It's no secret that the lion's share of global snowmobile sales comes from utilitarian models. It is the armies of fishermen, hunters, geologists and reindeer herders who make the cash register for the world giants of snowmobile construction, and these modest wide-tracked “hard workers” can be found anywhere in the world where there is snow at all!
One of the typical representatives of this family is the American worker Polaris Widetrak LX , which has long been a bestseller in the USA. Excellent cross-country ability, “working” and repairable suspension and a reliable 2-stroke engine are the main components of the model’s success. The snowmobile is equipped with a 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine with a liquid cooling system of 488 cm3 - one of the most reliable power plants installed on Polaris snowmobiles.
"Walkability" of a snowmobile
There are known cases of a “mileage” of this unit of 40,000 km without major repairs, which is a lot for a utilitarian “two-stroke”! Impressive for purely “working” equipment 85 liters. With. not least due to the power system: each cylinder “serves” its own Mikuni VM34 carburetor, which also smoothed out the “evil” two-stroke character of the engine. Despite the number of strokes, the Polaris Widetrak LX motor is very torquey and predictable - even compared to the four-stroke motor installed on its sister model, the Widetrak IQ! And this is a very valuable quality for a utilitarian car, which will also have to tow loaded sleds...
The engine has a liquid cooling system consisting of three radiators, two of which are located under the driver's footrests. In conditions of “snow starvation”, this allows the snowmobile to “eat” snow and ice, which reduces the likelihood of engine overheating. Polaris Widetrak LX has amazing cross-country ability - you can drive it literally anywhere!
The tandem of a powerful high-torque engine and a wide half-meter track significantly expands the snowmobile’s movement capabilities in difficult conditions. The Shockwave track with inch lugs is great for riding in varying snow conditions, and the rear tunnel is angled to ensure optimal Polaris flotation.
Polaris Widetrak LX reviews
- “Very reliable snowmobile. I have been using this model for more than 5 years. I mainly use it for winter fishing trips. Since the fishing spot is more than 15 km away, the cooling system plays an important role for me. Fortunately, Polaris has liquid cooling. When moving through steppe terrain, where there is a lot of snow, the equipment does not heat up at all. I don’t even think about letting the snowmobile cool down for a couple of minutes. A fairly roomy seat allows you to take your son with you fishing, who is simply delighted with the Widetrak LX. Even he, a 10 year old boy, is able to operate this unit without any problems. The engine is powerful, the traction is simply excellent. I tried to attach the sled, it was easy! The frame is durable and can withstand accidental bumps on rocks or steep hills.”
- “I would like to note the good maneuverability, as well as good maneuverability. The snowmobile, to be honest, is not small, but you can move through a dense forest. A decent speed limit can be traced, 105-110 km/h is accurate. Cruising speed is somewhere around 70-85 km/h. The rear case is great for storing essentials on the go. I'm pleased with the good dashboard, the cost of a snowmobile is low. I recommend!".
- “The snowmobile seems to be good, but after 3 months of operation I would not recommend buying it. A friend has a Yamaha Viking, that’s where the really cool “snowball” is. A big difference (to the bad side) is felt in the controls. The towbar is not very reliable and needs to be redone. The design is outdated, from the 90s.”
Transmission
The device is equipped with an automatic transmission with a V-belt variator with reverse and reduction gear. Thanks to the latter, Polaris LX can tow heavy loads not only in a sled, but also by “drag”. Why, there were cases when this snowmobile even pulled stuck cars out of a snowdrift!
The wide Gripper skis are mounted on a modern IFS lever suspension, which has a very modest travel of 184 mm. But, as practice has shown, Polaris IFS is reliable and unpretentious, which is especially important in “wild” and hard-to-reach areas where there are problems with spare parts and qualified services. The rear adjustable suspension features two Nitrex shock absorbers with 229 mm of travel.
Repair and tuning
American Polaris snowmobiles are reliable equipment, but like any machines, they are not immune to breakdowns. However, it is easy to solve an unpleasant situation; you can find all the necessary spare parts in online stores or at specialized outlets. Thanks to its simple design, there will be no problems replacing damaged parts.
Polaris snowmobiles do just fine without tuning. The company has been producing equipment since the 60s, so it takes into account all the nuances. The owner may only need additional equipment, such as a sled, cover or replacement skis.
Prosperous appearance
Despite the fact that the Widetrak LX is the most “budget” model from Polaris, the snowmobile does not look poor. It’s nice that not only engineers, but also designers had a hand in creating the model. Of course, no “sporty” manners - the device is extremely functional, as befits a proper “utilitarian”.
The Polaris Widetrak LX is comfortable to drive, especially by class standards. The heating system for the steering wheel grips and throttle trigger is included in the basic package. Just like the “mountain sling”, which will make it easier to control the machine and help when maneuvering on changes in terrain and in deep snow. The Polaris Widetrak LX has good wind protection: the snowmobile is equipped with a massive windshield 50 cm high! Of course, there is no need to talk about passenger comfort on equipment of this class...
