Construction of a snowmobile

Traversing wild trails on a snowmobile amidst a winter landscape is undoubtedly an incredible experience, providing a sense of immense satisfaction and freedom. Anyone who has experienced these emotions even once cannot imagine winter excitement without riding a snowmobile. However, before you decide on your first ride or purchase a snowmobile, get to know its construction and the differences between various types.

What is a snowmobile and how does it work?

A snowmobile is a combination of a sled and a scooter. The basis of its operation is a engine that sets the track attached to the rear of the vehicle in motion. The track (one or two depending on the model) is one of the most important elements of the snowmobile, providing excellent traction even on icy and slippery surfaces. Moreover, the length of the track affects the vehicle's maneuverability and speed – the shorter it is, the faster the ride. The front of the vehicle is equipped with skis, which are connected to the handlebars, allowing for steering – however, to increase the efficiency and safety of maneuvers, it is necessary to balance the body.

How can snowmobiles differ from each other?

The operating system of each snowmobile is the same. However, depending on the power and type of engine (two-stroke or four-stroke), there are 4 basic types of snowmobiles:

• touring – adapted for carrying 2 people, with lower power, thus developing lower speeds;
• sport (freestyle) – thanks to their lighter weight, increased power, and efficiency, they perform better in difficult conditions and are recommended for more advanced riders,
• racing – they are lightweight despite their reinforced construction, their engine with a minimum capacity of 550 cm³ develops speeds above 160 km/h,
• high power – adapted for transporting heavy materials, equipped with 8-cylinder engines.

Moreover, snowmobiles differ from each other in the application of modifications that enhance the vehicle's power and maneuverability.

Snowmobiles then and now

The first snowmobiles produced in 1908 had an engine power of 3.7 kW, which is just 5 horsepower. However, today with technological advancements, the market offers models with engine capacities of up to 1200 cm³, allowing for speeds of up to 200 km/h. However, in the case of two-stroke models, the maximum engine power is 110 kW, which develops a speed of 160 km/h.

The technological progress in the construction of increasingly modern and efficient snowmobiles is largely attributed to the company Ski-Doo, belonging to the BRP group, which has been producing top-quality snowmobiles since its inception.