Mustang Powder Snowcats

 

 

At Mustang Powder we operate with Pisten Bully (PB) snowcats. We have a PB600 (new for 2010/2011) and a PB300 for our two main ski groups and a PB300 for our 'Small Groups - Steep Chutes' group. For many years we used Bombardier (yellow) cats - so we can say from experience that the new Pisten Bully's have greatly improved out skiing program.  First and foremost, they are really well engineered; every part on these machines is specifically designed to provide quality and reliability.  The tracks are 'closed profile' aluminum which results in lighter weight grouser bars that don't break nearly as easily or as often.  Furthermore, the aggressive closed profile grouser gives these snowcats superior climbing ability.  As a result they are able to climb much steeper grades much quicker and more easily which allows us to access high elevation terrain, and more of it.   Another great quality of these machines is their suspension system.  Unlike the rough Bombardiers, the PB's are smooth, comfortable and quiet.  When you spend a few hours a day in the cat, this becomes a very important factor. It makes it much quieter in the back and easier to talk about how great your last run was.

The engine in the PB600 is a 400 HP Mercedes diesel with 1900 ft lbs of torque, the engines in the PB300s are Mercedes 926's with 330 HP and 1300 ft lbs of torque. This is more than adequate power to get groups quickly to the tops of the runs. They aren't racing machines, but they can sure climb!   As a backup machine (in the event that one of our main cats breaks down) we have Freya the Bombardier.   She is still reliable, but when riding in her one really notices how much more comfortable and enjoyable riding in the Piston Bully actually is.  Our road building snowcat is a Pisten Bully 'Edge'.   This cat is similar to the PB 300's, but it is lighter weight and less rugged. At ski hills the 'Edge' snowcats would only be used for free grooming - the winch cats would be PB 300's.   We have a heated workshop for maintaining the machinery.  Our lead mechanic Steve spends his evenings checking over the snowcats and doing any repairs and services that may be needed.  In the off-season we do a comprehensive summer-service to all the snowcats.  This proactive maintenance work prevents, or minimizes, breakdowns during the winter.  After running these cats for 3 years, we have yet to miss a full day due to a machine being down.  If you are the sort of person who is interested in machinery, during your ski holiday don't hesitate to ask Tom or Ben for a tour of the workshop.

 

To find out more details on these snowcats, you can go to the Piston Bully website.