Nowadays, finding a snowmobile is not difficult. You can take a used car or a new one. Also, some dealership centers offer used snowbikes from popular manufacturers without mileage in Russia. There are many companies around the world specializing in the production of snowmobiles. However, only a few of them are widely known throughout the world:
- Polaris;
- BRP (Ski-Doo, Lynx);
- Arctic Cat;
- Yamaha;
- "Russian Mechanics".
The first three brands are American-made, which already says a lot. Arctic Cat makes every type of snowmobile you can imagine. is also famous for its reliable, high-quality motorcycle equipment.
The Russian manufacturer also came here not by chance, because it not only produces snowmobile tracks assembled from imported parts, like other domestic companies, but also develops new designs.
Just look at the value of the Taiga model, the first copy of which rolled off the production line of the enterprise in 1988. Over thirty years, the car has undergone a number of changes and improvements, many modifications have appeared, and the latest version can easily compete in quality with popular global brands. All RM equipment has power units of its own design and production.
Which snowmobile is better to buy?
Snowmobiles are most in demand among residents of the northern regions, as well as among lovers of extreme pastimes. To choose the right device, you need to decide how you are going to use it.
All snowmobiles are usually divided into categories:
- Mountain bikes, the design of which is designed for extreme travel on slopes and relief terrain. These models have a long track with large hooks and are ideal for riding in loose, deep snow.
- Utilitarian models, also called working models, are used for practical purposes. Snowmobiles of this type have high cross-country ability and are often double-seater.
- Tourist models are the most comfortable models, allowing for travel on good trails covered with a light layer of snow.
- Crossovers - on these snowmobiles you can safely go on a trip over rough terrain covered with deep, loose snow.
- Sports models are chosen by fans of racing and extreme travel. Such snowmobiles are distinguished by their low weight, high speed performance and good handling.
- Children's snowmobiles are light and compact with low engine power.
It will be easier to choose a snowmobile if you have some idea of the structure and main components of this vehicle.
The snowmobile's suspension can be telescopic or lever: the first is more durable, the second provides better maneuverability and stability. Often a suspension of one design or another is used for models of a certain manufacturer, for example, the PPS suspension is used on Lynx snowmobiles, tMotion is more universal and is installed in mountain models of various brands.
The transmission used in new vehicles acts as a clutch and gearbox. On snowmobiles of the tourist and utilitarian type, as a rule, there is a separate gearbox, which includes low and reverse gears.
The most advanced versions are equipped with a RER system - when reverse gear can be engaged with a button.
The fuel supply system for snowmobiles can be carburetor (most often on domestic models) or injection - more economical and environmentally friendly.
Modern snowmobiles use one of two types of engines:
- two-stroke – light weight, manual starter, and not too demanding on fuel quality;
- four-stroke engines are more economical and durable, and also less noisy.
Depending on the type of fuel used, such engines are either gasoline or diesel. The cooling system of the snowmobile power unit can be air or water.
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Rating of TOP 7 snowmobiles 2021 – 2021: pros and cons, price, characteristics, reviews
Family vacations are divided into two types: a summer flight to the sea, tanning and swimsuits, and going on a snowy trip in the company of loved ones on snowmobiles. But the purpose of a snowmobile is not only for recreation. On it you can go hunting and fishing. Today we want to talk to you specifically about these recreational items, so we are ready to present in this article the rating of the TOP 7 snowmobiles 2021 - 2021: we will consider the pros and cons, price, characteristics, reviews and descriptions of each of the proposed models below.
The best mountain snowmobiles
Mountain snowmobiles differ from other types of this transport in their ability to move at a large angle on loose and deep snow.
Such machines must have low weight, which is often achieved by reducing the level of comfort of the model.
Polaris PRO RMK 850 Patriot 3
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The Polaris PRO mountain sled is powered by the Patriot 3 engine, which features high-performance pistons with increased compression height and thick canopy. The average cost of the model is 1.25 million rubles.
