Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly. The snowmobile also includes a front suspension operably coupled to the pair of front skis. The front suspension includes a right control arm comprising a first right arm adhesively coupled to at least one right coupler, and a left control arm comprising a first left arm adhesively coupled to at least one left coupler. The first right arm and the left arm are comprised of a first material and the right and left couplers are comprised of a second material.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a chassis with a front portion and a tunnel, and a power train unit supported by the chassis. The snowmobile further includes a plurality of ground-engaging members cooperating with the power train unit to operate the snowmobile. The plurality of ground-engaging members includes a pair of front skis and an endless track assembly.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle body, a track belt, an engine, a left-and-right pair of skis, a suspension mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The track belt is located on a lower portion of the vehicle body. The engine drives the track belt. The suspension mechanism is a mechanism arranged to support the pair of skis so as to move in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body, and to support the pair of skis in an associated manner so that one of the skis moves downwards relative to the vehicle body when the other ski moves upwards relative to the vehicle body. The steering mechanism is a mechanism arranged to steer the pair of skis.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a vehicle body, an arm member supported with respect to the vehicle body, a knuckle supported with respect to the arm member at a predetermined support point, a coupling unit arranged to couple the knuckle to the arm member, a ski member, and a ski coupling unit. The ski coupling unit couples the ski member to the knuckle such that the ski member pivots about a pitching axis with respect to the knuckle, the pitching axis extends in a width direction of the ski member. The pitching axis is disposed such that, when the vehicle is in a reference attitude of being placed on a horizontal surface, a horizontal distance from the pitching axis to a reference normal directed to the horizontal surface from the support point is shorter than a horizontal distance from the pitching axis to a steering axis.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a four-stroke engine mounted in an engine cradle and an exhaust system connected to the engine. The exhaust system includes a generally U-shaped exhaust pipe extending forwardly from the engine to a first point disposed forwardly of the engine cradle, and of suspension assemblies of the skis, and extending rearwardly from the first point to a second point disposed rearwardly of a front of the engine cradle.

Abstract: A universal snow blower sled system comprising two skid devices and attacheres such that the skid device(s) are removably attachable to the bottom of a snow blower machine rotary auger housing so that the auger is prevented from contacting a hard ground surface. The skid device(s) may have least one hole wherein the attacher is removably insertable through the hole(s) in the skid device and through the auger housing of the snow blower machine such that the skid device(s) is/are removably attached to the snow blower machine. The skid device(s) is/are attachably mounted to the housing such that the length of the skid device(s) runs parallel with the drive-wheel system of the snow blower machine and has an upturned front surface. The up-turned front surface allows the snow blower machine to ride on top of a hard packed snow or the ground surface and act as a ski device preventing damage to the rotary auger.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a vehicle body, an arm member supported with respect to the vehicle body, a knuckle supported with respect to the arm member at a predetermined support point, a coupling unit arranged to couple the knuckle to the arm member, a ski member, and a ski coupling unit. The ski coupling unit couples the ski member to the knuckle such that the ski member pivots about a pitching axis with respect to the knuckle, the pitching axis extends in a width direction of the ski member. The pitching axis is disposed such that, when the vehicle is in a reference attitude of being placed on a horizontal surface, a horizontal distance from the pitching axis to a reference normal directed to the horizontal surface from the support point is shorter than a horizontal distance from the pitching axis to a steering axis.

Abstract: A snowmobile having a double A-arm front suspension is disclosed. The double A-arm front suspension includes an upper A-arm, a lower A-arm, and a spindle connecting the skis the upper A-arms and lower A-arms, the connection of the upper and lower A-arms to the spindle defines a caster angle, the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm are connected to the front portion of the frame such that the caster angle decreases when the front suspension is compressed. Also disclosed is a snowmobile having a suspension travel of at least 8 inches and a steering assembly having a single pitman arm.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski has an upturned front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. A longitudinally extending rib protrudes from a top of the middle portion and is laterally spaced from a longitudinal centerline of the ski. An aperture is disposed in the longitudinally extending rib for permitting attachment of the ski to a snowmobile. A ramp extends from a first point to at least a second point. The first point is disposed longitudinally between the front portion and the aperture, and closer to the top of the middle portion than the aperture. The second point is disposed longitudinally between the first point and the rear portion, and further away from the top of the middle portion than a lower end of the aperture. The longitudinally extending rib is disposed between the longitudinal centerline and the ramp. A snowmobile having a pair of the above-described skis is also described.

