Snowmobiling exposes us to constantly changing surfaces. Whether it is caused by a thaw, an inadequate surface or an excessive and repeated passage, we must modify our driving according to the hazards. The snowy surfaces that allow us to practice our activity sometimes offer inconveniences that can be countered by simple modifications, which by their addition, improve the driving experience and reduce the fatigue factor. Snowtracker and Wheeltracker: homegrown innovations!
The Passion Motoneige team is constantly privileged to meet and rub shoulders with snowmobiling enthusiasts. We also have the advantage, through our profession, to witness creations that improve our hobby.
Le Snowtracker:
It all started at the end of the 90’s, when a Beauceron by the name of Ghislain Lachance, had the idea of inventing an element that would have the possibility of eliminating an inconvenience to the practice of snowmobiling: the sway. Being a snowmobiler and an individual that we can qualify as a “patenteur”, according to a term frequently used to qualify a resourceful person whose objective is to create original inventions to fill a need, Mr. Lachance, by pleasure and by numerous tests, quickly realized that he had an idea with an enormous potential if he gave the necessary time to its development.
It is finally in 2001 that the company SCM-GL (Stabilisateur de Conduite de Motoneige Ghislain Lachance) was created to allow snowmobiles, with more and more powerful vehicles, to ride the trails safely. The first prototypes were full length compared to the shorter models we know today. It goes without saying that there was a lot of research and development to meet Mr. Lachance’s quality requirements.
At first, the company was located in the basement of the family home and later moved to a factory that facilitates the design and quality assurance of their product from start to finish. The tooling allows them to cut, bend and heat temper. To date, SCM-GL holds 16 patents (Canadian and American) for the unique design of its steering stabilizers.
Well supported by his daughter Nancy and his son-in-law Pierre-Luc, Mr. Lachance worked intensely during the first 10 years to arrive at the product that is now the pride of this Quebec inventor.
The concept of the Snowtracker is simple, yet ingenious. It is a piece of hardened metal equipped with 4 blades, plus a carbide plank that produces 5 grooves. Each stabilizer has 2 blades at the front and 2 fins at the back to stabilize and float the ski on the snow while maintaining control and traction of the snowmobile. Its durable, safe and innovative design is self-sharpening. Yes, you read that right, the carbide is self-sharpening to keep its cut like new until it is completely worn out. This feature provides optimal performance on icy trails at all times.
There is a specific model for each model of snowmobile according to the manufacturer and the type of skis that equip it. SCM-GL is constantly striving to create and adapt their product according to the novelties of the current years.
Two types are offered according to individual preferences: semi-aggressive and aggressive. At the time of purchase, instructions are specified to properly attach the Snowtracker. Thereafter, to get the full potential of the Snowtracker, its designer recommends an adjustment of certain components of the snowmobile. For example, the alignment of the skis must be parallel as opposed to a usual adjustment that we can qualify as “open”. Otherwise, gas consumption will be perceived and excessive force will be required. Drilling the front hole to insert the tip of the corrector centered in the ski is also an important step to follow.
The rear suspension adjustment is also important: usually, our adjustment has the effect of allowing our front skis to have grip. When adding the steering stabilizers, we need to make the opposite adjustment to have a smoother and more enjoyable ride. If these 3 recommendations are followed, you will get the full potential of this product.
The Wheeltracker:
Motivated by the success of his driving stabilizers, Mr. Lachance created, a few years ago, a complementary product for snowmobilers. Although a set of wheels that can be adapted to the skis of snowmobiles when riding on asphalt or on the surface of a garage is already available on the market, why not push the envelope by considering a design that allows them to be deployed and removed while seated on the handlebars of our vehicle.
It is with this in mind that the hydraulic retractable and deployable wheel assembly emerged from Mr. Lachance’s imagination. Once again, it was a hard work of research and development to arrive at a final product that suited the high requirements of this inventor.
Whether it is for physical reasons or for practicality, these hydraulic wheels greatly facilitate the possibility of passage on a surface that would not normally lend itself adequately to the circulation of our snowmobiles on skis.
In a few seconds, when activating a switch located on the right handlebar, the hydraulic pump sends a flow of oil to the cylinders previously installed on each ski to activate the wheels at the desired height. This process takes only a few seconds to complete for an easy crossing of snow-free surfaces.
As with the Snowtracker, this invention and its components are entirely designed in the SCM-GL facilities in Beauce. A negligible total weight of 11 pounds will be added to your snowmobile by this addition. It is tested to -60 degrees Celsius to withstand the harshest of winters. The designer’s attention to detail has taken into account the positioning of the sled when the wheels are deployed. The skis become perfectly balanced to avoid rubbing or jamming even during a backwards maneuver.
The installation is as addictive to the user as is the purchase of a vehicle with the activation of the power side windows. Some enthusiasts, who have the privilege of acquiring a new snowmobile at the beginning of each season, can’t do without this accessory, and it is at the top of the list of additions to their new ride year after year. It is without a doubt a high-end product, but accessible to all budgets.
It should be mentioned that the Wheeltracker is not available at all dealerships or distributors. Dealers must be trained by Mr. Lachance’s company in order to be accredited and authorized to install it. The Wheeltracker is mainly available at SCM-GL including its installation.
On the other hand, the Snowtracker is available at all dealerships through a well established distribution network. It is also available in the Yamaha parts and accessories catalogs for fans of this renowned brand. In addition, it should be noted that this local company is constantly growing and its expertise extends beyond our borders.
Quebec is a fertile land of talented inventors. We have reason to be proud of them, to encourage them and at the same time, to benefit from their genius ideas. The Lachance family is proof that perseverance and hard work can improve, through innovative ideas, our sport that we cherish so much.
