Reviews of the Russian transformable snowmobile Rybinka

The small Rybinka snowmobile is a dismountable model with a four-stroke engine located at the rear. An inexpensive device that can be stored in the trunk of a car, but at the same time powerful and reliable. The telescopic suspension and track roller suspension with a large support area make it possible to travel distances off-road, on compacted snow and ice.

A pre-installed electric starter is included as standard. Additionally, it is possible to connect the function of heating the grips and the gas trigger, and it is possible to install protective glass. Fans of winter fishing will appreciate the ability to transport large loads of up to 150 kg on a sled.

User manual

In order to maintain the Rybinka snowmobile in good condition and remove the causes that accelerate the wear of elements and assembly units, you will need to carry out all maintenance requests.

Maintenance is a preventative measure. It is important to carry out all work for any type of maintenance. They are carried out at certain intervals, regardless of the quality of the small-scale mechanization equipment.

Daniila Rukin

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

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Mini snowmobile "Rybinka-4"

In 2013, another representative appeared in the family of snowmobiles produced by Russian Mechanics - the Rybinka minisnowmobile. This is not a children's device, but a completely adult and serious snowmobile that has proven itself to be an excellent assistant primarily for fishermen and hunters. One might say, the “Humpbacked Horse” of the snowmobile world. That's why it received such an affectionate name.

1. Description
2. Self-assembly
3. Maintenance
4. Daily Maintenance
5. Maintenance after break-in
6. Maintenance TO-1
7. Maintenance TO-2
8. Seasonal service
9. History of development
10. Advantages and disadvantages

The lineup

released several representatives of mini-snowmobiles - the Rybinka model range: 1, 2, 3 and 4 versions. The device has proven itself to be a good assistant for fishermen and hunters.

Rybinka 1

In 2013, the first mini-snowmobile with a four-stroke Subaru EX21 engine and a CVTech variator was produced. The device gained 5-7 liters. With. The suspension was a roller type with a spring. The mechanism had some problems starting at low temperatures. For this reason, changes were made to the next generation snowmobile.

Rybinka 2

In this version of Rybinka 2 they began to install the American Kohler CH270 engine. The engine began to develop a power of 7 hp. With. The variator was changed to a gearbox with a centrifugal dry clutch made in China. They decided to remove the spring from the suspension.

These savings led to a significant reduction in the cost of the device. After replacing the variator with a clutch on a snowmobile, some owners had problems due to the clutch not being able to withstand the loads: it stopped working correctly on the 1st or 2nd trip.

Rybinka 3 and 4

The manufacturer has returned the Canadian CVT to the latest generations of mini-snowmobiles released. Some changes have been added to the design:

• footpegs that improved the handling of the Rybinka 2 snowmobile;
• design errors corrected;
• modified parts of fastenings.

As a result, the 4th generation Rybinka showed the most optimal price-quality ratio.

The car is presented in the form of a small-sized “transformer” that fits effortlessly into the trunk of a passenger car.

Mini snowmobile “Rybinka”: toy or assistant?

- Help me, I need to unload the trunk... - What do you have there?
— Snowmobile. More precisely, the snowmobile is “Rybinka”... When talking about this vehicle, it is difficult not to use diminutive forms such as “snowmobile”, so the creators chose the right name. And the concept too: “Rybinka” differs from other snowmobiles in its “pocket” format - if desired, it can fit into the trunk of a passenger station wagon.

Everything has its pros and cons. A variety of snowmobiles, from utilitarian to turbocharged sports, allows you to choose a model to suit your taste and budget. But since not everyone lives on farms and in remote villages, along with the purchase of the desired equipment, the need arises to organize “infrastructure”. To transport and sometimes store a snowmobile, you will need a trailer, possibly a closed one, and most likely a category “B+E” for it. The trailer also needs a technical inspection, you need to pay a toll, monitor its condition, etc. In general, every trip from the city or suburb “to the forests” turns into an expedition. And all this for the sake of sometimes getting to your favorite fishing/hunting spot or just taking a ride through the forest? A mini-snowmobile of a “pocket” format like “Rybinka” deprives you of all these problems.

