Modern snowmobile BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550

The Ski-Doo Skandic 550 WT snowmobile is a classic utilitarian model with good traction and comfortable handling. This truck is chosen both for extreme driving on snowy roads, rough terrain, and for household work. Thanks to a powerful and economical engine, the machine is capable of pulling full cargo sleds weighing more than 500 kg. If necessary, the modular passenger seat can also be disassembled to increase luggage space.

The manufacturer of this snowmobile truck is the world-famous corporation for the development and production of all-terrain vehicles - Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). The first snowmobile rolled off the plant's assembly line in 1997. And in 2014, the number of snow bikes exceeded the three million mark.

The company's main plant is located in the Canadian city of Quebec. The company also recently opened a new assembly plant in Mexico. The Australian division of BRP produces engines for all-terrain vehicles. In addition to snowmobiles, the manufacturer’s arsenal includes many models of ATVs, jet skis, motorcycles and other motor vehicles.

BRP is a full-cycle enterprise - its employees are engaged in the design, development and testing of not only finished products, but also individual components. There are about ten official dealers of the company in our country.

Engine parameters

The Skandic WT 550 snowmobile is equipped with a two-stroke Rotax 600 HO E-TEC engine, which is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and high performance.
The main disadvantages of this category of engines (low efficiency and environmental friendliness) are eliminated in the modification dated 2022. The Rotax 600 HO E-TEC unit has the following features:

• cooling of piezo injection injectors using gasoline;
• computer electronic board;
• reliable spark plugs with platinum tips and long service life;
• automatic preservation technology (performed by pressing one button);
• instant response to pressing the gas;
• starting the first time;
• smooth and quiet operation.

Characteristics of the Rotax 600 HO E-TEC motor

Engine

The latest versions of the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 are equipped with a 2-stroke Rotax 600 HO E-TEC engine, which is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and high performance. The main disadvantages of this category of engines (low efficiency and environmental friendliness) have been eliminated.

The Rotax 600 HO E-TEC was not created from scratch. BRP's subsidiary (Evinrude) previously began producing 2-stroke engines with E-TEC technology. These units have been called one of the most environmentally friendly. For a long time, it was not possible to adapt the E-TEC technology, which has successfully taken root on engines for motor boats, to the operating conditions of snowmobiles. And only in the early 2010s, BRP introduced the first versions of units for snowmobiles with E-TEC technology, the main elements of which were:

• a powerful on-board computer that regulates fuel injection into the cylinders exactly according to a given schedule;
• original lubrication system, similar to an electronic fuel injection system, due to which oil is not wasted.

The Rotax 600 HO E-TEC unit has other interesting features:

• cooling of piezo injection injectors using gasoline;
• computer electronic board;
• reliable spark plugs with platinum tips and long service life;
• automatic preservation technology (performed by pressing one button);
• instant response to pressing the gas;
• starting the first time;
• smooth and quiet operation.

Characteristics of the Rotax 600 HO E-TEC motor:

• working volume – 553.4 cc;
• rated power - 57 hp;
• number of cylinders – 2;
• cylinder diameter – 72 mm;
• Recommended fuel type is AI-92 gasoline.

Other characteristics:

• cooling system – air;
• exhaust system - single muffler pipe;
• fuel tank capacity – 45 l;
• oil tank capacity – 2.5 l;
• average fuel consumption is 11.3 l/100 km.

ROTAX. The two-stroke heart of your snowmobile

When choosing a snowmobile, many people look at its characteristics and parameters, without delving into the features of the engine installed on the snowmobile further than just knowing its power and timing.

However, knowing which model of ROTAX is installed on a BRP , you can get quite useful information that could influence the final choice of a snowmobile. In the current model year BRP Ski-Doo and LYNX snowmobiles : two-stroke 550 F, 600 E-Tec, 800 E-Tec and four-stroke 600ACE, 900ACE, 1200 EFI.

Let's look at two-stroke light engines.

