Tayga Patrul SWT is a high-tech snowmobile from a Russian developer, which is considered one of the best companies in the country for the production of such machines. We are talking about, which has released a product that is balanced in all respects and meets most of the requirements of professional users. The model in question turned out to be very successful and richly equipped. In addition, it is accessible to the most ordinary consumer, since it is aimed at the mass user. At the same time, if desired, you can equip the machine with additional options designed to increase the manufacturability and functionality of the device. The model under consideration is characterized by high performance characteristics and reliability. Please note that the Taiga Patrol 551 SWT snowmobile does not have any difficulties on its way. In other words, the machine is well adapted to harsh climatic zones, including the frosty northern regions of Russia. At the same time, the snowmobile will please its owner with good dynamics and a high maximum speed, and in terms of its acceleration capabilities it is no worse than its imported counterparts. To simplify the operation and maintenance of the snowmobile, the developer equipped it with separate lubrication, and to increase the power reserve and the ability to cover long distances, the snowmobile received a spacious fuel tank with a volume of 55 liters. The capacity of the oil tank is 2.5 liters. The Taiga Patrol 551 SWT snowmobile is equipped with a telescopic ski suspension, the feature of which is increased travel, up to 150 mm. Thanks to this, it was possible to minimize the car getting stuck in loose snow. Due to the long-travel suspension, the vehicle has a greater chance of getting out of a ditch or deep rut. In addition, for the sake of protection from damage, the suspension was significantly strengthened, and thereby adapted it to the most severe and extreme conditions. In addition, the developers have well-developed the rear suspension, the stiffness of which can be adjusted. This feature allows the snowmobile to move with maximum comfort on smooth and level roads, as well as deep snowdrifts.
The snowmobile of the same name attracts not only its off-road capabilities, but its high level of practicality. For example, let's pay attention to the two-level seat, which can accommodate two people, including the driver. Moreover, for safety reasons, the car is equipped with handles for all two passengers. If necessary, you can turn on the heated handles. There is also a function for heating the gas trigger, which is very important in harsh times of the year. The basic package includes a tow bar and a hydraulic brake. These components provide effective braking and the ability to tow heavy cargo containers.
Another feature of the Russian machine is its operation at low and above-zero temperatures. Especially for this purpose, the power unit of the Taiga Patrol 551 SWT snowmobile is equipped with liquid cooling, which prevents the engine from overheating. And in case of frosty weather, a pre-heater and an electric starter are provided, ensuring the start and operation of the internal combustion engine for many hours without any problems.
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The standard configuration of the Taiga Patrol 551 SWT snowmobile includes the following options:
- Reinforced telescopic suspension with a wide track, the dimensions of which are 600 mm wide. This significantly increased cross-country ability.
- A two-seater seat layout that is equipped with a backrest and handles for both driver and passenger. Under the driver's side seat there is a luggage compartment into which dust or moisture does not get in thanks to the high-quality sealing of the compartment in which you can transport a variety of items - accessories, personal items, fishing and hunting equipment, spare parts, a fuel canister, a battery, etc. .
- Electric starter and emergency engine start system
- A gearbox with a low gear, which is designed for towing heavy cargo containers. The “lower” can also be used when climbing slopes.
- High windshield made of highly durable and flexible plastic. The high glass prevents cold wind from passing through and preventing it from hitting the driver's face.
- Powerful lighting technology at the front and rear, providing the ability to move in harsh weather conditions, as well as at night. The front part has halogen light optics with an FF reflector. At the rear there is an LED headlight with a bright light beam. This flashlight shines very brightly and is maximally protected from vibrations that occur when driving on uneven roads.
- A towbar that can be used to tow a 500-kilogram load.
