Full-Track Vehicle Project: 1970 Ridge Runner ASV

“Hey, it’s spring, Scotty G. Why are you showing a vintage snowmobile?!” That’s a very good question, and my argument is that some folks restore snowmobiles in the summer and restore motorcycles in the winter. This is a fantastic project, one where you’re 99% guaranteed to have the only one at any vintage snowmobile show. This rare 1970 Ridge Runner ASV is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Coleridge, Nebraska, and the seller is asking $3,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for the tip!

“Hey, where are the skis on this weird machine, SG?” Enough of the fake questions. This is what’s known as a full-track vehicle, basically a mini-tank but with two 15-inch rubber tracks rather than steel tracks. As such, there are no skis in front as you’d expect on a snowmobile. Also, as an ASV (All Seasons Vehicle), this one isn’t just for snow; it’s a year-round vehicle for use anytime and almost anywhere. The company did make a water-friendly version called the Aqua-Trac ASTV (All-Season Track Vehicle). Here’s a brochure showing both models. I wrote about one here on Barn Finds, on my birthday way back in 2016. This ASV would have been $2,000 brand new back in 1970, around $17,000 today.

Sadly, the photos were all taken inside a covered trailer, so they aren’t the best. They aren’t the worst we’ve seen, but still, it’s unfortunate. There’s a good reason for that, as this one isn’t currently in running condition. At a whopping 800 pounds, you can’t just drag it off the trailer for photos too easily. The company, Ridge Runner, Inc., was started in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1969 and eventually moved to Fargo, North Dakota in 1971, owned by the Steiger Tractor Company. The new owners wanted to emphasize these vehicles as being great for farmers and ranchers, their big market.

By the end of 1974, Ridge Runners weren’t being made anymore. The early 1970s snagged dozens, if not hundreds, of snowmobile companies due to a couple of bad years with hardly any snow, the gas shortage, and also new anti-pollution regulations were starting to come into play. In case you were wondering what they look like in action, here’s a blue one (they came in yellow, blue, black, and red) here on YouTube. I think this would be a ton of fun. Slow, but fun.

This rear compartment gives owners 10 cubic feet of storage; it isn’t where the engine is hidden. The front engine is accessed by opening the vented cover in front of the cracked windshield. It should show a 618-cc Kohler two-stroke with 33 horsepower, backed by an unusual “Multi-Drive” transmission. The transmission was usually it’s Achillies heel, as in it’s typically what takes down most Ridge Runners, and parts are hard to find. The seller doesn’t mention the transmission, but they say the engine is currently locked up. The rest of this unusual machine looks fantastic, and $3,000 isn’t a bad price for one of these monsters. If you can troubleshoot the engine, you’ll have one of the funnest, slowest, and coolest machines to use year-round. Have any of you heard of a Ridge Runner?