Choosing a snowmobile for winter. Snowmobile classification

Nowadays, finding a snowmobile is not difficult. You can take a used car or a new one. Also, some dealership centers offer used snowbikes from popular manufacturers without mileage in Russia. There are many companies around the world specializing in the production of snowmobiles. However, only a few of them are widely known throughout the world:

• Polaris;
• BRP (Ski-Doo, Lynx);
• Arctic Cat;
• Yamaha;
• "Russian Mechanics".

The first three brands are American-made, which already says a lot. Arctic Cat makes every type of snowmobile you can imagine. is also famous for its reliable, high-quality motorcycle equipment.

The Russian manufacturer also came here not by chance, because it not only produces snowmobile tracks assembled from imported parts, like other domestic companies, but also develops new designs.

Just look at the value of the Taiga model, the first copy of which rolled off the production line of the enterprise in 1988. Over thirty years, the car has undergone a number of changes and improvements, many modifications have appeared, and the latest version can easily compete in quality with popular global brands. All RM equipment has power units of its own design and production.

What is a snowmobile, its structure and principle of operation

A snowmobile is a vehicle for traveling on snow and ice.
Structurally, a snowmobile is the same motorcycle, only instead of wheels there are tracks and skis. Most modern snowmobiles have one track at the rear and a pair of steering skis at the front. This three-point design provides maximum stability and greater maneuverability than a one-ski, two-track design.

Main components of a snowmobile

• Engine. Gasoline, injection, 2 or 4 stroke, air or water cooled;
• Transmission.
• Housing (with air intake, head light, mudguards, reflectors), windshield, seat, controls. Body material - steel, aluminum alloys or fiberglass.
• Track and rear suspension. The track is a one-piece lug belt made of rubber or composite materials, sometimes with Kevlar cord.
• Skis have a handle and a skate. A handle on the nose to pull the snowmobile out or turn the skis in the snow. Skate - improves handling, cuts dense snow and ice. The ski material is elastic, lightweight, high-strength plastic.
• Front suspension (wishbone or telescopic).

Tracks for a snowmobile. Short, wide or long?

To make the snowmobile more passable, larger tracks are used. On utilitarian models, the contact patch is larger due to the width, as eloquently evidenced by, for example, the name Polaris Widetrak, which has become a household name. Mountain snowmobiles require good maneuverability. Therefore, they are equipped with long, high-profile tracks, which allow sharp turns in deep snow due to the low inclination. On compacted snow, a snowmobile with a small caterpillar is best controlled; these are the ones used on cross-country and touring models.

What are the benefits of BRP snowmobiles?

Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is one of the oldest and best in the industry. The range covers all types of snowmobiles. BRP is also well represented in our market.

The company has been producing snowmobiles under the well-known brands Ski-Doo and Lynx for more than 70 years and this is one of its main specializations.

The 2022 Ski-Doo snowmobile lineup consists of 29 snowmobiles in 9 families: MXZ crossovers, Renegade crossover SUVs, Summit deep-snow mountain models, Freeride for extreme sports, luxury trail snowmobiles of the GSX series, Grand Touring tourers, Expedition tourist-utilitarian, light utility vehicles Tundra and classic transport vehicles Skandic. Power - from 85 to 165 hp, fuel tank volume - 36 to 45 liters, vehicle weight from 199 to 356 kg. Engines – 2-, 3-cylinder, 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Plus, a wide selection of spare parts, accessories, and branded equipment are available from the official BRP dealer.

The main new snowmobile models for 2021:

• turbocharged Rotax 900 ACE Turbo engines with 151 hp;
• new Rotax 600 ACE engine;
• upgraded SilentTrack II and SilentCobra WT tracks;
• information digital displays measuring 4.5 and 7.2 inches diagonally;
• improved cТMotion suspension.

Snowmobiles are divided into 5 groups:

• utilitarian or traction (transport);
• tourist;
• sports and crossovers;
• mountain;

Snowmobiles differ in:

• engine power;
• speed;
• maneuverability;
• cross-country ability (width, length of track);
• comfort;
• dimensions.

Utilitarian snowmobiles (wydtruck) are designed for transporting goods and have high cross-country ability. These are powerful and reliable machines with wide and long tracks. Usually double, comfortable, with a backrest, rear-view mirrors, a trunk, a towbar, and have reverse gear.

Tourist ones are also powerful and faster. Comfort, necessary for long trips, and cross-country ability come first.

