Snowmobile
Encyclopedia
is a land vehicle for winter travel on snow
Snow
Snow is a form of precipitation within the Earth's atmosphere in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft structure, unless packed by...
. Designed to be operated on snow
Snow
Snow is a form of precipitation within the Earth's atmosphere in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft structure, unless packed by...
and ice
Ice
Ice is water frozen into the solid state. Usually ice is the phase known as ice Ih, which is the most abundant of the varying solid phases on the Earth's surface. It can appear transparent or opaque bluish-white color, depending on the presence of impurities or air inclusions...
, they require no road
Road
A road is a thoroughfare, route, or way on land between two places, which typically has been paved or otherwise improved to allow travel by some conveyance, including a horse, cart, or motor vehicle. Roads consist of one, or sometimes two, roadways each with one or more lanes and also any...
or trail. Design variations enable some machines to operate in deep snow or forests; most are used on open terrain, including frozen lakes, or driven on paths or trails. Usually designed to accommodate a driver and one passenger, their use is much like a motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
(ATVs) intended for winter use on snow-covered ground and frozen ponds and waterways. They have no enclosure except for a windshield and their engine normally drives a continuous track or tracks at the rear; ski
Ski
A ski is a long, flat device worn on the foot, usually attached through a boot, designed to help the wearer slide smoothly over snow. Originally intended as an aid to travel in snowy regions, they are now mainly used for recreational and sporting purposes...
s at the front provide directional control.
Early snowmobiles used rubber tracks, but modern snowmobiles typically have tracks made of a Kevlar
Kevlar
Kevlar is the registered trademark for a para-aramid synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora. Developed at DuPont in 1965, this high strength material was first commercially used in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires...
composite. Originally snowmobiles were typically powered by two-stroke gasoline
Gasoline
Gasoline , or petrol , is a toxic, translucent, petroleum-derived liquid that is primarily used as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum, enhanced with a variety of additives. Some gasolines also contain...
/petrol internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
s. Four-stroke engines are becoming more and more common in snowmobiles, primarily to address environmental complaints.
Originally intended as a winter utility vehicle to be used where other vehicles cannot go, they appealed to hunters and workers transporting personnel and material across snow-covered land, frozen lakes and rivers. In the latter part of the 20th century, they have been put to use for recreational purposes as well. People who ride them commonly are known as snowmobilers. The contemporary types of recreational riding forms are known as snowcross/racing, trail riding, freestyle, mountain climbing, boondocking, carving, ditchbanging and grass drags. Summertime activities for snowmobile enthusiasts include drag racing
Drag racing
Drag racing is a competition in which specially prepared automobiles or motorcycles compete two at a time to be the first to cross a set finish line, from a standing start, in a straight line, over a measured distance, most commonly a ¼-mile straight track....
on grass
Grass
Grasses, or more technically graminoids, are monocotyledonous, usually herbaceous plants with narrow leaves growing from the base. They include the "true grasses", of the Poaceae family, as well as the sedges and the rushes . The true grasses include cereals, bamboo and the grasses of lawns ...
, asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt or , also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits, it is a substance classed as a pitch...
strips, or even across water.
Introduction
The challenges of transporting people and their possessions cross-country during the winter season drove the invention of the snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle specifically designed for travel across deep snow where other vehicles floundered. During the 20th century, rapidly evolving designs produced machines that were most commonly two-person tracked vehicles powered by gas engines that enabled them to tow a sled or travel, initially at low-to-moderate speeds, depending on snow conditions, terrain and the presence of obstacles protruding above the snow, including brush and trees. Originally utility vehicles, many manufacturers now provide a full range of recreational. special-purpose, and competition versions. Where early designs had 10 hp two-stroke engines, there has been a move toward newer style 2-stroke and 4-stroke gas engines, some with over 150 hp.Multi-passenger snowmobiles
Wisconsinites experimented with over-snow vehicles before 1900, trying bicycles on runners with gripping fins, steam-propelled sleighs and later Model T Fords converted with rear tractor treads and skis in front. In the first races held near Three Lakes in 1926, 104 of these "snowbuggies" started. Carl Eliason of Sayner developed the prototype of the modern snowmobile in 1924 when he mounted a small gasoline-powered marine engine on a long toboggan, steered with skis under the front and driven by a rear, single, endless track. Patented in 1926, Eliason made 40 snowmobiles. Upon receiving an order for 200 from Finland, he sold his patent to the FWD Company of Clintonville. They made 300 for military use, then transferred the patent to a Canadian subsidiary.
