We call our sled "Tempted and Tried". It is fully self propelled with power supplied by a 2.3L Ford EFI engine, along with a 3 speed automatic transmission which sends power to the drive wheels. It is equipped with an enclosed air conditioned tilt cab, swivel seat, and is steered by hydraulics which are controlled by the cab steering wheel.
The skidpan is 5' x 14' and is equipped with hydraulic rams on the back of the pan which can be set to trip toward the end of the pull to supply additional stopping power. The electronics which control these rams are adjustable, and can be set to apply a small amount of added pressure to the pan, all the way up to a complete lift of the sled with the drive tires off the ground causing the sleds total weight to be applied to the pan. We also have 5 ripper shanks which can be installed in the back of the pan in a matter of minutes to add even more stopping power if needed.
The weight box is designed to hold 4000 lbs of 100 lb suitcase weights. At this time we are running it with 1500 lbs on the box, and that gives the sled a total weight of 9500 lbs. In addition to the weight box, the pan on the sled is built to hold another 1400 lbs of add on weights. The weight box is driven by 2 transmissions, one 3 speed, and one 4 speed, for a total of 12 gear combinations. This, combined with the adjustable pan rams, is working out pretty well and gives us a lot of options depending on the track conditions. The transmissions are driven by an electric clutch, which releases electronically when the box reaches the most forward position. The box can also be rolled forward or backward on the rails by an inline hydraulic motor.
Distance measuring is done by an onboard digital electronic measuring system, which is ground driven by a small motorcycle wheel and tire attached to the back of the pan. The sled operator has complete control of the pull in motion, and can stop the pulling tractor at any time by using the sled's hydraulic brakes, and by pushing the kill button, activating the system which pulls the tractors kill switch.
The sled is also equipped with a hydraulically raised and lowered steering axle, which allows the operator to easily steer and position the sled anywhere on the starting line the puller wishes. Transportation between pulls is by towing, and the sled is equipped with a removable gooseneck hitch, and a full complement of LED tail, turn signal, brake and clearance lights . We have found that is tows easily behind a 1 ton pickup.
Tempted?? Come to one of our pulls and try it!! Pulling this sled is more than just a drag!!
