Snowmobile
A snowmobile is a motorized vehicle specifically designed for traversing snow and ice, utilizing skis at the front and a wide track at the rear for stability and traction. This vehicle operates similarly to motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles but is purpose-built for winter conditions. The history of snowmobiles dates back to the early 20th century, with significant innovations, including the first patent in 1917 and the introduction of the Ski-Doo in 1959, which popularized recreational snowmobiling. Today, snowmobiles come in various models tailored for different uses, including utility, performance, and mountain riding, accommodating one or more riders. Snowmobiling has gained popularity as a recreational activity, with numerous clubs and well-maintained trails across the U.S. and Canada, offering enthusiasts access to over 200,000 miles of public trails. Snowmobiles are also an important mode of transportation in Arctic regions. Various manufacturers, such as Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Yamaha, dominate the market, contributing to the ongoing evolution of snowmobile technology and design.
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Subject Terms
Snowmobile
A snowmobile is a motorized vehicle designed for swift maneuverability over snow and ice. Snowmobiles operate similarly to motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), but in place of wheels with rubber tires, they have skis and tracks. The earliest snowmobiles, which were basically motorized sleds, date back to the beginning of the twentieth century. Since then, many types of snowmobiles have been developed, including models designed to handle specific terrain (such as mountains) or specific purposes (such as hauling and towing). Many people ride snowmobiles for fun, leading to the development of snowmobile clubs and well-groomed snowmobile trails.
Overview
Snowmobiles are known by several names: snow machines, iron dogs, snow cats, and ski mobiles. In addition, a few trademarked names, such as Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo, have slipped into common usage and may be used to describe snowmobiles, regardless of their manufacturer. All snowmobiles are designed to be driven in snowy or icy conditions. They generally have skis at the front that curve upward to prevent them from becoming buried in snow as the machine moves forward. A mechanism connects the skis to the handlebars, which control steering. In the rear, snowmobiles have a wide track, sometimes called an "endless tread," that provides stability and traction. It looks like the track seen on a tank or on heavy machinery. A throttle feeds fuel to the engine and serves as a snowmobile's accelerator. Most snowmobiles have headlights to aid with visibility, and some models have windshields or backrests. Snowmobiles are a common method of transportation in Arctic regions, such as Alaska.
The history of snowmobiles dates back to the early twentieth century. A few motorized sleds appeared in the 1910s. In 1917, a Ford dealer in New Hampshire patented a special kit to turn a Ford Model T into a snowmobile. Canadian inventor Joseph-Armand Bombardier of Valcourt, Quebec, created a snowmobile prototype in 1922. However, Bombardier's father thought the propeller on the machine was too dangerous and made the fifteen-year-old inventor take it apart. American inventor Carl Eliason test-drove his snowmobile prototype, the Motor Toboggan, around his hometown of Sayner, Wisconsin, in 1924. He began making and selling Motor Toboggans soon thereafter. Bombardier later returned to making snowmobiles and introduced his B7 model to the market in 1937. This snowmobile was enclosed and could carry seven passengers. Bombardier later introduced the small, lightweight Ski-Doo snowmobile in 1959. Since then, four major snowmobile manufacturers have emerged in the United States—Ski-Doo/Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Arctic Cat, Polaris Industries, and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.
Most modern snowmobiles are designed for one rider, but touring models can accommodate up to two riders. Utility snowmobiles are equipped for hauling and towing. Performance snowmobiles are heavier and more powerful than entry-level models. Mountain snowmobiles are designed for riding on steep hillsides or mountains. Crossover snowmobiles are capable of moving swiftly back and forth between harder snow-packed trails and fresh powdery snow.
Since the introduction of the lightweight Ski-Doo, snowmobiling as a recreational activity has become more popular. Today many states and provinces across the United States and Canada have snowmobile associations and local snowmobiling clubs for snowmobile enthusiasts, and riders can cruise more than two hundred thousand miles of public snowmobile trails.
Bibliography
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Friedman, Sam. "Snowmachine or Snowmobile? Whatever You Call It, There's a Lot Riding on It." Daily News-Miner, 10 Apr. 2015, www.newsminer.com/features/outdoors/snowmachine-or-snowmobile-whatever-you-call-it-there-s-a/article‗5fd98c50-df56-11e4-a289-b3b886d32b2c.html. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
"History of Snowmobiles." Illinois Snowmobile, www.snowmobile-ed.com/illinois/studyGuide/History-of-Snowmobiles/501015‗700020503/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
"Joseph-Armand Bombardier." Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/joseph-armand-bombardier/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
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"What Is a Snowmobile?" Kelley Blue Book, 17 Dec. 2013, www.kbb.com/what-is/snowmobile/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.
Woodford, Chris. "Snowmobiles." ExplainThatStuff!, 6 Oct. 2016, www.explainthatstuff.com/how-snowmobiles-work.html. Accessed 12 Sept. 2017.