Snowmobile "Lynx 440": technical characteristics, features and reviews

In 1991, the engine-building association in Ufa produced the first high-quality all-terrain vehicle for conquering the snowy expanses, “Lynx,” which won the hearts of many car enthusiasts. The versatility, wide functionality, excellent technical characteristics and price of the Lynx 440 snowmobile - about 120 thousand rubles - made it possible to use the all-terrain vehicle in various fields of human activity.

The harsh climatic conditions of Russia require the use of special equipment. In addition to good technical characteristics, the Lynx 440 snowmobile is equipped with wide tracks that allow it to travel through deep snow. Ufa all-terrain vehicles were tested in the conditions of Yakutia and showed very good results: they operate smoothly at temperatures down to -40 degrees and move at high speed on crusty crust. At the same time, the Lynx snowmobiles showed excellent maneuverability in deep snow and excellent maneuverability. Some production snowmobile models have been modified for sporting purposes.

Despite positive reviews and technical characteristics, the Lynx snowmobile ceased production in 2009.

Model line of snowmobiles

The main representatives of the “family” of Lynx snowmobiles are models 113, 119, 500 and 440.

All-terrain vehicles "Lynx" were produced for eighteen years, during which they were modified and modified more than once. UMPO (manufacturer of snowmobiles), starting from the very first vehicle models, tried to find the most successful solutions to increase the reliability of domestic all-terrain vehicles and improve the main characteristics of Lynx snowmobiles.

The first model in the series is considered to be “Lynx 113”. The prototype of the all-terrain vehicle was the well-known and time-tested Arctic Cat. In order to reduce the weight of the car, the engine was made of light metal alloys. Silicon-coated aluminum cylinders could not cope with high loads. The lack of a liner had a negative effect: in the first tens of kilometers of the journey, the engine could jam, which would disable the equipment. As a result, the copy of the all-terrain vehicle turned out to be not the best.

The next model - 119 - has undergone significant changes, surpassing its predecessor in technical characteristics. The manufacturer has improved the design of the all-terrain vehicle, equipping it with an improved pan and hood that make it easier to overcome snow obstacles. An improved cooling system and the use of liners have reduced the number of engine cylinder failures.

“Lynx-Sport 121” became the next model released by UMPO. Thanks to the reduced body length, the snowmobile has increased maneuverability.

In the model line of Ufa manufacturers of special equipment, the Lynx 500 machines are considered. It was these modifications that began to be equipped with Mikuni carburetors. The all-terrain vehicle received design changes and acquired tracks 500 mm wide. It was equipped with a gear gearbox. All snowmobiles of this model were equipped with heated steering grips.

“Lynx 440” has become an improved version of the 500 model, which is currently in wide use.

Where can I order and buy a new model

Since this snowmobile model was discontinued more than ten years ago, it is impossible to find a car without mileage. The latest model that can be found on drom.ru dates back to 2004 - 2005. The price of a used bike varies between 90 – 150 thousand rubles. The cost depends on the year of manufacture and the general technical condition of the device.

With spare parts everything is simpler. Over 18 years of production, enough units of equipment have been produced that are currently in active use. Finding a new part will not be difficult.

Technical characteristics of the Lynx 440 snowmobile

In comparison with cars of its class, the Lynx 440 has very good characteristics:

• passenger capacity - two people;
• track width varies from 380 to 500 mm;
• snowmobile dimensions - 3200x1240x3200 mm;
• fuel tank volume - 18 liters;
• car weight - 280 kilograms.

Technical characteristics of the Lynx 440 snowmobile engines:

• Models 113 and 119 are equipped with two-cylinder and two-stroke engines, models 500 and 440 are equipped with four-stroke engines.
• Runs on A92 gasoline.
• Working volume is from 431 to 440 cubic centimeters.
• Maximum power - 42 horsepower.
• Forced air cooling system.
• 20 liters of fuel are consumed per 100 km.
• Maximum speed is 90 km/h.

In addition to good technical characteristics, reviews of the Lynx 440 snowmobiles note the presence of a protective windshield with edging that protects against oncoming air flow, heated control knobs, a spacious trunk and the presence of a tachometer. The engine power of the car is enough to tow sleds weighing up to 250 kilograms. Rubber tracks are equipped with reinforced rods.

What kind of malfunctions can there be?

In the manual you can find a list of the main malfunctions, as well as possible causes of their occurrence. Here are some of them:

In order to avoid problems in the future, it is recommended to fix problems as they are discovered.

Engine

Despite the good technical characteristics of the Lynx 440 snowmobiles and their reliability, it is the engines that are often criticized. The main reason for engine failure is natural wear and tear of parts. Most often, snowmobile owners encounter the following breakdowns:

• extraneous noise, vibration and knocking;
• malfunctions;
• power reduction;
• increased oil consumption;
• increased fuel consumption.