Firstly, according to the Russian classification, this is a means of small-scale mechanization; it does not need to be registered. What will happen to us is not yet clear, since certain changes to laws and traffic rules are being prepared. There is hope that this “gap” will remain, since the Rybinka is not classified as a snowmobile.

Secondly, it is very compact and relatively light (110 kg of dry weight), which allows you to “drive” into the trunk of an SUV, crossover, minivan and even a passenger station wagon.

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And thirdly, “Rybinka” is a transformer, and if it does not fit in the trunk of your car entirely, it can be disassembled into 8 elements: engine with sub-motor frame, electric starter, steering wheel with column, skis with tie rods and hood, running boards, casing chains, side frame and propulsion (suspension with track). The largest element weighs 40 kg, which allows even the weakest man to handle the process of loading and unloading into the trunk alone. The assembly or disassembly process, as the creators assure, takes about 10 minutes.

According to its characteristics, “Rybinka” exactly corresponds to the definition of “means of small-scale mechanization”. It is equipped with a 1-cylinder 208 cc Kohler gasoline engine with a power of 7 hp, transmitting torque to the track via a centrifugal clutch. By the way, until this year, “Rybinka” was produced in a different specification - with a Subaru engine and a CVT. For some reason, the designers of Russian Mechanics decided to abandon them. Probably for the sake of cost, because the Rybinka costs like a Chinese scooter - 2800 BYN. rubles What do we get for this money?

Outwardly, “Rybinka” looks cute, even touching. Prefabricated structural elements are attached to each other securely, without backlash. But the build quality of individual “communications” is slightly disappointing: protruding connectors, carelessly fastened wires, gas and brake lever cables jammed into a common “pack”... Perhaps you can’t do anything else on a transforming snowmobile, but it doesn’t look so great.

Let's start the engine. This is done easily, literally in one jerk. Why jerk? Because there is no other way: although the electric starter is included in the standard equipment, the battery is an option. Like, if you want, you can buy more. In the meantime, the old fashioned way, “with a shoelace.” Fortunately, the American engine starts easily, after a couple of minutes of warming up, you’re good to go!

Feels funny! “Rybinka” starts briskly, but on compacted snow it quickly reaches the “maximum speed”, which is about 20 km/h. By the way, there is no tachometer or speedometer here either, so you just drive with full throttle if the surface allows. And while there is compacted snow or powder under the skis and track, you don’t have to let go of the gas - “Rybinka” stably holds a straight line, responds well to weight shifts in turns and goes well on loose snow up to 30 cm thick.

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We complicate the task - we descend into the quarry through the pitted and frozen snow. And immediately the difficulties begin. "Rybinka" willingly attacks the transverse track, but becomes very demanding if you drive it along or diagonally. The track width on the skis is 800 mm, and this is not enough, because when the Rybinka track hits a snow hole, it immediately begins to heel frighteningly, hanging the skis in the air. Plus, the pilot’s legs on the side steps are spaced quite narrowly, so there is no clear point of support to effectively “hang out.”

“You can put your feet on the ends of the ski shock absorbers, this makes it easier to move the weight,” advises the dealer representative. Indeed, this is more convenient, but this is clearly not provided for by the factory - there are only footrests on the sides. Yes, and such a landing is suitable only for tall people, but for me it turned out to be generally “chopper-dragster” - I sit at an angle, my legs are high and far in front. This way, of course, it’s more convenient to move the weight, the fulcrum is more obvious, but in the event of a rollover, it’s not a fact that you’ll have time to put your foot out. Although, as soon as the snow pockmarks are replaced by ordinary, smooth snow, the problem of stability ceases to be so relevant - the mini-snowmobile goes well on the “plains”.

The same goes for hills: as long as you attack obstacles correctly, “head-on”, everything works out - “Rybinka” has enough power and grip to storm snowdrifts and climbs. And if it’s not enough and at some point it stops, you just need to stand up slightly and the snowmobile will move on. With a CVT, experts say, cross-country ability would be a little better, since it allows the engine to be in the optimal zone at a larger speed range, but the grip on relatively simple surfaces is also good. The only pity is that it was not possible to test the Rybinka in more severe conditions - after half an hour the throttle cable jumped out of the connector, and without a tool it was impossible to put it back. What's the point of driving at idle speed?

