"Buran" from Canada: the history of the first Soviet snowmobile

The Buran A snowmobile, as well as its modified version Buran AE, are the basic models in the Buran line, built on a shortened frame. This snowmobile is one of the best machines produced. The main qualities of this vehicle are not only impeccable maneuverability, but also the ability to tow fairly large loads, operate at very low ambient temperatures, and the ability to transport people over certain distances. It is also worth noting that the car is completely unpretentious, both to weather conditions and to the quality of the fuel being poured. All this allowed the snowmobile to gain truly enormous popularity among fishermen and hunters.

In general, all models of the Buran snowmobile have a unique design, namely one support ski and two rear tracks. This solution has already been time-tested many times. Thanks to this, the car is not afraid of stumps, snags, bushes and tree branches that can cause damage to the chassis. The use of exactly two tracks had a positive effect on the vehicle’s cross-country ability, since their total area provides a fairly low specific pressure, which, in turn, makes the Buran A/AE snowmobile a real snow all-terrain vehicle. But also another key point in almost all snowmobiles is maneuverability. With this, everything is going just fine with this machine, since one swivel ski, combined with a fairly short longitudinal base of the equipment, allows you to maneuver in rather cramped conditions, for example, to go around trees in forest areas.

The modernized frame, which received a front bevel in the tunnel, coupled with increased ground clearance, allows you to easily move through deep snow, and, if necessary, easily remove snow clogging the rollers.

History of the Buran snowmobile

The first RMZ engine

A power unit from IZH-Jupiter-3 was installed on board the Buran. However, the engine from the motorcycle did not provide enough power, so it was decided to create a new engine. This is how the first model RMZ-640 appeared, which has undergone more than one modification during its existence. To this day, RM engineers use this engine in their equipment.

Aircraft engine assembly plant transforms into leading snowmobile manufacturer

Previously, the enterprise was called “Rybinsk Motors” and was engaged in the production of engines for aircraft, but the management did not want to stop there. Design engineers were tasked with creating equipment that would be accessible to a wide range of buyers and in demand.

The main specialization of the enterprise is the development and production of snowmobile equipment. However, the Rybinsk plant also produces several models of ATVs and motorized towing vehicles. Among residents of the northern regions of our country, RM products are in great demand. The quality of domestic snowmobiles can compete with their foreign counterparts. “Russian Mechanics” is not just a workshop for assembling Chinese equipment, but a full-fledged company that controls production at all stages, starting with development.

Engine

The Buran A/AE snowmobile is equipped with a two-stroke, two-cylinder power plant of the RMZ-640 brand. For this engine, the compression ratio was significantly reduced, which made it possible to use not only AI-92 gasoline, but also A-76 and AI-80 for proper operation. But besides this, the engine has one feature, namely, instead of regular gasoline, you can use gas condensate (gasoline) and even with it the engine confidently develops its power characteristics. It uses a single Mikuni brand float-type carburetor, which is often found in most modern snowmobiles. The diameter of each cylinder is 76 millimeters. Their total working volume is 0.635 liters. The piston stroke is 70 millimeters. With all this, the RMZ-640 is capable of developing a rated output power of 25 kilowatts, which translates to 34 horsepower. The unit is protected from overheating by an air cooling system, which has become standard for all such machines.

Description and technical characteristics of the snowmobile "Buran"

The Buran snowmobile is an old, time-tested snowmobile track. It is chosen by hunters and fishermen due to its cost, as well as good maneuverability and the ability to pull large loads. The all-terrain vehicle has become a real legend of domestic all-terrain vehicle production, and now, more than forty years after the start of production, it continues to be produced. The model has more than forty years of history, during which it has undergone many changes. Over the entire period, more than four hundred units of equipment rolled off the plant’s assembly line.

This snowmobile track, in accordance with the manufacturer’s classic design, has one guide ski. New models of the RM “Buran” snowmobile are distinguished by their modern design and smooth shapes. However, these are still the same “workhorses”, capable of pulling loaded sleds weighing up to half a ton.

The modern lineup includes machines:

• "Buran A/AE";
• "Buran AD/ADE";
• "Buran 4T/4TD".

Modification A/AE: main characteristics

The Buran A snowbike received a two-stroke engine with two cylinders and a power of 34 horsepower. The motor is cooled using air. The truck has good traction and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.

This model does not have an electric starter.

The next version of the all-terrain vehicle has a modified hood. The manufacturer used injection molded plastic as the basis. The material is impact-resistant and can withstand severe frosts. Unlike its predecessor, it has an electric starter. A model with a long platform will weigh a little more.

How is the second model different?

The technical parameters of this snowmobile track are practically no different from the previous one. Both modifications have an electric starter, a long platform and a ski base on board.

New four-stroke Buran

The latest modification of the Buran snowmobile has received radically different characteristics. This is not just a reliable, but also an economical tractor.