Specifications
- Length – 2950 mm
- Width to body – 1150 mm
- Maximum height of the snowmobile – 1460 mm
- Ski track width – 960 mm
- Drawer dimensions, mm: Length/Width/Height: 3080/1190/1200
- Front suspension – telescopic, with 150 mm travel
- Rear suspension – slide, with a stroke of 190 mm
- Front shock absorbers, pcs. – 2
- Front and rear shock absorbers (type) – hydropneumatic monotube
- Propulsion - caterpillar type, with front sprockets
- Caterpillars, pcs. - 1
- Tension mechanism – screw
- Caterpillar belt – reinforced, rubber-fabric
- Track length/width – 3937/600 mm
- Height of lugs – 22 mm
- Transmission – CVT, with modes “forward”, “down”, “backwards”, “neutral”
- Brakes – disc, hydraulic
- Electric starter - yes
- Carburetor power system - yes
- Ignition system – capacitive programmable CDI
- Lubrication system – joint, with oil and gasoline
- Machine weight – 320 kg
- Fuel tank (volume) – 55 l
- Oil tank (volume) – 2.5 l
- Intake - reed valve
- Exhaust – muffler with resonator
- Layout – double
- Speed – 80 km/h
Basic options: electric start, reverse, heated steering wheel grips and gas trigger, high windshield, passenger backrest, tow bar, speedometer and odometer.
Practical reviews on the operation of the Taig snowmobile
Popular opinion about the Taiga snowmobile.
You have decided to buy a Taiga snowmobile.
But before buying a snowmobile, you still want to ask for opinions from people who already own snowmobiles. We looked through many forums of snowmobile enthusiasts and compiled a list of comments with both positive and negative reviews. When reading, please note that snowmobile owners do not write phrases in their reviews: “Don’t buy Taiga”, “Buran”, “don’t buy Ski-Doo”. From this follows the conclusion: “to buy or not to buy a snowmobile, any of the manufacturers of snowmobile equipment, everyone decides for himself. As tasks are presented to the selected snowmobile, the requirements for it during operation increase. So, if for some it is enough to just ride across the field with their family, then for others it is necessary to hunt further in the taiga in difficult terrain or overcome mountainous terrain. In this article, we will provide reviews from snowmobile owners who have practical experience in operating domestic snowmobiles in different parts of the country, testing their operation in various weather conditions and sharing how “Taiga” and “Buran” cope with the tasks assigned to them. Leonid, Republic of Mordovia. “The Taiga in the fifth configuration has been in operation for four seasons. Satisfied with almost everything. Fuel consumption is 30-35 liters per hundred kilometers. The cross-country ability is excellent. A small shrub up to 7 centimeters in diameter easily crushes. 30 meters of cable and a winch can easily fit under the seat, and an ax is also there. “Slusa” easily tolerates water with ice and snow.” Sergey, Novosibirsk. “I decided to go around the stream - I slid onto its side - I stopped - I saw the melted ice and the lack of snow, I thought, “I’m going to go over and I’ll fail.” In principle, that’s what happened. It was in January 2021. I unwound the winch, hooked it to the towbar from behind and behind the poplar tree, fortunately it was a meter away from me, and pulled off at full throttle. "Taiga" has excellent cross-country ability in forested areas, as well as on different terrain. But you definitely need to put a bump stop on the front. The welding of snowmobiles now is not so great.” Alexander, Arkhangelsk. “My photo clearly shows Taiga’s “landing” (the mass of the snowmobile is concentrated entirely on the skis). In large snowdrifts, the snowmobile sits down with its entire bottom and gets stuck; in order to get it out, you have to crush the snow or even turn it around with your hands and put it on the trail. But the weight of the “Buran” snowmobile is placed at a decent distance under the caterpillar engine, if you sit down, it’s enough to simply trample the snow, swing it and drive off. I have nothing against double-ski snowmobiles, but my choice was the Buran (I really like to spend the night in a warm place).” Artem, Moscow region, Domodedovo city. My Taiga has already clocked 3,000 kilometers. I am transporting a snowmobile from Domodedovo to the Rybinsk forests. I'm hunting there with a friend. In the event of a serious malfunction, you will have to leave it there. Only a ranger has a snowmobile there, if you reach it on foot 40-50 kilometers and the equipment is on the move. I made a new mixture (one carburetor, a needle on the bottom on the 2nd groove, plus oil at more than 1:40, at the moment it’s still running. If possible, I put under the seat everything that could be useful for repairs. For minor repairs over several years of operation, I replaced a lot of things. But it’s good, at least not while hunting, but at the dacha (while riding through the fields). I come hunting a couple of times a year. Of course, there’s a desire for a foreigner to take it, but I’m not yet ready to throw away a certain amount of money. The taiga is currently completely satisfied