Snowmobile Alpina Sherpa

The Alpina Sherpa snowmobile was designed to work in resorts and high-mountain hotels. Alpina Sherpa receives positive reviews from both avid hunters and simply lovers of long winter travel!

Travelers to the Himalayas have long taken local natives, the Sherpas, as guides and porters. These people, whose whole life is spent among the peaks, demonstrate incredible endurance in the rarefied air of the highlands. The “Sherpa” snowmobile, created by the Italian company, is named after them.

The lineup

Alpina snowmobiles, despite their big name, are represented by a modest model range due to the youth of the company.
Each individual model is a work of Italian art, designed to conquer snowy off-road conditions.

In total, the brand’s lineup includes two series – Sherpa and SuperClass.

In the presented lines, despite the external similarity, there are a number of fundamental differences that in one way or another affect performance, driving speed and comfort during travel.

Now, in order to get a more complete picture of the presented series, let’s look at each of them separately.

Photo gallery

According to many experts and lovers of extreme travel in snowy regions, Alpina SuperClass models will be ideal household assistants and an excellent means of transportation in the harshest conditions!

Device and technical characteristics

The equipment is manufactured according to European standards. High-quality and wear-resistant materials are used in production. Each stage of product assembly is carefully controlled. The manufacturer applies a durable coating to the tool, thereby extending its service life.

Each model of the device is powered by a gasoline engine and can make precise cuts both on wood and on surfaces that have a wooden coating of different thicknesses.

The a4000 chainsaw is a good option for performing garden, park, household or professional work. It starts quite smoothly thanks to the quick start system. Has average power. The lubrication system for the engine and parts allows you to work for a long time without interruption. Air cooling helps you complete tasks without overheating the tool.

Specifications:

• engine power - 1.5 kW;
• tire length - 40 cm;
• chain pitch - ⅜ inch;
• fuel capacity - 0.31 l;
• oil container - 0.21 l;
• cylinder volume - 40.1 cm³;
• weight - 4.6 kg.

Features the following advantages:

• ease of use;
• efficiency;
• good engine power;
• hull strength;
• safety;
• environmental friendliness.

The A4500 chainsaw is the most powerful model of the three existing ones. Produced to perform technical, professional or household work of any complexity that requires accuracy, quality and continuity.

Specifications:

• engine power - 1.8 kW;
• guide bar length - 45 cm;
• chain pitch - ⅜ inch;
• fuel tank - 0.55 l;
• oil tank - 0.26 l;
• cylinder volume - 45 cm³;
• weight - 5.3 kg.

The engine of the device has a compact design, a quick start system and a torque reserve. Also, the Alpina chainsaw is fully adapted to work in difficult climatic conditions.

Has the following advantages:

• small size;
• convenient shape of the body and handles (provides a comfortable grip);
• high-performance anti-vibration system;
• access to important components of the saw does not require special tools;
• high-level environmental and technological safety.

Saw 390 is a semi-professional type. Suitable for working in summer cottages or garden plots, however, this chainsaw is not able to cope with tasks such as logging. It is designed for medium loads.

Specifications:

• engine power - 1.6 kW;
• guide bar length - 40 cm;
• chain pitch - ⅜ inch;
• gasoline tank - 0.41 l;
• oil tank - 0.23 l;
• cylinder volume - 36 cm³;
• weight - 4.5 kg.

Advantages of a chainsaw:

• safety (equipped with an anti-vibration system and automatic inertial chain brake);
• The chain is automatically lubricated;
• easy access to the air filter;
• air filter made in the form of a cartridge (allows you to replace the part in a few seconds).

Specifications

Comparison with other all-terrain vehicle models

Sharp often participates in competitions against American monster jeeps (American athletes were able to plant Sherpas in a swamp on muddy soil, so they had to use other special equipment and a winch to free the car.). Among the main competitors of the all-terrain vehicle are the following options:

1. Shrek.
2. Shark
3. Chypre
4. Sherkhan.
5. Sherman.
6. Hornet.
7. Connecting rod.
8. Karakat.
9. Argo.
10. Shaman.
11. Lesnik et al.

Production of the Karakat-ZIS 5 series is carried out in Vologda. The model is considered the cheapest alternative to the Sherpa and is reminiscent in design of a classic breaker machine.

