Dual Track Snowmobiles have been designed to perform various work tasks. The manufacturers of the Dual Track Snowmobiles included Aktiv from Sweden, who made the famous Aktiv Grizzly, Ockelbo, another manufacturer from Sweden who made the 8000, and Bombardier who made the models Alpine and Alpine II. Bombardier diacontinued the manufacture of dual track snowmobile in the early 2005’s. In the current market, there are only two manufacturers of dual-track snowmobiles. One is the Russia’s Buran and the other is the Alpina snowmobiles from Italy with the models, Sherpa and Superclass.
Table of Contents
Alpina Snowmobiles
Alpina S.R.L. is a snow implements manufacturer, based on Vicenza, Italy. Alpina Snowmobiles have been building dual track snowmobile since 1995.
Superclass And Sherpa
The first model introduced in the range was the Superclass. They were a two stroke series in the beginning. Another model, Sherpa was introduced in 2002 as a four stroke machine. The top machine in production is the Sherpa. A new version of Superclass, introduced in the 2017employed a new four stroke engine with a lot of other innovations.
Features
The Sherpa and Superclass are designed for carrying several passengers, rescuing injured skiers or as working snowmobiles for pulling cargo sleds and trail grooming equipment, cross country ski trail preparation, carrying supplies and so on. The dual tracks and dual skis will leave a large footprint so that these snowmobiles float on top of the deep snow and will not sink in or get stuck in the process.
What they have in common is the basic dual platform, 510 mm × 3,960 mm tracks with dual skis in the up front. While the Sherpa is powered by in-line four cylinder gasoline automotive engine of 1.6L, the Superclass is powered by three cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine of 1.2L.
With the proper design of the engine and transmission combination, they can deliver optimum power for pulling or carrying large loads. Depending on the model, the top-end speeds for the models are kept below 52 mph.
Superclass 1.2L VVT 12V
The latest model which is the third series of Superclass, comes with some advanced technology and good Italian design. They are designed for those who are looking for a multi-tasking dual track snowmobiles with strength, comfortability and quality performance surpassing other existing models. It can be operated and handled with ease for both boondocking and off track purposes. They come in a reasonable price range with low operating costs.
Features
With the longer, contoured, two-level seat arrangement, the driver and the passenger will have a natural position for long trips. The heated seat and the adjustable heated grips provide comfort while driving. They have a large windshield and body side wings, offering protection from wind and the cold weather outside. The hot air stream from the heating vents will keep you warm.
Engine And Suspension
The Superclass is powered by a 1.2L, 3 cylinder, 4 stroke 12 valve engine with variable valve timing. You get smooth and quiet engine and transmission with pressure lubrication and there are no vibrations. The exhaust is placed rearward between the tracks and is exceptionally clean. The steering is precise and effective. The nitrogen gas filled front and rear suspensions will provide utmost comfort. In addition to this, the new exclusive Alpina Track Suspension 3, provides variable angle of attack to the track. This allows the suspension to self-adapt to any type of snow and surface, bringing in the optimum traction and control. With the new revolutionary steel frame design, there is reduced weight and good torsional strength.
Tracks
The tracks are dual 500mm tracks.
Others
There is a large rear cargo area which has removable rails so that it can be easily transformed into a flatbed cargo platform ready to accommodate any type of load. At the rear end, we have the standard pintle hitch, 2” receiver. You can also have a removable ball hitch fitted as an option and up to 2 electric power rear sockets suitable for groomers and other electric powered devices. The system is wiring harness ready for ADCN systems.
You have all the controls at your fingertips, which further eases the working of the unit. They have a dual halogen headight. At the nose of the snowmobile’s valve, there is an LED daylight lamp, which is always on.
