so that it required a strong positive pull of the lead toboggan to move it. This also left the tamworth brake as additional stopping power if the front toboggan fell through a bridge rather than using it to control the speed of the sledge travelling down the hill.
3.The only spare variator belts available to be taken into the field were Bombadier models acquired from McMurdo.
4.A two-stroke fuel mix of 30:1 was used. This proved adequate except when travelling roped together; the second toboggan (not loaded) would begin to oil the plugs after a while, this was generally alleviated by swapping the vehicles. Apparently, the manufacturer recommended 50:1 and possibly this is too lean. A 30:1 mix certainly ensured there were no overheating problems but perhaps 35:1 mix would alleviate these problems. The lack of a service manual made tuning and general maintenance more difficult in the field.
5.The quality of new sledge runners and bridges leave much to be desired. Many show signs of delamination and cracking prior to being taken off the shelf. Perhaps also the means by which keels are fitted needs some revision as the two old runners that were replaced both failed in this area.