The Aerosan, propeller-driven and running on skis, was built in 1909–1910 by the Russian inventor Igor Sikorsky
Igor Sikorsky
Igor Sikorsky , born Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky was a Russian American pioneer of aviation in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft...
. Aerosans were used by the Soviet Red Army
Red Army
The Workers' and Peasants' Red Army started out as the Soviet Union's revolutionary communist combat groups during the Russian Civil War of 1918-1922. It grew into the national army of the Soviet Union. By the 1930s the Red Army was among the largest armies in history.The "Red Army" name refers to...
during the Winter War
Winter War
The Winter War was a military conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland. It began with a Soviet offensive on 30 November 1939 – three months after the start of World War II and the Soviet invasion of Poland – and ended on 13 March 1940 with the Moscow Peace Treaty...
and the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
There is some dispute over whether Aerosans should be considered snowmobiles, as they are not propelled by tracks, but if they are, they would be the first snowmobiles developed.
Adolphe Kégresse
Adolphe Kégresse
Adolphe Kégresse was a French military engineer, inventor of the half-track and dual clutch transmission....
designed an original caterpillar track
Caterpillar track
Continuous tracks or caterpillar tracks are a system of vehicle propulsion in which modular metal plates linked into a continuous band are driven by two or more wheels...
s system, called the Kégresse track, while working for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
Nicholas II of Russia
Nicholas II was the last Emperor of Russia, Grand Prince of Finland, and titular King of Poland. His official short title was Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias and he is known as Saint Nicholas the Passion-Bearer by the Russian Orthodox Church.Nicholas II ruled from 1894 until...
between 1906 and 1916. These used a flexible belt rather than interlocking metal segments and could be fitted to a conventional car or truck to turn it into a half-track
Half-track
A half-track is a civilian or military vehicle with regular wheels on the front for steering, and caterpillar tracks on the back to propel the vehicle and carry most of the load. The purpose of this combination is to produce a vehicle with the cross-country capabilities of a tank and the handling...
, suitable for use over soft ground, including snow. Conventional front wheels and steering were used but the wheel could be fitted with skis as seen in the upper right image. He applied it to several cars in the Royal garage including Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Limited
Rolls-Royce Limited was a renowned British car and, from 1914 on, aero-engine manufacturing company founded by Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce on 15 March 1906 as the result of a partnership formed in 1904....
cars and Packard
Packard
Packard was an American luxury-type automobile marque built by the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, and later by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana...
trucks. Although this was not a snowmobile, it could be thought as one of the ancestor of the modern concept.
The first United States patent
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....
for a snow-vehicle using the now recognized format of rear track(s) and front skis was issued to Ray H. Muscott of Waters, MI on June 27, 1916 with U.S. Patent # 1,188,981. Many individuals later modified Ford Model T
Ford Model T
The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company from September 1908 to May 1927...
s with the undercarriage replaced with tracks and skis following this design. They were popular for rural mail delivery for a time. The common name for these conversion of cars and small trucks was Snowflyers. These vehicles were extremely popular in the northern reaches of Canada.