with all its shortcomings. Stanislav, Perm region. “The taiga moves freely on loose snow with two people on board. At the same time, consuming approximately 25 liters per 80 kilometers.” Denis, Sakhalin. “There is a risk of returning home on skis or on foot.” Mikhail, Kemerovo region, Novokuznetsk. "I'll get into the conversation. This weekend we decided to conduct a test drive with the participation of snowmobiles: Taiga, Yamaha-Viking, Yamaha-Bravo. All models were previously run-in. We filled a full tank of gas on the one we came across along the way gas station, two friends and I set off to conquer the forest in a great mood. After driving 300 meters Bravo stood up. They tried to resuscitate him for more than an hour, but they did not come to the root of the problem. They attached it to Taiga and transported it home. While they were dragging Bravo, the Viking stood up and was also dragged to the house on the Taiga. The cause of the malfunction turned out to be common - gasoline, water. We connected a canister of proven gasoline as a tank, and the snowmobiles started up. We drained the tanks and filled them with new gasoline, the Yamahas started working as normal. By the way, gasoline was not replaced in Taiga. To check the proper condition of the equipment and prepare for the next weekend, I rode all three. My conclusions: Bravo, like a moped, sits too low. It doesn't pick up speed beyond 60 kilometers. On loose snow, with a large weight of a friend, the snowmobile moved confidently - the snowmobile is light. There is no reverse gear; you can turn the snowmobile around by hand, without much effort. The cost is less than Taiga. Viking: The landing is high - it shakes, the speed is no more than Taiga, if you sit on it, you won’t be able to pull it out without outside help. According to the test, I liked the Taiga with the usual configuration (starter, one carburetor, no separate oil supply). Excellent copy of Ski-Doo. There is no desire to spend money on the original; Taiga is an excellent choice as a budget snowmobile.” Evgeniy, Yakutia. “The Taiga snowmobile has many disadvantages compared to Buran. I will list them below. Less engine thrust (you can compare the piston group.) Therefore, when driving at high speeds, in most cases we get overheating. Complex adjustments.
- The very inconvenient arrangement of attachments (body kit and location) of the engine makes the usual replacement of the CVT belt problematic (not enough space), not to mention carburetor adjustment with 2 Mikuni on a running engine.
- There are a lot of plastic and rubber parts, at minus 40, it is impossible to use a blowtorch to start the engine.
- It’s hard to climb uphill and has difficulty overcoming sharp climbs and steep descents – it blows away. The distribution of weight over the caterpillar and two ski tracks ensures the stability of the snowmobile, but tilting is difficult.
- Has poor traction force.
- Picky about fuel.
- The windshield is low and does not protect the driver from snow and wind.
- The open chassis does not protect against the ingress of dead wood and oncoming debris, etc. Plus, when driving on ice, it is much better than the open one of Buran.
- While refueling in a strong wind, Taiga's entire seat was doused with gasoline.
- The heating of the steering wheel immediately failed, the rear mudguard flew off, as when reversing in a snowdrift it was pulled up under the caterpillar, the spark plug tip was broken, the standard Taiga tow bar had worn out an earring on the sled carrier over 600 kilometers.
- Large dimensions require more rolled out and wider tracks, which is not relevant for Buran.
- Higher cost.
Common disadvantages that complicate the operation of the Taiga snowmobile in the Sakha Republic are given. Buran is capable of moving with a working, one right cylinder with one moving caterpillar." Dmitry, Volgograd. Let's object.
- “Strange judgment. In extreme cases, it is possible to engage a lower gear. Heating occurs only in people with crooked hands. A lot of devices have been developed to take readings of the engine heating temperature.
- I don’t think it’s more difficult than Buran’s.
- Don't make snowmobilers laugh. If you don’t know, then you shouldn’t write any heresy. The adjustment is excellent. Replacing the variator belt takes no more than 2-5 minutes.
- I haven’t used it, I can’t say anything.
- The snowmobile's lean control depends on the spacer between the seat and handlebars.
- I don’t argue, but a lower gear is also intended.
- The choice of fuel these days is varied. For the wilderness, I think this is an important criterion.
- Glass actually needs more.
- What do you mean by "open"? Does your Buran have protective covers? I hunt in the forest and have no problems with dead wood. Pay attention to point 6.
- I don't think this creates any problems.
- As for the towbar, it is used according to the instructions, not according to your needs. There is a government attached to my mudguard. number, not lost or bent. The other spare parts you listed are consumables and you shouldn’t pay much attention to them.