Argo all-terrain vehicles have been produced in Canada since 1967. They are characterized by good maneuverability and the ability to operate in any conditions. There are modifications with 6 and 8 wheels or models on tracks. The machine is suitable for movement on difficult surfaces and is widely used by hunters, geologists, fans of fishing and other outdoor activities.

The Shaman model is an off-road amphibious vehicle built on low-pressure tires. It is produced at. The lower part of the body is made like a boat. The device can develop significant speed on water due to the rotation of wheels or a propeller. The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine from Iveco with a capacity of 146 hp. With. and works in 6 gears. The dimensions of the machine allow it to move both off-road and on thin ice or public roads.

Lesnik is a universal wheeled all-terrain vehicle, which is produced by the brand of the same name. Wheel sizes are determined by the version and are 1300 or 1600 mm. Special equipment is used to transport heavy loads and people in snowy, swampy or rough terrain. The all-terrain vehicle is adapted to difficult climates and unfavorable weather.

Another analogue for Sherpa is Vityaz, which is a two-link all-terrain vehicle on tracks. With its help, it is possible to travel long distances, delivering goods and people to remote regions of Siberia and the Far East.

Advantages

All three models go on sale with high-quality cutting accessories (bar and chain) from Oregon, the world's largest manufacturer of these products.

Despite their domestic purpose, Alpina chainsaws have a number of functions and design features inherent in professional models. In addition to automatic dosage of oil supply to the cutting set depending on the speed, they provide manual adjustment of the oil supply.

This function, which is rarely found on household chainsaws, allows you to save oil consumption by reducing the flow to the optimum. In the cold season, when the oil becomes viscous and there is not enough oil supplied, on the contrary, it is possible to increase the supply.

The tire is mounted not on one stud with a nut, like many household models, but on two, like professional ones. One attachment point is always and everywhere a little “spinner”. Two points fix the bar more precisely; it does not stick with its nose and does not rise during operation, weakening the chain. And tightening with two nuts provides a tighter fastening.

Alpina engines have standard carburetors from Walbro, which is considered one of the world's best manufacturers.

Alpina also has the ability to switch to optimal operating modes depending on the season by switching the “winter-summer” modes. Winter mode involves heating the carburetor using heat from the running engine.

These models have other good qualities that can be called advantages. But these are not advantages over chainsaws of other brands. Almost all modern chainsaws have such functions. Namely:

• vibration damping system;
• safety systems (chain catcher, brake);
• primer (suction) for manual fuel pumping to facilitate starting a cold engine.

All-terrain vehicle configurations

Today, the all-terrain vehicle is produced at the Obukhov plant in St. Petersburg in two configurations.

The basic “Standard” package is available with a fabric awning, wheel caps, three batteries, halogen optics, extra-durable body paint, a liquid interior heater and heat and noise insulation of the engine compartment.

The Kung package is distinguished by a warm, transformable soft interior. 6 people can move around in it, and two people can sleep comfortably at full height.

Additional options that can be equipped with an all-terrain vehicle at the buyer's request are LED headlights, an air heater, a 60 A generator, additional fuel tanks and a single-axle trailer on which the all-terrain vehicle can be transported over long distances.

For the Sherp all-terrain vehicle, the price ranges from 3.85 to 4.1 million rubles. depending on the configuration without additional options.

Types and models of Alpina snowmobile

Immediately after entering the market, snowmobiles from this manufacturer were able to win the hearts of many users of such equipment. Despite the fact that the young company currently only has two models, many people already know and love it.

Externally, Sherpa and SuperClass snowmobiles are very similar, but their technical characteristics differ. The main difference will be the number of passengers and comfort during movement. Next it is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on each of the models.

SuperClass

You can distinguish this Alpina model from Sherpa not only visually, the engine and tracks are also different. SuperClass is more suitable for windy walks on virgin snow; in addition, you can attach a sled and give a ride to a couple more people.

The double caterpillar made it possible to reduce the pressure on the snow cover, due to this the snowmobile moves quickly and smoothly. The Hirth engine produces excellent performance even at low speeds, so the additional weight of 250-300 kg is not at all a burden for the snowmobile.

Sherpa

An all-terrain vehicle of this type simply amazes with its dimensions; it is characterized by the power of a real beast and an impressive appearance. We can say with complete confidence that this technique will amaze everyone who loves snowmobiles.

Manufacturers call this model a snow giant among themselves; this name was not given to it in vain. Rescuers in the mountains, police officers and foresters who work in the mountains, and service personnel at ski resorts in different countries cannot do without this snowmobile.