Sports - the main thing is speed, light weight of the car, minimum comfort. They are equipped with a very powerful engine, energy-intensive suspension, narrow and short tracks (not for deep snow). Passability is not a priority.

Mountain snowmobiles are similar to sports ones, with a powerful engine, they also have a narrow, but much longer track (up to 4 meters) with large lugs, and are light weight. Weight distribution goes to the front. Very maneuverable due to low weight.

Snowmobile classification

The modern market presents a wide range of snowmobile models of various manufacturers and modifications. Absolutely everyone has the opportunity to choose a car that will perfectly cope with basic tasks and become an excellent assistant in spending leisure time.

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Depending on the needs of the pilot, snowmobiles are divided into several types:

1. Multifunctional. Such machines are actively used to perform various types of tasks. Handles deep snow well. Ensures performance in aggressive environments.
2. Tourist. Most often used for long-distance hiking trips in the snow. Maximum comfort for the pilot and passengers.
3. Sports. Such machines are designed to move on the ground with bumps and holes. Most often, the design has a long track with high hooks.

Multifunctional snowmobiles, which are often called utilitarian, are especially popular. An excellent option for fishing, hunting and tourist trips in the snow.

How to choose the right snowmobile

Not everyone knows how to choose a snowmobile. If we talk about beginners, it is recommended to give preference to sports models. These are lightweight machines with high maneuverability. Touring snowmobiles are heavier and can be difficult to control. For your first experiments, you can choose a used recreational snowmobile.

Main selection criteria

The variety of models makes it much more difficult to choose. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the technical parameters of the unit. The performance and ease of use of the machine depend on the internal components.

Main technical parameters:

• engine power;
• fuel type and consumption;
• machine weight;
• ski type;
• price;
• manufacturer;
• Ease of use.

When choosing a unit, it is recommended to give preference to trusted manufacturers who have a high rating and have gained trust in the international market. Otherwise, you can prepare for quick repairs, which are not always cheap.

Snowmobile for fishing

How to choose a snowmobile for fishing trips may not be entirely clear to a beginner. Considering the technical characteristics and parameters of the machine, do not forget about the main tasks that are intended for the equipment.

In winter, it is quite difficult for fishermen to get to the reservoir. A snowmobile will be an excellent assistant in this matter. The machine is capable of moving not only on the surface of the earth, but also on the ice of a frozen body of water, which makes it possible to reach the most inaccessible places.

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Experienced fishermen most often choose units with two wide skis. At the same time, the machine must be spacious and have compartments for fishing equipment and catch. Sports snowmobiles have become number one - they are light and maneuverable, and cope well with the assigned tasks.

Snowmobile for hunting

The universal vehicle easily passes on any snowy surface. Several aspects that are worth checking will help you choose the right snowmobile for hunting:

1. Heated steering wheel and seat. Given the aggressive operating conditions, for hunting it is important to give preference to models with a heated base and steering wheel.
2. Knee support is the main selection criterion. High supports provide wind protection and maintain the pilot's position.
3. Presence of wind shields.
4. Longitudinal ribbed footrests.
5. The standard extender provides convenience when braking.
6. Availability of extra space and many luggage compartments.

Most winter hunting enthusiasts prefer universal models. These are large and heavy units with a huge number of luggage compartments and several seats for passengers. The cars are equipped with a maximum number of functions for the convenience and comfort of the driver.

Selecting a snowmobile by parameters

The main parameters that influence the choice of a snowmobile are:

• engine power;
• fuel consumption, fuel tank size;
• caterpillar type - width and length;
• shape and size of skis;
• snowmobile weight;
• comfort;
• service, availability of spare parts on the market;
• price.

The choice of a snowmobile based on technical characteristics depends on the nature of the ride, the purpose of the purchase, and the experience of the driver.

Most snowmobile engines have a displacement starting at 550cc. cm. The higher the power, the better. The specifications do not always indicate power, sometimes only volume. The main requirement is reliability, on which both the condition of the car and the safety of the driver depend. There are different types of motors for different tasks. There are two main types - two- and four-stroke. Two-stroke engines are easier to maintain and repair, and are also lighter than four-stroke engines. They are installed mainly on utilitarian snowmobiles, where it is important to quickly repair the engine on a long journey, or on mountain snowmobiles, where the weight of the equipment plays a big role. Four-stroke engines have better driving performance, better environmental performance, and these engines are becoming increasingly widespread. They are installed on the most modern machines.