- The Taiga's dimensions are normal for use in forest clearings; in the forest itself it drives excellently. Of course, it’s a little wider than Buran, but the handling is much better.
- The difference in price between Taiga and Buran is not too great.
- From everything you have listed, the conclusion follows: I am the smartest and move on Buran, the rest of the Taiga are just suckers.”
Yuri, Sverdlovsk region, Verkhnyaya Pyshma city. “Good afternoon, forum members! "My dream has come true." Having asked questions and received answers to them in the topic: “I wish to ride a snowmobile and hunt” and got acquainted with the topic “Snowmobile for hunting” I still bought the Taiga in the fifth configuration. The dealer reduced the price when bidding on a snowmobile and delivered it to the place for a certain payment. I took it for a ride right away. Winter -7, excellent. To begin with, I drove through the streets of the village to get an initial acquaintance with the car. I put the equipment in the garage. I checked the tightness of nuts, electrical connectors, bolts, hoses and pipe connections. Almost everything is normal. I went outside again, but into a field in the snow. I experienced the controls and how to move around. I decided to try moving through large drifts and looser snow. When running in, I don’t give it full throttle; I dug in full throttle several times. The snowmobile got trampled and got out. I came to the conclusion that the technique respects agility and then runs perfectly. The steering was a little disappointing; it requires specific steering, so I got used to it. I took note of the ski pads, I think I need to get them. You need to tumble through loose snow, or lift your face so as not to fall through. On the second day. The snowmobile ended up spending the night in a heated garage. In the morning I drove the car to the gas station to get oil and gasoline in reserve. Temperature - 30. In Siberia, large changes in air temperature are common. I drove out of the garage onto the street, warmed up the Taiga and turned it off. The snowmobile sat for about 2 hours. I tried to start it according to the instructions, but it didn’t work. After thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that the engine was being run-in and had not gotten used to it. Gasoline with good oil, unscrewed the spark plugs and turned them to ground, the spark plugs warmed up, turned them on. Started from the starter on the first try. He rushed through my places, fields, ravines. Meanwhile, the temperature dropped to -35. If I had traveled on skis, it would have taken at least 5 hours, but on a snowmobile I flew in 30 minutes. I had no intention of hunting, my goal was to learn how to ride a snowmobile. Control on slopes is difficult, as was written in the topic, but it is possible to cope. On such terrain, I think it’s easier on one ski. But driving through the fields is a fairy tale, I didn’t try to accelerate more than 60, but there are a lot of impressions from driving in the Taiga.” Yuri, Sverdlovsk region, Verkhnyaya Pyshma city. “Greetings people! This weekend the temperature was -26, -28, I went hunting on a snowmobile for the first time. 18 days have passed since the date of purchase of the snowmobile, I drove 250 kilometers through fields and villages at temperatures from -23 to -30 (broke it in). The hunting was mainly in the pine forest. I followed the trail in Taiga after Buran. I drove through with difficulties, apparently I have little experience driving a snowmobile, but Buran definitely has a big advantage when moving through forested areas, which has been discussed a lot. I was convinced of this with my own hands. The Buran cuts with a wedge like an iron, it does not fall through, since it is made of iron, it only tears the bark off the trees. My Taiga falls over and gets caught. The conditions were definitely not suitable for running in a new snowmobile, I felt sorry for him, but he got it anyway. We drove out into the open space, then following the trail of the snowstorm stopped, and it was precisely in such terrain that my lack of experience in driving a snowmobile began to show itself. Buran made an excellent road in the forest and I followed the trail. But in the open space all the advantages of Buran over Taiga disappeared. He struggled and tried to gain speed, but it was no use. On Taiga I pressed the gas and the snowmobile easily flew onto the Glisser. Having accelerated, the Taiga became easy to control in open areas. It never became possible for me to shoot; I was fulfilling my assigned tasks. In the evening, with a glass of vodka and some meat, we sorted out all the flights, both the pros and cons. Next weekend we'll head into the forest again. Taiga hasn't brought me much trouble at the moment. The ignition switch and manual fuel pump are loose. The rubber casing of the ignition switch (which covers the cylinder from snow) completely freezes, which prevents the key from rotating independently from the “on” position. starter. There was a crack in the windshield, it looked like it had been hit by a branch. The bumper is dented in a collision with a birch tree. I won’t edit it, I’ll replace it with another one made from a steel pipe.” Igor, Moscow. “I contacted a friend and asked to make a list for the operation of his snowmobile Taiga ST-500 D in the fifth configuration. I am writing a copy of the list below verbatim: Snowmobile Taiga-500, purchased on February 11, 2008, at a price of 176 thousand rubles.