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
and New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
. This led Joseph-Armand Bombardier
Joseph-Armand Bombardier
Joseph-Armand Bombardier was a Canadian inventor and businessman, and was the founder of Bombardier...
of the small town of Valcourt
Valcourt
Valcourt may refer to the following places:*Valcourt , a city in Quebec, Canada*Valcourt , a town adjacent to the city*Valcourt , larger than the town*Valcourt, Haute-Marne, a commune in the Haute-Marne department, France...
in Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, Canada, to invent a different caterpillar track
Caterpillar track
Continuous tracks or caterpillar tracks are a system of vehicle propulsion in which modular metal plates linked into a continuous band are driven by two or more wheels...
system suitable for all kinds of snow conditions. Bombardier had already made some "metal" tracked vehicles since 1928, but his new revolutionary track traction system (a toothed wheel covered in rubber, and a rubber and cotton track that wraps around the back wheels) was his first major invention. He started production of a large, enclosed, seven-passenger snowmobile in 1937, the B-7 and introduced another enclosed twelve-passenger model, the B-12 in 1942. The B-7 had a V-8 flathead engine
Flathead engine
A flathead engine is an internal combustion engine with valves placed in the engine block beside the piston, instead of in the cylinder head, as in an overhead valve engine...
from Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
. The B-12 had a flathead in line six cylinder engine from Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
industrial, and 2,817 units were produced until 1951. It was used in many applications, such as ambulances, Canada Post
Canada Post
Canada Post Corporation, known more simply as Canada Post , is the Canadian crown corporation which functions as the country's primary postal operator...
vehicles, winter "school buses", forestry machines and even army vehicles in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Bombardier had always dreamed of a smaller version, more like the size of a motor scooter.
Individual snowmobiles
Indian (motorcycle)
Indian is an American brand of motorcycles. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the...
modified with a cowl-cover, side by side seating, and a set of sled-runners fore and aft. While it did not have the tracks of a true snowmobile, its appearance was otherwise similar to the modern version and is one of the earliest examples of a personal motorized snow-vehicle. Edgar and Allen Hetteen and David Johnson of Roseau, Minnesota were among the first to build a practical snowmobile in 1955–1956, but the early machines were heavy (1000 lb (453.6 kg)) and slow (20 mph (8.9 m/s)). Their company, Hetteen Hoist & Derrick Co., became Polaris Industries
Polaris Industries
Polaris Industries is a manufacturer of snowmobiles, ATV, and neighborhood electric vehicles. Polaris is based in Medina, Minnesota, USA. The company also manufactures motorcycles through its Victory Motorcycles subsidiary and through the Indian Motorcycle subsidiary which it purchased in April...
, a small snowmobile manufacturer.
It was only in 1960, when engines became lighter and smaller than before, that Bombardier invented what we know as the modern snowmobile in its open-cockpit one- or two-person form, and started selling it as the "Ski-doo". Competitors sprang up and copied and improved his design. In the 1970s there were over a hundred snowmobile manufacturers. From 1970 to 1973 they sold close to two million machines, a sales summit never since equalled, with a peak of half a million in 1971. Many of the snowmobile companies were small outfits and the biggest manufacturers were often attempts by motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
makers and outboard motor
Outboard motor
An outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom and are the most common motorized method of propelling small watercraft...
makers to branch off in a new market.
Most of these companies went bankrupt
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal status of an insolvent person or an organisation, that is, one that cannot repay the debts owed to creditors. In most jurisdictions bankruptcy is imposed by a court order, often initiated by the debtor....
during the gasoline crisis of 1973 and succeeding recessions, or were bought up by the larger ones. Sales rebounded to 260,000 in 1997 but went down gradually afterward, influenced by warmer winters and the use during all four seasons of small one- or two-person ATV
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
s. The snowmobile market is now divided up between the four large North American makers (Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP)
Bombardier Recreational Products
Bombardier Recreational Products or BRP is a Canadian company that traces its roots back to the year 1942 when Joseph-Armand Bombardier founded L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée in Valcourt in the Eastern Townships, Quebec.In 2003, Bombardier Inc...
, Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat is a North American manufacturer of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. The company was formed in 1960 and is based in Thief River Falls, MN. Many of Arctic Cat's vehicles are used today and can be accessorized to perform almost any job an outdoors-man might need...
