How Snowmobiles Work

There are four main components directly involved in powering and driving the snowmobile: ­

Snowmobiles also have headlamps, a seat and a windshield similar to those found on motorcycles.

Snowmobile engines are very similar to the engines found in four-stroke engine, while the lighter, sportier models use the two-stroke.

An automobile engine sends power through a driveshaft, which directly rotates the axle and the wheels of the car. However, a snowmobile engine links to a track drive, which rotates the tracks. The wheels on a snowmobile are essentially large gears with teeth spaced evenly with holes in the tracks. Every rotation of the gears powers the tracks and drives the snowmobile forward. The faster the engine, the faster the gears rotate, and the faster the tracks move.

Snowmobiles also have a clutch system that is basically a type of pulley-based CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This system consists of two pulleys, or clutches, connected by a drive belt. The primary clutch sits on the engine crankshaft. A pressure spring holds the primary's two halves apart when the engine rpm is low. As the engine begins to accelerate, the clutch weights generate enough centrifugal force to close the clutch, allowing the belt to move freely and transmit power.

The secondary clutch connects to the track drive, which turns the wheels and powers the tracks. A spring in the secondary clutch operates the cams (wedges), which are sensitive to torque. As the engine's RPM increases and the primary transmits power, these cams squeeze to­gether and tighten the belt. The process continues as the snowmobile accelerates. Once it reaches its top speed, the primary clutch closes, moving the belt into a higher "gear." Because the snowmobile needs less power to accelerate than it did to get going, the secondary clutch opens.

Unlike a manual or automatic transmission, this system is stepless and can smoothly go back and forth between an infinite number of "gears" depending on the speed and the amount of power needed. To learn more, check out How CVTs Work.

We'll learn more about the tracks and how to steer a snowmobile next.

Snowmobile tracks are like tank tracks, with some key differences. They are made of light materials like rubber for added mobility and speed, while tank tracks are made of rigid materials because they must withstand concussions and explosions while carrying heavy weights. Tank tracks usually serve to steer as well as propel the vehicle, while a handlebar/ski mechanism steers snowmobiles.

In both cases, tracks succeed where wheels often fail -- they spread the vehicle weight over a greater surface area, allowing it to move on soft, slippery or unstable terrain where wheeled vehicles are unable to gain traction. Tracks keep a heavy snowmobile from sinking in soft snow, just as long, flat skis and wide, flat snowshoes spread a person's weight over a larger area.

Snowmobile tracks also provide traction on slippery surfaces like snow and ice, where regular wheels would slip and slide. The large surface area and the roughness of the treads create friction between the snowmobile and the surface, giving the snowmobile a better grip. Most snowmobilers add sharp studs to their tracks; these act like cleats on athletic shoes and sink a short distance into the ice or hard snow, gouging small holes that enable the tracks to grip the ice even tighter on particularly slippery terrain.

You steer a snowmobile by turning the handlebars, in much the same way as you steer a motorcycle. The handlebars connect to a stem mounted near the front of the snowmobile, which in turn connects to skis mounted on a bracket at the bottom of the snowmobile. Turning the handlebars turns the skis in the same direction.

Snowmobile skis come in varying widths and sizes for different terrain, as well as single or double-ski models. Wider skis displace the snowmobile's weight over a larger area, enabling it to "float" higher over the snow, while narrower skis allow for sharper turns.

Shock absorbers play a large part in providing a comfortable and stable ride. Springs and dampers are used in a manner similar to mountain bikes, enabling the rider to pilot their vehicle with the mobility of skis, but the stability of a tracked vehicle.

In the next section, we'll look at some of the environmental concerns associated with snowmobiles.

Fences and barriers often surround modern highways and roadways to protect wildlife from automobiles, and vice-versa. But snowmobiles, designed to handle varying terrain, can often travel where other vehicles can't. This has raised concerns that the snowmobile industry and environmental agencies have had to address.

Engine exhaust is a primary concern. As with cars, snowmobile engines release exhaust fumes into the atmosphere. Because snowmobilers often travel through parkland or wilderness areas not commonly used by motor vehicles, the effect of exhaust fumes on the environment has been studied as the pastime grows in popularity.

Snowmobile traffic is limited to designated trails in many areas like national parks. This ensures that vehicle traffic disturbs wildlife and vegetation as little as possible. Snowmobile trails often follow pre-existing footpaths or riverbeds, so little alteration has to be made to the natural setting. The presence of trail guides and marshals in public lands helps ensure compliance to the rules and regulations.

Noise is another issue. Early snowmobiles produced engine noise levels around 100 decibels, comparable to a diesel truck, disturbing both humans and animals in the vicinity. Technological advances used in other motor vehicles to reduce noise are also used in snowmobiles, like foam padding between the engine and hood and regulators on the exhaust and intake mechanisms.

Studies on the environmental impact of snowmobiles lag far behind those studying automobiles, simply because automobiles are used in much greater numbers, in a much larger area: There is an estimated four million snowmobiles in the colder areas of North America, compared to close to 200 million automobiles in the United States alone. However, snowmobiles' popularity carries a responsibility to protect the environment, as well as the rider.

Learn about the safety precautions that snowmobilers must take in the next section.

Modern snowmobiles are made of lighter, more durable materials and faster, more fuel-effective engines. This provides greater excitement for the rider, but also increases the possibility of accidents.

A snowmobile can weigh in excess of 600 pounds, not including the weight of the driver. Engine sizes can reach 1000 cubic centimeters (61 cubic inches), comparable to a mid-size motorcycle, with top speeds nearing 90 MPH on lighter, high-performance sleds. Snowmobiles have the advantage of being lower and wider than motorcycles, reducing the risk of tipping over, but riders can be thrown more easily due to their open design. Braking distances on snow and ice are also longer than on asphalt roads, due to reduced traction on the wet terrain.

Protective clothing serves double-duty for snowmobilers -- it must protect them not only from hazards caused by speed and noise, but also from the cold and wind. The waterproof nylon jackets and pants often sported by snowmobilers are very similar to those worn by snowboarders and skiers. Emphasis is on keeping the rider warm and dry, with inside layers wicking moisture outwards.

Similarly, snowmobile helmets draw heavily on motorcycle designs. Many leading manufacturers design models for snowmobilers, motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders. (See the sidebar in How Motorcycles Work for basic helmet design). Snowmobile helmets add an anti-fog coating to the visor; cold, moist air on the outside meeting warm breath on the inside would cause condensation otherwise. Many helmets also incorporate a breath-guard over the mouth and nose, which keeps incoming air warmer while guiding warm breath away from the visor.

Gloves and boots are important accessories, as fingers and toes are especially vulnerable to frostbite in cold conditions. Snowmobile gloves typically combine thick palms (for durability while holding on to the handlebars) with articulated fingers and wrists (for mobility when braking and steering). Popular boot designs incorporate thick rubber soles with heavy grips, and removable liners that can dry quickly between rides. Of course, these accessories must be waterproof as well.

Ultimately, snowmobile safety depends on the person at the handlebars. Each state and province sets its own regulations regarding helmets and licensing, with national parks and private trails often imposing additional regulations on riders.

Organizations such as the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and American Council of Snowmobile Associations represent local and regional riders' clubs and associations, often advocating on their behalf in safety and legislative discussions. They also work towards uniformity in trail signage and networking snowmobile trails, and promote tourism between Canadian and American enthusiasts and their counterparts in Europe.

For lots more information about snowmobiles and related topics, check out the links on the next page.