Design of a two-stroke air-cooled engine: two cylinders, two spark plugs, injection. The four-stroke is no less reliable, but more difficult to repair and maintain.

When traveling long distances, you need to consider gas mileage and fuel tank capacity. This applies to utilitarian and touring snowmobiles. For mountain and sports cars this is not so critical; the weight of the car is more important.

The cross-country ability of a snowmobile and its handling are directly affected by the width and length of the track. The narrower the track, the easier it is to turn. The wider, the easier it is to overcome snow drifts. Mountain snowmobiles are equipped with narrow and long tracks. On sports ones - narrow and short. In utilitarian (or cargo, transport) - the wider, the better.

Driving performance depends on the shape and size of the skis. A snowmobile with a short ski blade is easier to control on uneven terrain, while a snowmobile with a long one is easier to control on loose snow.

Comfort. The longer the trip, the more important it is - the comfort of the seats, the presence of a backrest, rear-view mirrors, the ability to place hunting and fishing equipment on the snowmobile, everything necessary for leisure or travel for work. For sport snowmobiles this is practically not important.

Any equipment does not last forever and over time something will have to be changed or repaired. Before purchasing, you need to inquire about the availability of service and spare parts. This is especially important if the purchase is made “from hand”. It’s easier if you buy equipment from an official dealer - just ask the sales manager questions. In this case, the availability of professional, high-quality service is more important than price. In the future, the total costs (price + service) may turn out to be higher than it initially seemed.

Design features

At its core, a snowmobile is a motorized sled that is driven by a high-speed engine, that is, a motor similar to a motorcycle engine. The snowmobile is controlled using steering handles connected to the skis in front.

The steering wheel has a throttle actuator (gas lever) and a brake lever, which allow you to control the speed and braking of the car. Instead of rear wheels, it has a solid rubber belt like a caterpillar track. The belt, connected to the engine by gears, a chain and a belt, propels the snowmobile (picture above).

Modern closed snowmobile

Snowmobiles are very mobile and agile. Not only can they travel at speeds of over 85 mph, but they can also climb slopes as steep as 65 degrees. However, a middle-class car is capable of climbing inclines no steeper than 20 degrees.

Snowmobiles can travel through spaces that are inaccessible to ordinary cars, which is exactly what they are designed for. Due to the larger area of ​​contact with the surface, the pressure exerted on the snow is several times less, and the friction force is higher.

Therefore, they are often used to deliver goods and any assistance to harsh areas where there are few roads and a lot of snow. But most often people use a snowmobile just for fun.

Even state leaders ride snowmobiles

The snowmobile engine pistons rotate the primary clutch. Then the belt drive transmits this rotation to the secondary clutch, which is located on the intermediate shaft. A chain is attached to the far end of the intermediate shaft, and it already rotates the axis of the two driving gear drums. These drums fit into the sockets of the snowmobile's solid rubber band. As the reels rotate, they pull the tape forward. The transmission mechanism of this machine is designed in such a way that, depending on the speed of its movement, snow cover and type of terrain, the amount of energy transmitted to the belt changes.

How to choose a snowmobile for different types of activities (from hunting to sports)

When choosing a snowmobile, it is necessary to determine the purpose of use, operating conditions and the nature of the terrain.

Target:

• recreation – hunting, fishing, tourism, for learning to ride;
• work - forestry, nature conservation, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, a ski resort, or simply as a vehicle in an area where driving other equipment is problematic;
• sport – fast, extreme driving on a prepared track or frozen river or lake, mountains, slopes, snow cornices, ski jumping.

Hunting or fishing involves traveling long distances, most likely through deep snow, not necessarily at high speed. For such purposes, a passable and powerful, comfortable, utilitarian snowmobile is suitable. When choosing, you should pay attention to fuel consumption and noise level. Consumption as low as possible, noise as low as possible, hunt!

A tourist one is ideal for a ride with family and friends: fast, comfortable, roomy, safe, sufficient carrying capacity, with soft suspension and a wide track for driving in the forest and in the fields in deep snow. These snowmobiles are easier for beginners to learn to ride.

If a snowmobile is not entertainment, but a means of transportation for every day, you should choose a utilitarian one with a large fuel tank and telescopic suspension. It is less maneuverable, but more reliable compared to the lever one. In a forest or other area, deep snow can hide many obstacles.

For driving at high speed and on relatively flat surfaces, not in deep snow - a sports snowmobile. On rough terrain - crossover SUV; on steeper terrain - mountainous.