User manual
Each snowmobile comes with an instruction manual. The Polaris manual contains detailed information about the maintenance of the main elements and components of the track, safe driving rules, as well as instructions for running-in and further operation. At the end of the instructions there is a maintenance log and warranty service information.
Main controls
All main controls for this truck are located on the steering wheel and control panel.
The numbers in the figure indicate the following elements:
- tank cap;
- egnition lock;
- brake lever;
- speedometer;
- reverse indicator light;
- special grip;
- emergency engine stop button;
- gas lever;
- manual starter;
- enrichment button.
Adjustments
This manual also contains step-by-step recommendations for adjusting the following elements:
- seats;
- steering wheel;
- front and rear suspension;
- track tension;
- torsion springs.
All instructions are supplemented with clear illustrations. In the maintenance section, the manufacturer has placed a maintenance manual that should be carried out by the owner of the snowmobile, and also additionally indicated operations for which you should contact a service center.
Pre-trip checks
Before each trip on an all-terrain vehicle, a number of mandatory procedures must be performed. You need to check:
- drive belt condition;
- steering wheel;
- ignition, manual starter;
- braking system (including parking and emergency to stop the engine);
- fastenings (suspension, hood);
- track tension and alignment;
- lighting equipment operation;
- ski skates;
- throttle lever;
- condition of replacement track guides.
It is also necessary to check the engine oil level in the gearbox and engine. In the manual, in the corresponding section, there is a table with a list of basic operations. Next to each item there are page numbers in which you can see the sequence of work, as well as the location of the corresponding structural elements.
Results of the day
The increased volume fuel tank makes it possible to cover long distances without additional refueling. Today, Polaris Widetrak LX looks like a pretty attractive offer in terms of price/quality ratio. Yes, the snowmobile is somewhat more expensive than its direct Japanese competitor, but at the same time it is equipped with a much more powerful engine, for which you don’t mind paying extra! It’s almost the same with its American and Canadian “colleagues”: at a similar price, the Polaris device is still more powerful! So, as an unpretentious and reliable “hard worker,” the Polaris Widetrak LX is one of the best options.
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Recommended price
The model has already been discontinued, so you won’t be able to buy a new truck without mileage. The most recent all-terrain vehicle that can be found on used equipment sites dates back to 2015.
The price of this truck depends on the year of manufacture, kilometers traveled and general technical condition. Varies between 320 – 690 thousand rubles. Thus, a 2010 all-terrain vehicle with a mileage of 3 thousand km will cost 370 thousand rubles, and a 2013 model with a mileage of more than 5 thousand km will cost 475 thousand rubles. The most expensive bike will be a 15-year-old bike that has covered about 100 km. Less than 320 thousand rubles. older models from the 1990s will cost.
The lineup
Modern Polaris snowmobiles, reviews of which are usually positive, are powerful compact machines that make up the whole family of Polaris Rush models, with high-speed characteristics, easy to control and reliable. The production of snow bikes uses the highest technologies of recent times, technical innovations that allow them to withstand fierce competition in the market. The company is developing successfully, the model range is regularly replenished with exclusive developments. Each new machine is the result of the hard work of the company’s large team.
The Polaris snowmobile has 16 sports modifications, 17 mountain models and 18 touring models. In addition, the company has five utilitarian types for adults and three for children. Each model includes a number of exclusive features, although most components and assemblies are completely or partially unified. This simplifies the assembly line process: when it is necessary to increase the production of a particular model, there is no need to rebuild production. A certain set of parts is common to a certain number of models, and the production line almost never stops.
Engine power
- The IQ 700 is a sports snowmobile with an aggressive appearance, thanks to a 142 hp engine. With. provides the owner with a high level of adrenaline throughout the trip.
- IQ Shift is a wonderful tool for breathtaking travel across the snowy plain; the extreme nature of the snowmobile will not let you get bored.
- Turbo IQ Dragon is a car from the 2009 model range. Ideal for active recreation, sports competitions and simply breathtaking trips. The snowmobile, driven by a 140 horsepower engine, will always be ahead.
- Turbo IQ is a fast car for the snowy expanses. The sporting characteristics are impeccable, the car moves smoothly and confidently in the given mode.
Luxury car
- FST Touring - the model can be classified as a “luxury” model due to its characteristics: a four-stroke turbine engine with 140 horsepower and IQ class suspension.
- The Trail Touring is a simple, reliable machine equipped with a medium-power, air-cooled two-stroke engine.
- Touring Trail DLX is a comfortable touring snowmobile, quite reliable and relatively inexpensive.
- The 2011 IQ Turbo LXT is a long-distance vehicle with plush seats and a powerful, quiet engine.
