Manufacturer Irbis Motors has pleased many snowmobile enthusiasts with the new improved model Dingo T125. It uses a tracked drive with front-mounted drive sprockets. The disassembly function makes it possible to place the device in the trunk of a car, so you don’t have to use trailers to transport the unit.
The Dingo T125 snowmobile is small and suitable for transportation, because when disassembled it can be placed in a simple sedan. In this case, assembly and bringing into a functional state are performed by one person in about 5 minutes. The machine has an electronic starter, disc brakes, reinforced rubber track, and a tow bar. The speedometer is easy to read, and a standard 12-volt cigarette lighter socket provides power to on-board electronic devices.
Peculiarities
Unlike previous models, which required turning screws and nuts to assemble or disassemble the machine, the Dingo T125 uses a fastening design similar to folding bicycles. This provided convenience and ease, and also saved time. The folding process takes a few minutes.
Engine overheating is prevented by an oil cooler. The power unit is switched on using an electric starter, which is also convenient. The completed Dingo T125 model has the following innovations:
- tracks with improved lugs and wide runners;
- informative control panel;
- cigarette lighter;
- heating element for steering column handles and throttle trigger;
- improved comfort seat;
- windshield and large trunk under the seat.
Note that all these innovations are available on more expensive models. The design includes a trailer with which you can transport the sled. There is also a rubberized mudguard and a gel battery that does not lose its quality even in severe frost.
Dingo T125 was developed by Russian specialists, which provided the ability to adapt the machine to extreme conditions. This technique is based on the previous model Dingo T110. The working volume of the power unit was 1.25 thousand liters, so the engine power was increased compared to the previous model, thereby ensuring high cross-country ability of the vehicle.
This snowmobile has the following key features:
- The equipment includes an electric starter and a helium battery that is resistant to severe frosts.
- In addition to starting the power unit with an electronic starter, manual starting is also provided.
- The improved automatic clutch has proven itself well in relation to the power units of walk-behind tractors.
- There is a reverse function, which is useful for turning when space is tight and also helps with getting out when the snowmobile is stuck.
- If the snowmobile skids, the lightweight design allows the driver to pull the vehicle out independently.
Specifications
Before purchasing a new or used Dingo 125 snowmobile model, it is recommended to read the technical specifications.
Dimensional data:
- Length – 2,510.
- Height relative to the windshield – 1,010.
- Width – 980.
- Height relative to the driver’s seat – 685.
Operational values:
- The type of propulsion is caterpillar with front drive sprockets.
- The caterpillar drive is a chain.
- Number of chain links – 22.
- Chain pitch length – 16.
- Type of caterpillar track – rubber-fabric, reinforced.
- Type of rollers: rubberized.
- The total length of the track is 2,170.
- Track width – 380.
- The height of the track lugs is 23.
- The number of track windows is 43.
- The pitch length of the caterpillar belt is 50.5.
- The type of track tensioning mechanism is screw.
- Structural weight – 98.
- The type of engine installed is gasoline.
- The number of engine strokes is 4.
- Engine starting type - using an electric starter.
- Fuel tank capacity in liters – 5.
- The maximum speed of independent movement is 50.
Transmission:
- Transmission – semi-automatic gearbox.
- Number of gears – 4.
- The clutch is automatic.
Brakes:
- Control – hydraulics.
- Mechanism – mechanical disk.
Suspension:
- The rear suspension is roller-slide.
- The front skis are support-turning.
- The front suspension is independent.
Electrical equipment:
- The front headlight is halogen.
- Heating function is optional.
Engine. Dingo T125 has a gasoline 4-stroke power unit with oil cooling. The block contains 1 cylinder, the volume of which is 125 cubic mm, and the initial shaft rotation speed is 7500 rpm. per minute When this mark is reached, the rated power is 5.2 kW or 7.07 hp. A power system with one carburetor is used. Fuel consumption per 100 km is at least 1.5 liters, the gasoline poured must be AI-92 grade.