The simplest and most inexpensive two-stroke engine, the ROTAX 550 F, has an almost ten-year history and a legendary, long-lived predecessor, the ROTAX 500 . This is a 57-horsepower air-cooled carburetor engine installed on various snowmobiles in the entry-level price range. Two carburetors accurately dose the mixture, oil for this engine is inexpensive, and the engine is cooled by a fan and counter-flow of air. Air cooling allows you to operate a snowmobile with such a motor even on ice, since there is no radiator system with coolant, which requires sufficiently soft snow under the track. This motor was installed on all classes of Ski-Doo and Lynx : single-seat “sports”, mountain, touring and utilitarian snowmobiles.

The ROTAX 550 F currently installed on the most popular utility and light utility snowmobiles. Its features include the presence of a “choke” that requires careful attention when starting a snowmobile in cold weather, the absence of an anti-theft electronic system DESS and an engine temperature sensor, as well as increased fuel and oil consumption. Since the engine is carburetor, no electronics or advanced technologies are involved in mixture formation. When purchasing a new snowmobile with such an engine, it is necessary to additionally add half a liter of oil to the first full gas tank so that the engine receives additional oil supply during break-in. As a result, in the first tens of kilometers, the smell of exhaust and smoke from the snowmobile's exhaust pipe can cause discomfort. However, many people buy these snowmobiles for infrequent country riding and winter fun on weekends, since in this case, with the low price of the snowmobile and low operating costs, this is an excellent economical option to join the snowmobile community.

The next motor model is ROTAX 600 E-Tec . This 117-horsepower engine, equipped with exclusive E-Tes ​​technology, has repeatedly won prizes from various snowmobile publications and expert communities. It has an excellent ratio of weight, power and efficiency, allowing it to occupy a confident middle ground in snowmobile engines. This two-stroke engine can be found throughout the entire segment of all Ski-Doo and Lynx . And narrow-track touring snowmobiles, and all kinds of cross-country and mountain snowmobiles, sports racing, wide-track work-utilitarian models, light utilitarian snowmobiles, as well as utilitarian-touring class snowmobiles can be equipped with such an engine under the hood.

The advantages of this snowmobile engine include a whole list of parameters and characteristics.

The most modern oil supply system, which, using oil pumps, directs oil not to the cylinders themselves, but only to their walls and crankshaft, that is, the places that need lubrication during operation of the snowmobile engine. Thanks to this, precise electronic control of oil supply, depending on load and engine speed, allows this engine to surprise you with smokeless exhaust and impressive efficiency in oil consumption - up to 1 liter per 400 km! The fuel supply by the E-Tes ​​injection system also deserves attention. The asymmetrical surface of the pistons and layer-by-layer combustion of the mixture in the cylinders, along with extremely precise dosage of fuel injected under enormous pressure, gives the E-Tec snowmobile engine ideal operating stability throughout the entire range, including idle speed. And at idle speed, the fuel and oil consumption of the 600 E-Tec will correspond to a 200 cm3 engine! The ability to start a snowmobile with such an engine in cold weather from the first press of the starter button or from the first pull of the manual starter is also a merit of the BRP . All Ski-Doo and Lynx equipped with motors with E-Tec technology start even without a battery from a manual starter with amazing ease, regardless of temperature and idle time.

Another feature and advantage is the self-preservation of snowmobiles with ROTAX E-Tec . Press a few buttons and the snowmobile is ready for summer storage. And if there is sudden snow again, go for a ride! After all, preservation only takes three minutes.

The E-Tes ​​motor is incredibly compact and lightweight, compared to four-stroke engines with the same power. Due to this, it is installed in the snowmobile directly under the steering column as close as possible to the driver’s knees. This snowmobile ultimately has excellent weight distribution and handling. The engine power of 117 horsepower is enough for any job. A snowmobile with an E-Tes ​​engine is not afraid of overturns, battery discharge, or severe night frost. Possessing high autonomy, easy and reliable starting, this snowmobile is ready for long journeys and tests.

The most powerful motor in this family is ROTAX 800 E-TEC . It appeared several years ago and immediately announced itself with unprecedented power. First at 151 hp, then at 155 hp, and now all 164 horsepower!

