Probably one of the most underrated accessories on a snowmobile is a good set of ice scratchers. You don't know you need them until you NEED them.
Despite the name, ice scratchers aren't just for riding on ice. They're especially useful on hard-packed snow, freshly groomed trails, and when riding sleds with taller-lug tracks.
Snowmobiles need loose snow to help cool the engine and lubricate the hyfax. When conditions are hard or icy, there may not be enough snow reaching the heat exchangers, causing engine temperatures to climb. Ice scratchers help solve that problem by kicking snow into the rear suspension and rotating track.
When Should You Use Ice Scratchers?
There are several conditions where scratchers can make a big difference:
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Freshly groomed, hard-packed trails: Great riding conditions, but sometimes not enough loose snow for proper cooling.
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Icy or plowed roads: Limited snow means less cooling and hyfax lubrication.
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Taller-lug tracks: Mountain and crossover sleds can struggle to kick up enough snow on hard-packed surfaces, even when there's some loose snow on top.
Different Types of Snowmobile Ice Scratchers
There are several styles available, and we've had experience with most of them.
Cable Ice Scratchers
We've tried cable-style scratchers and haven't had great luck with them. In fact, our experience has been disappointing enough that we've chosen not to sell them.
Ski-Mounted Ice Scratchers
We haven't personally used these, but in theory, they should work well for trail riding. They kick snow directly in front of the track, where it can be picked up and distributed through the suspension.
Suspension Rail-Mounted Ice Scratchers
These are the most common style and the ones we prefer.
Rail-mounted scratchers deploy downward from the suspension rails, digging into hard-packed snow and ice. They throw snow into the skid to lubricate the hyfax while the rotating track carries additional snow toward the heat exchangers to help control engine temperatures.
Why We Prefer Bolt-On Ice Scratcher Kits
Most mountain snowmobiles come from the factory with mounting holes in the suspension rails for ice scratchers. Trail sleds, however, often don't.
And here's where I have a pretty strong opinion.
I'm not a fan of drilling additional holes into suspension rails.
These rails take a tremendous amount of abuse, and we've seen rails crack near or around holes added for accessories. Personally, I'd rather not weaken a component that's already working hard.
That's one of the reasons we like One Rig Design ice scratcher kits.
Their bolt-on brackets are engineered for specific snowmobile applications, giving you a mounting point for scratchers without drilling into the suspension rails.
It's a simple solution that makes installation easier while maintaining the integrity of the rails.
Reversible vs. Non-Reversible Ice Scratchers
This is something every snowmobiler should consider before purchasing scratchers.
Many older mountain sleds came with basic, non-reversible scratchers. They work fine when you're moving forward.
But eventually, you're going to back up with your scratchers down.
And when you do, there's a good chance those non-reversible scratchers are going to be trashed.
Reversible scratchers are designed to flex when backing up, helping prevent damage if you forget to retract them.
For us, that's a feature worth having.
Our Favorite Ice Scratchers
We've had good results with Ice Storm Reversible Scratchers on longer-track sleds. These typically require a mounting hole for the bolt and a smaller hole for the spring anchor.
But for shorter-track trail sleds, particularly those in the 129- to 146-inch range, our most popular option is the One Rig Design ice scratcher kit.
Here's why:
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No drilling required with the appropriate bolt-on brackets
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Reversible design
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Replaceable tips
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Made in the USA
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Can be transferred to another compatible sled
Are they the cheapest option? No.
But they're built to last. With replaceable tips and durable construction, they're an investment that can last the life of your sled and potentially move to your next machine.
Trail Riders and Mountain Riders Both Benefit
Trail riders: Picture a two-degree morning, ripping down a freshly groomed trail. Conditions seem perfect until your engine temperature starts climbing because there isn't enough loose snow reaching the heat exchangers. That's when you'll be thankful you have scratchers.
Mountain riders: Even if you spend most of your time in deep powder, you're eventually going to encounter a packed trail or two-track. With a taller-lug track, those conditions can cause temperatures to climb quickly.
The Bottom Line
Ice scratchers aren't the most exciting snowmobile accessory, but they're one of those things you'll be glad you have when conditions change.
They help maintain engine temperatures, improve hyfax lubrication, and make riding in hard-packed conditions much less stressful.
After trying different styles over the years, we prefer reversible rail-mounted scratchers, especially bolt-on kits that don't require drilling into your suspension.
Shop One Rig Design Ice Scratchers and find the right setup for your snowmobile.
Created by riders, for riders.