Thanks to the installation of a four-stroke engine, the manufacturer managed to reduce fuel consumption. At the same time, the model is distinguished by comfort and high cross-country ability. The main difference between the 4T and 4TD modifications is that in the second case the track has an extended platform.

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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The snowmobile muffler is mounted on the bottom of the frame, where the exhaust pipe is also located. This reduces noise and vibration levels.

Dimensions

The seat of the all-terrain vehicle is designed for two people - the driver and one passenger. The dimensions of the Buran snowmobile depend on the modification:

Truck load capacity and trailer dimensions

The snowbike has a spacious luggage compartment, which is located under the seat. In addition, the model is equipped with a durable towbar, thanks to which you can transport cargo.

Trailer dimensions:

Suspension

The model does not have shock absorbers. An elliptical spring is installed in front, and an independent roller spring-traveling suspension is installed in the rear.

The travel of both suspensions is 5 cm.

Mover

The propulsion system uses two paired rubber-fabric reinforced tracks with front-mounted drive sprockets. A screw mechanism is used for tension.

The extended model, with the letter “D” in the marking, has a longer caterpillar track - 3.685 meters.

Transmission

The gearbox is a three-speed variator with V-belt transmission and automatic change of driving and driven pulleys.

Speed ​​set:

• anterior raised;
• anterior low;
• neutral.

Like all modern snowmobiles, Buran also has a reverse gear.

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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A manual drive is used to control the box. In this case, the handle and the switching mechanism are connected by an automatic tensioning mechanism.

Brakes

The basis of the track chassis, together with the variator, is formed by a mechanical disc brake. There is nothing new here - most modern snowmobiles, including those produced by RM, have the same one.

Operating parameters, maximum speed and load capacity

The snowmobile can be started using a manual or electric starter. At the same time, a contactless type of ignition system is installed on board. The model does not have a separate oil tank; the fuel capacity is 28 liters. The extended and shortened versions of the track have some operational differences:

Basic equipment

The basic package of this four-stroke utility includes:

• electric starter and reverse;
• windshield;
• emergency brake;
• odometer;
• speedometer;
• towbar;
• spacious trunk.

To increase the comfort of the model, the designers added heated gas trigger and handles, as well as a backrest for the passenger seat.

Lighting engineering

A bright halogen headlight with a power of 55/60 watts is installed at the front. The taillight consists of LEDs. The extended model is additionally equipped with a spotlight.

Engine

The model is equipped with a reliable American Kohler engine with two cylinders. The power unit has the following technical characteristics:

The motor is air cooled. There is a filter installed at the inlet and a muffler at the outlet.

Video

At the very beginning, the Buran snowmobile was created as a workhorse and therefore the manufacturer placed great emphasis on the ability to tow loads. This task, one might say, is an everyday one, which the snowmobile copes with simply flawlessly. A large traction force was achieved thanks to the large final drive ratio in the gearbox, the use of an Alpina model variator and a power plant with a fairly large maximum torque. It is worth noting that the engine develops maximum torque at low speeds, which allows you to drag a load weighing no more than 250 kilograms without any difficulty. Of course, this limitation was set only by the manufacturer, because a long operating time often shows that the machine is capable of more.

As was written earlier, there are two versions of the snowmobile, namely Buran A and Buran AE. Externally, both cars are completely identical, but the model with the letter E has an electric starter. The letter A means that the snowmobile has a short platform.

Compared to previous models of this snowmobile, Buran A/AE has a new modern design. The manufacturer has made some changes to the appearance of the hood, as well as to its mounting scheme, which, when tilted, provides full access to all the necessary components and assemblies of the engine. The hood itself is made of injection molded plastic, which is highly resistant to various external influences, impacts and has fairly high strength even at very low temperatures. The level of comfort has also been increased by installing a new high two-level seat on the Buran, which has a removable backrest for the passenger.

And finally, it should be emphasized that this snowmobile is very simple and unpretentious in further maintenance. Spare parts for it are very easy to find, and they are also quite affordable. The machine has excellent maintainability even in field conditions far from civilization.

Snowmobile operating instructions

Like all other products, the Buran snowmobile has a detailed instruction manual. It contains instructions for the maintenance of all important components of the track and indicates the frequency.

Types and frequency of maintenance

Daily maintenance is carried out every time before and after a trip. In addition, more thorough maintenance is carried out:

In addition, after a long period of inactivity, seasonal maintenance of the equipment is carried out before commissioning.

Controls

Also in the attached instructions, the owner will find clear diagrams of the location of important parts of the machine. This will help significantly facilitate minor repairs and maintenance of components.

Left handle controls:

• brake;
• starter switch;
• limiter (parking brake).

The right handle contains the steering wheel and throttle lever. The remaining controls are located on the dashboard:

• emergency brake;
• speedometer;
• odometer and daily mileage reset button;
• egnition lock;
• emergency braking system (with cord);
• gear selector;
• oil pressure indicator;
• headlight mode switch.