Lightness and power, all the advantages of the E-Tes ​​injection system have definitely prepared for it a place in racing and mountain snowmobiles. And since last season, this motor began to be installed in top-end snowmobiles Ski-D00 and Lynx of the utilitarian and tourist-utilitarian classes.

Specifications:

Element characteristics:

Chassis:

• front suspension type - LTS;
• front suspension shock absorbers - adjustable;
• front suspension travel – 150 mm;
• rear suspension type – SC-5U;
• rear suspension shock absorbers - HPG;
• rear suspension travel – 239 mm;
• Anti-roll bars are missing.

Transmission:

• transmission type - CVT;
• CVT drive pulley – eDrive2;
• variator driven pulley – QRS;
• type of brake system – hydraulic.

Characteristics of the model range

There are several modifications of this vehicle on the market, for example:

• 600;
• 800;
• 900;
• 550.

Scandic-600

Technical characteristics of this snowmobile model:

Scandic-800

Technical characteristics of the Scandic-800 unit:

Other models

Indicators of the Ski Doo Skandic-900 snowmobile:

Technical characteristics of Scandic-550:

Adjusting the front suspension of the BRP Scandic 550 snowmobile

The choice of the optimal combination of suspension parameters is determined by the load of the snowmobile, the weight of the driver, the characteristics of the individual driving style and subjective preferences, the speed limit and the condition of the track.

Before adjusting the suspension, do the following:

1. Stop the snowmobile in a safe place;
2. Remove the safety cord cap from the contact device;
3. Before adjusting the front or rear suspension, make sure the lifting device is secure and stable.

Change one adjustable suspension parameter at a time. For example, after adjusting the front springs, you may need to readjust the center spring. Each step of the suspension adjustment must be verified by a test run on a snowmobile under identical conditions: the track, snow conditions, driving speed, driver position on the seat, etc. must be the same. Perform all adjustments consistently and completely until the desired result is obtained.

Rear suspension setup

1. Tape limiter;
2. Central spring and shock absorber;
3. Rear shock absorber;
4. Rear spring preload adjustment cams;
5. Suspension extension adjuster;
6. Suspension extension spring preload adjuster.

Band stop length

Changing the length of the limiter bands allows you to change the weight placed on the center spring when the snowmobile accelerates and limit the lift of the snowmobile's front suspension. The length of the stop bands also affects the stroke length of the central spring.

Set both strap stops to the same length. After changing the length of the stop bands, you need to check the track tension.

When driving in deep snow, it may be necessary to adjust the tape limiter, as well as to change the driver’s position in order to adjust the angle of contact of the caterpillar with the supporting surface. A driver with sufficient knowledge and experience will always be able to choose the most optimal adjustment option, taking into account the condition of the snow cover.

Rear spring preload

The amount of rear spring preload affects the ride comfort of the snowmobile, the driver's seat height, and also helps compensate for the loads that arise when transporting cargo.

In addition, various rear spring preload adjustments allow you to increase or decrease the weight carried by the snowmobile's front suspension. As a result, the pressure of the skis on the supporting surface also increases or decreases. This allows you to improve performance when driving in deep snow, as well as reduce or increase steering effort and thereby improve the handling of the snowmobile.

If, when driving a snowmobile on the most uneven sections of the route, only slight breakdowns of the suspension are observed, it means that the adjustment of the suspension components has been carried out correctly.

A typical option for correct adjustment: A - The suspension is extended to full travel; B - The suspension is compressed under the weight of the driver, passenger(s) and cargo; C - Difference between distances “A” and “B”, see table. below.

To increase spring tension, always turn the left adjusting cam clockwise and the right adjusting cam counterclockwise.

The complete process of adjusting the suspension can be found in the operating instructions for the BRP Ski Do VT 550.

Design and equipment

The snowmobile is suitable for all lovers of fast driving on snowy off-road terrain. But even on the farm, the Skandic 550 WT will be indispensable due to its traction force, which allows you to tow up to 700 kg of luggage on a sled. The car is a two-seater, but if desired, the passenger seat can be removed, freeing up an additional cargo area.