, Yamaha, Ski-doo and Polaris
Polaris Industries
Polaris Industries is a manufacturer of snowmobiles, ATV, and neighborhood electric vehicles. Polaris is based in Medina, Minnesota, USA. The company also manufactures motorcycles through its Victory Motorcycles subsidiary and through the Indian Motorcycle subsidiary which it purchased in April...
) and some specialized makers like the Quebec-based AD Boivin (manufacturer of the Snow Hawk) and the European Alpina Snowmobiles
Alpina snowmobile
- Alpina Snowmobiles :Alpina Snowmobiles are manufactured in Italy by Alpina s.r.l. located in Vicenza. There is two manufacturers of dual-track snowmobiles one is Alpina and others is Russia sled called Buran . Alpina s.r.l...
.
Some of the higher powered modern snowmobiles can achieve speeds in excess of 150 mph (67.1 m/s). Drag racing snowmobiles can reach speeds in excess of 200 mph (89.4 m/s).
Snowmobiles are widely used in arctic
Arctic
The Arctic is a region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic region consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by treeless permafrost...
territories for travel
Travel
Travel is the movement of people or objects between relatively distant geographical locations. 'Travel' can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.-Etymology:...
. However, the small population of the Arctic areas makes for a correspondingly small market. Most of the annual snowmobile production is sold for recreational purposes much farther south, in those parts of North America where the snow cover is stable during the winter months. The number of snowmobiles in Europe and other parts of the world is relatively low, though they are growing rapidly in popularity. In northern Sweden, for instance, some families now own as many as five snowmobiles.
Snowmobiles designed to perform various work tasks have been available for many years with dual tracks from such manufacturers as Aktiv (Sweden), who made the Grizzly
Aktiv Grizzly
Aktiv Grizzly, dual-track snowmobile, manufactured by Aktiv Maskin Östersund AB in Sweden.The snowmobile is equipped with dual 38 x 384 cm tracks for maximum float and tracktion and single front ski...
, Ockelbo (Sweden), who made the 8000, and Bombardier who made the Alpine and later the Alpine II. Currently there are two manufacturers of dual-track snowmobiles; Russia's Buran and the Italian Alpina Snowmobiles
Alpina snowmobile
- Alpina Snowmobiles :Alpina Snowmobiles are manufactured in Italy by Alpina s.r.l. located in Vicenza. There is two manufacturers of dual-track snowmobiles one is Alpina and others is Russia sled called Buran . Alpina s.r.l...
(under the name Sherpa).
An odd version of snowmobile is the Swedish Larven
Larven
Larven "Caterpillar" was a Swedish snowmobile that was manufactured from the 1960s to the 1980s in Östersund. The rider had to wear skis as well. This was for steering the vehicle, since the machine itself only provided propulsion. The design was easy to stow in a car due its small size.A Larven...
made by Lenko in Östersund
Östersund
Östersund is an urban area in Jämtland in the middle of Sweden. It is the seat of Östersund Municipality and the capital of Jämtland County. Östersund is located at the shores of Sweden's fifth largest lake, Storsjön, opposite the island Frösön, and is the only city in Jämtland. Östersund is the...
from the 1960s until the end of the 1980s. It was a very small and basic design with just an engine in the rear and a track. The driver sat on it and steered using skiis on his feet.
Propulsion
Today, most snowmobiles are powered by either a 4 or 2-stroke internal combustion engine. However, an electrochemical battery-powered version has been made by McGill University. The engineers/students at McGill University are also working on a hybrid version of their snowmobile.Performance
Performance of snowmobiles has improved exponentially since their inception with a sharp spike in performance in the last 15 or so years. The first snowmobiles made way with as little as 5 hp engines. Engine size and efficiency has grown considerably in the last 15 years. In the early 90's, the biggest engines available (typically 600-650cc range) produced in the neighborhood of 115 hp. Today several late model snowmobiles are available with engines sizes up to 1200 cc, producing 150+ hp, as well as several models with up to 1000 cc engines producing closer to 180 hp. Snowmobiles are capable of moving across steep hillsides without sliding downslope if the rider transfers their weight towards the uphill side.Mountain sleds permit access in remote areas with deep snow, which was nearly impossible a few decades ago. This is mainly due to alterations, enhancements, and additions of original trail model designs such as weight, weight distribution, track length, paddle depth, and power. Technology and design advances in mountain snowmobiles have skyrocketed since 2003 with Ski-Doo's introduction of the "REV" framework platform. Since then, all mountain snowmobile manufacturers have increased performance drastically. Most 2-stroke mountain snowmobiles have a top engine size of 800 cc's producing around 150 hp, although some 1000 cc factory machines have been produced. These may not be as popular as many 800 cc models outperform them due to weight and an increase of unneeded power.