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The results of our blitz test are as follows: as a format for a “pocket” transformable snowmobile, “Rybinka” is a very interesting proposal. Firstly, it is very inexpensive, and secondly, the possibility of transportation in the trunk (even with disassembly and assembly) allows you to eliminate most logistics problems. Another question is that you shouldn’t expect any special “drive” from such a mini-snowmobile - it drives itself, and that’s fine. But if this is exactly what you need - leisurely walks through the forest or a hunting/fishing trip in the virgin snow - you might want to take a closer look at Rybinka. In operation without extreme and extreme off-road conditions, this is really more of a helper than a toy. True, it is single-seater, but it can pull a sled weighing up to 150 kg (design load), and this is quite enough for small “expeditions”. The main thing is that the throttle cable does not jump off anymore...

Pavel KOZLOVSKY Photo and video of Olga-Anna KANASHITS ABW.BY

The editors express gratitude to Elitemoto for the snowmobile provided for a test drive

Specifications

The Rybinka mini-snowmobile is a sled with a pre-installed power unit. Control is carried out using a steering wheel connected to skis. The gas and brake levers are also installed on it. The rear wheels are presented in the form of a rubberized caterpillar belt, which is connected to the motor by a gear mechanism.

The motorized towing vehicle is equipped with a coupling device that makes it possible to transport a trailer with a total weight of no more than 150 kg. To start the engine, an electric starter is used, as well as a manual drive.

Main technical characteristics of the Rybinka snowmobile:

• engine: 208 cc cm, four-stroke single-cylinder Kohler with a power of 7 liters. With;
• number of passengers: 1;
• track size: 0.8 m;
• Max. speed: 55 km/h;
• dimensions: 2.2x0.91x0.96;
• fuel: AI-92;
• the kit includes: a heated grip function, a rear trunk that can include all fishing accessories, and an additional compartment under the seat is included;
• caterpillar track (dimensions): 2.4x0.38x0.17;
• telescopic suspension with rubber supports;
• tank: 4 l;
• weight: 110 kg;
• gearbox: two-stage with reverse.

The frame of the device is made of steel, and the hood and skis are made of plastic. The weight of the heaviest structural element reaches 40 kg, so it can be disassembled and assembled by one person. Additionally, the kit includes a windshield, as well as a battery, a heated steering wheel and a bag for storing keys.

Chassis

This area contains a caterpillar mover and 2 slewing skis. Track dimensions (length, width and height): 2420x380x17.5, .

The suspension is roller, but sufficient track dimensions provide normal driving characteristics. The mini-snowmobile travels well on ice and simple soil - the rollers can withstand such extreme conditions.

Fuel system

Contains a four-liter fuel tank, which is located at the rear. There is no fuel gauge. Oil tank capacity 0.6 l. Fuel - AI-92. Consumption is about 10 liters per 100 km. It is better to use only the recommended types of fuel and oil, which are indicated in the motorized towing vehicle’s passport.

It is not recommended to use other types of fuel (based on composition and AI number). Failure to comply with this warning will result in a reduction in the technical characteristics of the snowmobile.

Transmission

This part of the snowmobile includes a V-belt variator and a chain drive without reverse (drive of the main caterpillar shaft by a chain). Mechanical brake system. Rybinka has a Rubena variable speed belt installed.

Snowmobile Rybinka

The Rybinka snowmobile with one seat will become a reliable assistant for both winter fishing enthusiasts and rural residents. Structurally, it is a small-sized collapsible vehicle on 2 skis and a caterpillar track. It has proven itself to be excellent when working in weather conditions from -25 C to +5 C. Budget cost (about 87 thousand rubles), the presence of a coupling device for towing a trailer weighing up to 150 kg, the ability to assemble in 5-7 minutes, numerous positive reviews owners - all these are arguments in favor of purchasing this mini-snowmobile (RM).