Advantages:
- lightweight SLS shock absorbers;
- durable forged control arms;
- low vibration level;
- carbon fiber VForce reed valves;
- 4 years warranty on the engine.
Flaws:
- price.
The Polaris PRO RMK 850 Patriot 3 snowmobile is easy to control, predictable and reliable. The design features of the model allow you to perform large slopes in deep snow and on slopes.
BRP Ski-Doo Freeride 137 800R E-TEC
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
When creating the BRP Ski-Doo Freeride snowmobile, tMotion suspension was used, which allows significant body roll relative to the track bogie. The average cost of the model is 1.2 million rubles.
Advantages:
- good dynamic performance;
- impeccable handling;
- special FlexEdge track cord design;
- REV-XM RS platform with reinforcements and stiffeners.
Flaws:
- not suitable for beginners;
- high fuel consumption.
The BRP Ski-Doo snowmobile's suspension is conveniently adjusted using the easily accessible Kayaba PRO shock tuning wheels.
Arctic Cat ZR 9000 137 Thundercat
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
The Arctic Cat ZR 9000 137 Thundercat snowmobile is equipped with a 200 hp engine. with., which has a turbocharger with an intercooler, providing maximum performance in all conditions. The average cost of the model is 950 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- soft switching;
- optimal performance;
- maintainability;
- reduced weight;
- Sturdy and functional ProCross chassis.
Flaws:
- high fuel consumption.
For more comfortable driving of the Arctic Cat ZR 9000 137 Thundercat snowmobile, two seat heating modes and a 28-centimeter windshield are provided.
Maintenance and repair
Equipment for passing snow trails requires regular technical inspection and repair.
After covering routes longer than 5000 km or when using the equipment for more than 2 years, it is recommended to diagnose the fuel supply device (fuel filter), change the sliding supports, ring seals and drive pulley rollers. It will be necessary to replace brake fluids, drive diagnostics, process the joint connection between the gearbox and the QRS shaft, etc.
After a run of 10,000 km or 3 years of operation, it is necessary to inspect the electrical equipment and change the spark plugs. After 20,000 km, it is recommended to check and adjust the valve clearance on the engine. The cooling components in the engine must be replaced regularly.
Repairs can be partially carried out independently; in case of damage, you need to contact service centers where you can order:
- repair under warranty;
- equipment diagnostics;
- restoration or replacement of electronic systems and electrical devices;
- change of units and connecting units;
- work on adjusting the gearbox, engine, steering unit, suspension;
- replacement of wheels, tires, lighting devices, etc.
Specialists will help if it is necessary to restore equipment after falling into water, replace the battery pack, transmission and gearbox, shock-absorbing elements and pads, bearings, and clutch parts. In technically complex models, you can entrust specialists with changing the oil, boots, spark plugs, seals, filters, and restoring valves.
Conservation
To maintain operational characteristics, it is necessary to preserve the snowmobile and use covers during seasonal downtime. The work will prevent engine corrosion, because Without a cover, moisture will cause metal surfaces to oxidize.
After the final trip, it is necessary to clean the equipment. It is necessary to perform wet cleaning, the parts must dry. Steel elements are treated with oil, wiring and terminals are cleaned.
Then the spark plugs are removed, the cylinders are cleaned, and after 2-3 engine revolutions the spark plugs are put back in place. The surface of the engine is treated with a spray. It is necessary to empty the fuel tank, replace filters and engine oil.
The next step is to open and clean the variators. Using the lubrication map of the technical product, the main node connections are processed. After the tension on the tracks is released, the parts are removed and hung. Finally, the BRP snowmobile cover is put on.
Oil selection and change
When choosing BRP snowmobile oil, you must consider the manufacturer's recommendations. Engines have been developed and tested with the recommended BRP XPS™ synthetic compound. For equipment, it is necessary to use XPS oil for the specified engine power. Damage caused by the use of non-recommended raw materials is not covered by the warranty.
