Riding a caterpillar-2. Test drive Skandic SUV WT 600

Canadian engineering company Bombardier Recreational Products (aka Bombardier) is one of the leading manufacturers of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles in the world. The company was founded in 1942 in Quebec, and for almost forty years it was exclusively producing snowmobiles.

In the early 1980s, the first aircraft rolled off the Bombardier assembly line, which became a new milestone in the history of the concern. Soon the enterprise was divided into two parts, one of which continued to produce all-terrain vehicles.

The lineup

The BRP Scandic 600 snowmobile is considered one of the best models of the manufacturer. The basic version is the WT version, which is available with a lever or telescopic suspension. The lever design is characterized by a very smooth ride and good cross-country ability, while the second type is more suitable for hard driving both off-road and on a sports track.

The main difference between the SVT modified tracks is a new type of shock absorbers, an improved engine, a caterpillar track and a more durable suspension. All these elements together make it more stable and passable on almost any surface. At the same time, the truck is characterized by good efficiency.

SKANDIC SWT 600 E-TEC

This model can rightfully be called the best in the Scandic line. The truck is capable of not only pulling cargo sleds weighing more than 750 kg, but also driving quickly through deep snow. Another important factor in favor of this snowmobile is the powerful, but at the same time economical engine - Rotax HO E-TEC. This unit is installed on the 2022 model.

SKANDIC SWT 600 ACE

This modification is optimized specifically for operation at extremely low temperatures. The motor is somewhat weaker than E-TEK, but has a good margin of safety. The basic package also includes a heated gas trigger and steering wheel, and a high and durable windshield. In general, in terms of equipment, this model is similar to the previous one.

SKANDIC SWT 600 SUV

The model is equipped with a modern wishbone suspension. Thanks to this, the truck becomes more obedient and controllable on any track. However, such a suspension has some disadvantages - branches and other objects can cling to it while driving. In this regard, it is inferior to the structurally simpler telescopic suspension.

Reviews

• Igor, Krasnoyarsk. I can call this snowmobile a classic, inexpensive and fast machine. In addition, it is very practical and repairable. Service does not take much time. The snowmobile performed well on vacation, as well as in working conditions. The equipment consumes about 20 liters per hour, and you can fill it with inexpensive 92-grade gasoline. I used to have a Taiga snowmobile, which the BRP cannot compare to, although the fuel consumption is about the same. In general, I liked the car in all respects - interesting appearance, cross-country ability, durable chassis, vigorous acceleration and high top speed. I've been using the snowmobile for four years now, and so far I'm happy with everything.
• Nikolay, Vladivostok. I have been using this machine for more than five years. The device is used to its fullest extent. I've done several challenging rides on the tundra, and in such conditions the snowmobile has never let me down. It has a smart design and an off-road chassis that allows you to overcome difficult terrain. For example, this is the underbody protection, which has repeatedly saved the day. A separate topic is elasticity and acceleration dynamics. The car drives absolutely everywhere, for example between trees - this is largely due to the sharp steering and responsive reactions. The disadvantages are insignificant - mainly the whistling of the rollers, creaking and vibrations in the suspension. Does not affect reliability.
• Boris, Murmansk region. I am of two minds about this snowmobile. On the one hand, this is an incredibly reliable device, capable of covering 150-170 kilometers without any problems. I would like to note the excellent build quality, the absence of noise and vibration. There is nothing knocking or rattling in the suspension. Even at the beginning of operation, one problem appeared - oil was leaking through the gas tank cap. In the end I decided to install a new rubber gasket and the problem went away. In terms of handling, the Ski-Doo WT 600 model is no worse than the Yamaha. This device is a good option for forest conditions. The materials are high quality, you can’t complain. There is support for 92 gasoline. But spare parts are not only expensive, they are also in short supply. This is a serious problem - especially in the event that unscheduled maintenance occurs. Fortunately, everything is fine so far. This is my second year using it.
• Mikhail, Primorsky Krai. The BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 600 Ace snowmobile is a powerful and reliable assistant that I have owned for more than three years. Of course, during this time there were breakdowns. After all, the mileage exceeds 3500 km. After the 1st thousand, knocking noises appeared in the gearbox. Fortunately, the warranty has not yet expired, and I took it to the service center. The service people blamed it on careless operation, and I had to pay for repairs... There were no more such oddities. Handling is excellent - both on a snowy track, and in the forest, in deep snow, etc. The engine is quite noisy, but there is nothing to be done about it - design features. And yet, compared to domestic analogues, the WT 600 Ace looks much better, but costs much more.

Features of the models

All modifications of the SVT 600 series have similar technical characteristics. There are some differences in the powertrain design and suspension. The E-TEC and ACE models have a telescopic front suspension, while the SUV has a wishbone.

This series of all-terrain vehicles differ from the VT modification:

• improved engine;
• wide caterpillar;
• universal type suspension;
• the presence of new Motion Control shock absorbers.