Superclass 1.2L VVT 12V
Sherpa 1.4L 8V
The Sherpa 1.4L 8V allows is a flexible snowmobile, allowing multi-tasking so that you have one machine for many different jobs. They have expended cargo capacity of upto 13 persons plus the drive so that they make an easy and cheap way to transport people in the ski areas and mountain resorts. Trail grooming can be made possible with the F-One track maker system or the D-250 groomer which is a simpler and cheaper solution. With the Safe Rescue Kit, Sherpa can be the best solution for rescue operations. They can be used for moving snow making equipment, transporting ski-poles, etc. In case of areas with no lift systems and where heli skis are expensive, the Sherpa can be used to haul skiers. They are also used in polar expeditions. All in all, the Sherpa can do many asks which other snowmobiles might find impossible.
Features
The efficient electric warmers on the handle-bars and on the seat will protect you from the cold. They also have a big windshield. The dual halogen highlight unit and an optional work light kit, can ease your midnight tasks. The extra exhaust system is extra efficient, keeping the emission levels low. They have self-adjusting valves and brakes, a silent and chain-less transmission, and a long-life drive belt which are some of the qualities of your Sherpa that will allow you to save time and money.
Engine
The Sherpa has the most reliable light alloy 4 stroke engine. With the electric engine heater, the warm up time is reduced. An electro activated clutch couples the engine to the CVT. With the” Easy Shift System”, you achieve smooth shifting, whatever be the condition. The Alpina Drive Assistant Module will keep the engine parameters under control. They also come equipped with EFI, which is a catalytic converter and dual oxygen probes. They have the Euro automotive and EPA conformity so that they don’t account to any pollution. The TCMS (Torque Converter Monitoring System) together with the variable transmission, will add longevity and leaves less rubber-powder along the trails.
Tracks
The dual wide track of 500x3968x32 mm will provide superior traction, floatation and stability with the extra wide footprint. With the special steering system and ideally placed center of gravity, you get precise steering even in the tightest of the turns. The steering performs better than a single track snowmobile.
Others
The Sherpa has a professional instrument panel. An electronic keyboard with can-bus connection will operate all the controls for the grooming equipment and work-lights on request. Earlier, this feature was a privilege only available to big snow cats and now it is available in the Sherpa.
Sherpa 1.4L 8V
Sherpa 1.6L TI-VCT 16V
The Sherpa 1.6L TI-VCT 16V can transport about 2 to 3 times the material or persons. They can even handle track makers easily. They can perform multitasking without the need for more machines for carrying out each tasks. The model requires low fuel consumption. They also offer longevity and durability. When compared to the working hours, the maintenance required is very less. You also need not worry about the spare parts, as they are available worldwide.
Engine
The Sherpa 16 valve engine with 1.6L displacement is made in high pressure die cast aluminium making it light weight and offering good strength. They have the catalyst with twin oxygen sensor so that exhaust emissions are minimized. The new engine is made in compliance with Euro-5 and EPA. With the engine pre heater, the warm up time is reduced and hence the pollution. With the twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing, you get smooth power operation. The low noise engine has cooling fans, which facilitate “silent mode” operation. They also have the drive by wire electronic throttle set up.
Tracks And Suspension
The dual tracks measure 500x3968x32 mm, making the tracks surface almost double when compared to other snowmobiles. So they offer more floatation and stability in the snow. The articulated ATSS track suspensions can adapt to the profile of the terrain so that you can achieve extremely good grip and stability whatever be the snow conditions. More precise steering can be achieved even in the tightest of the turns with the two front skis with the ideally placed centre of gravity.
Others
The driver’s position is comfortable and will suit sizes from S to 4XL. They have the soft heated saddle. There is also more room for your knees. They also come with easy to reach controls on the hand bars with heated grips. The windshield is tall so as to protect the driver from snow and wind. The associated aerodynamics will further enhance the process. There is also the anti-theft or the immobilizer system.
The new Sherpa comes with double the head light power. There is also a wider range of additional like the work lights, towing hitches, extra seats, ROPS guard, etc. which you can have for the SHERPA.+
Sherpa 1.6L TI-VCT 16V
Leave a Reply