Snowmobile for deep snow - what to look for when choosing

Choosing a snowmobile for deep snow is a little more difficult. Here the main role is played by the dimensions of the machine, the features of the track and skis. Mountain snowmobiles are an excellent option.

Such designs are equipped with a track length of 3911 or 4191 mm. Only 381 mm wide. Combined with small skis, the snowmobile provides high maneuverability and ease of use in the harshest conditions.

Mountain models move through deep snow due to compaction and rapid rotation of the caterpillar. The machines are equipped with two-stroke powerful engines, which ensure high functionality and performance. Light weight ensures high maneuverability and ease of control. Most often, the weight of a mountain snowmobile does not exceed 250 kg, while a universal machine can reach 500 kg in weight.

For driving in deep snow, it is recommended to give preference to models with a plastic body. Aluminum or steel cars freeze quickly in the snow and, without heating, cause discomfort in use.

How to choose a used snowmobile

Despite the diversity of the modern market, many people prefer to purchase used cars. This way you can save a lot of money and test the machine in action.

What to look for when purchasing:

1. Appearance. When purchasing a snowmobile, it is important to inspect it carefully to identify the presence of dents, chips and other defects. If there is severe damage, it is better to refuse the purchase.
2. Condition of the tracks. If there is damage to the tracks, you need to be prepared for the fact that they will soon have to be replaced. Doing it yourself or choosing a snowmobile with good tracks is everyone's choice.
3. Mileage. In most cases, units are presented with low mileage. To check it is necessary to use a compressor. The pressure in the engine cylinders should be approximately the same. It is best to check the motor in action.
4. Suspension condition. It is clear that the suspension bears the highest load. It is recommended to choose models with slightly disturbed geometry. Otherwise, when driving, the pilot may experience discomfort and control problems.

You can choose a used recreational snowmobile on a specialized website or through an advertisement search.

In fact, choosing a snowmobile is not that difficult. If necessary, you can use the help of a store consultant or read the rating of the best mobile vehicles in your area. Reviews from real customers will also help you choose.

Which snowmobile should a beginner choose?

When choosing your first snowmobile, you need to understand why you need it - just to ride, or to ride very quickly. Tourist or utilitarian - not so fast, but passable, powerful and heavy. It may be difficult for a beginner to control a heavy car at first, especially when cornering. Or you will quickly get tired of the monotony and slow driving. Sports and mountain snowmobiles will be more interesting for some - high speed, maneuverability. Even if you get stuck somewhere in the snow due to inexperience, such a car is easier to pull out even alone. That is, first of all, you need to decide on the type of snowmobile.

It is not necessary to immediately go into technical details - type of suspension, engine, type of cooling, what kind of transmission. The best option is to test drive different snowmobiles at a dealer or with friends. The most important thing is that you have to like it! Power shouldn't be an important criterion either. You should pay attention to the ease of control, and the price.

Optional equipment

Once you have decided on the purpose of buying a snowmobile and its type, you should think about tuning for your new “favorite”. It would be a mistake to think that additional equipment is needed only for beauty or to improve the sporting qualities of a snowmobile. In some cases, it may simply be necessary to supplement the model with one or another part in order to improve ride quality or protect the structure: grille filters, mud flaps, bumpers, frame reinforcements, mirrors. To increase luggage capacity, you can order a set of side cases. For driving comfort - heated driver and passenger visors, GPS navigator. In short, the choice of tuning parts for snowmobiles is huge, and the use of each of them can be useful.

Foreign-made utilitarian snowmobiles

The 2015 Arctic Cat Bearcat 5000 XT Limited doesn't come cheap. Equipped with a 125 hp two-cylinder four-stroke engine. With. from Suzuki, the snowmobile is simply designed to delight its owner. This model is often chosen for use at ski resorts for transporting goods.

According to user ratings, the second place among foreign snowmobiles was taken by the Lynx 49 Ranger 600 ACE 2015. This powerful snowmobile is equipped with a two-cylinder four-stroke Rotax engine on board. Thanks to the combination of three main parameters, price, quality and power, this snowmobile has already become a favorite of many drivers.

In third place is the 2014 Yamaha RS Viking Professional, a reliable 2014 snowmobile with a three-cylinder, four-stroke Genesis 120 engine producing 120 horsepower. With. Yamaha always produces quality equipment, and this snowmobile is no exception.