Snowmobile Dingo T125 - Review, specifications and prices
Dear readers! I myself am an ordinary motorist and have never even thought about buying myself such a thing as a snowmobile. It’s not even a matter of money or where to store the device, but the fact that I never needed it due to my line of work and as a way of entertainment I was also of little interest to me. The other day, my friend told me that he bought a snowmobile and offered to dig deeper with it and do a test drive, after which my opinion changed a little
Performance characteristics
Engine: | 4 t, 1 cylinder, 125 cm3, 7.5 hp (5.2 kW) |
Transmission: | semi-automatic, 3 forward and 1 reverse gears |
Suspension: | independent pendulum |
Starting system: | Electric starter + manual start option |
Dimensions: | 2.51 x 0.98 x 1.01 m |
Maximum load: | 150 kg |
Additionally: emergency engine shutdown system, heated steering wheel grips, electronic instrument panel, adjustable windshield, 2 luggage racks |
First meeting
I previously imagined a snowmobile exclusively as a rather bulky and non-mobile machine that takes up space almost like a small car and to transport which you need to have a trailer or at least a small truck where the snowmobile would fit. However, DingoT125 breaks these stereotypes. The snowmobile was developed by Russian engineers and assembled in China at the facilities of BEIJINGIRBISTRADINGCO., LTD, developed and ordered by Irbis Motors LLC from Russia and sold under the IrbisDingo brand. This is not the first snowmobile model, the IrbisDingoT110 was previously released, and the T125 model was released in 2013 as a replacement for the T110
When we arrived, the snowmobile had already been assembled, and we took it under our own power from the yard of the house to an area nearby where we could ride. Although the snowmobile weighs only 110 kg and it is quite possible for two people to carry it over short distances.
Outwardly, it looks more like a motorcycle with skis rather than a snowmobile. Conventional models of snowmobiles are more “down to earth”, do not have such ground clearance and a high rider position. The width of the “carcass” is also not so massive. It may seem like this is a children's snowmobile, but it is absolutely not. Although a child can also handle this device.
In our case, we have a color combination of yellow and black. On the Internet and on sale I also came across a blue snowmobile of this model and a blue camouflage
Although the “machine” seems quite small, it is a full-fledged two-seater snowmobile. The manufacturer allows up to 150 kg of load, which is approximately equal to two adults who are not overweight or one who is very overweight. However, our device can pull two people who slightly exceed the total weight of 150 kg without any problems. And that is not all. On the back of the trunk there is a tow hitch that will allow you to attach a small sled to the snowmobile, which can be very useful for a fisherman, hunter, or simply for transporting something in snowy areas
For safety reasons, there are reflectors: yellow on the sides at the front and back and red at the back. There is also a red parking light behind the seat. The rear trunk with reflectors is removable. It can be removed if you do not plan to travel with luggage or with two people. The rear passenger is asked to hold on either to the person sitting in front or to the trunk. With the trunk removed, we will lose the towbar and mudguard, but the snowmobile will become a little shorter.
There is a small warning on the seat in the back for those who don't read the manuals. Quite “captain’s” warnings, which a more or less experienced driver already knows. Although, don’t say anything to a certain category of citizens, don’t scare them with any consequences - just give them a reason to get behind the wheel drunk or drunk. Well, at least since 2014, you must have a driver’s license for these vehicles. Previously, drivers taken for "blue" bought themselves scooters and continued to be completely legal road users.
A person who has previously ridden a motorcycle will be unaccustomed to using a lever as an accelerator, which must be pressed with the thumb. At first, you just want to turn the right handle of the steering wheel towards you. There is a speed limiter next to the accelerator that can be used for safety purposes.
On the left is the brake lever, the red engine ignition switch, and even lower is the red ignition button. Also on the left side of the steering wheel there is a lighting control switch and a heated grip switch. The last function is quite useful for snowmobiles, because... in severe frosts, even good gloves do not always save you. The handles on the snowmobile roast wonderfully. The warmth is felt well in thin knitted gloves
The windshield can be removed or adjusted to suit your height. This is done with the key included in the kit.
The instrument panel is located not in the gas tank. You can read more about all its capabilities in the manual. Speaking of leadership. It is very detailed, with pictures. It’s so “warm and luminous,” so it’s highly recommended to check it out. The currently used gear is displayed above the panel display; there are only five positions - R (reverse), N (neutral) and 3 main gears. The exclamation point is a warning indicator indicating that the engine has overheated and needs to rest.
The gear shift lever is located on the left. You can switch from 2nd to 3rd gear on the fly when you reach a speed of 20 km/h. Although an experienced driver will understand the moment of switching by ear by the number of engine revolutions. Although you can start moving immediately from the second speed without any problems, even with a load of 2 people this is not a problem, but even with the 3rd speed it will not always be possible to drive, although this is not necessary.