Cornices and other kinds of jumps are sought after for aerial maneuvers. Riders often search for un-tracked, virgin terrain and are known to "trailblaze" or "boondock" deep into remote territory where there is absolutely no visible path to follow. However, this type of trailblazing is not without hazards: Contact with buried rocks, logs and even frozen ground, can cause extensive damage to snowmobiles and injuries to the riders. Riders will often look for large open fields of fresh snow where they can carve
Carve turn
A carve turn is a skiing term, used to refer to a turning technique in which the ski shifts to one side or the other on its edges. In this case, the ski turns itself and is driven by the sidecut geometry while losing no speed, unlike a normal parallel turn....
. Some riders use extensively modified snowmobiles, customized with aftermarket accessories such as handle bar risers, handguards, custom/lightweight hoods, windshields, and seats, running board supports, studs
Snowmobile stud
Snowmobile studs are small metal projections added to the track of a snowmobile in order to increase traction and maneuverability and decrease stopping time and distance. They may be made from steel or stainless steel with carbide tips, and are designed for specific terrains in varying lengths,...
, and numerous other modifications that increase power and maneuverability. Many of these customizations can now be purchased straight off the showroom floor on stock models.
Trail snowmobiles have had their fair share of improvements in the past 15 years as well (many of them borrowed from endeavors to produce winning mountain sleds). Heavy 'muscle sleds' can produce speeds in excess of 150 mi/h due to powerful engines (up to 1200 cc stock, and custom engines exceeding 1200 cc's), short tracks, and good traction on groomed trails. Sno-cross oriented snowmobiles often have a engine size cap of 440 or 600 cc's, but lighter machines with redesigned stances, formats, and weight control have produced extremely fast and quickly accelerating race sleds.
Environmental impact
The environmentNatural environment
The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof. It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all living species....
al impact of snowmobiles has been the subject of much debate. Governments have been reacting slowly to noise and air pollution, partly due to lobbying
Lobbying
Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. Lobbying is done by various people or groups, from private-sector individuals or corporations, fellow legislators or government officials, or...
from manufacturers and users of snowmobiles. For instance, in 1999, the Canadian government adopted the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, but the set of rules governing pollution emissions for off-road vehicles was only released in January 2005. Another example of regulation, only four-stroke snowmobiles are allowed in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, is a national park located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho...
since a bylaw was recently passed to minimize CO2 emissions and noise. In Yellowstone, snowmobiles account for 80% of total hydrocarbons emissions and 50% of carbon monoxides emissions during the winter months. Although less than 2% and 1% overall annually respectively.
In winter, snowmobiles only are allowed to ride on the unplowed roads used in the summer in the park. This impact accounts for less than 1% (.002%) of the park area.
