New snowmobiles called noisy (in Yellowstone) | Billings Gazette

[Ediacara]

New snowmobiles called noisy

By TED MONOSON
Gazette Washington Bureau

New snowmobiles are almost as loud as the older models they are meant to replace, according to a statement made by Yellowstone National Park's chief of maintenance at a Jan. 27 meeting.

Brandon Gauthier was referencing noise tests that he conducted at the West Entrance, Madison Warming Hut, Madison Shop, at ranger bays and with rangers stationed at Old Faithful.

"The immediate results were the presence of noise," Gauthier told his co-workers, according to a copy of the minutes of the meeting.

"Four stroke snowmobiles are almost as loud as two-stroke machines for the operator."

Gauthier also recommended that park employees wear earplugs while riding the four-stroke snowmobiles.

More at the Billings Gazette

[htuttle]

1. There is one important difference between 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines

Due to the need to mix the gas and oil together, a small 2 stroke engine will emit as much airborne pollution as a diesel truck engine over the same amount of time. Maybe even more in some cases.

A small 4 stroke engine burns only gasoline (no oil), and thus emits a minute amount of airborne pollution by comparison.

I know this is true with scooter engines. I'd guess it is also true with snowmobiles.

on edit:

I'm wondering why snomobiles are so loud? I have a 4 stroke scooter (145cc), and I can hardly hear the engine most of the time. I can easily talk to someone while sitting on it running without raising my voice. Unless I gun the engine, you can't even hear it from over 1/2 - 1/4 block away.

Maybe they should just get some better (ie., customized) mufflers?

[Thor_MN]

5. They wouldn't sell as many if they didn't sound loud.

Louder = Bigger, Badder, Better

Beyond getting as much power out, regardless of the noise, they design the exhaust system to get the sound low and loud. They could make them quieter, with little loss of power, but a tinny, whinney sounding engine won't sell.

[Overkil]

2. Loudness

I'm wondering why snomobiles are so loud? I have a 4 stroke scooter (145cc)

Snowmobiles have engines anywhere from 600-900cc or larger. They also tune the exhaust for maximum HP which can make them louder. A super strong muffler will only defeat the purpose of the HP gains. Less restrictive air flow = more power, more restrictive air flow = less power.

a small 2 stroke engine will emit as much airborne pollution as a diesel truck engine over the same amount of time.

It's all pollution but diesel fumes fall to the ground because they're heavier than air and gasoline fumes rise for the opposite reason.

[htuttle]

4. True enough about the power vs sound trade off

But I doubt that Park Rangers need to be riding racing snowmobiles.

I'd think that a muffler system at least 'street legal' like a motorcycle would be a big improvement on the noise front, while not significantly detracting from performance.

Regarding the fumes point: I'm not talking about fumes, but exhaust. Exhaust particulates from gas and diesel and gas+oil are not very different. SO2 is SO2, no matter what produces it.

[Overkil]

6. You're right - they don't need racing snowmobiles......

But I doubt that Park Rangers need to be riding racing snowmobiles.

You're right but even utility/recreation snowmobiles are 500-600cc. Also keep in mind that they are usually operating in conditions that not flat and face lots of static resistance from varying levels of snow. On top of that, the rangers many times haul gear/equipment. All in all, a much more strenuous load than a wheeled vehicle on level pavement or other hardpacked surfaces. You're right - they don't need 900cc monster sleds but anything less than 500-600cc and the machine becomes more a liability than an asset.

Also, point taken on the fumes/exhaust difference.

[Coventina]

3. hoooo boy....here we go with another snowmobile flame war!

3....2....1.....

[FrustratedDem]

7. Pure Bullshit

I own a new 2004 Yamaha four stroke snowmobile I ride here in Vermont and it is three time more quiet than my 2001 Harley XLFH . Nobody has EVER complained about harleys riding the SAME roads in Yellowstone that the snowmobilers use.

I really don't understand this attack on snowmobilers. All three of my reps here in Vermont support reasonable and prudent snowmobile use and support the new and quiet snowmobiles in Yellowstone on the SAME roads that are used by cars, trucks, RV, busses, motorcycles and any legal vehicle.

Does someone really think that Democrats don't enjoy snowmobiling? Nearly every snowmobiler I know here in Vermont votes Dem and they are really really ticked at these unfounded and bullshit lies about their sport. I say back off before it backfires.

I'm starting to think these anti-snowmobilers are rethugs trying to lose us votes.