The fuel gauge is located under the instrument panel. The tank holds 5 liters. If the bar is completely green, then the tank is full; if the bar is completely red, then the tank is empty. The more red color occupies the sensor, the less fuel is left. The snowmobile must be fueled with gasoline with an octane rating of 92, i.e. AI-92, the manufacturer does not stipulate anything about 95 and 98.
The engine is quite sensitive to fuel quality, perhaps due to the small engine size. With one refueling, engine operation was not entirely stable, and after another, the operation of the unit was no longer satisfactory.
On the area closest to the driver is the ignition switch, cigarette lighter socket (very thoughtful)
and an emergency shutdown pin with a cord with a carabiner. The latest device is aimed at increasing safety. If control is suddenly lost and the driver falls out of the “snow sled,” the cord attached to his clothes through a carabiner will pull the pin and the engine will stall.
In order to start the snowmobile you need to: move the lever to the neutral position N (you can find out in what position the selector is in simply by turning the key - the dashboard will light up)
, turn the ignition switch to ON mode, turn the ignition switch clockwise to ON mode and then press the button, hold the brake and press the red ignition button. To turn off the engine, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and turn the ignition key counterclockwise. As you already understood, the snowmobile starts through the starter from the battery. However, there is also a backup manual start. To do this you will need the tools included in the kit. We unscrew the metal protection of the chain mechanism, remove the chain, put the key on the engine gear, switch the transmission to 3rd gear and start the engine with a sharp movement. Everything is very simple. I'm glad that the designer thought of everything. Among the tools there is a ratchet with heads of not the poorest quality. A similar tool can be found in SATA kits
All the “filling” is located in one section, which, when disassembled, can be transported in the trunk or even inside the car. As mentioned above, our DingoT125 snowmobile is powered by a 4-stroke engine with 7 horsepower and a volume of 125 cm3. Some may say that such an engine would be suitable for a children's snowmobile, and they would be right. Nevertheless, for our compact adult snowmobile, such an engine is quite enough, because the snowmobile itself is quite light and there is no need for excessive power spent on compensating for its own weight.
Above the engine, closer to the seat, there is a 12-volt gel battery with a capacity of 9 ampere-hours. Using this type of battery is a very rational solution. It will allow you to start in the most severe frost, and also will not lose yours if it turns over, because... There is still a chance of “dropping” a snowmobile, but for a regular lead-acid battery this is like death. These are the batteries that are installed on cars and motorcycles that participate in various rallies and off-road competitions.
Under the engine you can see the exhaust manifold, which immediately goes into the muffler. From below he is defenseless, but before he can “catch” something, the frame must take the blow. On the right side of the photo you can see the same protective metal casing behind which the chain is located.
The legs are foldable and you need to press a button to change their position. The legs themselves are quite comfortable and the feet do not slip off them. I, as the owner of size 44 feet, felt comfortable. But for the rear passenger there are no footrests and he needs to place his feet on a galvanized surface that protrudes slightly behind the seat
The shock absorbers are body-colored, which gives the snowmobile a more attractive appearance. The front also has side reflectors. In the photo below you can also see one of the “lambs”, thanks to which almost the main components of the snowmobile are secured. To disassemble a snowmobile into its component parts for transportation, you almost do not need to use keys; 90% of the work is done by hand. The manual describes the assembly and disassembly of the snowmobile in great detail.
The headlight is quite large, there is one 12v55W lamp for low and high beam, a fairly common H4 socket.
The caterpillar is rubber-fabric, reinforced with brackets that prevent its wear during friction with gears. The caterpillar length is more than 2 meters, width is 0.38 m. Very decent width, just like full-size snowmobiles. Considering that the snowmobile itself is light, such a width certainly should not allow the snowmobile to fall anywhere. The snowmobile will go where any other large snowmobile will go. Tension mechanism - screw
The size and width of the skis at 0.15m inspires optimism. With these “snowshoes” a snowmobile can go anywhere
The snowmobile has another nice bonus - a saddle-rack. To open it, you need to open the pocket on the left side and pull the lever.