Modifications
The company's production program includes modifications of snowmobiles:
- mountain type (Polaris 800 and 850);
- sports models (600 and variations of the 800 model);
- crossovers (built on the chassis of models 850, 800, 600 and 550);
- tourist version based on Polaris 550;
- utilitarian version (based on 800, 600 and 550).
For children, the 120 Indy model is available, equipped with a 1-cylinder engine with a displacement of 121 cm³. The car is designed for driver only and has a dry weight of 66 kg.
Polaris 500
The Polaris 500 modification is a utilitarian type snowmobile with a single track 500 mm wide. The power unit is a 2-cylinder 85-horsepower liquid-cooled gasoline engine. The cylinder displacement is 488 cm³, and custom Mikuni carburetors are used to improve starting characteristics. The transmission of torque to the caterpillar belt is carried out by a variator equipped with a low gear and reverse.
To store the fuel supply, a tank with a capacity of 44.7 liters is used, the oil supply is in a separate container designed for 3.8 liters of liquid. Gasoline and oil are supplied to the engine separately; a reed valve is used for dosed injection of lubricant. There is no electric starter on the vehicle; a manual cable mechanism is used to start the engine.
An independent suspension is installed at the front; the distance between the ski axles is 965 mm. A Fox shock absorber is installed at the rear, providing suspension travel of up to 353 mm. To stop the Polaris snowmobile, hydraulically driven disc brakes are used.
Polaris 550
The Polaris 550 LX touring model uses a 2-stroke, 2-cylinder air-cooled power unit. The motor develops a power of 60 hp. With. with a working volume of 544 cm³. To increase engine life, the piston group is coated with Nikasil coating. Separate carburetors are used to prepare the fuel mixture, and the exhaust system is routed into a single manifold. The use of a variator ensures smooth acceleration of the Polaris Widetrack snowmobile up to a speed of 70 km/h.
The driving track is mounted on an articulated support with a shock absorber allowing a stroke of 381 mm. On the outer surface of the track links there are hooks that improve traction with the surface. The front steered skis are mounted on an independent Pro-Ride RMK suspension with additional shock absorbers. The stroke of the elements is 228 mm. Hydraulic brakes are used to stop.
Dimensions and characteristics of the Widetrak LX 550 snowmobile:
- length - 3359 mm;
- width - 1219 mm;
- height (with windshield) - 1422 mm;
- front ski track - 990 mm;
- fuel tank capacity - 43.5 l;
- curb weight - 238 kg.
The standard equipment includes an electric engine start system, reverse gear is activated by an electromagnet. The snowmobile is designed to carry 2 people; a windshield with additional deflectors is installed at the front.
Polaris 600
The sports utility model Polaris 600 is equipped with a 2-cylinder Liberty 600 power unit, which develops a power of 125 hp. With. To reduce fuel consumption and improve dynamic characteristics, an electronically controlled distributed fuel injection system is installed. Torque transmission is carried out by gear pairs and a variator; there is a reverse. The engine is started by an electric starter; other methods are not available.
Adjusting carburetors Polaris Widetruck LH500
We use a 1.5 mm drill bit as a “calibration tool” to adjust the Widetrak 500 LX carburetor, because this is the diameter that best matches the throttle position at idle. Using the throttle valve position screw, we achieve a tight passage of the drill between the window wall and the throttle valve skirt on the cylinder side.
- We make a notch (notch) with a file or needle file on the idle speed adjustment screw - this is the largest screw with a spring.
- We noted the position, then unscrew the screw 90 degrees. (a quarter turn) counterclockwise - this will correspond to the maximum idle speed.
- We repeat the operation on the second carburetor, then place the carburetors side by side.
- We press the throttle trigger approximately halfway and see if the dampers are open synchronously.
- We fully squeeze the gas trigger, both dampers should open completely. On the cylinder side, the valve skirt will protrude approximately 4 mm.
- If there is no synchronicity, then we adjust the tension of the cables.
- We adjust the position of the main fuel jet needle - this is the needle that is installed on the throttle valve. The needle should be on the second notch from above (the pointed end of the needle is located towards the bottom).
- If you need more “undermining” when opening the throttle, then install the needle stopper in the third groove (this is the middle).
- Turn the mixture quality screw (yellow and small screw) completely. Attention! There is no need to be overzealous with effort; we twist with flair.
- Turn the mixture quality screw half a turn (180°).
- Pull back the rubber seal of the starting enrichment cable casing and slightly pull out the starting enrichment cable casing; the free gap should be approximately 1mm.
- We check the gap by slightly turning the starting enrichment flag, see how the casing has tightened and by how much. Attention! This adjustment must be made without unscrewing the enrichment needle, that is, assembled on the carburetor.
- We assemble the carburetor, start it, warm it up.
- If there is a need, we carry out additional adjustment of the idle speed (the largest screw with a spring), noting how many degrees the screw was turned and, accordingly, we do the same on the second carburetor simultaneously.