IMPORTANT! You do not need a driver's license to operate a small-scale mechanization vehicle.

1. Technical characteristics of Rybinka performance characteristics
2. Self-assembly and maintenance
3. How much does the Rybinka mini snowmobile cost?

Equipment

Optionally, the Rybinka snowmobile is equipped with a windshield, a battery, a bag for storing keys, and a heated handlebar function. The towbar to which the sled is mounted, as well as the electric starter, are included in the main configuration.

Weight and overall dimensions

Overall dimensions: length without skis - 1950, width with skis - 910, height with glass - 850. Device weight 110 kg.

Engine

The snowmobile is powered by a four-stroke single-cylinder Kohler engine model CH270-0115 with a power of 7 hp. s, volume 208 cm3. What does this give?

Advantages:

1. Optimal fuel consumption and oil savings (consumption of pure gasoline, no need to limit yourself to creating a fuel mixture).
2. Long service life of a four-stroke engine. The lubricating oil is separated from the combustion chamber.
3. Eco-friendly.
4. No additional equipment with domestic spare parts is required; the motor is tuned at the manufacturer.
5. The engine is not very noisy and makes a normal sound during operation.

The power unit is located at the stern. Access to the motor is simple and convenient. Lubrication is carried out separately.

Cooling system

The cooling system of the Rybinka mini-snowmobile is air type. To ensure proper operation of an air-cooled power unit, periodic inspection of the quality of the impeller blades and fan is required.

Maximum speed

According to the stated parameters, the device reaches a speed of 20 km/h. But in reality, the power of the American Kohler four-stroke engine is enough to drive on a frozen body of water, as well as on a compacted roadway with a snow thickness of 45 cm when driving at speeds of up to 25 km/h.

Description

This device is also called a motorized towing vehicle or a transformer.

A motorized towing vehicle - because it can tow a trailer weighing up to 150 kg, with its own weight of 110 kg.

Transformer - because it can be disassembled into eight separate parts:

• motor with motor frame;
• steering column;
• electric starter;
• two skis with steering linkage;
• footrest;
• track suspension;
• side frame;
• circuit protection.

Each part weighs no more than 40 kg. It is easy to disassemble and transport in the trunk of a car to the place where the off-road begins. Collect within 5-8 minutes and then move off-road to the fishing spot.

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Another advantage would be the use of a four-stroke gasoline engine. American single-cylinder Kohler units with a capacity of 7 horsepower. They work perfectly at sub-zero temperatures down to -35 o C. Air-cooled, started using an electric starter. Can be started using a manual starter.

The transmission is a variator with a chain drive and an automatic centrifugal clutch. Fuel supply is carburetor. Contactless ignition. To facilitate maintenance outside the garage, plastic covers can be easily removed to provide access to all units and components. The metal frame is coated using modern powder technology. This is effective protection against corrosion.

Reliable suspension – telescopic for two skis in front. Balancer-roller for the engine and skis at the rear.

The track is 38 centimeters wide and has an increased support area allowing it to move through snowy, moderate off-road conditions. On bare ice or compacted snow, a snowmobile can travel for a long time at speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour.

An ergonomic seat has been designed for ease of movement. The driver can operate the device while sitting, standing, half-sitting or leaning on the seat with his knee. There is a large storage compartment under the seat. Even more things can be transported on a trailer. The mechanism is designed to transport a ski trailer or sled weighing up to 150 kg.

Another fact that speaks in favor of “Rybinka” is that the small-scale mechanization device does not require registration and obtaining permission from the management of a snowmobile or “motorized dog”.

How to remove play in the steering wheel?

To do this, you will need to put the steering wheel straight, holding the ends of the skis and moving them towards each other. Measure the distance between the ski axles. After this, carry out the calculation: ab=c. Should be from 0 to 15 mm.

If there is a deviation, then loosen the nuts fixing the main rod with the steering wheel tips on both sides, open the hood, take the long rod with your hand and turn it in a certain direction (if it doesn’t turn with your finger, then there are risks for the key in the place of the muffler). Skis should not converge or diverge.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of the “motor dog” is its ability to quickly be disassembled into parts and transported disassembled. During assembly, the elements fit together without gaps. Motor sleighs start well at sub-zero temperatures. According to user reviews, the engine is not loud and practically indestructible. The snowmobile is lightweight and can be pulled out of deep snow. The price of the snowmobile is quite affordable.