The cause of starting problems in most cases is carburetors. After the snowmobile manufacturer switched to Japanese Mikuni carburetors, many of the problems disappeared on their own. The brainchild of the Japanese has proven its reliability and durability over a long period of operation. In previous carburetor models, snowmobile owners had to deal with wear on the check cones in the valves, which was eliminated by lapping.

The weak point of two-stroke engines is the spark plugs. Oil and fuel, when mixed, lead to dampening of the spark plugs, which makes cold starting of the engine impossible. In this regard, on long trips on Lynx snowmobiles, it is advisable to take several spare spark plugs. Problems with the reed valves and carburetor can also have a negative impact on engine starting.

Four-stroke engines of Lynx snowmobiles are cooled due to snow entering the intake. Prolonged movement on dry crust or ice can cause overheating of the motor, which is eliminated by moving along a section of the road with water or melted snow.

Rebuilding the engine requires a good knowledge of the technical characteristics of the Lynx 440 snowmobile, so it is advisable to contact service centers to carry out such operations.

User manual

The attached manual contains detailed information on the design of this snowmobile track. The instructions include both a general diagram of the snowmobile and detailed diagrams of the main components, including electrical wiring. At the end, the owner can find a list of main faults and methods for eliminating them.

Run-in

Since this snowmobile was discontinued in 2009, it is now almost impossible to buy a new one without mileage. However, break-in recommendations may still be useful after a major overhaul of the engine or installation of a new one. The running-in period lasts for the first 300 km. In this case, the owner must comply with the following requirements:

• þ do not exceed the speed – maximum 45 km/h;
• þ ride without passengers, on flat areas;
• þ do not teach driving;
• þ change driving modes.

During long trips over long distances, you should make short stops from time to time. This will prevent the engine from overheating.

Maintenance

The first comprehensive maintenance is carried out immediately after break-in. In addition to checking the fasteners and chain tension, the engine oil in the gearbox should be completely replaced. TO-2 and TO-3 are carried out every 1000 and 2500 km. This corresponds to such temporary indicators as once a month and once a year.

In addition to the operating instructions, you can also find the released one on the Internet. This manual contains detailed drawings of each unit, indicating the markings of spare parts and consumables.

Fuel system

Incorrect fuel supply and increased/decreased fuel consumption indicate a problem with the fuel pump. To eliminate them, simply clean the part thoroughly.

The advantage of domestic Lynx snowmobiles is simple and cheap repairs that do not cause many problems. Original spare parts for all-terrain vehicles can be purchased at most auto stores, and some of them are comparable to motorcycle counterparts.

Video

The equipment was tested in various regions. The main tests took place in Yakutia, where the model performed very well. The improvements made in the Lynx 440 modification improved maneuverability and maneuverability.

A snowmobile is intended for moving people or transporting goods off-road at temperatures from +5 to -40 degrees. The car confidently drives on the crust at high speed. The design of the snowmobile is simple, so even an inexperienced driver can operate it. Maintenance and repair of equipment is often performed at home or in the field. Similar qualities and excellent cross-country ability of the Lynx 440 model made it very popular among fishermen, hunters and consumers who need to move in difficult conditions.

Production of the snowmobile officially ended in 2009. However, many owners continue to actively use the model today.

Owner reviews

• Nikolay, Kazan: had the opportunity to ride a Lynx 440 snowmobile for several years (I borrowed it from my brother). The model was redesigned as a sports one. The equipment goes well on hard snow in the fields, but in the forest it is not very comfortable. Due to its heavy weight, the Lynx 440 sinks a little in heavy snow levels. On virgin soil, the snowmobile is suitable for use in a well-worn trench. At short distances the model looks good, but for long journeys and hunting this is not the best option. I had problems several times while on the road. On top of everything else, the fuel consumption of a snowmobile is very high.
• Omsk_500: I rode the Lynx 440 snowmobile for quite a long time (from 2005 to 2009). I bought the equipment used (second owner). After 4 years of operation, I realized that the snowmobile is not nearly as good as it was described to me when I bought it:

– it’s simply impossible to drive on loose and deep snow without a shovel;

– the ignition regularly failed;

– in comparison with the Buran series, the traction qualities of the Lynx 440 are much worse (compared with a friend);

– the transmission broke down 5-6 times in 4 years;

– fuel hoses had to be changed after the first year of operation;

– repairing the Lynx 440 in the field is not always possible and not for everyone (the same Buran was easily sorted right in the forest).

• Snowmobile owner 1975: Good afternoon! I used the Lynx 440 snowmobile for two years. Before purchasing, I looked at the information on the forums. Despite the complaints, I decided to buy the Lynx. In the first week of skating, the belt fell apart. As a result, I had to change and reconfigure the variator. At the end of the first year, the suspension spring burst, so I bought a new one. The Lynx 440 rides very poorly on powder, but on a pond or on a rut it’s fine (I accelerated to 100 km/h). In the second season, the gearbox jammed right in the forest, and it was difficult to get home. This was the last straw that prompted me to sell this unit. Lynx 440 is a very problematic snowmobile.
• Nikonor: The advantages of the Lynx 440 snowmobile are clear. The model is quite cheap to operate, Russian spare parts are always available, and the price tag for the equipment is small (does not exceed 150,000 rubles). At the same time, the snowmobile has a roomy seat, good traction and reverse speed. Lynx 440 is unpretentious and quite reliable, although there are a lot of shortcomings in the design. Among the disadvantages, I would like to note the poor headlight switches, which complicate the process of starting the equipment. In terms of characteristics, the Lynx 440 reminds me of the domestic Buran, but is inferior to it in quality and reliability.

