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WINDRUNner is a small business based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A company created by an outdoor enthusiasts to build and distribute SledDogs and inflatable boats.

WINDRUNner, affordable recreation.

10/27/2026

SledDog SnowSlider Project Update!
Finally found some time this week and managed to get about 90% of the parts ready for assembly. The rig is finally starting to take shape!
As expected, a few fitment issues showed up that I missed in CAD, along with some things that need improvement. That’s part of building a real prototype.
A few issues to sort out:
• The lower hood fl**ge is too large and interferes with the front lower hinge. For now, I trimmed it with a grinder.
• The front lower hinge sits too close to the front frame fl**ge, so a small cutout is needed.
• The 2.5 m electrical and throttle cables are too short and don't route properly. Longer cables are needed.
• The standard Buddy Long handlebar setup doesn't work because the throttle cable and wiring exit on the left side and interfere with the hood. I drilled a hole on the inside to reroute everything.
Nothing too crazy, but a good reminder that CAD and real-world assembly are two different things.
Difference from the SledDog Buddy Long?
• Added an extra suspension shaft and middle wheels to better support the weight of a standing rider.
• The lowered frame for easier stepping, making it convenient to put your feet when getting on and off.
• Lowered the front drive sprocket and moved the first suspension shaft forward. This increased the track's ground-contact length from 90 cm to 1 meter, an improvement of approximately 11%. The longer contact patch should provide better traction, although I'm concerned that the lower front end might increase the tendency to push snow rather than climb over it. We'll see how it performs.
• New chain tensioning system. Instead of using an idler sprocket mounted on a slider bracket, the chain is tensioned by moving the engine backward. The design looks simple and eliminates one sprocket. Hopefully, it works as well as it looks.
• Added a hood.
• Added chain guards. With a standing rider, protecting the legs from the moving chain.

BIG question is whether it will actually turn. To be honest, I'm still skeptical about its ability to turn properly.
At this point, I see two possible directions for the project.
Option 1: Convert it into a classic tow-behind track system with improved traction, a hood, and chain guards. Something like the SledDog Buddy XL.
Option 2: Add a front ski and turn it into a completely different machine.

I'm not ready to make that decision yet. First, I want to get the prototype running and see how it behaves in real snow.
Hopefully, I'll have the completed prototype ready to show you within a week and finally take it for a spin. We still have this winter to test it, learn from it, and decide which direction makes the most sense.
Overall, I really like how it looks. I'm just not sure yet how well it will work. But that's what prototypes are for.

P.S. Registration and all that paperwork? Have no Idea. That's tomorrow's problem.
Thanks Folks!

10/25/2026

SledDog Buddy Standard —Real Winter Life moments!

Here are some awesome pictures and videos shared with permission from Donny Trowell

These are real-life moments showing how the SledDog Buddy Standard makes winter life easier. In the video, you can see just how compact this machine is and how perfectly it fits inside a shack. What a smart solution from Donny!

Blizzard outside? Freezing temperatures? No problem! No need to dig it out of the snow, clean it off, or warm it up before heading back out. Just pull the cord and haul your fish back home!

And, of course, you can simply admire it while it's parked there, because that sky-blue colour is a visual masterpiece!

Practical, compact, and beautiful, built for real winter adventures!

A big thank-you to Donny Trowell for giving us permission to share these moments and for showing us how the SledDog Buddy Standard fits into real winter life!

10/19/2026

One more step forward in the SledDog SnowSlider project!

The fabricated parts have arrived, and we’re excited to start assembling the prototype soon!

As expected, we encountered several design challenges during fabrication. The hardest part of engineering is finding the right balance between what you can design and what can actually be manufactured.

It’s easy to design something complicated on a computer screen without fully considering fabrication limitations. The result might look fantastic on paper or in CAD, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it can be made in the real world.

The real challenge is minimizing that gap. Eliminating it completely is almost impossible, and this latest round was a good reminder of that.

Two components that looked great in CAD turned out to have a different story when it came to fabrication. After some trial and error, redesigning, and a few lessons learned, we finally have the parts in our hands!

There’s still a long road ahead, and I can already see a couple of potential fitment issues waiting for us during assembly.
But that’s part of the process — build, test, learn, and improve.

For now, take a look at the CAD designs versus the real-life fabricated parts! It’s always interesting to see how things translate from the screen to the workshop.

