How Does a Snowmobile Clutch Work?

A snowmobile refers to a land vehicle designed for travel on snow. Snowmobiles operate with the help of a multi-component clutch system.

  1. Clutch Design

    • The snowmobile clutch contains a CVT, or continuously variable transmission. A continuously variable transmission refers to a transmission system with an infinite number of gear ratios, as opposed to mechanical transmissions that work via a fixed gear ratio amount.

    Primary Clutch

    • The snowmobile's primary clutch, which mounts to the crankshaft in the engine, is divided into two halves. A spring within the clutch forces these two halves apart when engine speed remains low. As the engine accelerates, the force produced by the clutch weights pulls the clutch's two halves together, which in turn enables the drive belt to move and distribute mechanical power.

    Secondary Clutch

    • The snowmobile's secondary clutch contains a spring which activates the wedges, or cams. As the engine accelerates, the primary clutch sends power to the cams, causing them to press together. This constriction acts on the drive belt and squeezes it. As the snowmobile reaches maximum acceleration, the primary clutch closes, shifting the drive belt over into another gear. This enables the secondary clutch to open.