General Information

Serial #

22591

Part Number

1

Total Parts

3

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

STEEL/ RUBBER TRACK WITH WOODEN BARS/ FIBREGLASS NOSE CONE/ METAL FRAME INCUDING STEERING BAR AND SLED FRAME.

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

155.0 cm

Width

74.5 cm

Height

83.0 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Motorized Ground Transportation

Category

Recreational vehicles

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

HUS SKI

Country

Canada

State/Province

Québec

City

Montréal

Context

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

Period

Unknown

Canada

The Point Clair, Quebec, Facility turned out the first Hus-Skis in 1962. In 1965 Food Machine Corporation bought Hus-Ski to add a winter product, a snowmobile, to the summer line of lawn care products produced by its subsidiary, the Bolens Company, of Port Washington, Wisconsin. Bigger Engines, an electric starter, saddle bags, clamp-on windshields, and other changes carried the newly named Diablo Rouge until 1969, when Bolens turned to a more conventional sled called the Bolens Spring 620. (ref.4)

Function

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FOR USE ON SNOW.

Technical

Another short-lived competitor in the early [snowmobile] market, the Hus-Ski, used a twin-track tractor with a ski sled pulled behind for the operator and passengers. The operator steered the vehicle using handlebars on which were mounted a brake and throttle lever that extend from the tractor. The passenger placed his feet in two clips on the skis. Hus-Ski changed models and features season to season, adding larger engines. The crucial innovation was dropping twin tracks in favor of a single wide-apron track. Also, a side drive sprocket assembly replaced a down-the center drive. A system of straggled bogie wheels that supported the wide track replaced the wooden slide rails. But this let to frequent tip-overs, so the units were later fitted again with twin tracks. According to a 1960s advertisement for the Hus-Ski, the machine's advantages were maneuverability, dependability, portability, and ease of maintenance. A "spacious deluxe seat" enabling riders to sit upright in a "normal and uncramped position" guaranteed comfort. The steel frame ensured durability, but "necessary repairs may be made easily and inexpensively." There was "no need to worry about messy oil changed or worry about engine…lubrication. Oil is mixed with fuel by the dealer or filling station attendant. (ref.4)

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

DECAL LOGOS ON BOTH SIDES OF NOSE CONE AND CONTROL PANEL.

Missing

NONE APPARENT.

Finish

ENGINE UNIT PAINTED YELLOW/ STEERING BAR PAINTED BLACK/ FRAME OF SLED PAINTED BLACK.

Decoration

N/A