In addition to the driver, this type of snowflake can accommodate three more passengers; in addition, a sled can be attached to the vehicle and luggage or another 6-8 people can be placed there.

The power model from Alpin will climb a steep mountain without any problems, the 4-stroke engine from Peugeot will help with this. Judging by all the characteristics, it is already clear that this model is more work than pleasure.

Alpina Sherpa 1.6L Series

Snowmobiles Sherpa 1.6 l Ti-VCT 16-valve, although not so “nimble”, pleasantly amaze with their dimensions, power and attractive appearance. Many experts call this model a “snow giant” due to its truly colossal dimensions.

In general, this model was created as a working all-terrain vehicle to perform tasks in impassable terrain (servicing ski resorts, for foresters, rescuers and police officers working in harsh snowy conditions).

Even the large-sized Arctic Cat and Polaris look like children's bicycles against the background of the Sherpa - in order to get behind the wheel of a snowmobile, you have to climb on it rather than sit on it.

Its capacity is also pleasantly pleasing - if an average snowmobile can take 2-3 people on board, then 4 riders in the Sherpa are not a problem at all.

The driver and rider sit next to each other, and two additional seats are installed on the rear platform.

If you plan to transport people in snowy off-road conditions, you can purchase a special sled (produced specifically for the series) that can accommodate 12 people.

From the outside, this snowmobile makes a very strong impression and catches the eye no worse than a brand new Ferrari.

The dashboard is designed to be as convenient as possible for the driver: there are sensors that notify about engine overheating, transmission overload, etc.

The power unit is tuned for extreme travel mode - the Sherpa can climb very steep slopes that ordinary snowmobiles simply cannot handle.

As the “heart” of the snowmobile, Italian engineers chose a 4-stroke Peugeot 206 engine, which is electrically heated from the home network.

For comfortable trips, the driver's seat is also heated, which is undoubtedly convenient in the conditions of the far north and highlands.

Along with the snowmobile, there is a set of additional equipment for various purposes - a ski track layer, sled, additional seats, meadows (rotation protection), etc.

Sherpa has proven itself in rescue and search operations in the mountains . With such equipment it is quite easy to move even through deep snowdrifts and transport a lot of equipment and groups of search engines.

According to many snowmobile enthusiasts, such vehicles are intended more for work than for pleasure trips.

Video

Main features of the snowmobile:

1. Customizable steering column that can be adapted to a specific driver
2. Sports rear suspension SC-5U, developed exclusively for this snowmobile. With such a chassis you can, without fear, overcome snow-covered trails of various types
3. The front telescopic suspension of the LTS has high levels of rigidity, and allows you to move through deep snowdrifts. A car with such a suspension can move over rough terrain
4. Wide tracks for increased maneuverability
5. Halogen light optics
6. Multifunction center consisting of digital instruments with gauges (includes speedometer, tachometer and odometer)
7. Proprietary Synchromesh gearbox, adapted to heavy loads. The gearbox has only two forward and one reverse speeds, which ensure smooth running regardless of external climatic and road factors.
8. The machine is equipped with thin and narrow Pilot DS2 skis of its own design. Such skis are characterized by high strength, rigidity and high maneuverability. In addition, the use of such skis had a positive effect on handling and maneuverability. The lower gear made it possible to expand the possibilities of using the snowmobile and made it more versatile.
9. A high windshield that plays a protective role. It protects against strong winds in mountainous conditions.

The potential of the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 snowmobile is so high that it can be compared to a reliable off-road vehicle, ready to conquer any heights. The car is very stable and safe, it is ideal for recreation, hunting and extreme adventures. Moreover, this device is adapted to such conditions and is a reliable assistant that can help you get out of any off-road situation.

Apparatus for laying routes

STILL in the showroom, I noticed a strange contraption, the purpose of which I immediately understood: judging by the characteristic drawbar, it should have been attached to the “Alpina Sherpa”. But why is it unclear... The mysterious device resembled a cartoon seen in the magazine “America” back in Soviet times. The drawing, with crude American humor, hinted at the speed with which roads are being built in the United States. On it, a huge car, as if it had escaped from a horror film, mowed down forests, fields and mountains with huge knives and pincer jaws on its way, and behind this outlandish mechanism a ready-made highway stretched out. The mysterious trailer for the Sherpa looked vaguely like that car. It is also designed for creating routes. Just not asphalt, but snow.

