Alpha Ice Scratchers - FYI!!!

[Chewy22]

Just a heads up if you have an older set of spare Alpha scratchers. AC narrowed the scratcher coil and bushing on the 858s. In the photo - left is the old style from a 19 Alpha and the right is the 858. The 858 bushing is too short for the older style scratcher. I made reversible scratchers out of the spare set I had laying around for my 19 Alpha; had to order the older/longer bushing so I can install them on the 858. I run this style of reversible scratcher on my twin rail ascender and they work great. I’m hoping they will work just as well on the 858.

 

[boondocker97]

Saving those ounces where they could!

 

[NHRoadking]

Saving those ounces where they could!

More like pennies.

 

[Chewy22]

More like pennies.

Probably the bigger factor, as it's more dollars then pennies.

Significant price difference between the two bushings:

2019 - $11.10 per
2025 - $4.92 per

The 2025 scratchers are a bit cheaper too $21.89/$21.33 vs $22.26

What is really interesting on the 2025 scratchers the right is $21.89 and the left is $21.33; both are $22.26 for the 2019s.

When I receive the 2019 bushings, I will post a side by side picture. I'll even show the weight difference between the two just for fun.

*Country Cat OEM parts prices

FYI - I did try installing the 2019 scratcher with the 2025 bushing. They go on, but it binds the coil up and won't work great. Also I did not check to see if the bushing is new for 2025 or they changed sometime after 2019. But if you have a spare set of alpha scratchers from the Ascender chassis it would be good looking into that.

 

[tenacious84]

Probably the bigger factor, as it's more dollars then pennies.

Significant price difference between the two bushings:

2019 - $11.10 per
2025 - $4.92 per

The 2025 scratchers are a bit cheaper too $21.89/$21.33 vs $22.26

What is really interesting on the 2025 scratchers the right is $21.89 and the left is $21.33; both are $22.26 for the 2019s.

When I receive the 2019 bushings, I will post a side by side picture. I'll even show the weight difference between the two just for fun.

*Country Cat OEM parts prices

FYI - I did try installing the 2019 scratcher with the 2025 bushing. They go on, but it binds the coil up and won't work great. Also I did not check to see if the bushing is new for 2025 or they changed sometime after 2019. But if you have a spare set of alpha scratchers from the Ascender chassis it would be good looking into that.

I think the pricing difference has more to do with economy of scale and one part currently being in production use versus the other part no longer being used in standard production. If you look at other parts that are new, the current model year is typically cheaper than stuff that was used older sleds. FYI, see long block engine prices

2025 858 long block is $2,600
'20-'24 800 long block is $3,300
'18-'19 800 long block is $4,166
*Country Cat OEM parts prices

 

[rkm]

The Catalyst scratchers also have more "preload" to them and can be used on a Ascender for better cooling.

 

[Chewy22]

The Catalyst scratchers also have more "preload" to them and can be used on a Ascender for better cooling.

Well damn, would have been nice to now that. I would have modified the Catalyst scratchers instead. I've jumped too far down the rabbit hole now, just have to see how the Ascender style work with the reversible tip. The tip is longer so should have a bit more tension......

 

[Turboskickbutt]

Just a heads up if you have an older set of spare Alpha scratchers. AC narrowed the scratcher coil and bushing on the 858s. In the photo - left is the old style from a 19 Alpha and the right is the 858. The 858 bushing is too short for the older style scratcher. I made reversible scratchers out of the spare set I had laying around for my 19 Alpha; had to order the older/longer bushing so I can install them on the 858. I run this style of reversible scratcher on my twin rail ascender and they work great. I’m hoping they will work just as well on the 858.
View attachment 427097View attachment 427098

Where did you get those reversing tabs from?

 

[Chewy22]

Where did you get those reversing tabs from?

I ordered them from Country Cat along with a number of other things. But there is a number of places that sell them.

Search - OTTP Ice Storm Ice Scratchers Replacement Tip