Snowshoes for Cars

For our fellow Neatoramanauts still digging themselves out of the epic snowstorm in part of the United States, we present: Snowshoes for Cars. From the 1931 issue of Modern Mechanics:

As shown in the photo at the right, these snowshoes consist of box-like steel frames attached firmly to the spokes of the wheels. The frames are then covered with wire netting, canvas, or hide. When the photograph was taken, the inventor was using a wire netting covering on the left wheel and a canvas covering on the right in an effort to determine which was the most efficient. The wire netting snowshoe proved to be most satisfactory.

The width of the snowshoes is ample to prevent the rear wheels from digging through the snow, and ample traction is secured by the broad surfaces. Heavy ski runners are placed on the front wheels, from which the tires are removed in order to secure better bracing. Naturally this contraption does not enable high speeds to be developed, but it proves successful in deep show and is faster than a dog team. Ordinary tire chains on the rear wheels prove useful on hard-packed stretches of ice on city streets.

Link


Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Snowshoes for Cars"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More