It is interesting to see how snowmobiling, categorized as off-trail or mountain biking, is gaining in popularity. Once considered a fringe activity, it is gaining in popularity. Snowmobilers looking for ecstasy and exploration of remote areas, are fond of this type of snowmobile.
Manufacturers must therefore use their imagination, refinement and creativity to improve these specialized snowmobiles for deep snow.
6 years of hard work:
Long before Textron took over Arctic Cat, the mountain product development team was tasked with developing the idea of a monorail to equip their off-road snowmobiles. From the beginning, the code name for this project was “Alpha Bravo”. The origins of this name are directly linked to the initials of the person responsible for the development of this model, Andy Beavis (A.B.).
It all started in 2013 when Andy Beavis cut up an original rear suspension from a Pro Mountain. That’s when he paired those two rails into a single rectangular beam. This was the beginning of a project that projected a mountain snowmobile rear suspension off the beaten path.
The launch and presentation of this original novelty was finally done at the Snow Shoot in West Yellowstone, Montana in February 2018. It was during this event that all the journalists on site were allowed to learn about the new model and test this revolution. Arctic Cat created a shock wave during its presentation and the curiosity was palpable throughout the snowmobile community.
The question that came to mind during our first shoot was: how can this new system withstand the abuse usually attributed to off-trail activity? The answer was quick and confident from the designers. This monorail is made of one piece, but it is rigid and strong. They also believe that the Alpha One is as, if not stronger than the traditional system.
A central monorail, we had to think about it!v
Several aspects motivated Arctic Cat to develop this new rear suspension:
1- Increased maneuverability:
Riding the Alpha One Suspension mountain snowmobile requires little input from the rider to swing the vehicle from side to side. This revolutionary monorail requires flexibility and twisting of the track.
2- Weight reduction:
By reducing the number of parts, a weight reduction is directly attributable. This slimming cure amounts to approximately 12 lbs for the 165 inch model. The design of this solid aluminum monorail without perforations is justified by the absence of cavities where snow or ice could get lodged. This overall design allows for an estimated weight reduction of 30 to 50 lbs. depending on the conditions, due to the absence of excess snow accumulation in the rear suspension.
3- Better flotation and traction:
This design allows the track to conform and mold to the running surface. With only a central longitudinal support, the track has more latitude on both sides to perfectly match the variation in snow density. As a result, the Alpha One suspension provides maximum footprint and greater pressure for increased traction.
Camso Power Claw
This unique design also requires a track that is adapted to its new configuration. Camso was tasked with designing a track to match this concept. Designed specifically for the Alpha One, the track features windows centered to align with the center rail. These 3-inch paddles provide impressive snow traction and the flexibility to maneuver almost effortlessly. This track is available in two lengths: 154 and 165 inches. The new Power Claw track is designed to bend and conform to the desired angle of inclination.
Combined with this, there are two new 10 inch wheels at the rear, with a single adjustment bolt for track tension, there is no longer an adjustment to center the track, it remains in place only with the track guides.
Although our test was relatively short at last year’s Snowshoot, it is definitely easier to maneuver in powder, with much less effort required by the rider to initiate tight turns. However, on the side of the mountain when surfaces are harder, the rear became more unstable by stalling at times, a phenomenon that is absent when conditions are lighter or less compacted snow.
Without a doubt, Arctic Cat‘s new design is the biggest innovation for the 2019 vintage at the American manufacturer. What remains to be seen is how the competition will respond to this new way of thinking!