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Among the shortcomings it was noted:

The snowmobile does not like too deep loose snow with a depth of more than 30-35 cm;

It is necessary to additionally protect the caterpillar from snow. The snow melts from the heat of the engine and freezes on the tracks.

The kit does not include battery or windshield. These options will have to be purchased additionally.

The electrics (wires, connectors) are made very poorly and carelessly.

In general, according to user reviews, “Rybinka-4” is worth buying as an affordable and convenient transport to get to a fishing spot or as a means of small-scale mechanization in winter.

How to assemble it yourself

When disassembled, the Rybinka mini snowmobile takes up very little space, which makes it convenient for storage. In addition, the process of assembly and disassembly does not take much time, before operation it is very simple, it can be handled without special skills and tools.

1. Place the king pin inside the ski, having previously inserted the bracket between the ski and the king pin, and then install an M8x85 bolt into the through passage. Tighten the nuts.
2. Fix the steering rods in the ball-type supports.
3. Install the shield and footrests on the track mover, and then secure them with bolts. Connect these elements to the traverse using quick-release cotter pins and axles.
4. Install the steering wheel onto the steering column, securing it with bolts.
5. Place the hood on the bumper, and then secure it with 6 washers, M6x16 screws, and M6 nuts.
6. Place the hood on the traverse using the bumper and fasten it with bolts (from the bottom) and removable cotter pins (from the top).
7. Place the seat with the frame on the mover and secure it.

To ensure proper operation of the Rybinka snowmobile and to prevent causes that may lead to wear of elements, it is recommended to carry out maintenance requirements.

Types of service:

• Daily: carried out before departure and upon completion of operation of the snowmobile.
• After running-in: performed after 5 hours of using the device.
• Periodic: after every 25 hours, 50 hours of driving, seasonal, for putting into use after storage.

More detailed information is available in the instructions for use. During the operation of the device, various malfunctions are possible, for example, breakdown of the tracks, the need to modernize the chain tensioner, etc. If you have questions about maintenance, using the variator, purchasing spare parts for different systems: exhaust or cooling, tuning, as well as repair work, you should contact your dealer or service center.

It is also recommended to seek advice from owners on thematic forums. There is a lot of useful information on how to modify or improve the model. For example, on Rybinka 2 it is recommended to install a two-speed gearbox with an automatic clutch. You can also find out how to install brakes, etc.

Price

Prices for snowmobiles fluctuate depending on what model you are buying - new or used, in what city you plan to buy a snowmobile, whether sellers offer any promotions, organize sales, etc. Sometimes the price also includes delivery services, but often you have to pay for this separately.

Average price for a Rybinka mini snowmobile in big cities of the Russian Federation:

• St. Petersburg - from 85 thousand rubles;
• Kazan - 60,000-85,000 rubles;
• Moscow - from 100 thousand rubles;
• Saratov - from 60,000-80,000 rubles.

Of course, the cost of a used device from the Rybinka model range will be lower. Many stores are ready to offer favorable terms of credit and installment plans.

Reviews

Owners of the Rybinka snowmobile note the following advantages:

• high-torque engine;
• good dynamics;
• efficiency and maneuverability;
• it is very easy to disassemble in ten minutes and folds into the trunk of a car;
• The device moves on snow and ice, it does not skid if you do not overdo it with speed.

The device easily copes with the main task - it accelerates quickly and brakes effectively. The snowmobile can be repaired without any problems, just like a designer kit, and is quickly assembled and disassembled. These advantages are enough to purchase this device.

Among the negative qualities: the machine is intended only for 1 person - the driver, and at the same time it can be cramped in the snowmobile.

The main disadvantage is the engine, which takes time to heat up and continue to move. For a single-cylinder engine, the heating system is still weak. The service is not satisfactory, but if you need to repair the transmission, you will have to completely disassemble the device.