Challenge Loctite Corporation has been a partner in design with Arctic Cat (Inc., of Thief River Falls, MN, has been designing, manufacturing, and marketing snowmobiles since 1983 which considered to be a leader in the industry) since the beginning for their line of snowmobiles and personal watercraft. When they began to design their 1999 line of snowmobiles they naturally called Loctite in to be a part of the team. The new line was to be a high-tech, state-of-the-art design. Several exclusive features include: AWS™ double-wishbone suspension. Batteryless EFI for superior all-temperature, any-altitude performance of fuel injection without the added maintenance or weight of a battery. Roller cam driver clutch for improved acceleration. FasTrack® Long-Travel Rear Suspension System with Extra Travel Tunnel (ETT™) for 13.5" of travel while keeping a low center of gravity. Torque Sensing Link™ to provide increased traction and control during acceleration; as well as hydraulic disc brakes. Solution As part of the design team, Loctite brought extensive experience to the table and was able to recommend the right products for each application, such as: Loctite® 242® Removable Threadlocker A medium-strength, general purpose anaerobic. Ideal for all nut and bolt applications, especially for 1/4" or larger fasteners. Allows for easy removal with hand tools, and withstands a temperature range of -65° to + 300° F. Loctite® 242® is used to: Secure the motor mount bolts, the chain tensioner bolts, the adjustable tie rod, the starter bearing press, the front skid shock press, the rear wheels, the motor mounts, the wind plates on the driven clutch and the dropcase plugs. Lock the brake caliper bolts, the collar set screw, the reverse gear assembly in place, the rear arm lock collar and the hood hinge bolt. Bond the top shaft bearing mount, the snubber and motor plate and the front spring mount. Retain the ski alignment tie rod. Hold the driven clutch bolt.

Figure1, Arctic Cat depends on Loctite products for many different applications on their entire line of high-performanceZ snowmobiles. Figure2, Loctite® 242® Removable Threadlocker is used to secure the outer rear idler wheel bolt to the skid frame. Figure3, Loctite® RC™ 620 Retaining Compound is used to join the spider to the jam nut.

Loctite® 290 Wicking Grade Threadlocker

• Penetrates by capillary action.
• Formulated especially for pre-assembled fasteners and used to seal welds.
• Fixtures in just 3 minutes and at full cure withstands a temperature range of -65° to + 300°F.

Loctite® 290 is used to mount the front arms in position and secure the rear wheel adjuster.

Loctite® RC™ 609 Retaining Compound

• A low viscosity, rapid curing retaining compound.
• Augments the strength of press fitted assemblies and can be used on slip fits up to .005" diametral clearance.
• Fixtures in 10 minutes on unprimed steel at room temperature.
• Provides a shear strength of 3,000 psi at full cure and withstands a temperature range of -65° to +300°F.

Loctite® RC™ 609 is used to:

• Retain A-arm bolts.
• Secure nuts and bolts on the sprocket; the steering linkage; the dropcase cover vent plate, tie rods to the spindles and the brake disc key.
• Lock the spindle bolts, driven clutch bearings in place, the starter assembly in place and the ring gear onto the driven clutch.

Loctite® RC™ 620 Retaining Compound

• A high temperature, high viscosity retaining compound.
• Fixtures in 30 minutes at room temperature and provides a shear strength of 3000 psi on steel.
• Withstands a temperature range of-65° to + 450° F.

Loctite® RC™ 620 is used to join the spider to the jam nut.

Loctite® 380 Black Max® Instant Adhesive

• A one-part, elastomer-modified adhesive.
• Bonds metal, rubber, and plastics, providing excellent peel, impact and tensile shear strength.

Black Max® 380 is used to bond the carb magnets to steel.

Permatex® Super Lube® Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease with Telfon®

Super Lube lasts four times longer than petroleum based lubricants. It withstands temperatures from -45° to + 450°F. Super Lube® is used to protect the engine brake out plug.

From the drive clutch to brake caliper bolts to the starter assembly, Loctite products are used throughout the snowmobile to protect against vibration loosening and temperature extremes.

According to Jeff Poole, Arctic Cat Manufacturing Engineer, "Loctite has been partnering with Arctic Cat for years. We consider them the best adhesives supplier available because of their extensive product line and technical support. The past experience Loctite has had with our products, coupled with their expertise, help make our designs that much more successful."

Results

Arctic Cat does extensive field testing of their snowmobiles that includes test driving the first vehicle off every production line. The field tests include a 100-mile dirt run where temperatures may exceed 100° above zero, as well as a snow run in Canada, Alaska or northern Minnesota (depending upon time of year), where temperatures may reach 50° below zero.

"We have strict standards for vibration and temperature testing," says Poole. "Loctite products help keep Arctic Cat Snowmobiles together regardless of the conditions."