There is a lot of space inside, you can put everything you need for the road. It can even fit two 5L bottles. For a long trip, it will be useful to take 2 of these “bubbles” of gasoline. The “glove compartment” itself is a metal folding structure, covered with fabric, protecting the contents from the penetration of snow and dirt. The trunk folds when disassembling the snowmobile
Driving pleasure
The snowmobile successfully plows both on “native” snow and on dense crust, leaving clearly visible furrows on it with skis. Where a person falls to the height of his shoes, DingoT125 calmly passes at any speed, leaving behind a small trace of skis and tracks
You quickly get used to the accelerator lever and begin to feel it. I very rarely used the brake - it’s enough just to control the gas in a timely manner and the snowmobile will brake itself in the right place. What can I say, even a girl who had never ridden a snowmobile, a car or even a motorcycle sat down and rode it without any problems!
If on large snowmobiles there is a habit of helping the car when turning by tilting to one side, then this is absolutely not required here. It has a very large rotation angle. When it seemed to us that we were about to ram the fence, the snowmobile with a full turn of the steering wheel was able to turn without any problems almost on the spot, as if we had done it on a bicycle. Also, turning the steering wheel does not require much effort; women's hands can handle it easily. Therefore, what can we say about men - for them, a trip on such a snowmobile will be just relaxation
There is practically no snow “dust” behind the snowmobile, the rear mudguard dampens what flies out from under the track, and practically nothing flies from under the skis and does not cover the driver’s feet with a layer of snow
In second gear on a snowmobile you can very quickly accelerate to 20 km/h, just 50 meters of uniform acceleration is enough, then we switch to 3rd gear and go to the point... And those watching do “smile and wave.”
It is quite difficult to turn over a snowmobile; it is very stable despite the fact that it is quite tall. When a sharp tilt occurs at speed, out of habit, as a driver, I threw out my leg in order to lean on it if something happened, but the snowmobile used to level out the roll.
It is possible to accelerate to 3rd speed with 2 passengers, we even checked this. A snowmobile can be pulled by 2 people both on snow and crust. We haven’t accelerated to 40 yet, because the engine has not yet been run-in, but the potential is certainly encouraging. Of course, such a load will affect fuel consumption, but judging by the engine’s performance, the latter is not particularly strained.
Price
You can buy a Dingo T125 snowmobile at a price of 75,000 rubles - this is the minimum, and 98,000 is the maximum. The car is relatively cheap for its capabilities. The cost varies and depends on the year of production and configuration.
A used car will cost approximately from 48,000 rubles to 70,000 rubles. The main criteria that influence the cost are: year of production, equipment, condition and mileage of the snowmobile.
You can buy a snowmobile with defects or a faulty one for 15,000-20,000 rubles and buy spare parts for it, which cost relatively little. Example prices for spare parts:
Details | Prices |
Slave star | 450 |
Temperature sensor | 1100 |
Leading star | 1100 |
Trunk | 2100 |
Caterpillar | 6600 |
Tank | 1700 |
Panel | 3900 |
Wind protection glass | 1500 |
Slimy cart | 9200 |
Drive chain | 200 |
Block with switches | 820 |
Ice rink | 600 |
It is also recommended to modernize the snowmobile and purchase a kit for it to improve cross-country ability: underbody protection, levers and linings for runners.
Is it worth buying Dingo T125
Fans of winter equipment must decide this themselves. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the design of the Dingo T125 snowmobile in as much detail as possible, as well as what users say, and find out the opinions of experts.
Summarizing the above characteristics, it should be noted that the Dingo T125 is a popular snowmobile among fishermen who would like to get out into nature. The device has a modified design, improved parameters - the traction and width of the skis is enough to drive through relatively deep snow. It is important to decide what exactly it is needed for. If for fishing or rides, then the Dingo T125 is a good choice.
Snowmobiles Dingo now
The prices of Irbis off-road equipment are pleasantly different from foreign products. A used unit can be found at a price of 55 thousand. In stores they cost from 99 to 139 thousand rubles.
Currently, new models based on Dingo snowmobiles have been developed: Irbis SF150L, Tungus400, Tungus500L, Tungus600L.
Excerpt from the operating instructions for the Dingo T150 snowmobile from the Irbis Motors website
Owner reviews
Before purchasing a Dingo 125 snowmobile, it is recommended to read owner reviews:
“I have already ridden this snowmobile for more than 800 km, and during this entire period I have not seen any breakdowns. After the purchase, I tightened each nut, since they were weak, but otherwise I liked the snowmobile. Of course, it is not suitable for transporting heavy loads, but it is an excellent option for fishing. I also liked the easy assembly and the ability to transport the snowmobile in the trunk of a car. Controllability and cross-country ability are ensured at a high level.”