Abstract: A runner and method of making a runner for mounting on a snow ski including a runner body fabricated of one piece of stamped metal which includes a central base portion and a pair of longitudinally extending runner portions which are bent downwardly from the base portions in laterally spaced relationship to one another. Carbide wear strips are secured to the lower edges of the runner portions, while the base portion 18 is fitted with mounting structure 48 which extends upwardly from the base portion and does not extend into the channel 36. The mounting structure 48 may be formed as one piece with the runner body 16 of the same material, has one or more tab features, and may be threaded and/or pierced to accommodate an associated net or mounting pin as desired for mounting the runner.

Abstract: A snowmobile is provided that includes rearward portion comprising at least one vehicle component (e.g., a seat, or a fuel tank). The snowmobile also includes an exhaust pipe, a radiator, a fan, and a duct. The exhaust pipe extends from an engine compartment in a forward portion to the rearward portion of the snowmobile. The radiator is positioned in the engine compartment. The fan is positioned near the radiator and the duct is provided on a rear side of the fan. The duct extends from the engine compartment to the rearward portion of the snowmobile. The fan and the duct cause air to pass through the radiator and to be discharged outside of the engine compartment. The duct is located between the exhaust pipe and the at least one vehicle component.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, a rod-shaped steering shaft coupled to the pair of steerable skis via the steering mechanism, a rod-shaped handlebar section coupled to the steering shaft and adapted to be gripped by a rider, and a pair of left and right footrests which allow the rider to rest the rider's feet thereon. A straight line that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the steering shaft extends from an upper end of the steering shaft to each footrest, as seen in a side view of the snow vehicle.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes steering handlebars, a pair of left and right skis, and a power transmission mechanism arranged to couple the steering handlebars and the skis. The power transmission mechanism includes a first rotary shaft extending directly downward or obliquely downward from the steering handlebars for rotation along with the steering handlebars; a first link mechanism coupled to the first rotary shaft; a second rotary shaft coupled to the first link mechanism and arranged to rotate along with the rotation of the first rotary shaft via the first link mechanism, the second rotary shaft being disposed on a different axis from that of the first rotary shaft; a second link mechanism disposed between the second rotary shaft and the skis; and a power steering device mounted to the second link mechanism as a part thereof and having an actuator to be driven based on the rotation of the second rotary shaft.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame, a motor supported by the frame, an endless belt assembly supported by the frame, and a tunnel coupled to the frame and extending above the endless belt assembly. The tunnel includes an item attachment member accessible by a user and extending along a surface of the tunnel. The item attachment member is configured to couple to a fastener to mount an item on the tunnel.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle body, a track belt, an engine, a left-and-right pair of skis, a suspension mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The track belt is located on a lower portion of the vehicle body. The engine drives the track belt. The suspension mechanism is a mechanism arranged to support the pair of skis so as to move in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body, and to support the pair of skis in an associated manner so that one of the skis moves downwards relative to the vehicle body when the other ski moves upwards relative to the vehicle body. The steering mechanism is a mechanism arranged to steer the pair of skis.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a transfer case in a motor vehicle driveline that includes by an engine controlled by a throttle having a variable position, and a transmission driveably connected to the engine for producing multiple ratios of the speed of a transmission input relative to the speed of a transmission output. The transfer case transmitting rotating power in response to an electric signal applied to a clutch. The method includes determining that the engine throttle position is less than a first reference throttle position during a period of predetermined length; determining that a speed of the vehicle speed is in a predetermined range; determining that the transmission is operating in a speed ratio greater than a reference speed ratio; determining that the engine throttle position is greater than a first reference throttle position; and increasing the torque capacity of the clutch for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A snowmobile having improved drive stability of the vehicle body during steering includes a pair of left and right skis on a front side of the vehicle body, a steering shaft disposed on a front of a saddle type seat for steering the skis, an engine mounted in a cowling that covers the front side of the vehicle body, and a crawler disposed on a rear side of the vehicle body for driving the snowmobile. The engine is mounted by inclining a cylinder axis thereof forward, and the steering shaft is disposed on the front of a cylinder head of the engine.