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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Additional comfort while driving is provided by a high windshield, a comfortable modular double seat, heated grips and a luggage compartment. Thanks to this, the car is chosen not only by hunters and fishermen, but also by lovers of nature tourism.

Specifications

All Skido Scandic 600 snowmobiles have similar technical characteristics and a set of basic options. All of them are based on the same platform - REV-XU (an upgraded version of the Revolution platform). It has a good margin of safety. The aluminum frame reduces pilot fatigue and improves all-terrain vehicle controllability.

All tracks are equipped with plastic skis of the Pilot DS type (in newer versions - Pilot DS2) and a high handlebar with curved handles. The classic ASI and E-TEK models have a yellow body color, but the SAV model has a dark body. The latest version of the SVT 600 E-TEK with a black and red body (Viper Rer) looks good.

Engine

All models in the SWT 600 family have a Rotax 600 engine, with some differences. Thus, E-TEC and SUV tracks are equipped with a 2-stroke power plant, and ACE – with a 4-stroke. Each of them has a liquid cooling system and two cylinders.

The same type of engine is installed on another series of Bombardier snowmobile tracks - Lynx.

The Rotax 600 engine is distinguished not only by good performance, but also by impressive efficiency. Average fuel consumption is 11.3 liters per 100 km.

Dimensions and weight

From the very beginning, the model was positioned as a two-seater all-terrain vehicle. Therefore, a modular seat is installed on the truck, which is designed for the driver and one passenger. Thanks to the presence of a rear traction device, cargo sleds can be connected to the machine, and their weight can reach 750 kg.

All-terrain vehicle dimensions:

Also, all modifications have a fuel tank designed for 45 liters. Additionally, there is also a tank for engine oil; for ACE and E-TEC models it holds 3.5 liters, and for SUVs it holds 2.5 liters.

Standard equipment and accessories

Each model in the series is equipped with a high windshield and a steel steering wheel with a strap and curved handles. Among other things, the basic package includes:

• electric starter;
• passenger seat with backrest;
• heated handles;
• rearview mirror;
• speedometer;
• fuel level indicator;
• luggage compartment under the seat;
• tow bar

Additionally, the owner can install a tachometer.

Suspension

The basis of all snowmobiles in this series is a steel frame, and the body is made of frost-resistant, impact-resistant plastic. All all-terrain vehicles in the series have a universal sports-utilitarian suspension. The characteristics of the chassis differ slightly depending on the specific modification:

Daniila Rukin

Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.

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The front suspension is equipped with Motion Control type hydraulic shock absorbers. An MC is also installed at the rear in conjunction with an HPG type propulsion shock absorber.

Transmission

All snowmobile tracks of the Skido SVT 600 series have a mechanical transmission. A belt variator is used to change gears. There are two forward gears and reverse. A low gear is used under increased loads, especially when driving with a load. It is not recommended to drive in low gear at speeds above 40 km/h.

The box lever has four standard positions:

• increased – H;
• reduced – L;
• neutral – N;
• reverse – R.

CVT characteristics:

The braking system is represented by a mechanical disc brake with a hydraulic drive. This type of brake is installed on all modern snowmobile tracks.

Caterpillar

The track uses a standard belt-driven track mechanism. The tape is made of composite materials and has the following characteristics:

Engine

The BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 600 is equipped with a two-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine that can withstand heavy loads. The engine is lightweight and has high fuel efficiency. The snowmobile can be driven even on ice, since there is no radiator system with coolant that requires snow. Two carburetor systems effectively dose the mixture, and cooling is carried out by counter-air flow and a fan.

Thanks to the electric starter, starting the engine is extremely simple even at sub-zero temperatures. The power plant has a large reserve of torque, which allows the snowmobile to overcome the most difficult sections of the route.

Characteristics of the Skido Scandic VT 600 motor:

• working volume – 597 cc.
• rated power – 90 hp.
• number of cylinders – 2.

The fuel tank capacity is 42 liters, which allows you to drive more than 200 km without refueling. The oil tank holds 2.5 liters.

Recommended price for a new snowmobile

You can buy Ski-Doo 600 SWT either used or new. It all depends on the year of manufacture and model. At the official BRP dealer you can find a Sky-Doo 600 with an upgraded 2019 Rotax HO E-TEC engine without mileage. In this case, sales are carried out by pre-order. In this case, the truck will cost about 1200 – 1400 thousand rubles.

You can find earlier models on ad sites. On the secondary market, the price for this truck varies from 320 to 970 thousand rubles. The cost depends on the kilometers traveled and the general technical condition of the car. Thus, a 2011 all-terrain vehicle with a mileage of less than 1,000 km costs about 900 thousand rubles, and a 2005 truck with a mileage of almost 9,000 km will cost about 400 thousand rubles.