We barely dragged the track paver to the snowmobile. The mechanism is heavy not only because at its base lies a massive metal plate with thin strips cut at the bottom. Thanks to them, the piste paver leaves a beautiful “corduroy” trail on the compacted snow. The solid mass is also determined by... its own motor. The engine, through special eccentrics, causes the plate to vibrate and compact the snow even harder. The route paver is useful if you need to lay out a route in deep snow for skiing or regular snowmobiling.

…The second meeting with the “Alpina Sherpa” finally convinced me that this is a snowmobile not so much for recreation as for business.
It is not for nothing that in Europe Alpina products are bought mainly by ski resorts and hotels lost in the mountains. However, such a device would also not hurt in a vast country estate near Moscow. If only you are ready to pay for the “Sherpa” the amount corresponding to the price of three prestigious tourist snowmobiles. Author Vyacheslav KITSIS Edition Klakson No. 2 2005

Appearance

At the entrance to the Bike Land motorcycle showroom there is a huge round podium. In the summer, flagship Suzuki motorcycles flaunt here, but now something towered here... A mutant snowmobile. Snowmobile "Schwarzenegger". Next to the monumental Alpina Sherpa, the not-so-small tourist Polaris looks like a pygmy. The Italian apparatus is truly huge. Among other snowmobiles, it stands tall like an American truck tractor in a line of passenger cars. You don’t sit in the driver’s seat, but climb up as if onto a captain’s bridge, stepping over the surrounding saddle-deck along the way.

The extensive “deck” is lined with corrugated aluminum to prevent boots from slipping. It allows you to transport a load, a considerable one, or several people at once. Regular snowmobiles, let me remind you, can only carry a driver and a passenger. For the Sherpa, three additional passenger seats are available as an option, which are installed at the stern.

There are an infinite number of life situations in which Sherpa can be useful:

• Delivery of rescuers to the scene of any incident;
• Transporting an injured skier or snowboarder;
• Towing a group of skiers who prefer to ski in wild places not equipped with lifts;
• Laying trails for cross-country skiers or sports snowmobiles through deep snowdrifts.

The Sherpa is especially good at overcoming difficult winter off-road conditions with snow piles, since, unlike traditional snowmobiles, the vehicle has not one, but two tracks. Their total width is one meter! Therefore, the vehicle demonstrates a record low ground pressure (only 27 g/cm2) and calmly rolls through snowdrifts where other snowmobiles simply fall through.

In the world of snow riding equipment, there are no motors capable of propelling such a hulk. Solving this problem, Italian engineers acted simply and elegantly - they took a car engine that is well known to us from the Peugeot 206. This is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline power unit with a capacity of 75 horsepower. Its torque, by snowmobile standards, is enormous - 101 Nm. No other snowmobile can boast such traction. According to modern environmental laws, the engine is equipped with a catalyst and meets the Euro-3 standard in terms of exhaust purity.

The snowmobile is produced individually and it is quite difficult to buy it in Russia not used. There is no question of any mass production, so the Sherpa is quite expensive - the price of a new snowmobile in Italy is $35,000.

Cost of Alpina snowmobiles

It’s difficult to call vehicles from this manufacturer budget, and at the first glance at the unit it becomes clear that it cannot be cheap.

For new models in showrooms they will ask:

• SuperClass at least 1.35 million rubles;
• Sherpa will be more expensive, less than 2.6 million rubles. he can't be found.

It is difficult to find private advertisements for a used vehicle, but even in this case the cost will not be much lower.

Alpina snowmobiles are distinguished by their endurance and power. They are not purchased for walking; these are more working models, purchased for transporting goods and passengers over considerable distances.

Snow sport

Packed snow is the element of sports snowmobiles

They are more maneuverable, faster and, most importantly, more reliable than utilitarian ones. There are half as many parts that come into direct physical contact with the surface - there is only one caterpillar! To improve dynamic characteristics, these cars are often deprived of most of the “comfort” elements.

They only have one seat, no electric starter and no reverse gear. Light alloy materials are used in the design. Narrow and short propellers provide sports models with motorcycle dynamics - a speed of 100 km/h develops in 3.5 seconds!