Air
Most snowmobiles are still powered by two-stroke engines, although Alpina SnowmobilesAlpina snowmobile
- Alpina Snowmobiles :Alpina Snowmobiles are manufactured in Italy by Alpina s.r.l. located in Vicenza. There is two manufacturers of dual-track snowmobiles one is Alpina and others is Russia sled called Buran . Alpina s.r.l...
and Yamaha
Yamaha
Yamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
have been using four-strokes respectively since 2002 and 2003. However, in the last decade several manufacturers have been successful in designing less polluting motors, and putting most of them in production. Yamaha and Arctic-Cat were the first to mass produce four-stroke models, which are significantly less polluting than the early two-stroke machines. Alpina offers a 4-stroke EFI engine equipped with a catalytic converter and state of the art dual oxygen-probe. Bombardier's E-Tec two-stroke motors emit 85 percent less pollutants than previous carburated 2-strokes. Polaris has developed a fuel-injection technology called "Cleanfire Injection" on their 2 strokes. The industry is also working on direct injected "clean two strokes" which are actually an improvement on carbureted
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
four strokes in terms of NOX emissions.
Independent researchers are also working on the air pollution issue. Even undergraduate and graduate students are participating in contests to lessen the impact of emissions from snowmobiles. The Clean Snow Mobile Challenge is held yearly at Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University is a public research university located in Houghton, Michigan, United States. Its main campus sits on on a bluff overlooking Portage Lake...
regrouping the entries from universities from across United States and Canada. Some of the participants in recent years have been the École polytechnique de Montréal
École Polytechnique de Montréal
The École Polytechnique de Montréal is an engineering school/faculty affiliated with the University of Montreal in Montreal, Canada. It ranks first in Canada for the scope of its engineering research. It is occasionally referred to as Montreal Polytechnic, although in Quebec English its French...
with a quasiturbine
Quasiturbine
The Quasiturbine or Qurbine engine is a proposed pistonless rotary engine using a rhomboidal rotor whose sides are hinged at the vertices. The volume enclosed between the sides of the rotor and the rotor casing provide compression and expansion in a fashion similar to the more familiar Wankel...
engine and students from École de technologie supérieure
École de technologie supérieure
Founded in 1974, the École de technologie supérieure is part of the Université du Québec system. Specialized in applied teaching in engineering and technology transfer to companies, it teaches engineers and researchers who are recognized for their practical and innovative approach...
of the UQAM
Université du Québec à Montréal
The Université du Québec à Montréal is one of four universities in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.-Basic facts:The UQAM is the largest constituent element of the Université du Québec , a public university system with other branches in Gatineau , Rimouski, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec City, Chicoutimi, and...
with a less polluting two-stroke engine using E85
E85
E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85% denatured ethanol fuel and gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. E85 is commonly used by flex-fuel vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe. Some of the benefits of E85 over conventional gasoline powered vehicles include the potential...
and direct injection.
Noise
Maximum noise restrictions have been enacted by law for both production snowmobiles and aftermarket components. For instance, in QuebecQuebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
(Canada) noise levels have to be 78 decibel
Decibel
The decibel is a logarithmic unit that indicates the ratio of a physical quantity relative to a specified or implied reference level. A ratio in decibels is ten times the logarithm to base 10 of the ratio of two power quantities...
s or less at 20 meters from a snowmobile path. Now in 2009, snowmobiles produce 90% less noise than in the 1960s. However, noise has cumulative effects on users and people living near those trails that are not well researched. It is still the origin of numerous complaints. Efforts in regard to noise reduction have now generally shifted to suppressing mechanical noise of the suspension components and tracks. Arctic Cat in 2005 introduced "Silent Track technology" on touring models such as the T660 Turbo, And Bearcat. Some M-Series sleds also had this. Ski-doo has since then also used comparative "silent track technology" on some production models.
A common dispute among the snowmobile community is about the use of aftermarket exhaust systems, commonly known as "cans" or "silencers". These replace the stock muffler with a less restrictive system that is usually claimed to increase power output of the engine. However, these aftermarket exhausts are often much louder than stock, with some being only slightly quieter than a completely open, unbaffled system. Most, if not all local snowmobile clubs(that maintain and groom trail systems) discourage the use of these systems due to landowner complaints about their noise and subsequent revoking of trail use rights through their property. Local and state authorities have been setting up checkpoints on high traffic trails, checking for excessively loud systems and issuing citations when found. Typically these systems are installed on 2 stroke powered machines(giving the distinctive "braap" sound), however in recent years aftermarket companies have released silencers for 4 stroke models as well.