Reviews

• Boris, Primorsky Krai. This snowmobile was purchased to replace the Buran, which my father and I actively used. Lynx 500 is an improved alternative to Buran, and we have seen this in practice. We bought the car in 2009 and are still using it. An excellent device in terms of its performance, and even from a design point of view. It consumes cheap 76 gasoline, and there are no problems with dynamics. For its price of 115 thousand rubles, the snowmobile is excellent. Compared to Buran, the car accelerates faster and brakes actively. The snowmobile is more maneuverable and practical, with a spacious trunk. Moreover, it is easy to maintain. One of the weak points is the capricious gearbox chain, which must be regularly tensioned, otherwise the chain will break and this will cause more serious problems. Overall, my father and I are pleased with the technology.
• Nikolay, Sakhalin region. Lynx 500 starts perfectly in cold weather at minus 40 degrees. What we need for our conditions. The car is equipped with wide front skis, and thanks to this it is very stable on uneven roads. So, rollovers and rollovers are absolutely excluded with this snowmobile. The configuration I chose has a heated steering wheel grip feature to prevent your hands from freezing. Of course, it was not without its shortcomings, as with any other domestic technology. The most serious and unsolvable problem is a weak engine that pulls poorly when driving uphill or on loose snow. Under such conditions, engine speed rises, which leads to excessive fuel consumption. In addition, strong noise and vibrations occur, which are then transmitted to the steering column. The gearbox does not have a neutral speed, and this is another serious disadvantage. The maximum speed on a flat road is 80 km/h. The car consumes much more than stated by the manufacturer - certainly more than 20 liters per 100 km, even in gentle driving mode.
• Alexey, Leningrad region. The car was purchased last spring in maintained condition. At that time of year, I managed to bargain well, and in the end the snowmobile cost me 90 thousand rubles. The condition is good. I started using it actively quite recently - after the new year 2022. I will say right away that the device is cheap to use. It handles well and is quite comfortable on long trips, thanks to heated grips and a large trunk. There is also a high windshield that protects from the oncoming cold wind. The roomy seat can accommodate a child (in front) and another adult passenger (behind me). In this case, the traction does not disappear, but the annoying noise of the engine rises. According to my passport, my model is from 2004, and has probably already changed 2-3 owners (it’s unlikely that the seller told me the truth). I travel for several hours every day. The Lynx 500 is ideal for fishing and hunting. I was pleased that all the necessary spare parts were available for this machine.
• Konstantin, Sverdlovsk. I was pleasantly pleased with this snowmobile. To be honest, I expected the worst. I liked that the gearbox has a reverse gear, which increases maneuverability and ease of turning. This function is very helpful in cases where the snowmobile sits on its belly somewhere in the wilderness. If necessary, you can turn on the heating of the steering wheel grips and feet, although the heat is almost not felt in the legs. The device as a whole is not bad, but the mediocre build quality does not bother me much - the parts are not neatly fitted. The instrument panel creaks, and there are knocking noises in the chassis. Unfortunately, the engine is difficult to start in cold weather, and to start moving it must first be warmed up well at idle.

Results

Purchasing Lynx snowmobiles for recreational purposes is not entirely profitable due to high fuel consumption - about 20 liters per 100 kilometers. Despite this, the machines are easy to operate and easy to repair, so you can fix most problems at home without contacting service centers.

Snowmobiles of the Lynx series were produced for a long time by the Ufa Engine Production Association (UMPO). The first copy of the Lynx snowmobile was presented in 1991. The model was positioned as a first-class all-terrain vehicle, designed for driving on snowy plains. The series quickly found fans in the Russian market.

Production of the Lynx series lasted 18 years. UMPO produced several modifications of snowmobiles with different characteristics. All of them were distinguished by the high quality characteristic of Ufa products. The first modification of the series was Lynx 113, made on the basis of the Arctic Cat model. The technology turned out to be not the most successful; problems regularly arose with the car’s engine. The modernization of the machine gave impetus to the emergence of new versions of snowmobiles from UMPO.

The flagship of the series was considered the Lynx 500 model. The Lynx 440 version became one of the latest products from the manufacturer and was a modernized version of the Lynx 500. The design of the equipment became more dynamic and modern. The snowmobile has a new Mikuni carburetor system, a modified hood, an improved gearbox and a wide track. In the basic version, the snowmobile received electrically heated steering grips.