And the maximum speed of some snow motorcycles can reach 200 km/h. However, you can’t drive such cars in the forest - they get stuck even in shallow snow. One of the brightest representatives of snow athletes is the Arctic Cat ZR 9000 137 Thundercat, equipped with a liter turbocharged engine that produces 180 hp. With. at 8500 rpm! For stand-up riding, the snowmobile's handlebars easily adjust to the up position on 14cm aluminum spacers, and the ergonomics of the saddle allow the rider to hang easily and quickly when turning or performing tricks. The price of such a snowmobile in Russia is 1,429,000 rubles.

Features of Alpina chainsaws

Alpina is not a trendsetter in this area; its models lack know-how, the latest solutions and fundamentally new functions. The manufacturer follows the beaten path, which has its advantages: there are no crude components or parts, everything has been tested by time and extensive practical operation in many countries of the world.

Alpina chainsaw range

Unlike other manufacturers, who can present up to 15 models on the market at the same time, Alpina produces chainsaws only for domestic use and occupies the most popular “golden mean” with three models of average technical and price characteristics.

Chainsaw Alpina A3700

Recommended for household use. The lightest, lightest and most economical of the Alpina range:

• power 1.6 hp or 1.2 kW;
• engine combustion chamber volume 37.2 cc;
• petrol tank capacity 310 ml or 0.31 l;
• oil tank capacity for chain lubrication is 210 ml or 0.21 l;
• tire length 35 cm;
• number of links in the chain 50;
• bar groove width (thickness of chain guide segments) 1.3 mm;
• chain pitch in inches 3/8 (0.375);
• idle speed 3200/min;
• weight 4.5 kg;
• prices at the beginning of 2021 - 8700-9700 rubles.

Review of the Alpina A3700 chainsaw, equipment and assembly of the tool, incl. installation and tension of the chain are presented in the video:

Chainsaw Alpina A4000

Recommended for household use. In this segment, the average power is:

• power 2 hp or 1.47 kW;
• engine combustion chamber volume 40.1 cc;
• petrol tank capacity 310 ml or 0.31 l;
• oil tank capacity for chain lubrication is 210 ml or 0.21 l;
• tire length 40 cm;
• number of links in the chain 56;
• bar groove width (thickness of chain guide segments) 1.3 mm;
• chain pitch in inches 3/8 (0.375);
• idle speed 3200/min;
• weight 4.6 kg;
• prices at the beginning of 2021 - 8800 -9800 rubles.

Review from Victor, Kursk. The chainsaw is neat, no burrs on the plastic, everything is tight, I checked all the fasteners myself. Comfortable and lightweight. It starts up well and runs smoothly. At idle it does not stall, it reacts to gas as expected and develops speed. So far I'm happy.

Chainsaw Alpina A4500

The most powerful of the proposed model range. Recommended for home use, but in terms of power it belongs to the semi-professional class:

• power 2.45 hp or 1.8 kW;
• engine combustion chamber volume 45 cc;
• petrol tank capacity 550 ml or 0.55 l;
• oil tank capacity for chain lubrication is 260 ml or 0.26 l;
• tire length 45 cm;
• number of links in the chain 72;
• bar groove width (thickness of chain guide segments) 1.5 mm;
• chain pitch in inches 3/8 (0.375);
• idle speed 3200/min;
• weight 5.3 kg;
• prices at the beginning of 2021 - 9,000-10,000 rubles.

Review from Fedor, Voronezh. The old pine from the broken barn is sawn like butter. The main thing is not to hit the nail. The thick trunk of a pear, and this is one of the hardest species, like bone, saws freely, there is enough power. But here you need to make sure that the chain is sharp.

It is characteristic that the prices for all three models do not differ much, despite significant differences in power. The weight of the first two models is almost the same, as are the volumes of the filling containers. The latest model has increased capacities and is heavier, but only slightly.

Common noun

Sherpa - what is it? In the first of the common nouns, it is still not “what”, but “who”. A Sherpa is a person who makes a path for someone. This definition appeared in the 19th century, when English expeditions needed porters and guides to explore the Himalayas. The hardy and courageous Sherpas were ideally suited for this role.

This small people lives at the foot of Chomolungma and in Khumbu on the border with Tibet, at an altitude of 3000-4000 meters above sea level. The Sherpas came to these areas from Eastern Tibet. The name of this people is Tibetan and means “man from the east.”

In Nepal, Sherpas are engaged in cattle breeding and agriculture, and in India - trade and still climb mountain peaks as porters and guides.

