The PistenBully: How We Got to the Amazing Model 100

Snowcats are not only for commercial properties. Whether you own a cabin, many acres of land, or simply get lots of snow every winter, snowcats make an amazing addition to any outdoor arsenal. The industry leader in these machines is the PistenBully, which combines efficiency, ease, and fun all in one package.

These machines have a long and rich history with which many people are unfamiliar. The PistenBully has been around for over 50 years, bringing with it advancements and developments that have revolutionized several industries and made many winter sports and hobbies possible despite variable conditions.

With the release of the 2022 PistenBully, it has become clear that the machine has reached new heights with what it can do. As we enjoy these new advancements and updates, it is important to look back to see how we got here. The new model is simply the latest accomplishment for a machine that has been dominating the industry for many years.

The Kässbohrer Company

A product such as the PistenBully, which has survived decades of economic changes and technology development, comes from a company with a strong vision and longevity. In 1893, Karl Heinrich Kässbohrer began a wagon company. ^[1]Kässbohrer (2022). History – Company – About Kässbohrer. (n.d.). Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from … Continue reading

Little did he know this would be the first step in creating some of the world’s most impressive and high-functioning snow vehicles. Without this humble beginning, the PistenBully would never have developed into the machine that it is today.

Karl held his company until the early 1920s when his sons took over. It was only a decade later that skiing became more widely popular, as companies began to commercialize skiing equipment and products.^[2] Denning, A. (2015). How Skiing Went From the Alps to the Masses. The Atlantic. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from … Continue reading This launched the need for the PistenBully, which was developed in the decades to come. On December 19, 1969, the first model arrived at the Winklmoos-Alm ski resort in Germany.

The PistenBully Grows

Following its debut, the PistenBully continued to grow and thrive as a machine. It was a key part of the 1972 Winter Olympics, where it gained a significant amount of attention and commendation for its abilities. New models of the machine were released in the following decades. In 1998, the PistenBully 100 was born and continues to be one of the most versatile and popular versions of the PistenBully on the market.

Sustainability

Throughout all of the PistenBully models, the company has been committed to sustainability. As these machines work entirely outdoors, they must minimize the harm that they do to their natural surroundings. As developments continue to be made to the PistenBully, the Kässbohrer company continues to solidify its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious production.

Beginning in 2022, all new models will run on HVO fuel. This reduces CO2 emissions by 90%, significantly reducing the PistenBully’s effect on the environment. What’s more, the basis of the fuel itself is made of animal and plant waste, meaning that most of the fuel comes from natural sources that would have otherwise been discarded or wasted.^[3]PistenBully. (2022). Synthetic Fuels. PistenBully. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https://www.pistenbully.com/en/home/hvo.html

Reliability

Something that has not changed throughout PistenBully history is the reliability of the machines. From the very first model, the PistenBully has offered a way for nearly anyone to complete large outdoor tasks in the snow and ice. Before these machines became widely built and distributed, some of these tasks would not have been possible at all.

These machines need to be reliable because they can be the difference between life and death in some scenarios. With their capacity to traverse highly snowy areas, they offer a way to create safe passageways for people to travel. With their towing capacity, construction sites can complete essential projects in remote areas. PistenBully models can even be used to retrieve individuals who have been stranded.

The PistenBully 600 E+

With its history of innovation, it should be no surprise that the PistenBully continues to be developed and advanced. The newest version, the PistenBully 600 E+ boasts a variety of new perks and features that are certainly enticing. ^[4]Kalbermatten, D. (2022). 600 E+ – PistenBully. PistenBully. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https://www.pistenbully.com/en/home/snow-groomers/pistenbully-600-e-plus.html

The number to remember with the PistenBully 600 E+ is 20. This model offers 20% less fuel consumption, and a 20% quieter machine, with 20% fewer emissions. This is significant for a machine that accesses some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world. When you traverse nature, it is important to be sure that you are being as unobtrusive as possible. The PistenBully 600 E+ allows you to do that.

As with many modern technologies, the PistenBully 600 E+ can think for itself. It features steering assistance no matter what position you’re in. Whether you are in fixed or relieved positioning, the tiller can follow the same radius allowing for automatic counter steering. This gives you more support both for stability and for the job at hand. This model keeps you safe in a modern and reliable way. ^[5] Kässbohrer. (2022). OUR STATEMENT. PistenBully. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from … Continue reading

The PistenBully 100

Of all the models of the PistenBully, perhaps the most effective is the PistenBully 100. Though it lacks some of the modern bells and whistles of the 2022 model, it is reliable and easy to use for almost anyone. While newer versions are fun and appealing in some ways, most clients want what the PistenBully 100 easily offers.

One of the biggest perks of this model is its cargo capabilities. Whether you are clearing paths or transporting supplies, this machine can bring everything you need. Reliable and efficient are two of the key traits this model has to offer.

Though it does not run on HVO like the 2022 model, the PistenBully 100 does burn fuel differently than other machines or models. This method ensures that emissions are reduced when the fuel is burned. As a result, the 100 is more eco-friendly than many other large machines.

Choosing the Model for You

Pistenbully’s history is important when it comes to making informed decisions about your machine rental. When you understand Kässbohrer’s commitment to sustainability, reliability, and excellence, you can feel better about using a machine that has been in the making for over a century. There is no obvious choice when it comes to selecting your PistenBully rental. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages to take into account.

Ease of Use

One of the main criteria for your project will be ease of use. You want your machine to function well with a relatively minimal amount of effort. In some ways, the PistenBully 600 E+ supports ease of use very well. For example, it provides automatic steering support to help keep you stable and on track.

However, there are some functions of this model that are perhaps too advanced. For example, the joystick moves in a 365-degree motion, rather than in just the four cardinal directions. Though this may sound appealing, it can be more difficult to navigate with a joystick that is so sensitive to movement.

To put it simply, the old models such as the PistenBully 100 are easier to use than the newer ones, especially for personal use. Many of our renters opt for the PistenBully 100 rather than the new models because they know they can execute their job smoothly and quickly with the older model.

Features

Features are another consideration for many PistenBully users. The PistenBully 600 E+ has a built-in computer screen for you to access all of the features and options that the machine has to offer. You can even monitor snow depth, which is fantastic for surveying and mapping purposes.

However, many users don’t need very many features to get the job done. Though many operators prefer the flashy features of the PistenBully 600 E+, it’s important to consider whether you really need the features being offered. When most people use their PistenBully rental, they are looking to perform a specific task on their property. For many accustomed to operating the 100, the multiple features of the 600 E+ can become confusing.

When beginning the snowcat leasing process, really consider what you need from your machine. Often, the older models are more appropriate and allow you to get the job done quickly.

Cost

Cost is a significant consideration for many as well. Of course, newer models of the PistenBully will be more expensive to rent while the older ones will be more cost-effective. This can be a major factor when it comes to deciding between several models. Though all PistenBully machines do exemplary work, you need to consider what your budget is for the project. It may be best to opt for an older model rather than pay extra for bells and whistles.

Lease a PistenBully

We can go on and on about PistenBully because we believe in its abilities. We have built our livelihoods around these machines, and we have complete confidence in what they can do and how they can help our clients. We have seen PistenBully rentals for a variety of projects and tasks, and our customers are always satisfied with the work these machines can do.

Contact us to talk about current used equipment for sale and our PisenBully leasing options.