- The mileage is 650 kilometers, the variator was repaired. CVT weights 1250 rubles, plus labor 1500 rubles, equals 2750 rubles.
- Mileage 800 kilometers. Replaced transmission driven pulley 6,000 rubles, labor 700 rubles, equals 6,700 rubles.
- Mileage 1300 kilometers, piston change. Piston Austria 4000X2 plus 1200 rings, plus labor 7000 rubles, plus gaskets 600 rubles. Total: 16800 rubles.
- Mileage 2000 kilometers. The oil pump became unusable, which led to a major overhaul of the engine. 2 cylinders 7,000 rubles, plus 2 pistons 8,000 rubles, plus rings 1,200, plus crankshaft 5,000 rubles, plus bearings, gaskets, seals 2,500 rubles, plus labor 9,000 rubles. Total: 32,700 rubles.
- Mileage 2000 kilometers. Upgrade for 1 carburetor. Mikuni carburetor made in Japan diffuser for 32 6000 rubles, plus intake manifold 1500, plus carburetor muffler 2000 rubles, the work was done by myself. Total: 9500 rubles.
- Repair and purchase of small spare parts: tank cap, tee for fuel, hand pump drive, replacement with metal, throttle cable, failure of heated throttle grips, throttle grip, strengthening of the snowmobile seat body.
- Mileage 2400 kilometers. With superhuman efforts, the snowmobile was sold for 130,000 rubles on February 25, 2009. With best wishes, your friend and ally Alexey!
I ask for your advice on which snowmobile to choose from the Taiga line for hunting? I’m thinking of taking the Taiga-Patrol with a 60-centimeter track or the Taiga-Patrol 550 SWT. Which configuration is better? We don’t consider foreigners, there’s no money for them.” Dima, Minusinsk. “Foreign ones are good, of course, but the prices are steep. I chose it myself for 3 months. I bought a Taiga of the 5th configuration in January. Passed the test. No complaints yet. Replaced it, starts with half a kick at -34. Equipped with wide ski covers, now all top type. But still Buran runs through the forest as a priority. "Like an elephant in the jungle." For the needs of hunting, I think it’s enough for now, in terms of speed and power.” Igor, Moscow. “Thank you very much! I will decide. If it’s not difficult, forum members write your opinion on the comparison of Buran ADE with Taiga.” Dima, Minusinsk. “Don't thank me! You're welcome, Igor. On my first Taiga, I traveled about 10,000 kilometers through the taiga with debris from dead wood. I ride where it’s a pity for a foreigner. I went several times with people to Burany and hunted together. They transported elk meat on sledges in one trip. Everyone votes in favor of Taiga. On Buran it is inconvenient to ride standing, alone and without heated handles. I refueled before leaving and drove up to 190 kilometers, depending on travel conditions. There may be a couple of unforeseen situations.
- Don't kill Taiga in the first season. You should not, without special skills, drive into the very bowl and try to jump over dead wood at random; it is possible to cut the caterpillar on sharp fragments of branches that cannot be seen in a deep snowdrift. My first gooseneck fell into disrepair just like that.
- Plus, I bought the first model Taiga with 1 carburetor. For a friend, if he has 2, it drags worse, because setting two equally will cause great difficulties. The first cylinder is bursting at full speed, and the second is freeloading. I have friends who converted it to 1 carburetor. I’ve read many opinions that Buran is very good at repairs. But I haven’t read a single comment on how much this wonderful coolness costs.”
Valentin, Omsk. “Personally, after a long selection, I purchased the Taigu-Patrol 550 SWT. I listened to the opinions expressed, they recommended Yamaha or another foreigner. But there is no extra money, pay two or even three times more for the Japanese. Buying used snowflakes is also a dubious proposition, depending on the driving habits of the former owner. I consulted with the manager of Russian Mechanics, and he assured that Taiga is in no way inferior to Western snowmobiles. I believed it and bought it! Please don't criticize too much. I’m still new to snowmobile technology, but I hope Taiga Patrol won’t disappoint me too much.”
