Scratchers?

[old abe]

Are the "cable" type ice/snow scratchers any good? Pros and cons? Looking at them for the ability to reverse with out damage. Has anyone used the "ski" type scratures?

 

[misty_pines]

I have been using duraflex cable style scratchers for a couple years and they have been working great. It's nice being able to go in reverse without breaking them also.

 

[durphee]

Agree with misty pines, there pretty good when you need them. I would recommend them.

 

[kevinj]

The cables are nice. However, I have found that they will unhook themselves from your rails on any medium size bump and you will be running them when you don't need them. It is very frustrating. If they made them an inch or two longer or devised some way of hooking them onto the rails without just hooking them over your rails, then with 100% confidence I would recommend them. I have debated taking them completely off and just carrying them with me for if I need them. Since I don't use reverse all that often I am debating going to the stiff spring type once these wear out. On the other hand when I have heated up and put them down, my sled cooled back to normal range within a couple hundred yards. So I guess that is the long way to say what durphee said (LO)...they are good when you need them. Also, no need for the carbide tipped. Don't spend the extra money.

 

[Iowarider]

Dura-Flex is the way to go. I leave them down all the time on my Assault.

 

[hothyfax]

I have used the cable type on my last 3 sleds.What I did to prevent them from coming off the rails when not needed and to me even more important,to not leave a wear mark on rails is I mounted 2 eye bolts in the side of rails to stick the ends in when not needed,next ones I would like to try,are the cable type that mount to A arms.

 

[old abe]

I have used the cable type on my last 3 sleds.What I did to prevent them from coming off the rails when not needed and to me even more important,to not leave a wear mark on rails is I mounted 2 eye bolts in the side of rails to stick the ends in when not needed,next ones I would like to try,are the cable type that mount to A arms.

How do you "store the A-Arm mounts" when not in use??????????? I have seen a rubber lined wire clamp used to store the rail mounted.

 

[sweeperguy]

I got a pair of cable type that are ski mount (SPI I think). Inside of ski on ski pivot bolt. No problems with them staying up on ski when not in use.

 

[whitedust]

How do you "store the A-Arm mounts" when not in use??????????? I have seen a rubber lined wire clamp used to store the rail mounted.

There is an eyelet that you can use for arm or rail mounting. My preference is rail as cable could get snagged on something off trail on a-arms. Kip can set you up with all the hardware and install or just buy hardware from Pat's install yourself.... up to you. May have in stock check it out.

 

[old abe]

I really appreciate all the info. Had not heard of, or seen the "ski" mount. And Pete you really hit on the getting snagged thing with my luck.

Thanks to all!!!

 

[ezra]

wont get in to brands but DO NOT buy the ones advertised with replaceable carbide tips . total junk . the tips bust off then u have a torch heating up the lock tight as u drill a hole for the ez out. ok 1 time fluke 4 in 1/2 season they get tossed in the trash

 

[eagle1]

Just remember too, for guys with powder coated rails that in less than ideal conditions they also act like a sandblaster.

 

[ac600sp]

I run the dura-flex scratchers on the skid frame. I have lots of friends that was them if we trail ride. They have held up well for me and keep the sled running cool.

 

[1flatlander2]

i didn't think the cable scratches did very good on icy conditions(like when it gets warm during the day then refreezes). when it was low snow conditions they did fine pushing snow on the track. when it was icy they didn't do much at all. the spring steel were much better.

 

[ezra]

I have found the same thing

 

[old abe]

i didn't think the cable scratches did very good on icy conditions(like when it gets warm during the day then refreezes). when it was low snow conditions they did fine pushing snow on the track. when it was icy they didn't do much at all. the spring steel were much better.

This was a concern of mine. I have found several skid mounted "coil spring wire" that are able to tolerate reverse motion. I am leaning that way. So much honest info on JD!

 

[snowfish]

This was a concern of mine. I have found several skid mounted "coil spring wire" that are able to tolerate reverse motion. I am leaning that way. So much honest info on JD!

I've trained my self to consider the back up alarm as a scratcher warning.

Coat hanger style provide the best down pressure. SPI carries the behind the wheel mounts.

Using the hose, as a rail guard, was a fail.

The rail guard needs to go on the rail.

When everyone else is trying to grab snow, kick snow into the skid, etc, I just ride. No sticking slides. No over heating.

Remember, the back up alarm is now the scratcher alarm.

 

[old abe]

I believe SPI is the mfr. I have been looking at. They have a longer coil wrap, and won't fit behind the outside wheels. Also look very close to the one Ski-Doo offers that are reverse capable without damage. Perhaps they are producing for Ski-Doo??? Thanks.

 

[1flatlander2]

i just got these ill let you know in a couple weeks how they are. for a rmk 155
https://www.gobigparts.com/ICE-STORM-REVERSIBLE-ICE-SCRATCHER-BY-OVER-THE-TOP-PERFORMANCE.html