Terrain and wild life
Scientific studies have shown that damage is caused to the terrain on or around heavily used snowmobile paths. The snow becomes compacted and any winter rain may flood surrounding areas. This hard snow is more thermally conductive and the underlying ground will freeze to a greater depth, possibly affecting plants and leading to erosion of soil in the spring. Furthermore, snowmobiles can damage shoots and saplings they pass over. Effects on animals are more difficult to assess; some studies suggest that animals stay away from the snowmobile trails due to the noise, others indicate that some animals are actually using these trails when there is little traffic. Invasive species may use those paths to spread, such as in Utah, where coyotes are encroaching into lynx habitat.Economic
Accidents and safety
Due to their inherent maneuverability, acceleration and top speed capabilities, it requires skill and physical strength to operate a snowmobile.Snowmobiling injuries and fatalities are higher than those caused by on road motor vehicle traffic. Losing control of a snowmobile could easily cause extensive damage, injury, or death. A common cause of accidents is when a rider loses control because they do not have an adequate grip and do not realize how powerful it is. This sometimes results in the now rider-less sled crashing into objects such as a rock or a tree. Some snowmobiles are fitted with lanyards connected to a kill switch, to prevent this type of accident. However, not all riders use this device.
It is also possible for a rider, for various reasons to lose control, veer off a trail and roll the snowmobile and/or crash directly into a rock or tree. In areas they are unfamiliar with, riders could drive into suspended barbed wire or haywire fences at high speeds – there have been a number of serious/fatal accidents caused in this way.
Each year, riders are killed when they crash into other snowmobiles, automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
s, pedestrians, rocks, trees, or by falling through ice. About 10 people a year die in such crashes in Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
alone with alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
a contributing factor in many (but not all) cases. In Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of . Saskatchewan is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota....
, 16 out of 21 deaths in snowmobile collisions between 1996 and 2000 were alcohol-related. Wrestler Lindsey Durlacher
Lindsey Durlacher
Lindsey Durlacher was an American Greco-Roman wrestler whose career highlight was a bronze medal at the 2006 FILA Wrestling World Championships at 121 pounds...
died in 2011 following surgery for a broken sternum he sustained in a snowmobile accident.
Fatal collisions with trains can also occur when a snowmobiler indulges in the illegal practice of "rail riding", riding between railroad track rails over snow covered sleepers
Railroad tie
A railroad tie/railway tie , or railway sleeper is a rectangular item used to support the rails in railroad tracks...
. Inability to hear oncoming trains over the engine noise of the snowmobile makes this activity extremely dangerous. Another cause of serious injury or death is colliding with large animals such as moose and deer that may venture onto snowmobile trails. Most such encounters occur at night or in low visibility conditions when the animal cannot be seen in time to avoid a collision. Also even when successful, a sudden maneuver to avoid the animal could still result in the operator losing control of the snowmobile.
A large number of snowmobile-related deaths in Alaska are caused by drowning.. Because of the extreme cold in many parts of Alaska the rivers and lakes are frozen over for a large part of the winter. People riding early or late in the season run the risk
Risk
Risk is the potential that a chosen action or activity will lead to a loss . The notion implies that a choice having an influence on the outcome exists . Potential losses themselves may also be called "risks"...
of falling through unstable ice, and heavy winter clothing can make it extremely difficult to escape the frozen water. The next leading cause of injury and death is avalanches, which can result from the practice of Highmarking
Highmarking
Highmarking or High-Marking is a popular activity performed by snowmobilers in mountainous terrain, where the snowmobile operator tries to ride as far up a steep mountain slope as possible, then turn around and come back down the hill without getting stuck, rolling the snowmobile or losing...
, or driving a snowmobile as far up a hill as it can go. Risks can be reduced through education, proper training, appropriate gear and attention to published avalanche warnings.