Abstract: A front suspension arm is formed such that it is less likely to collide with obstacles exposed above the surface over which the associated vehicle is operated. The arm also has a greater strength against impact forces from the front. In one configuration, the front suspension arm has a relatively straight portion that is positioned on a body side and the front suspension arm has a bent portion that is formed on the ground contacting element side. The front suspension arm can have two arms having an oblong or oval shape in cross section.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a handlebar controlling the direction of a pair of skis, a link mechanism transferring a rotation movement of the handlebar, a conversion mechanism connected to the link mechanism and converting a movement of the link mechanism into a movement including a vector in a vehicle body width direction of the snowmobile, and a tie rod coupled to the conversion mechanism and transferring the movement of the conversion mechanism to the skis. A stopper mechanism is provided between the tie rods and the link mechanism to regulate an external force applied from the skis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, skis, motor, and endless belt assembly.

Abstract: A system for converting a snowmobile into a wheeled vehicle is disclosed, and comprises a pair of wheel mounting assemblies for each being mounted on one of the front skid support assemblies of the snowmobile, and a swing arm for mounting on the snowmobile in a manner such that the swing arm is pivotable with respect to the frame. The swing arm has a forward end and a rearward end, and is mountable on the drive shaft such that the swing arm is pivotable with respect to the drive shaft. An axle is mounted on the swing arm toward the rearward end thereof, and a suspension mounting assembly is provided for mounting on the frame of the snowmobile and controlling pivot movement of the swing arm.

Abstract: A runner and method of making a runner for mounting on a snow ski including a runner body fabricated of one piece of stamped metal which includes a central base portion and a pair of longitudinally extending runner portions which are bent downwardly from the base portions in laterally spaced relationship to one another. Carbide wear strips are secured to the lower edges of the runner portions, while the base portion 18 is fitted with mounting structure 48 which extends upwardly from the base portion and does not extend into the channel 36. The mounting structure 48 may be formed as one piece with the runner body 16 of the same material, has one or more tab features, and may be threaded and/or pierced to accommodate an associated net or mounting pin as desired for mounting the runner.

Abstract: A snowmobile provided with skis and being steerable by a steering shaft, and being provided with a silencer on the front side of an engine. The steering shaft passes between the engine and the silencer and overlaps the silencer in side view. Flat step floors for a rider's feet are provided on lateral sides of a lower portion of a seat. Step bars for enabling positioning of the rider's feet are provided at front portions of the step floors. The step bars are each provided on the rear side relative to the step floor tip end and within 350 mm from a track belt drive shaft which is provided on the rear side of the engine. The resulting configuration of the snowmobile makes it possible to lay out the silencer close to the engine, affords excellent turning performance, and provides step floors for good foot holding properties.

Abstract: A snowmobile frame includes a tunnel, the tunnel includes a left structure having a front portion and a rear portion, a right side structure having a front portion and a rear portion, a radiator interconnecting the rear portion and the left side structure with the rear portion of the right side structure, and an engine cradle forward of the tunnel. The engine cradle includes a front wall connecting the front portion of the left side structure and the front portion of the right side structure, a rear wall interconnecting the left side structure and the right side structure, and a bottom plate intermediate the front wall and the rear wall and interconnecting the left side structure with the right side structure. A snowmobile including the snowmobile frame includes an engine and a fastener passing through a hole in one of the left side structure and the right side structure to fasten the engine thereto.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a snowmobile is provided. The exhaust system has an exhaust pipe that extends above a track belt from an engine to a rearward portion of the snowmobile. The exhaust pipe includes a tail pipe having an outlet to the atmosphere. The rearward portion of the snowmobile includes a space that has an opening that faces the track belt. The tail pipe is located in the space.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle body frame, an arm connected to the vehicle body frame, and a knuckle connecting the arm and a ski. The knuckle includes a frame and a connection member connecting the arm and the knuckle and the knuckle is arranged inside of the frame.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes two skis turned by a handlebars gripped by a user. A shaft formed of two sections couples the handlebars to the skis. The sections are angled with respect to one another and coupled to one another by means of a U-joint oriented such that for small rotations from a straight orientation of the handlebars the U-joint transfers a greater force to the skis than for rotations between large angled orientations of a range of angled orientation of the handlebars.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine room accommodating an engine body, a steering shaft transferring a steering force generated by the steering of a handle to steering skis, and an assist motor accommodated in the engine room and assisting the steering force, wherein the assist motor is mounted to the steering shaft and located ahead of an uppermost portion of the engine body.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and assemblies for providing improved fuel management to fuel injected engine systems of off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, personal watercraft, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. The fuel-injected engine systems can return fuel after passing through a pressure regulator located either upstream or downstream of the engine. Fuel may be returned to the fuel pump through various routes, rather than simply returning the fuel into the fuel of the fuel tank. Fuel may be returned directly to the fuel pump upstream of all fuel pickups or upstream of some fuel pickups and downstream from other fuel pickups. Some embodiments include a vapor separator located downstream of the pressure regulator but somewhere upstream of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a seat for the rider behind an engine and an air cleaner, and an elongate fuel tank below the seat. The height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at a location corresponding to the rider seating position is lower than the height of the ceiling of the fuel tank at other portions thereof. A raised ceiling portion is provided in the fuel tank by raising upwards the front side of the fuel tank. A fuel pump is provided in the raised ceiling portion of the fuel tank. The fuel pump is attached to the ceiling of the fuel tank, and a fuel supply pipe for supplying fuel from the fuel tank resides between the fuel pump and the front side of the fuel tank. The snowmobile having such fuel tank stabilizes vehicle body during operation, enhances the seating comfort, and easily incorporates a fuel pump therein.