“I recently bought a Dingo T125 and it has exceeded all my dreams. Being an active fisherman, I decided to take this step - to purchase it for various reasons: first, it really fits in a passenger car, which means that there is no need to buy an expensive trailer, which also needs to be stored. Secondly, this snowmobile does not require the construction of a separate garage. Thirdly, I liked the way he navigates various obstacles. Fourthly, the price was right, it cost 68 thousand rubles. Fifthly, the versatility of the parts: rods, springs, pads and other elements fit almost all Chinese scooters and are inexpensive.”
“I purchased Dingo T125 for hunting and fishing in the summer of 2015, when it was the least popular among fans of winter equipment in Russia compared to other models, for this reason the cost was quite low, I bought it at a price of 62,000 rubles. This snowmobile is not suitable for riding at high speeds, but it is definitely necessary for winter trips and transporting loads weighing up to 150 kg on a sled. I use it most often as a work equipment and for simple entertainment. The design makes it possible to disassemble the snowmobile, but I had it assembled and remained that way.”
Video
Since the Dingo 125 snowmobile is fully designed for independent operation and maintenance, then you should consider its disassembly process, which consists of several stages that do not require professional training:
- It is necessary to turn off all electronic systems, as well as the rear light (it is located under the seat)
- Remove the screws to detach the chair frame from the plastic panels. After dismantling the mounting wing on the plastic, you can easily reach and remove this component, which is one of the elements of the power unit block.
- We pull out the seat frame after all the bolts have been unscrewed. After this, the chain casing is dismantled. For this procedure you will need to loosen the tensioner.
- The motor block and track base are fixed on both sides with screws. We unscrew them and then remove the luggage compartment. Please note that the tracked unit should be pulled out carefully, with smooth (not sudden) movements. For convenience, we follow the guides.
- As a result, the disassembled snowmobile is divided into two parts, one of which contains the steering wheel. We unscrew it and proceed to dismantling the front suspension, which is also bolted. The steering shaft must be pulled towards you to completely remove the front suspension.
- After removing the suspension, remove the skis. The procedure is carried out in a similar way.
- Assembling the device is carried out in reverse order.
Among other important features of independent operation, we note the rules for breaking in the Dingo 125 snowmobile. Proper running in will allow you to use the machine without serious problems with reliability. In addition, running-in significantly extends the life of parts. Practice shows that the machine should be operated in a gentle mode for at least 500 kilometers, after which the snowmobile is considered fully adapted to local conditions. During the running-in process, parts are ground in, making them more durable and resistant to damage.
So, during the first 500 kilometers, the Dingo 125 snowmobile must be driven with extreme caution. For example, the speed should not exceed 30 km/h, and the continuous driving time should not exceed 60 minutes. High loads on the motor are unacceptable. This means that it is better to avoid transporting trailers and traveling together for a while. It is not recommended to allow the crankshaft to spin up to 7000 rpm, otherwise the internal combustion engine may overheat, and all running-in will be in vain. After passing the first “hundred” kilometers, you should change the oil and carry out scheduled maintenance.
The Dingo 125 snowmobile is characterized by regular and timely maintenance. It doesn't take long. In general, in this case, attention is paid mainly to the three most important components - the condition of consumables, tracks and the carburetor system. Of course, if necessary, it is worth paying attention to other characteristics. And yet, the components described above are the most sensitive in the Dingo 125 snowmobile.
So, if you need to fill in new oil, let’s pay attention to its parameters - the marking should look like 10W30SF. The tracks are adjusted using tensioners. In this case, we inspect and adjust the locking nuts. Before adjusting the idle speed, the engine must first be warmed up for 10 minutes, then we try to reduce and increase the crankshaft speed using a special adjustment screw.
To follow modern trends, the Dingo 125 snowmobile received a multifunctional dashboard consisting of the following elements:
- Button for changing modes, allowing you to display certain information
- A button responsible for setting dashboard modes. We are talking about the ability to change the image format
- Clock display
- Speedometer to display the current speed of the snowmobile
- temperature sensor
- Device for displaying crankshaft revolutions (tachometer)
- Indicators indicating the engagement of a specific gearbox gear
- Engine heating indicator. In a critical situation, the lamp lights up if the engine has a temperature of more than 300 degrees
- Daily mileage indicator.