Types of races
- The International 500International 500The International 500 Snowmobile Race, commonly known as the I-500, takes place annually in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It is known across the country as the oldest and longest race of its kind.-Origin:...
is a large racing event held annually in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. It is a 500 miles (804.7 km) race on a track, with the current purse being in excess of $40,000.00 usd. It has been running since February 1969, and continues to excite those attending the race to date. - Grass drags are held every summer to fall (autumn), with the largest event being Hay Days in North Branch, Minnesota. Hay Days has always been the first weekend following the Labor DayLabor DayLabor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
Holiday. - The World ChampionshipWorld championshipA world championship is the top achievement for any sport or contest. The title is usually awarded by contests, ranking systems, stature, ability, etc. This determines the best nation, team, individual in the world in a particular field. Certain sports do not have a world championship, instead...
Watercross or Snowmobile skippingSnowmobile skippingSnowmobile skipping, snowmobile watercross, snowmobile skimming, or water skipping is a sport and/or exhibition where snowmobile racers hydroplane their sleds across lakes or rivers.-Basics:...
races are held in Grantsburg, WisconsinGrantsburg, WisconsinGrantsburg is a village in Burnett County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,369 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Grantsburg.-Claim to fame:...
in July. The snowmobiles are raced on a marked course, similar to motocrossMotocrossMotocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits. It evolved from trials, and was called scrambles, and later motocross, combining the French moto with cross-country...
courses, without the ramps and on water. - The Snocross racing series are snowmobile races on a motocrossMotocrossMotocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits. It evolved from trials, and was called scrambles, and later motocross, combining the French moto with cross-country...
-like course. The races are held during the winter season in Northern United States and Canada. One of the largest in New England is the Northeast SnoX Challenge held early January of each year in Malone, New YorkMalone (village), New York-Notable natives:Notable natives include:*William Almon Wheeler served as Vice President of the United States under Rutherford Hayes. Is buried at Morningside Cemetery in Malone....
and run by Rock Maple Racing and sponsored by the Malone Chamber of CommerceChamber of commerceA chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
. - Snowmobiles are used for ice racingIce racingIce racing is a form of racing that uses cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, All-terrain vehicles, or other motorized vehicles. Ice racing takes place on frozen lakes or rivers, or on carefully groomed frozen lots...
. The racing is held on an "Ice Oval" track. The World Championship Snowmobile DerbyWorld Championship Snowmobile DerbyThe World Championship Snowmobile Derby is the World championship snowmobile race. It is held at the Eagle River Derby Track along U.S. Route 45 in Eagle River, Wisconsin on the third weekend in January. Eagle River is known as the "Snowmobile Capital of the World" because it hosts the Derby...
is held each winter in Eagle River, WisconsinEagle River, WisconsinEagle River is a city in Vilas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,443 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Vilas County. The city is known for being a popular "Northwoods" vacation town...
. - The "Iron Dog", the longest snowmachine race in the world, is held annually in Alaska. It is 1971 miles (3,172 km) long and runs from Wasilla to NomeNome, AlaskaNome is a city in the Nome Census Area in the Unorganized Borough of the U.S. state of Alaska, located on the southern Seward Peninsula coast on Norton Sound of the Bering Sea. According to the 2010 Census, the city population was 3,598. Nome was incorporated on April 9, 1901, and was once the...
to FairbanksFairbanksFairbanks may refer to:Places in the United States*Fairbanks, Alaska, city*Fairbanks, California, unincorporated community in El Dorado County*Fairbanks, Mendocino County, California, former settlement*Fairbanks, Indiana, unincorporated community...
. Its name refers to Dog MushingMushingMushing is a general term for a sport or transport method powered by dogs, and includes carting, pulka, scootering, sled dog racing, skijoring, freighting, and weight pulling. More specifically, it implies the use of one or more dogs to pull a sled on snow or a rig on dry land...
, long popular in Alaska. - Vintage snowmobiling is the racing of vintage snowmobiles and has grown in popularity as a sporting event on the Canadian prairie and in America.
- The World Championship Hill Climb competition is held in Jackson, WY at the Snow King ski resort each year in March.