Abstract: A snow eliminator is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the snow eliminator includes a base plate; multiple snow drop openings extending through the base plate in spaced-apart, generally aligned relationship to each other; and multiple grip flanges extending from the base plate at the plurality of snow drop openings, respectively. A snowmobile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A snowmobile comprises a left-right pair of skis, an engine and a track belt provided on a vehicle body. The track belt is driven by the engine, and the skis are steered by an operation on a steering handlebar. The vehicle body frame is formed by connecting intermediate frame sections, which are U-shaped in side view, to a front portion of a rear frame section, the rear frame section having a roughly U-shaped section and connecting a front frame section to front portions of the intermediate frame sections. In the vehicle body frame, detachable side frame sections are used to connect the portions between the upper ends of front suspension members for supporting the skis and a front portion of a rear cushion for supporting the track belt. The reinforcing side frame sections include portions which are protuberant to the upper side and curved downwards, respectively. The resulting snowmobile frame structure is rigid enough to accommodate an engine of increased weight.

Abstract: An improved component layout in a snowmobile includes a muffler is disposed on the front side of an engine, and a lower portion of a steering shaft extends between the muffler and the engine. The engine is disposed rearwardly of the lower portion of the steering shaft. In other words, the steering shaft lower portion is disposed on the front side of the engine, whereby the engine is easily relocated rearwards with respect to the vehicle body so as to concentrate the center of mass at a central location of the vehicle body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved snowmobile ski having a vertical fin on the topside of the ski with a surface area large enough to minimize or prevent sideways slippage of the ski during a turn. The fin, if a single fin is used, is located adjacent the outboard edge of the ski. A snowmobile ski with dual topside fins having outwardly projecting lips along the upper edges of said fins has improved performance in deep snow.

Abstract: A traction runner for a snow ski is fabricated of a lightweight metal such as aluminum and is formed on its upper surface with a channel in which mounting members are fixed. A channel is formed also in the lower surface and a carbide wear strip is brazed through induction heating to the aluminum runner body.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski with a pair of outboard keels and laterally projecting, upwardly slanting, lateral wings attached proximate the outboard keels is disclosed. A ski of this structure has improved flotation and resistance to side slippage in turns.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine room accommodating an engine body, a steering shaft transferring a steering force generated by the steering of a handle to steering skis, and an assist motor accommodated in the engine room and assisting the steering force, wherein the assist motor is mounted to the steering shaft and located ahead of an uppermost portion of the engine body.

Abstract: A wheel unit mountable on a ski of a ski-mounted vehicle includes an actuating plate defining a wheel attachment section and a piston attachment section The actuating plate is pivotally attached to the ski intermediate the wheel and piston attachment sections for pivotal movement about a plate pivotal axis. A wheel attachment assembly is provided for rotatably attaching the wheel to the wheel attachment section. An actuator is operatively coupled to the actuating plate for selectively pivoting the actuating plate about the plate pivotal axis between a plate deployed configuration and a plate retracted configuration wherein in the plate deployed configuration the position of the actuating plate is such that the wheel protrudes at least partially below the ski gliding surface for engaging the ground surface and in the plate retracted configuration the position of the actuating plate is such that the wheel is retracted above the ski gliding surface for preventing the wheel from engaging the ground surface.