Step by step, we’re getting closer to bringing the SledDog SnowSlider to life!

And we are exited to have stock of Buddies:
-SledDog Buddy $2800
-SledDog Buddy Long $3200

Buddy # SledDog Buddy Long

10/02/2026

IN STOCK & READY TO RIDE: 5 SledDog Buddies Available Now!
Skip the winter waitlist. We have 5 brand-new SledDog Buddy and Buddy Long machines built, tested, and ready for immediate pickup in Winnipeg or fast shipping across Canada!
Built right here in Manitoba, this compact winter workhorse easily pulls you, your gear, and your ice shack—and it fits right in the back of your SUV or truck. No trailer needed!
• Perfect for: Ice fishing, trapping, hunting, and trail work.
• Reliable Power: Cold-weather 4-stroke engine.
• Pickup/Shipping: Ready today in Winnipeg West.
Price: $2,800 CAD (Standard) | $3,200 CAD (Long)
Only 5 units available for immediate delivery this week. When they’re gone, they’re gone!

08/06/2026

SledDog SnowSlider Project
Here is our next project currently in development.

Over the last several years, we have seen many videos on YouTube and Facebook featuring stand-on tracked snow machines. Unlike a traditional setup where the rider sits in a towed sled, these machines allow the rider to stand directly on the tracked vehicle and steer by shifting body weight from side to side. There is no steering column—the rider simply leans the machine to make turns.
Something like moto snowboard.

As interesting as the concept was, several questions came to mind. The biggest concern was the engine placement. On nearly every model we examined, the engine was located between the rider's legs. We wondered how comfortable this design really was. Would having only one foot position become tiring? Would the engine hit the rider's knees on rough terrain?

After watching numerous reviews and user videos, we concluded that our concerns were valid. Many riders reported that the engine frequently contacted their knees during bumpy rides, making the machines uncomfortable to operate for extended periods.

After giving the idea a lot of thought, we decided to develop our own version—but with several important improvements.

Our Design Goals
1. Front-mounted engine
By moving the engine to the front of the machine, we create a large, flat standing platform in the rear, giving the rider much more freedom of movement and a more comfortable riding position.
2. Convertible design
The new machine will function both as a stand-on snow tractor and as a traditional Buddy Long towing a sled behind it. The conversion between the two configurations should take only a few minutes, require no special tools, and be easily performed in the field.
So, it was back to the drawing board—or, more accurately, back to SolidWorks.

Design Development
Since our existing frame, chassis, and track tensioner designs have been proven reliable over many years of use, we decided to build upon those successful concepts for the SnowSlider.

As the starting point, we used the Buddy Long tunnel with a 52-step track and incorporated the following improvements:

1. Reduced the track attack angle and lowered the drive shaft, allowing the overall frame height to be reduced.
2. Moved the front suspension shaft forward, increasing the track's contact area with the snow by approximately 10%. This significantly improves traction in loose snow while reducing ground pressure.
3. Added an additional suspension shaft and center wheel to better support the rider's weight.
4. Increased the size of the standing platform, giving the rider more room to comfortably shift body weight and lean the machine while turning.
5. Retained the existing hitch design, allowing a sled to be attached for towing.
6. Added a tilting engine hood that locks securely in the open position. The hood is designed to serve as a ramp in deep powder snow, helping the SnowSlider climb onto the snow surface instead of digging in.

Design Philosophy
Whenever possible, we are using proven Buddy components to maximize parts commonality, simplify manufacturing, and make replacement parts readily available.

After countless sleepless nights, endless brainstorming, and plenty of trial and error, I'm excited to finally share my prototype project. It's been a challenging journey, but every setback taught me something new. This is just the beginning!

Now the wheels are turning, parts have been ordered, and we're excited to begin testing and see how the SnowSlider performs in real-world snow conditions.

windrunner.ca

08/05/2026

Early Spring Road Ride with Sled Dog Buddy Long

08/05/2026

SledDog Buddy Long Running Through a Dry Grass Field

07/23/2026

SledDog Buddy Long. Late spring 2026. Driving on a wet road in a field.

06/07/2026

SledDog Buddy Long. Muddy river bank. #2

05/18/2026

SledDog Buddy Long, Muddy river bank.

Address

Winnipeg, West
Winnipeg, MB
R2Y

Telephone

+12048019156

Website

http://windrunner.ca/

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