1977 / 1980 John Deere Snow-Mower 440

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What was your intended objective when you started the build?

I wanted to see if I could do it and make something fun that I could ride. Istarted with a 1977 John Deere (JD) 210 lawn mower and a 1980 JD Liquifire snomobile.

What motivated you to start your project?

I grew up riding a John Deere 400 sled, so I was collecting some Deere sleds of my own. I was visiting my college roommate’s family farm after picking up a “new” vintage John Deere sled near them. While there we were laughing about a photoshopped image of a John Deere Lawn Mower with a track a skis from a snowmobile. I said, I could build that with the Liquifire I just picked up, if only I had a lawn mower too. My friend’s dad said, I have two in the barn that you can have. And that is how it all started.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the sled?

The most unique is likely the custom suspension. I combined ideas from three different manufacturers and made a design the could be used on snow or on other surfaces year round when show is not available for lubrication.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the aluminum side covers. They took a lot of time to mock up with templates and at the time I did not have much for fabricating equipment but they still turned out pretty nice. They all remove easily for maintenance with just a few quick fasteners and they make the machine look like it should.

What do other people say about your snowmobile?

I have had many comments over the years. Many people comment on the time I must have spent on it. Others are just surprised that it not only looks good but it runs and drives well too. I have had it going 50mph on hard pack.

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Submitted by: Wyatt K

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Specifics

Classification: Wild
Make, Model & Year: 1977 / 1980 John Deere Snow-Mower 440
Fondly known as: Snow-Mower
Time spent: 500
Snowmobile cost: 25
Money spent: 1100
Engine: Kawasaki Fireburst TC440A, 440CC, 60-70hp
Intake: Carburated, two Mikuni VM 36
Exhaust: Stock modified exhaust, header wrapped
Drivetrain: Comet 102C primary clutch, stock secondary, custom weights and springs, stock 114″ JD track
Tunnel/Chassis Modifications: Modified tunnel and chassis, tunnel cooler and radiator.
Suspension: Double leaf springs in the front end, custom rear suspension using some stock parts, as well as ideas from a modern EZ Ride single trailing arm suspension, and a vintage Scorpion Pararail suspension.
Brakes: Stock mechanical disc brake
Finish – Paint: Powder coat green and black on everything except the hood which I painted. Custom designed decals throughout.
Accessories: LED lights, electric start, receiver hitch / rack in the rear, and a custom glove box

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