Abstract: A snowmobile is provided that includes a frame, an engine, an endless belt drive system, and an air intake system for the engine. The frame has a forward portion and an aft portion. The engine is mounted to the forward portion and the belt drive system is mounted to the aft portion and is operatively connected to the engine. The engine is a turbocharged four-stroke type engine.

Abstract: A snowmobile steering mechanism adapted to place higher pressure on the outside ski than on the inside ski when the snowmobile enters and exits turns, said steering mechanism being adapted to include the suspension in the steering action of the snowmobile causing the snowmobile to automatically lean into a turn improving the ability of the snowmobile to enter and exit turns in comparison to a snowmobile without the inclusion of the suspension in the steering action of the snowmobile.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a pair of steering skis. Each ski has an elongated primary section that has a bottom surface. The bottom surface extends generally horizontally and warps upward at a forwardly end. A keel section extends along the primary section. The keel section projects downwardly from the primary section. A pair of generally vertical sections extends along the primary section. Each generally vertical section has a generally vertical surface that extends upwardly from a side edge of the bottom surface of the primary section. In one embodiment, a pair of generally horizontal sections extends along the primary section. Each horizontal section has a generally horizontal surface that extends generally horizontally outward from a top end of the generally vertical surface of each generally vertical section.

Abstract: A front suspension system for a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile has a lower A-arm assembly and an upper suspension arm for connecting each front ski to the chassis of the recreational vehicle. The lower A-arm restrains the front ski from moving backward or laterally while the upper arm connects to the top of the spindle to ensure that the spindle remains substantially vertical when the front ski encounters a bump.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A four cycle engine having at least one cylinder unit is disclosed. The engine includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) connected to the engine on one side of the engine. An air box is also provided that is located on the same side of the engine as the CVT. The engine further includes an intake manifold operatively connected to the air box for connecting the air box to each cylinder unit and a throttle assembly operatively connected to air box and the intake manifold. The intake manifold may have a generally Y-shaped manifold having a connector leg connected to the throttle assembly and a pair of branches. One branch is operatively connected to one of the cylinder units and another branch is connected to another of the cylinder units. The connector leg is generally parallel to the axis of the crankshaft. The intake manifold may further include a baffle assembly, which directs gas flow within the intake manifold.

Abstract: An engine starter mechanism arrangement for snow vehicles, in which a starter mechanism is disposed so as to maintain excellent traveling stability of the snow vehicle. A crankshaft (7) extends through an engine (2) in a transverse direction of a body frame. A rear balancer shaft (62) is disposed in a rear part of the engine at a location rearward of the crankshaft in a manner extending substantially parallel to the crankshaft. A starter motor (65) is disposed in the engine at a location above the rear balancer shaft.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a snowmobile with a frame that supports an engine. The snowmobile also includes an endless track operatively connected to the engine to propel the frame. At least one ski is disposed on the frame to steer the frame. To enclose the engine, at least one fairing is attached to the frame. At least one ski well is incorporated in the at least one fairing. At least a portion of a front suspension is disposed within the ski well. The at least one ski is disposed on the front suspension. A lifting handle is incorporated into the at least one ski well to permit lifting of the frame's front end by a rider.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, or boat has a straddle-type seat that includes a flexible sheet of material pulled tightly over a gap formed in a seat frame. In certain embodiments, a tightening mechanism ensures that the flexible sheet of material is pulled tightly over the gap. The flexible sheet of material forms a hammock-like straddle-type seat. The flexible sheet of material is a mesh material that allows water, snow, dust, and other debris to fall through the mesh to avoid debris buildup on the seat. Because water falls through the mesh material and both the top and bottom sides of the mesh material are exposed to the ambient air, the seat dries quickly.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a side panel that is mounted to the snowmobile's frame about a generally vertically extending side panel axis. In a closed position, the side panel protects and encloses a lateral side of the snowmobile's engine. In an open position, the side panel facilitates easy access to the engine. The side panel includes a lower leg support that includes a knee rest, a lower front leg support, and an inner leg support. The lower leg support improves the rider's comfort and ability to actively position himself on the snowmobile. The snowmobile also includes a rewind starter operatively connected to the engine. The rewind starter is accessible through a hole formed in the side panel.