6 | Snowmobile VERMONT 6 | Snowmobile VERMONT VAST News TRAIL TIPS: SCRATCHERS By Mike Mutascio Frustrated by frozen trails or a surface lacking loose snow? Ever sniff and sense the unnerving odor of melting slides that crave for some fresh fallen powder? Finicky conditions can wreak havoc on your sled if it is not properly lubricated with snow. To address this challenge, a growing list of manufacturers have been offering an inexpensive fix called snowmobile scratchers. These accessories are increasingly filling the pages of aftermarket catalogs and occupying the topics on internet bulletin boards. Amongst user experiences and opinions, the majority support the concept. Scratchers are made of metal arms or rigid stranded cable. When deployed, they scrape the trail surface during your ride. A variety of applications include mounting on the snowmobile rails, skis or even the suspension arms. End-tips redirect snow into the rear suspension and onto heat exchangers. This is a critical requirement for liquid-cooled sleds. When not needed, they can be secured or removed. I remember adding a pair to my snowmobile, and they performed exactly as advertised. As I watched my engine temperature gauge rise on a frozen trail, simply engaging the scratchers dropped the meter reading within a half mile. Scratchers also changed some riding behaviors. In the twisting trails and winding woods, I occasionally found myself punching the throttle. This was to increase the likelihood that track lugs would launch snow towards the heat exchanger high above. But with scratchers added, I was able to accomplish the same task at slower, consistent and safer speeds. Similarly, I would often avoid shared/plowed road riding whenever possible. Lack of a usable base of snow usually led to rapid heating of my engine and suspension slides. I inevitably found myself drawn to the rare oasis of nearby powder to bathe my scalding sled. But by extending my new scratchers, I could maintain a prudent riding line while exploiting the thin film of snow below, again cooling my snowmobile. There is abundant literature regarding the use of scratchers, plus design options that can address your specific riding needs. You will even find a handful of videos online that illustrate installation and function. Don’t forget it’s a great topic of discussion on your club’s Facebook page or at a monthly meeting. So for your snowmobiling adventures ahead, don’t let variable conditions limit your journey. Just consider some scratchers when you’re itchin’ to ride! (Mike Mutascio photo) VINTAGE SNOWOMBILE SHOW AT DERBY LINE DAY Vintage Snowmobile Lovers Show and Swap was held in Derby Line on Aug. 11 in conjunction with Derby Line day. VAST brought up its booth, and the Drift Dusters provided a vintage Ski-Doo for kids to sit on and displayed their Tucker groomer. Next year’s event will be Aug. 3, 2019.