SuperClass Series

If we compare the model range with the Sherpa, then in addition to the size, the SuperClass differs in the engine and type of tracks. Due to the double track, the SuperClass Mk2 Xtreme model has excellent grip on snow. Italian developers know a lot about mechanics and engineering. The designers managed to achieve extremely low snow pressure - only 23 g/cm2!

This model is simply created for traveling across virgin lands with the breeze.

If you pay attention to the body, you will immediately notice a large amount of Kevlar and nylon - the creators have made the design as light as possible in order to create a powerful and passable snowmobile. The model is equipped with a Hirth engine that produces amazing power even at low speeds

The model is equipped with a Hirth engine that produces amazing power even at low speeds.

Do you want to go for a ride and please your loved ones? Attach a sled to it and take the whole family for a ride - the snowmobile will pull several people without any problems. SuperClass models can easily pull 250-300 kg of weight!

Price policy

As for the cost, the ALPINA model range can hardly be called budget. Thus, the average cost of a SuperClass Mk2 Xtreme snowmobile is about 1.35 million rubles, while the cost of an Alpina Sherpa 1.6L Ti-VCT 16-valve reaches 2.6 million rubles.

Despite its low price, the Suzuki Bandit GSF 400 will be the best option for experienced motorcycle enthusiasts.

Are you interested in what is the top speed of the Kawasaki Ninja 300? Then this bike review is for you.

Snowmobile Lynx 69 Ranger Alpine 1200 4TEC 2021

Description of the model “Snowmobile Lynx 69 Ranger Alpine 1200 4TEC 2020”

The 69 Ranger Alpine is a snowmobile designed for use in the most challenging conditions. Class-leading payload capacity and durable suspension make this model the ultimate workhorse for tough jobs. Equipped with a 600 mm wide track and a Rotax 1200R 4-TEC engine. Peculiarities:

• Box with gear ratios
• Rear suspension PPS-6900-F
• Preparation for installation of ALPINE accessories
• This 130 hp ROTAX 1200 4-TEC engine gives you complete control over any trail. The iTC Electronic Throttle provides three different riding modes (ECO, Standard and Sport) and a Learning Key function.
• L-XU platform. The rugged chassis withstands harsh operating conditions without fatigue. The angled tunnel allows for a narrower seat and fuel tank, which provides a natural riding position despite the wide track.
• The low gear ratios of the two-speed gearbox make it easier to pull heavy loads and ride over difficult terrain.
• The cooling system, consisting of a radiator with an electric fan, allows you to maintain optimal engine temperature when driving at low speeds.
• Modular seat 1+1. You can determine and quickly change the seating capacity of your sled without any special tools: a two-seat sled with small cargo space or a single-seater with huge cargo space.
• Electric starter. Start the snowmobile with the electric starter button.
• Thanks to the super wide track (600 mm), the snowmobile remains very stable.

Characteristics:

• Engine ROTAX 1200 4-TEC
• Volume, cubic cm 1170.7
• Number of cylinders 3
• Type Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC, dry sump
• EFI fuel system
• Steering wheel: Steel steering wheel with handles, 205 mm steering wheel spacer, handrail
• Windshield High (510 mm), solid
• Rear view mirror Additional equipment
• Heated handles Standard
• Electric starter Standard
• Passenger seat/backrest Double
• Digital information center Multifunctional
• eDrive II drive pulley
• Driven pulley QRS SS
• Reverse Mechanical
• Brake system Hydraulic brakes with reinforced steel brake hoses, plastic master cylinder
• Caterpillar, mm 3968
• Fuel tank, l. 40
• Ski base, mm 1102 (-42)
• Ski type Blade XC
• Grouser height, mm 32 Ice Ripper (studded)
• Height with windshield, mm 1400
• Width/length, mm 1290 / 3280
• Number of seats 2
• Front suspension type A-LFS
• Front suspension shock absorbers HPG 36
• Rear suspension type PPS-6900-F
• Rear suspension shock absorbers (front/rear) HPG 36
• Color White/Orange

“Alpina Sherpa” is not so much for relaxation as for business

“Is there a D category for driving a bus?” the photographer inquired ironically while I was putting on the helmet. There was only a grain of joke in this joke: I had to take eleven people to a snowy field near the Bike Land salon at once! Don't believe me? Count for yourself..

