First, let's figure out what "utility snowmobile" means. This term applies to a very large number of models. Distinctive features of the technique of such a plan are resistance to active operation, that is, work under serious loads. Utility snowmobiles will drag bulky sleds and start up in any frost. The owners of such equipment rarely pay attention to the maximum speed, acceleration characteristics, comfort of the car or the presence of any additional ergonomic accessories.
As for the moments of maintainability and reliability, there are very serious requirements here than for the same ATVs, cars or any other motor vehicles, because snow cover, severe frost or short daylight hours can easily turn a small malfunction into a tragedy with human sacrifice. A man on foot overcomes deep snow in a day, whilespecial equipment goes the same way in just half an hour - that's what a utilitarian snowmobile means. The owners of the "scraps" are rangers, oil workers, reindeer herders, gas workers, as well as other people who cannot be called amateurs.
Below will be a rating of utility snowmobiles, the participants of which are popular and high-quality equipment in many respects. All models from the list are united by one main feature - they are the best. In addition, numerous tests (not only field tests) and a large number of awards at thematic exhibitions confirm the right to take pride of place in this rating. Also with this list we will answer the question of which utility snowmobile to choose.
Ranking of the best "utilities":
- Yamaha VK540 IV.
- Arctic Cat Bearcat 2000 XT.
- "Taiga Varyag 500".
Let's look at each model in more detail.
Yamaha VK540 IV – RUB 575,000
Yamaha's VK540 IV is the ultimate utility snowmobile to date. Looking at the reports on market sales, we can say that the model is in the top and is in high demand. The reasons for this success are many, with proven performance in a wide range of conditions coming first.
The model has a high-quality and reliable 535 cc two-stroke engine. The system is air-cooled and powered by a Mikuni carburetor. The engine is very easy and, most importantly, starts quickly in cold weather, moreover, as withcable understudy, and from the usual electric starter.
Snowmobile Features
The 540 can also be dubbed as the most reliable utility snowmobile thanks to its finely tuned transmission with reverse and low gearing. You can easily turn around in some narrow place or pull a sled with a decent load for several hours.
Dignity of the model:
- simplicity of design, which means good maintainability;
- engine has high reliability and unpretentious operation;
- the widest dealer network in our territory, coupled with a large number of service centers;
- ergonomic long travel suspension.
The drawback of the series is that the equipment is too poor: the absence of many important sensors, such as a tachometer and cylinder temperature, while competing utility snowmobiles are equipped with this.
Reviews about the model are entirely positive. Hunters and fishermen speak especially warmly about the Yamaha technique. They appreciated the simplicity and reliability of the design, as well as the availability of spare parts. There were no critical comments from the owners.
Arctic Cat Bearcat 2000 XT – RUB 795,000
Utility Arctic Cat snowmobiles, even in the basic configuration, are equipped, as they say, to the eyeballs. Take the same engine: the 565cc air-cooled unit has two Mikuni carburetors with 34mm diffusers. Thanks to this, the motor not only has an enviable traction, but also eliminates all kinds of “choking” at highrpm.
In addition, the model is equipped with a large cargo area at the rear of the car, which can be further increased by dismantling the passenger seat. If even this is not enough, then there is always the opportunity to attach a sled - everything you need (hitch) is already included in the basic package.
Distinctive features of the model
It would also be useful to note that the utility snowmobiles of this series have an enviable gas tank volume, about 65 liters. Therefore, a long journey will not present any surprises with a lack of fuel.
Main features:
- convenient and intuitive operation;
- chic basic equipment of the model;
- long travel pendants;
- capacious platform.
Flaws of the model:
- design is too complicated for this kind of equipment (difficult to repair on the road);
- high price.
Owners leave only positive feedback for the 2000 series. Literally all hunters and climbers admire the capacity of the tank and the duration of the trips. Also, users note the reliability of the design, despite the difficulties of repair "on the knee".
Taiga Varyag 500 – RUB 280,000
Utilitarian snowmobiles of the Rybinsk plant remain the most inexpensive equipment of this kind. The Taiga engine has a two-stroke unit of the RMZ-500 model (500 cubic meters) and is equipped with a Mikuni carburetor.
The car does not have enviable capacities, like previous respondents, only 43 hp. with., therefore, to ensure proper dynamics, the engineers had to significantly lighten the weight of the entire structure. You end up with a 265 kilo snowmobile.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
And although the dynamics were clearly improved with the weight loss, the car lost the electric starter: the engine can only be started in manual mode. As for the transmission, the Varyags were equipped with a classic variator with a mechanical reverse and steps. The design turned out to be very simple, and this automatically added reliability to the snowmobile.
Pros of "Varyag":
- price;
- foreign components from Mikuni and Ducati Energia (carburetor and ignition);
- good cross-country ability due to a well-designed 500mm track.
Flaws of the model:
- Short travel suspension;
- build quality leaves much to be desired.
Judging by the reviews of the model, the domestic consumer chooses "Taiga" primarily because of the relatively low price. Satisfy the owners and running characteristics of the snowmobile. But the fly in the ointment in our cars was and remains the build quality.