Engine
The machine is supplied to the market with a single motor of its own design. The RMZ-551 gasoline engine has a two-stroke design and is designed for a long service life. The diameter of each cylinder is 76 mm, the piston stroke is 61 mm. The power plant has a displacement of 553 cubic meters. cm, but at the same time has good traction characteristics. Power consists of two carburetors from the supplier company Mikuni. Liquid cooling is an integral component of the engine, operating continuously in warm or cold weather. In nominal mode, the power unit produces 60 horsepower, which is sufficient for most tasks.
How to drive a snowmobile?
Remember that exceeding the safe speed is prohibited. The driving characteristics of the snowmobile depend on the driver's position. The best position is sitting, as this is the most comfortable way to operate the machine. This method is suitable for driving on snowy roads in optimal condition. You can also drive a snowmobile half-sitting with your legs bent. Another option is to operate while standing on one knee. Driving while standing is an opportunity to clearly see the surrounding space, while the driver can change the center of gravity of the body in any direction to make driving the car comfortable.
Price
The average cost of a new Taiga Patrol 551 snowmobile on the Russian market is 410 thousand rubles for the basic configuration, and taking into account additional options, the price tag increases to 480-500 thousand rubles. Today it is possible to purchase a used car, since the model has been produced for quite a long time. So, the price range for used snowmobiles Taiga Patrol 551 is 320-435 thousand rubles. The final price depends on the year of production, options and technical condition.
Features and operating experience
It’s not often that Russian technology delights its owners. But Taiga 550 SWT destroys all stereotypes. Users appreciated the build quality, reliability and maneuverability of the device. With proper handling, the Patrol 550 will last 2-3 seasons without the slightest breakdown.
Advantages of the model:
- Powerful engine. A motor with a superwedtrack class platform is the main feature of the snowmobile.
- Load capacity. The machine is capable of towing a load weighing up to 500 kg.
- Economical. A powerful vehicle with high cross-country ability consumes only 20-22 liters of fuel per 100 km.
- Speed. The cruising speed of the domestic horse is 80 km/h, but if necessary, you can push it to 90 km/h.
- Wide track that prevents the machine from “burying” in the snow.
Considering the ratio of price and technical characteristics, you can turn a blind eye to minor shortcomings. The car lacks comfort, but what can you expect from a utilitarian snowmobile?
Reviews
- Nikolay, Leningrad region. My snowmobile has served me faithfully for more than 8 thousand kilometers. I am very pleased with the car, and have had time to get used to it. Over the entire period of operation, I mainly changed glow plugs. There were also problems with the variator belt, which had to be replaced three times. Two cooling system fan belts were also replaced. In general, that's all. The car is very high-torque and can cover long distances - this is facilitated by a capacious fuel tank. The car can tow up to 600 kg of cargo, and at the same time is capable of “dragging” two passengers, including the driver. I know that domestic cars are often criticized - but these are the people who do not want to monitor their technical condition in a timely manner. In fact, there is nothing complicated - fortunately, Taiga’s design is repairable and can be easily disassembled.
- Alexey, Belgorod. Quite powerful and comfortable all-terrain vehicle for my needs. The car accelerates to 70 km/h, but it annoys me with noise and vibrations, which I’ve almost gotten used to - I’ve only been using the device for three months. The snowmobile's handling raises criticism in terms of sharpness and precision when cornering. The connection between the steering wheel and the skis is somehow indistinct, and this feeling intensifies as the speed increases. But I hope I’ll get used to this too. I used to have a Buran snowmobile, which is rather weak compared to the Patrol, but it handles better! I don’t understand why the developers didn’t find some balance between handling and power. In addition, the Patrol snowmobile does not have any safety, except that it has a high windshield that protects my face from gusts of wind. The engine is very noisy, despite the muffler mounted on the exhaust pipe. The cooling system works efficiently and there is no overheating. I start the engine with an electric starter - it’s very fast and convenient. In general, the car is not suitable for maneuverable driving - for example, in the presence of a large number of obstacles - trees and large stones that need to be avoided. This snowmobile is more suitable for straight roads, as well as for transporting goods.