The optional three-abreast rear seat makes the Alpina a one-of-a-kind five-passenger snowmobile (a standard motorcycle-style seat accommodates driver and passenger). The optional seats are soft and comfortable enough to last a long drive. They are equipped with seat belts, and the crew is covered by a safety bar on top. In a pinch, the snowmobile can carry half a dozen more people. However, they will have to stand on a wide platform surrounding the saddle. Thus, “Sherpa” can be considered the only eleven-seater snowmobile of its kind, worthy of inclusion in the Guinness Book of Records.

However, our case was far from “extreme,” so the remaining six people were accommodated in a passenger trailer: two rows of three seats, belts, and roll bars. The trailer is also available as optional equipment. Having put the photographer behind the wheel of a snowmobile, I took a ride in this huge sleigh. The smoothness of the ride was amazing, as if in a luxury car with air suspension! I was so surprised by the softness with which the trailer overcame bumps and holes that I ordered our “snow train” to stop and began to study the design. It is not as simple as it seemed at first glance: spherical rubber buffers are installed between the steel skis and the sled itself. They act as both springs and shock absorbers at the same time.

I change into the saddle and increase the gas. The “snow train” easily takes off, although the load is under a ton! It is no coincidence that the creators of “Sherpa” equipped the snowmobile with a car engine that has a solid reserve of traction. The gasoline engine, well known from the Peugeot 206, produces 75 hp with a volume of 1.4 liters. It rotates two tracks (most modern snowmobiles have only one), which provide extremely low ground pressure; the almost half-ton machine feels quite confident in deep, loose snow. The speed of “Sherpa” is relatively low (about 40-50 km/h), but it is not afraid of large snowdrifts and almost vertical climbs.

Equipment

When you start to carefully study the snowmobile, you realize that most of the components were created under the same motto: “We will make it as reliable as possible!” . For example, the powerful belt of a classic variator seems indestructible thanks to the TCMS device. This is a traction control system that simply won't allow you to burn the belt in difficult conditions. The automatic system will not allow you to skid in vain, and, if necessary, it will reduce the engine speed. When I was pulling four skiers up the slope, I forgot to downshift. A warning signal immediately sounded and a message appeared on the dashboard: Turn on the step-down.

After unhooking the skiers, I decided to try how the Sherpa behaves in fast turns and, of course, I pressed the accelerator trigger hard. As soon as the snowmobile picked up a decent speed, the automation alarmed again: Engage the overdrive gear. It must be said that fast turns should be taken very carefully. If you are greedy with speed and the snowmobile starts to fall on its side, only a miracle will save you from capsizing. The weight of the device is more than half a ton. Against this background, the weight of the driver himself is lost, and many of the usual control techniques, such as hanging from the Sherpa’s steering wheel, are simply meaningless.

All snowmobile systems are under constant control of the driver. A drop in oil level, cooling fans clogged with snow - these and many other critical situations are instantly displayed on the dashboard. The high-power battery guarantees reliable starting in any frost. A towbar and a pre-heater designed for connection to a 220-volt network are included in the standard equipment of a winter motorcycle.

The Alpina Sherpa's fuel capacity rivals that of a car—the container hidden under the saddle holds 50 liters of gasoline. As the manufacturer promises, this is enough for four to eight hours of driving, depending on the speed. A snowmobile does not belong to the category of high-speed ones. The maximum speed is 40-50 km/h, you simply won’t be able to go any further. But in the Alpina saddle, huge snowdrifts and almost vertical climbs seem like trivial obstacles. He overcomes everything slowly and confidently. This is how Sherpa caravans lift loads on foot to the very peaks of the Himalayas.

Advantages of Alpina Sherpa snowmobile models

The Alpina Sherpa snowmobile is superior in technical characteristics to many similar units. This is the main explanation for why this particular model is most often used by ski resort personnel to maintain ski slopes and during rescue operations of varying complexity. Advantages over others:

• engine power;
• high cross-country ability;
• spaciousness, up to 12 people can move at a time;
• the ability to climb even the highest and steepest mountains without any problems;
• comfortable heated seats for both driver and passengers;
• the ability to attach a sled with seats;
• instrument panel with notifications in case of failure of any of the components.

The appearance of the snowmobile speaks for itself; next to it, the rescue models from Yamaha and Polaris look like smaller brothers.

Technical characteristics of Alpina models

Alpina snowmobiles are often used in rescue operations due to their ability to transport a rescue team and equipment over sufficient distances. This is facilitated by the following technical characteristics:

Based on the comparative characteristics, the differences between the two models are immediately visible.