It is permissible to use a similar synthetic-based oil SAE 0W-40 class SM or higher according to the API classification.
Experts recommend diagnosing the oil level in the engine after sharp tilts (over 65°) or overturning the machine.
If the volume is insufficient, it is necessary to stop using the equipment and clean the intake system. It is necessary to free the combustion chamber from residual oil fluid. Fresh oil is then added to the technique. Complete depletion of the oil composition is unacceptable, because this leads to motor failure.
Disassembly
To open the hood, you need to remove the upper side panels and disconnect the rubber fixing elements on both sides. Then the hood tabs are removed after the element is extended.
To remove the upper side panels, you need to disconnect the rubber retainer and lift the inside of the panel to release the tab from the console. Then the panel moves towards the rear unit of the equipment.
To open the lower side panel, you need to remove the upper side panel and disconnect the rubber retainer. The locking element is then turned counterclockwise a quarter turn to unlock the device. You need to lift the back of the panel to open the system. Install the equipment in the reverse order.
The best utilitarian snowmobiles
The most “conservative” category of snowmobiles is the so-called utilitarian models, which are subject to fairly typical requirements: reliability, maintainability, ease of maintenance, affordable cost.
Such snowmobiles are preferred by users who need confidence that the machine will not break down due to heavy loads, will start in 30-degree frost and will calmly tow a heavy load.
Tayga Patrul 800 SWT
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Tayga Patrul 800 SWT snowmobile provides a wide range of suspension settings, which allows you to select the optimal operating mode and quickly change it when travel conditions change. The average cost of a model is 500 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- Koso multifunctional instrument panel;
- reinforced front suspension;
- adjustable rear suspension;
- two-level seat;
- spacious trunk.
Flaws:
- not always high-quality assembly.
The Tayga Patrul snowmobile can easily carry two adults or pull a 500-kilogram load.
Stels 600L Ermak
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
The utilitarian snowmobile Stels Ermak is equipped with a two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 50 hp. With. with Mikuni carburetor. The cooling system is air type. The average cost of a model is 200 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- modular frame with underbody protection;
- lightweight caterpillar track;
- heated steering wheel grip and throttle trigger;
- the main fuel tank is 58 l and the additional fuel tank is 32 l.
Flaws:
- difficult to get to the carburetor;
- Poorly assembled models come across.
If necessary, the Stels 600L Ermak snowmobile can be equipped with a power front bumper, rear LED headlights, a searchlight, fuel level sensors, exhaust gas temperature and ambient temperature sensors.
Buran 4T
4.5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
82%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The power unit of the Buran 4T snowmobile is a four-stroke Kohler engine with a power of 29 hp. With.
The model is equipped with an electric engine start system. You can buy such a snowmobile for an average of 300 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- convenient access to the engine compartment;
- spotlight;
- cargo area;
- luggage compartment under the seat;
- acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- heavy;
- assembly errors are possible.
The utilitarian snowmobile Buran 4T may be one of the best options for winter hunting and fishing, as well as for household use in the northern regions.
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Modern vehicles for driving on snow
When people talk about vacation, the stereotypical association immediately paints in the minds of most people a picture of hot sun, a sun lounger, a cocktail with a slice of lime and a warm sea. If you add the word “active” to this vacation, your imagination will add ATV races and bicycles. As a last resort - mountaineering and tourism, but everything is associated with warm weather.
What about northerners who don’t want/don’t have the opportunity to go to the sea? Imagine a huge expanse of snow in which skis will fall through, and in order to skate you need to clear a snow cap one and a half meters high.
For such cases, special machines have been developed: snowmobiles and motorized dogs. These powerful devices are capable of driving a person or a group of people through the snow at incredible speed. They serve both for practical purposes (carriage of goods, off-road transportation in winter) and for sports and entertainment purposes (snowmobile racing, traveling on motorized dogs, simply exciting walks through snowy forests and trails).
The best touring snowmobiles
Visually, the touring snowmobile looks lighter and more elegant than its counterparts. Most often, such models are used for trips with the family along compacted forest roads, where there is no deep snow and difficult obstacles.
Yamaha RS Venture TF
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The Japanese snowmobile Yamaha RS Venture is created on the basis of proven technologies, and also has an original and distinctive design.
Due to the extended rear chassis, the rider can maintain control of the snowmobile even when hitting a serious obstacle.
Advantages:
- EPS electric power steering;
- EBRS engine braking system;
- switching engine operating modes D-Mode;
- YCC-T electronic throttle control.
Flaws:
- heavy weight;
- price 1.3 million rubles.
Maximum control and comfort when riding long distances on a Yamaha snowmobile is provided by a wide handlebar with handlebars shifted 20 mm forward.
Ski-Doo Grand Touring Limited
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The Ski-Doo Grand Touring Limited is one of the best models in the touring snowmobile segment. The device is equipped with a Rotax-900ACE engine with a power of 150 hp. With. True, the cost of such equipment exceeds 700 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- heated seats;
- wind protection;
- wide platform GEN4;
- increased ergonomics.
Flaws:
- There are problems with gear shifting.
The air suspension of the Ski-Doo Grand Touring snowmobile can be adjusted on the fly using special buttons on the steering wheel.
Stels 800 Viking
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The developers of the Stels 800 Viking snowmobile chose an original exterior for the model and equipped it with an LED headlight, a windshield with optimized aerodynamics, and heated steering grips. The average cost of the model is 470 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- informative dashboard;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- waterproof rear light;
- a case made of durable plastic behind the back of the passenger seat.
Flaws:
- the steering wheel is a bit heavy;
- The build quality is sometimes poor.
The frame of the Stels 800 Viking snowmobile is made of high-quality Russian-made steel, which is not inferior in strength to the best imported samples.
It's in the details
Ride quality is affected not only by large components, but also by small parts. If you plan to ride for a long time with a passenger, a soft double seat with heated handles will not hurt. High glass is useful for comfort, but during active driving the snowmobile sometimes tips over and breaks, so on sports equipment the glass is either low or absent altogether. A high handlebar is good for broken trails where you have to stand up, a low handlebar is good for relaxed, seated riding.
If there is work, hunting or fishing ahead, you will need a loading platform and, possibly, a tow bar for the sled. In general, a huge amount of additional equipment for snowmobiles is sold, so the machine can be adapted to almost any need.
You can choose a snowmobile that suits your needs through the official Brandt dealer network.
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The best crossover snowmobiles
Snowmobiles from the crossover category most often have metal studs on the track, ensuring the most efficient use of torque even on compacted snow and icy road sections. Shock absorbers of such models provide a large number of settings.
Lynx Xtreem Commander 800R E-TEC
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The Lynx Xtreem Commander snowmobile has a rather aggressive design. Instead of traditional telescopic struts, the model is equipped with A-arms, complemented by a roll stabilization system.
Advantages:
- high dynamic performance;
- responsive and precise control;
- excellent stability;
- heated steering wheel grips and seats;
- instant start with one click on the electric starter.
Flaws:
- price 1.2 million.
Featuring a one-piece chassis and sloping tunnel, the Lynx Xtreem Commander sled provides a natural riding position.
Arctic Cat M8000 Hardcore Alpha One 165
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The power unit of the Arctic Cat Alpha One snowmobile is based on a 160 hp engine. s., volume 794 cm3. The unit is equipped with an Arctic Drive System in a magnesium housing.
Advantages:
- innovative Alpha One rear suspension;
- lightweight Power Claw track with lugs;
- CVT Team;
- good shock absorbers Fox Float 3 QS3.
Flaws:
- price 1.36 million rubles.
The Arctic Cat snowmobile features the new Pro Climb G2 front skis, which provide increased stability and balance in deep snow.
Polaris 850 Switchback Assault
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The Polaris 850 Switchback Assault snowmobile, equipped with the new Patriot 850 engine, provides an active driving style over rough terrain, including complete off-road driving. The average cost of the model is 1.2 million rubles.
Advantages:
- large LCD display (109 mm);
- GPS support;
- durable footrests;
- Walker Evans Piggyback Needle shocks.
Flaws:
- high fuel consumption;
- The aluminum steering wheel can become deformed when colliding with obstacles.
The Polaris 850 Switchback Assault features an AXYS chassis and IGX 144 rear suspension for comfortable handling, full ride control and exhilarating acceleration.
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What to look for when choosing
When choosing a quality snowmobile for yourself and your family, you need to know a few simple rules. Then your trip will be memorable and, most importantly, safe.
So, if you are a beginner snowmobiler, we highly recommend that you not purchase a sports model of a snowmobile. Firstly, to purchase it, you need the help of a qualified specialist. Secondly, a sports device is much more difficult to control, and not every professional can handle it.
At the time of purchase, look at the site for all spare parts and components of the model . And in this case, the help of an experienced and knowledgeable person will not hurt. Check the assembly and, most importantly, the brakes and their quality.
Pay attention to the quality of the seat fasteners. In an inexpensive and low-quality model, after a short amount of time the fasteners begin to crumble and rot. In some models it is sold already with rust. Don't forget about this point.
Look at the ski distance and track width . Skis located at a decent distance from each other are considered safer and provide the stability of a snowmobile. And the small parameters of the caterpillar cling perfectly to the snow and provide high-quality movement.
And, of course, the pendant . The quality of this component is responsible for good movement on thin and wet snow. Also, a strong suspension is not afraid of stones and even cobblestones.
The best sport snowmobiles
Sport-class snowmobiles are equipped with powerful engines, long tracks with mid-height toe, highly adjustable suspension, and a wide ski base for stability. They differ from other models in their single-seat layout.
Yamaha Sidewinder-X-TX-SE-141
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The Yamaha Sidewinder sports snowmobile is considered the most powerful mass-produced model in the world. Its three-cylinder engine produces 182 hp. With. Such a device costs 1.4 million rubles.
Advantages:
- turbocharged engine;
- two-section instrument panel;
- stopping the engine when it rolls over;
- high throttle response.
Flaws:
- high price.
Unlike other internal combustion engines, which lose almost a third of their power at an altitude of 3000 m, the Sidewinder engine maintains its performance in all conditions.
Linx Rave RE 850 E-TEC
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The Linx Rave snowmobile uses a Rotax 850 E-TEC engine with 165 horsepower. With. demonstrates high efficiency. The average cost of the model is 1.35 million rubles.
Advantages:
- new generation variator pDrive;
- soft suspension front and rear;
- Blade XC skis;
- KYB HLCR sports shock absorbers.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
The Linx Rave RE 850 E-TEC snowmobile is the winner of many international competitions. Protection against collapse in this case is ensured by precise weight distribution and placement of the engine strictly in the center.
Welsmotor 250
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The Welsmotor 250 snowmobile is equipped with a 21 hp engine. With. volume 250 cm3. The cooling system is water, the gearbox is CVT, the fuel tank volume is 18 liters. The average cost of this model is 200 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- easy;
- extended track for improved cross-country ability;
- autonomous heated handles;
- sports shock absorbers;
- acceptable price.
Flaws:
- it is inconvenient to change the variator belt;
- narrow caterpillar.
The Welsmotor 250 snowmobile belongs to the budget category. It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, is started by an electric starter button and can easily transport two adults.
Peculiarities
Parameters and overall dimensions of the Moroz Stealth snowmobile:
- working volume – 564 “cubes”;
- power indicator - 49 liters. With.;
- transmission unit - variator with reverse;
- suspension - ellipse springs at the front and spring shock absorbers at the rear;
- starting – electric starter;
- maximum speed – 80 km/h;
- length/width/height – 2.7/0.91/1.33 m;
- The volume of the fuel tank is 28 l.
The best children's snowmobiles
Snowmobiles for children have less power and size compared to adult versions, are easy to use and have a high degree of safety.
Motax Micro Snow
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Motax Micro Snow is a versatile children's snowmobile that can transform into an ATV. The device is equipped with a 7 HP engine. With. volume 110 cm3.
Transmission – CVT, semi-automatic. Air cooling system. The cost of a mini snowmobile is 50 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- front LED headlight;
- rear marker signal;
- maximum speed – 39 km/h;
- reliable hydraulic brakes.
Flaws:
- there is an age limit (up to 10-12 years);
- maximum load – up to 60 kg.
For child safety, the Micro Snow snowmobile is equipped with a speed limiter and a parental control function that allows you to monitor trips.
ZRobot SQ-1 Snowquadro
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The ZRobot Snowquadro children's snowmobile can be converted into an ATV if necessary. The device is designed for children aged 4 to 12 years and can accelerate to 25 km/h. The average cost of the model is 37 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- easy start and simple control;
- compactness;
- maneuverability;
- reliable disc brakes;
- rear pendulum suspension with central monoshock absorber;
- front suspension in the form of wishbones on springs.
Flaws:
- maximum load limit – 60 kg;
- a decrease in performance typical for any transformer.
The ZRobot SQ-1 snowmobile can be not only a good gift for a child, but also a full-fledged means of transportation if you need to get, for example, to school in snowy weather.
"Lynx-119"
This modification is classified as a tourist category and has been produced since 1991. The equipment is designed for operation in the harshest conditions. The “heart” of the car is a two-stroke engine with a pair of cylinders. At the same time, it creates quite a lot of noise and has an enviable “appetite”. The advantages of the “engine” include ease of maintenance and reliability. The power is quite enough to quickly overcome snowy roads.
It is worth noting that the seating position for the passenger is not entirely comfortable. He has nothing to hold onto except the trunk, which is not very comfortable. Among the advantages is the presence of spacious steps for feet. The seat is soft, but has a sliding surface.
Technical characteristics and dimensions of the Lynx snowmobile:
- engine volume – 431 cubic meters. cm;
- cooling type – air system;
- power parameter – 46 hp. With.;
- fuel tank capacity – 24 l;
- average fuel consumption per 100 km – 18 l;
- speed limit – 110 km/h;
- weight – 250 kg;
- length/width/height – 3.24/1.08/1.22 m;
- caterpillar width – 38 cm.
What are motorized dogs?
These machines got their name because of their design, similar to the dog sleds of the peoples of the Far North. The device consists of a directly pulling machine - a motorized towing vehicle - and a sled with people attached to it. Unlike snowmobiles, the passenger here is not on the ride-on vehicle, but in a trailer. The motorized towing vehicle is designed like a motor sleigh: the same moving studded or bladed caterpillar, equipped with a powerful motor. These are very powerful devices capable of transporting sawn logs and other heavy loads at high speeds and over long distances. Many models walk not only on snow, but also on any other surface: soil, swamps, reeds, forests.
For recreation, they are used as a fast and convenient vehicle in the snow.
Are you ready to put on a warm sports jacket, put on a mask and goggles and take a multi-kilometer walk through the snow sparkling in the sun? Then the rating of the best snowmobiles and motorized dogs for outdoor activities 2021 will help you choose the right car!
Cooling system
The functioning of a motorcycle depends on how efficiently the cooling system works. It is responsible for removing thermal energy from the engine and protects the power unit from damage due to overheating. Manufacturers equip snowmobiles with air and water cooling systems.
Water:
- the engine overheats less often;
- more susceptible to breakdowns.
Air:
- increased risk of overheating;
- high reliability.
To increase the efficiency of cooling systems, temperature sensors are installed on snowmobiles. These elements are responsible for timely notification that the engine temperature has reached critical levels. In such cases, you need to stop the snowmobile and wait until the engine cools down.