Some control elements are missing in the shortened model. In addition to the above, the 4TD version provides a toggle switch for the spotlight, as well as a power unit failure indicator.

Price

The cost of a new Buran A/AE snowmobile starts from 229 thousand rubles and reaches 244 thousand Russian rubles. The price directly depends on factors such as year of production, version (basic or modified), and equipment.

A used snowmobile has a slightly lower cost, namely from 185 thousand rubles to 220 thousand Russian rubles. The cost of this option varies depending on the same year of production, general technical condition and the number of kilometers traveled.

Breakdowns and repair features

In the operating manual for this machine, owners will find a detailed list of track faults, their descriptions, as well as recommendations for elimination.

Some faults:

Appearance and tuning of the snowmobile

This snowbike got its name in honor of a snowstorm, which is why its hood is invariably white. The vehicle is in great demand due to its relatively low cost, cross-country ability and traction properties. The price of a new snowmobile version 4T from an official dealer is 355 thousand rubles. A model with a long platform will cost 20 thousand more.

On the Internet you can find a lot of positive feedback from owners, look at reviews and test drives. In addition, Buran lends itself well to modernization. Of course, it won’t be possible to turn a budget utility vehicle into a racing truck, but it is quite possible to improve its performance characteristics.

To reduce noise levels, sealed bearings are installed. The Safari regulator, which is installed from the factory on snowmobiles of the Taiga line, helps to increase the number of engine revolutions. If you install an on-board computer, the all-terrain vehicle will look no worse than its expensive foreign counterparts.

Full tuning

There are a number of companies that offer assembled kits for the complete modernization of this all-terrain vehicle. However, each owner can assemble such a set himself and save money. Standard kit includes:

• Honda engine (22 hp, 2 cylinders);
• Arctic regulator with four positions;
• Battery with a capacity of 24 ampere-hours;
• fastening cable for the power unit;
• soundproofed hood;
• bumper bumper.

In addition, you can install a lightweight spring on the brake mechanism. This will make the stopping process more comfortable.

Reviews

• Alexander, Buryatia. The machine has been in use for four years. I have not yet found any serious complaints. I am very pleased with the snowmobile. By the way, I have an improved version of AE, which starts without problems at minus 40 degrees. The snowmobile consumes a minimum of fuel, and even second-grade gasoline AI-76 can be used. But if anything happens, you can even use gasoline, with which the engine will be just as good at pulling two passengers and a 250-kilogram load, as is the case with gasoline fuel. There are no problems with the build quality - I was pleasantly surprised by this, because this is very rare for a Russian snowmobile. This means the Russians have already taken care of their heads. The car listens well to the steering wheel and actively responds to commands and steering turns. Double tracks work wonders off-road, and that’s all. You can move with a loaded sled even in deep snow, and there will be no problems with maneuverability. Overall I liked the car. Perhaps this is the best Russian snowmobile I have ever owned.
• Anton, Yakutia. A cool car for long trips through the forest in confined areas. I have a Buran AE model, which is better prepared for off-road use. It also has a lightweight hood, dual tracks and additional controls. I will also note the stylish modern design of the snowmobile and fuel efficiency - the machine officially supports not only the AI-92, but also the A-80. Over three thousand kilometers, I learned all the advantages of the Buran A snowmobile, but there were also some disadvantages. For example, the device is annoying with noise and vibrations at idle. Snow quickly gets clogged in the tracks, and because of this, cross-country ability deteriorates. A couple of times there were leaks from the internal combustion engine and gearbox - this probably happened when hitting a solid obstacle, when the motor protection broke through. The build quality is a C grade, as there are unevenly fitted parts. I still use a snowmobile. I advise you to think carefully before buying this model. For example, I’m pretty good at repairs, and I’m more or less satisfied with the car.
• Ruslan, Nizhny Novgorod region. Snowmobile Buran A did not have a tachometer or other auxiliary instruments, but only one speedometer. This made me a little wary before buying a car, which was not cheap by 2015 standards. But friends advised me to take this model - supposedly the best option in terms of price and cross-country ability for fishing and hunting, as well as recreation and family trips on compacted and powdery snow. I decided to take a risk and was right - I read far fewer negative reviews than positive opinions. Fortunately, I was among the last. But not for long. The car is very economical, handles well and brakes well, but too tight a steering wheel puts an end to fast maneuvers and turns. It is even impossible to go around an obstacle at a decent speed - be it a tall stone or a tree. The car is suitable for leisurely driving in hard-to-reach areas - for example, in forest conditions. But on a straight and well-developed road, you can drive in a straight line quite quickly, fortunately the powerful engine is capable of this. I also liked that the car is inexpensive to maintain and is not demanding on fuel quality.