Outdoors

Yvon Martel’s multi-purpose, all-terrain electric locomotive

Yvon Martel’s multi-purpose, all-terrain electric locomotive
The MTT-136 (short for "My Track Technology" and the 136 inch snowmobile tread) is capable of doing the grunt work across some very tough terrain
The MTT-136 (short for "My Track Technology" and the 136 inch snowmobile tread) is capable of doing the grunt work across some very tough terrain
View 11 Images
Martel’s electric dog-sled is reported to deliver a range of somewhere between 45 - 220 kilometers (137 miles) depending on the battery system
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Martel’s electric dog-sled is reported to deliver a range of somewhere between 45 - 220 kilometers (137 miles) depending on the battery system
MTT-136's low center of gravity, electric torque and grabby caterpillar treads give the sled impressive pulling and pushing power
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MTT-136's low center of gravity, electric torque and grabby caterpillar treads give the sled impressive pulling and pushing power
The MTT-136, short for “My Track Technology”, weighs in at around 280 lb (127 kg) and can reach speeds of 40 km/h (24 mph) on open ground
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The MTT-136, short for “My Track Technology”, weighs in at around 280 lb (127 kg) and can reach speeds of 40 km/h (24 mph) on open ground
The MTT-136 can access tight spaces otherwise inaccessible to ATVs or snowmobiles
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The MTT-136 can access tight spaces otherwise inaccessible to ATVs or snowmobiles
The MTT-136’s long rectangular box, which resembles a downsized WWI tank, houses the sled’s battery, generator and belt drive system
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The MTT-136’s long rectangular box, which resembles a downsized WWI tank, houses the sled’s battery, generator and belt drive system
The electric sled can be rigged up to pull people or fallen logs, or fallen people
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The electric sled can be rigged up to pull people or fallen logs, or fallen people
A hidden port in the MTT-136 provides portable electricity to areas where larger generators might have trouble accessing
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A hidden port in the MTT-136 provides portable electricity to areas where larger generators might have trouble accessing
The sled also doubles as a portable electric generator with a 110V system capable of powering electric tools, lighting, etc
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The sled also doubles as a portable electric generator with a 110V system capable of powering electric tools, lighting, etc
The MTT-136 (short for "My Track Technology" and the 136 inch snowmobile tread) is capable of doing the grunt work across some very tough terrain
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The MTT-136 (short for "My Track Technology" and the 136 inch snowmobile tread) is capable of doing the grunt work across some very tough terrain
A twinned version uses two caterpillar units bolted together
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A twinned version uses two caterpillar units bolted together
MTT-136's ground hugging, open-faced design, means riders will need to adjust to snow and mud in their face and seating area pretty much all the time
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MTT-136's ground hugging, open-faced design, means riders will need to adjust to snow and mud in their face and seating area pretty much all the time
View gallery - 11 images

Looking like a mix between a snowmobile, a dog sled and a miniature World War I tank, Yvon Martel’s electric creation is nothing if not versatile. Known as the MTT-136, this French Canadian all-terrain, all-electric pulling device is one of those enigmatic all-purpose machines whose appeal extends well beyond a certain backwoods demographic.

Depending on the battery system selected, Martel’s electric sled is reported to deliver a range of somewhere between 45 and 220 kilometers (137 miles). The MTT-136 (the MTT is short for “My Track Technology”) weighs in at around at 280 lb (127 kg) and can reach speeds of 40 km/h (24 mph) on open ground. According to the designer, the electrified sled has a recharge time of anywhere between 15 minutes and eight hours, depending on the selected battery arrangement.

The MTT-136’s low center of gravity, copious amounts of immediately accessible electric torque and the 136-inch (345 cm) caterpillar tread system gives the sled Swiss Army knife-like capabilities, but in a more substantial casing. Capable of pulling a number of different hauling and passenger units, the sled’s steering and power is managed by the rider through a modified handlebar system.

A twinned version uses two caterpillar units bolted together
A twinned version uses two caterpillar units bolted together

Martel's electric sled has the ability to pull passengers, materials, and small loads through snow, mud and grass with relative ease. The clip below shows the sled being used to push vehicles, pull fallen logs, clear snow and pull the inventor under fallen brush where snowmobiles and ATV’s would find it impossible to venture. One downside is that because of the sled's ground hugging, open-faced design, driver and passengers will likely have to deal with snow, mud, and gravel in their face.

The MTT-136’s long rectangular form, which resembles a downsized WWI tank, houses the sled’s battery, generator and belt drive system. The sled’s electric system also doubles as a portable electric generator. A hidden plug-in port on the side of the sled allows users access to a 110V system that can be used to power electric tools, lighting, recharge other devices. Martel also shows a twinned version with two caterpillar units bolted together and a storage unit on top. When not in use the sled handle folds up to make it easier to transport or store.

Currently Yvon Martel’s MTT-136 electric sled is a working prototype, but the Quebec inventor is actively looking for investors to further develop and manufacture the product.

Watch the following clip to see the multi-talented MTT-136 in action.

MTT-136 track

View gallery - 11 images
22 comments
22 comments
Rehab
So many backyard mechanics trying to market their idea, this one looks like the real deal. If the price is reasonable can see this selling extremely well. Nice job Yvon and good luck with marketing. Throw a big gas gen set in the sleigh and you have unlimited range!
Racqia Dvorak
Looks like a pretty solid prototype.
mooseman
Cooooooool!
This guy should look at whacking a few "paddles" on the treads to make it amphibious like DARPA's "CAAT" here - http://www.gizmag.com/caat-disaster-relief-darpa/23828/
You could *water-ski* behind it........ :)
I **so** want one of those CAATs..... "Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"
The Skud
More useul overall than a snowmobile, Parks & Wildlife should buy hundreds for low-impact trail maintenance, search and rescue missions, there are endless possibilities! Bolt an inflatable buoyancy aid - like those rubber boats - on either side of the single track with a platform link and you have got a lakes and rivers machine as well!
Mark Loucks
Ingenious! Great job my friend...fellow inventor.
Buzzclick
This concept has potential. Like a snowmobile and an ATV rolled up into one, but without the noisiness of an internal combustion engine!
Fairly Reasoner
Can you say 'inherently unsafe'?
Best invest in some body armor.
And be thinking about a service animal later.
Charles Gage
This does not look all that much different than the old Diablo Rouge snow mobile I had as a kid. That thing hauled, well, you what, and I had a lot of fun with it.
https://www.google.com/search?q=diablo+rouge&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=S3QLU6-1LMTY0QHrkYCADQ&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=748
I wonder if anyone has checked the patent office on this!
Kevin Pezzi
This is a modern version of the Bolens Diablo Rouge and Hus-Ski, but with some notable improvements.
Bruce H. Anderson
I like it. A lot. The twin-track looks especially useful for carrying rather than just towing. Maneuverability would be improved over the single track (near zero radius?), but would require some more complicated controls which I am sure he is already working on.
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