Why Use Snowmobile Ice Scratchers?

Why Use Snowmobile Ice Scratchers?

January 31, 2024 | Buying Guide | By: Yellowstone Adventures

Close-up of an ice scratcher on the tracks of the snowmobile.Snowmobiles run best on loose snow and powder, where their tracks kick up snow that naturally cools down the suspension. When you operate a sled on hard-packed snow, the absence of that cooling effect may cause critical components of your snowmobile to overheat. This is where snowmobile ice scratchers come in: these clever devices can give you the freedom to explore varied terrains on your snowmobile without the risk of overheating. Read on to learn more!

How Do Snowmobile Ice Scratchers Work?

The term “ice scratcher” is a little bit misleading, because these devices don’t simply scratch the surface: ice scratchers actually have sharp tips that dig deep and loosen up hard-packed snow and ice. The displaced snow is then propelled toward the vehicle, where it provides a powerful cooling effect to the rear suspension. In other words, ice scratchers can transform hard-packed snow into the loose powder your snowmobile needs to perform at peak efficiency.

The Benefits of Snowmobile Ice Scratchers

Ice scratchers will make it easier for your snowmobile to cross areas with little to no snow, and areas where the snow is compacted or covered in solid ice. These devices are especially helpful in late winter and early spring when trail conditions are affected by higher daytime temperatures and overnight freezing. Ice scratchers are easy to install on almost any snowmobile: simply attach them to the mounting points on the rear suspension, one on each side.

We hope you found this information helpful. If you have any further questions about snowmobile ice scratchers, we invite you to consult the experts here at Yellowstone Adventures! You can find us in West Yellowstone, MT, near Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort.