Choosing the best snowmobile for winter hunting

Lynx is a series of snowmobiles that is extremely popular on the Russian market. The debut copy of the car was produced in 1991 at the Engine Plant (UMPO), located in Ufa. The developers tried to create a high-quality snowmobile with the characteristics of an all-terrain vehicle for traveling along mountain peaks. The result was a very worthy product that gained popularity among Russian consumers.

The model was tested in the vastness of Yakutia, where it proved its worth. The wide caterpillar of the series was liked by hunters, geologists and border guards. The snowmobile could move in difficult conditions and demonstrated good maneuverability on various types of snow. The maneuverability indicators of the series were also excellent.

The debut model of the brand was the Lynx 113, the prototype for which was the Arctic Cat car. The copy turned out to be not the most successful, since the snowmobile engine, made using light metals, could not withstand increased loads. Drivers caught the wedge even after a short period of continuous driving.

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The Lynx 119 model replaced the Lynx 113 modification and received major changes. According to the main parameters, the snowmobile, classified as a tourist class, was superior to its predecessor. The engine displacement has been reduced, and the purge windows have become wider. Powerful cooling and the appearance of sleeves have reduced the number of breakdowns associated with engine cylinders. The appearance of the equipment has also changed. Lynx 119 received a modernized hood and pan, where fragile fiberglass was replaced with plastic. The transformations made it easier to overcome obstacles.

Lynx 119 is perfect for harsh Russian conditions; the snowmobile remains operational at air temperatures from +10 to -40 degrees. The front location of the power plant, a wide and long track, a sliding rail suspension with a double-acting shock absorber, 2 support skis and a tracked mover ensure smooth movement at high speed over various terrain (on loose and deep snow, off-road, on crust). An economical and powerful unit with a modernized design allows you to cover long distances with minimal costs.

Regardless of the driver’s build, it is always convenient to operate the equipment. The steering wheel does not touch your knees even during sharp turns. Roomy footrests allow you to ride in comfort. The seat is made very soft, but not too comfortable. The instrument panel contains only a fuel level sensor and a speedometer.

The advantage of the Lynx 119 model is its simplicity of design, thanks to which minor breakdowns and problems can be repaired at home. Spare parts and components for snowmobiles are sold in any specialized store, and their cost always remains affordable.

Despite the steady demand for the Lynx 119 model, in 2009 UMPO refused to produce snowmobiles, so the equipment left the market.

How to improve the Lynx snowmobile

Often the cooling system needs to be upgraded. If fulfilling all the requirements for changing the oil and adjusting various systems does not produce results, then it is recommended to modify the engine cooling system yourself. The easiest way out in this situation is to insulate the exhaust system. The point of this is to prevent the air from heating up through the collector; in addition, this method reduces noise. Silencers of foreign-made devices are initially packed with materials with a high degree of noise absorption. The right solution is to make a separate supply to the air intake or a heat shield to protect against the negative effects of the muffler.

Now we need to improve engine cooling and reduce cylinder temperatures, in general, install a screen between the output type manifold and the engine cylinders. The purpose of such a device is to cut off air in the cylinders and protect against additional heating. If there is no such solution, it is recommended to use this method: make a plate and install it, regardless of the brand of snowmobile. The effect of the design is noticeable even without the use of electronic temperature sensors of the power unit. The thermal stress of the cylinders is especially greatly reduced.

The latest modification to the cooling system is to increase the speed of the impeller of the device that moves the gas. It is necessary to change the dimensions of the pulley and at the same time use a non-standard dimension of the fan belt, for such an improvement you need to contact a specialist and have the opportunity to select fan belts.

Specifications

Lynx 119 has a standard layout for utilitarian snowmobiles with a durable steel frame and a load-bearing welded metal hood.

Dimensions:

• length – 3240 mm;
• width – 1080 mm;
• height – 1225 mm.

Track size:

• length – 3700 mm;
• width – 380 mm.

The dry weight of the equipment is 250 kg. The car seats 2 people. The maximum speed for a snowmobile is 90 km/h, the maximum weight of the towed sled (trailer) is 250 kg.

The snowmobile uses a classic lever spring-hydraulic front suspension with balancer bogies. The rear suspension is slick. The service brake is a disc brake, supplemented by a manual cable drive.

Equipment for the Lynx 119 model:

• reverse – present (mechanical);
• speedometer – analog;
• heated grips – present;
• windshield – present (medium profile);
• towbar – present;
• tachometer – absent;
• electric starter – optional;
• fuel sensor – present;
• trunk – present;
• temperature sensor – missing.

The lineup

It includes the following models:

• 119;
• 440;
• 500;
• Sports 121.

119

The Lynx 119 model belongs to the class of tourist vehicles. It is distinguished by a powerful engine and a high level of design reliability and maneuverability.

The device is equipped with a two-stroke power unit with a forced air cooling system. The engine of this vehicle is made taking into account the Euro-3 environmental fuel standard. The maximum speed is 90 km/h. The instrument panel reflects only two parameters: speedometer; gasoline level sensor.

440

The machine's track mechanism is made of rubberized material and equipped with rods, which will help increase the period of its use.

The 4-stroke power unit is cooled by the penetration of snow into the intake device. If you drive for a long time in an area with little snow, the engine may overheat.

500

The snowmobile is equipped with a 6-gear gearbox and a powerful two-stroke engine. The vehicle is capable of towing a tow hitch whose weight does not exceed 250 kg.

A motor from a Japanese manufacturer is installed here; the engine is made in accordance with the international environmental standard Euro-3. The track device is made of rubber and fabric and equipped with a reinforced rod.

The starting system is powered by an electric starter, which helps start the unit even in low temperatures.

This snowmobile was released in several versions (modifications).

We invite you to familiarize yourself with them:

1. 500+. This version is presented as a touring car, but not a work car. It uses a caterpillar track with a width of 500 mm, which ensures good maneuverability on different surfaces. This modification comes with an electric starter as standard.
2. 500M. This device is a basic version with a modernized front part, instead of the old carburetor, a carburetor with a 1st chamber made in Japan of the Mikuni type was installed. The basic equipment of this modification includes an electric starter.
3. 500MP. This modification has an improved hood and a single-chamber carburetor. In this version, a gear-type gearbox was installed. Externally, the device is completely identical to the previous modification. The basic equipment for the 500MP modification includes an electric starter.

Now “Lynx” has gained great popularity because it allows you to carry out all the necessary tasks, in particular, moving to difficult places.

Sports 121

The sports version is shortened. Due to this, the device increased its maneuverability.

The tracks of the Lynx Sport 121 snowmobile are created with an improved power core - this provides certain guarantees of high reliability of the developed design.

Engine

For the Lynx 119 snowmobile, a reliable 2-stroke engine model RD-440.02 with forced cooling and an axial fan was chosen. This unit has previously proven itself well on other models.

Characteristics of the RD-440.02 motor:

• working volume – 431 cc;
• rated power - 38 hp;
• number of cylinders – 2;
• cylinder diameter – 65 mm;
• Recommended fuel type is AI-76, AI-80 gasoline (mixed with oil).

Average fuel consumption at a speed of 60 km/h is 18-20 l/h. Taking into account the capacious fuel tank, which holds 24 liters of fuel, one full refueling is enough for 1-1.5 hours of movement. The engine is quite noisy, and fuel consumption cannot be called low. The engine developers did not think about the environment; when moving, the snowmobile leaves a dirty trail in the snow. Among the advantages of the unit are good traction and reliability.

Features of the RD-440.02 engine:

• starting system – manual starter;
• lubrication system - together with fuel;
• ignition system – contactless electronic;
• The power supply system is carburetor.

Important details to pay attention to

The general recommendation from experts is to purchase a utilitarian type snowmobile for hunting. It most fully corresponds to its “hunting” purpose and easily overcomes the obstacles of absolute off-road conditions. The only relative disadvantage is the low adaptability for crossing forests with dense undergrowth, because such devices are quite cumbersome. However, in such conditions, even compact models are just as inconvenient. The relatively low cruising speed (compared to sports and even touring models) is not critical when hunting.

Snowmobile “Lynx”

So, you are going to buy a snowmobile for hunting and have settled on a utilitarian model. The choice has been reduced significantly, but even in the chosen niche the product line is quite diverse. How to avoid mistakes and buy the best car for your needs? The most important thing is not to skimp, otherwise you risk purchasing either an imperfect (with limited performance characteristics) or simply a low-quality snowmobile. The most well-established brands are Polaris, Yamaha, BRP, Arctic Cat, Lynx, Bombardier. You won’t be able to buy these models for little money, but in the end, the investment is justified due to quality and reliability. Among domestic snowmobiles, models such as Lynx, Taiga, and Buran have proven themselves well. The most interesting for hunters is the “Buran” line - super-reliable vehicles with a two-track chassis (1x2 layout) and a two-stroke carburetor-type engine. Compact and extended models are available with additional cargo area behind the driver.

Price

Production of Lynx 119 snowmobiles ended in 2009, so there are no models without mileage on the market.

A used option, taking into account the high reliability of the equipment, will be a good purchase. When purchasing, special attention should be paid to the following points:

• engine. The following problems are possible: oil leakage, uneven operation, periodic drop in power, increased knocking and vibration. Starting problems often occur due to problems with the carburetor system. A sore point in Lynx 119 snowmobile engines is spark plugs. Mixing oil and gasoline causes them to become damp, which is why spark plugs regularly fail;
• electrical part;
• fuel system. Problems especially often arise with the fuel pump.

The cost of used Lynx 119 snowmobiles in good condition varies from 60,000 to 95,000 rubles.

The lineup

It includes the following models:

• 119;
• 440;
• 500;
• Sports 121.

119

The Lynx 119 model belongs to the class of tourist vehicles. It is distinguished by a powerful engine and a high level of design reliability and maneuverability.

The device is equipped with a two-stroke power unit with a forced air cooling system. The engine of this vehicle is made taking into account the Euro-3 environmental fuel standard. The maximum speed is 90 km/h. The instrument panel reflects only two parameters: speedometer; gasoline level sensor.

440

The machine's track mechanism is made of rubberized material and equipped with rods, which will help increase the period of its use.

The 4-stroke power unit is cooled by the penetration of snow into the intake device. If you drive for a long time in an area with little snow, the engine may overheat.

500

The snowmobile is equipped with a 6-gear gearbox and a powerful two-stroke engine. The vehicle is capable of towing a tow hitch whose weight does not exceed 250 kg.

A motor from a Japanese manufacturer is installed here; the engine is made in accordance with the international environmental standard Euro-3. The track device is made of rubber and fabric and equipped with a reinforced rod.

The starting system is powered by an electric starter, which helps start the unit even in low temperatures.

This snowmobile was released in several versions (modifications).

We invite you to familiarize yourself with them:

1. 500+. This version is presented as a touring car, but not a work car. It uses a caterpillar track with a width of 500 mm, which ensures good maneuverability on different surfaces. This modification comes with an electric starter as standard.
2. 500M. This device is a basic version with a modernized front part, instead of the old carburetor, a carburetor with a 1st chamber made in Japan of the Mikuni type was installed. The basic equipment of this modification includes an electric starter.
3. 500MP. This modification has an improved hood and a single-chamber carburetor. In this version, a gear-type gearbox was installed. Externally, the device is completely identical to the previous modification. The basic equipment for the 500MP modification includes an electric starter.

Now “Lynx” has gained great popularity because it allows you to carry out all the necessary tasks, in particular, moving to difficult places.

Sports 121

The sports version is shortened. Due to this, the device increased its maneuverability.

The tracks of the Lynx Sport 121 snowmobile are created with an improved power core - this provides certain guarantees of high reliability of the developed design.

Owner reviews

• Mikhail, Rybinsk: I bought a used snowmobile Lynx 119 (2008). Many in the city choose Taiga or Buran from Russian Mechanics. I preferred another model because of the cheap cost. An acquaintance gave it away for practically nothing (45,000 rubles). I didn’t expect anything supernatural from the technology developed in the last century. However, Lynx 119 performed very well. Compared to Burans, the snowmobile travels much faster. For high-speed races, the Lynx 119 is quite suitable (I squeezed more than 60 km/h on it). However, there are plenty of problems with technology. I changed the slips almost every season, regularly changed the track, spark plugs, and so on in small things. The unit is not bad and is cheap.
• Ufa_1015: Lynx 119 operated from 1996 to 2001. I didn't really like the snowmobile. During operation, the belt was eaten away, plastic elements constantly fell apart. In the last year of operation, the engine began to stall, problems sometimes began after 10-20 km of travel. Moreover, I could not get to the bottom of the causes of the problems. Fuel consumption was very high. The only good things were the speed limit and the ability to transport large loads. In the end, I gave this car to my brother and bought a Viking 540 in return. It’s interesting that he still drives it now, although the old problems have not disappeared.
• Nikita: The budget for the purchase of a snowmobile was around 100,000 rubles. With such a sum, I couldn’t count on anything serious, so I chose between Dingo 115 and a used Lynx 119. I decided to take a domestic model at the advice of a neighbor. This was a first for me, so I didn’t travel long distances at first. The snowmobile was enough for an hour or two. When I decided to go fishing with it, problems began to arise: flooded spark plugs, ignition problems, engine instability. I was repairing a snowmobile with the same neighbor. After 4 years I decided to sell this car.
• IK_1010: For a long time I was the owner of the Buran snowmobile. In my area there is very little snow, so I use the equipment exclusively for entertainment, so last year I sold Buran and bought Lynx 119. The model is cheaper and is quite suitable for me. First impressions are positive. The snowmobile runs very well, although the fuel consumption is quite high. A child can be seated forward in front of the steering wheel, and an adult can be seated behind. Lynx 119 confidently pulls such weight. There were no serious problems with the snowmobile during the year. I can't say anything bad.

Comments

1. Nikolay 01/10/2016 at 01:58 I’m just thinking about buying a snowmobile and didn’t know how to choose and which one is better.
   Very useful tips, thank you. Answer
2. Anton Gorodets 01/17/2016 at 21:46
   When choosing a snowmobile, there is such an important factor as the noise level it produces. Perhaps this characteristic is also worth paying attention to?

   Answer

3. Alexander 02/04/2016 at 01:15
   So, is the snowmobile used directly from home, or does it still need to be delivered to the hunting location? What trailers do you use? After all, carrying loot on a snowmobile is not very convenient.

   Answer

4. Vladimir 03/07/2016 at 00:57
   I made a special cart with a rigid coupling to transport the loot. It’s a very convenient thing and it’s not that expensive. I hunt not far away, I live outside the city. And as soon as the season opens, I go straight to the forest. So this attribute helps me out a lot.

   Answer

5. Passerby 07/16/2017 at 15:11
   “famous brands such as Polaris, Yamaha, BRP, Arctic Cat, Lynx, Bombardier”

   BRP stands for Bombardier Recreational Products. Experts, damn it.

   Answer

6. Kum 01/23/2018 at 09:25
   So I decided to take up hunting this year, I’m just tired of riding around and staring. I have a Tinger all-terrain vehicle, a Cheetah 800 ATV, and a month ago I bought a snowmobile. That’s what I want to tell you about. I was tormented for a long time about what to take and my choice fell on the Linx 600 E-TK why, 1-utilitarian. 2-double. 3-large corrugated. but the most important thing for me is its lightness and maneuverability; its 115 liters allow you to catch up with a goat in its entirety when loading two people, so you don’t have to shoot it. Fuel and oil consumption is good, when everything needs refueling I don’t even think about it, its 5.9 mm flail allows it to crawl on any snow. There are some minor inconveniences: the track is 406 mm wide in light snow, but it is not stable over high hummocks, but you get used to it. Well, now I have a problem of what to take from hunting rifles since I am a beginner.

   Answer

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