Ice Scratchers...Wire Type...137 Solution

[FrozenTows4]

Cable scratchers appear adequate for many riders. They are more like snow scratchers than ice scratchers. Some conditions require the added down force of the wire type. Trail re-route down a long stretch of a plowed road, that well traveled rail road grade that's more ice than snow, etc.

The 137 has nowhere to mount the wire type scratchers short of removing the front wheel.



Here's how mine were mounted without deleting a wheel.

Parts needed for install.



You will also need a 4" x 3/8 Grade 8 Bolt with Nylock nut. Rail needs to be slightly drilled to accommodate the larger bolt diameter. Bottom fastener remains stock. Wheel bracket will need to be trimmed down to 13/16". This will allow for full engagement of the nut when installed.



One Scratcher Spring Washer will need to be flat sided to clear the rail extrusion.



Here's how it mounts up. I left the wheel off to better show how this fits.



Some 1/4" high pressure injector hose was added to the front and rear contact points.

I guess that's pretty much it. Torque to spec and LocTite Blue all fasteners.



Be sure to stow before backing up. I now consider the reverse alarm a Scratcher Alarm.

 

[FrozenTows4]

Fail update...kind of...

The 1/4 hose Does walk off the scratcher.



I even added cable ties to help hold them on. Nope. They still slide off. Only takes about 25 miles to shread them.

Trying a different rail guard this time. Some 3/8 injector hose slit & cable tied.



We'll see how this one holds up.

Snow conditions, in Brainerd Minnesota, are really poor. Even with the "failed scratcher mod" my sled did not over heat today. Stayed a cool 165-175 degrees when everyone else had flashing lights and tried to kick snow, what they could find, into their skids to stay cool. With wire scratchers, one can ride glare ice.

Just don't back up! Remember the back up alarm is the scratcher alarm.

 

[stingray719]

I can't remember to put them up so I stick with the cable scratchers.