Features of the snowmobile:

• The adjustable steering column allows you to adjust the device to a specific driver.
• The rear suspension of the SC-5U is suitable for traveling on various types of snowy trails.
• The LTS's telescopic front suspension is designed for deep snow traversal.
• The wide track adds cross-country ability to the snowmobile.
• The halogen headlight allows you to use snowbikes in the dark.
• The digital dashboard displays information from sensors (speedometer, tachometer, odometer).
• The Synchromesh transmission ensures a smooth ride regardless of external factors.
• Thin and narrow Pilot DS2 skis increase the maneuverability and maneuverability of the device.
• A high windshield protects the driver from wind and snow flying in the face.

BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550F/600

The BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550F/600 can confidently be called a classic of snowmobiles produced nowadays. This model has excellent control and is affordable. The snowmobile will become a real assistant in the taiga, as well as in open areas. The device will overcome serious snow covers without any difficulties, for which the capabilities of the telescopic suspension are used. This snowmobile has a comfortable passenger seat and backrest. In this case, the second seat can be easily removed. A high-performance power unit will provide the ability to overcome various difficulties. The snowmobile owner will be able to load the sled and pull it with ease. The fuel tank capacity is 42 liters, thanks to which you can travel over two hundred kilometers.

BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 600 ACE

Skandic snowmobiles are typical representatives of the utilitarian class. The model in question is based on a platform called REV-XU. She received a 60-horsepower two-cylinder engine. The device is highly reliable even under heavy loads. This is a wonderful hardworking friend. Another feature is increased comfort, which many owners like.

This is interesting: Types and design of snowmobile sleds and how to make them with your own hands - we will learn in detail

Ski-Doo Skandic 550F. Skandic to choose from

What to do when there is a crisis and the snowmobile is long overdue for replacement? That's right, find a suitable one that is inexpensive, but incredibly reliable. One of these snowmobiles can rightfully be considered Ski-Doo Skandic 550F

Igor Vladimirov
What to do when there is a crisis in the yard, and the snowmobile is long overdue for replacement? That's right, find a suitable one that is inexpensive, but incredibly reliable. One of these snowmobiles can rightfully be considered Ski-Doo Skandic 550F

Snowmobile Ski-Doo Skandic 550F © Photo: Ski-Doo

Snowmobile consumers first heard about the Skandic series in 1971. This snowmobile was presented as a lightweight version of the luxury Nordic, popular at the time, and was intended “for a wide range of consumption.” The displacement of the engine installed on the Skandic was then 355 cm3, the power reached 20 hp. s., and the weight was 152 kg. In 1982, after a short hiatus in the mid-to-late 70s, Skandic reappeared on the market. In 1984, Skandic introduced reverse gear. After another break, Skandic appeared in 1992 and became known as Skandic II. Since then, Skandic has firmly established itself in the segment of “sports-utility” cars and acquired a wide track.

Today Skandic has the Yeti II platform, powerful Rotax engines (as before) and is one of the most popular “utilities” thanks to its “indestructible” front telescopic suspension, light weight, amazing longevity and ease of control.

Despite many innovations, Skandic has changed little in appearance over the past ten years. He is well recognized, and many knowledgeable people immediately understand who is in front of them.

There are currently three basic versions of this sled available - extra wide track (SWT, 60 cm), wide track (WT, 50 cm) and an SUV version, which also has a track width of 50 cm, but the front suspension has a more advanced trailing arm design , designed more for sports and deep snow than for difficult work. The rear suspension of the latest version is also different from the “regular” one.

Snowmobile Ski-Doo Skandic 550F © Photo: Ski-Doo

The cheapest version, Skandic 550F, which is supplied to Russia, costs 399,000 rubles. It is equipped with a two-stroke motor with air forced cooling with a power of 53 hp. With. This power is quite enough not only for traveling in deep snow alone, but also with a passenger and cargo. The weight of the snowmobile is 282 kg (dry), which, if necessary, allows you to free it hand-to-hand from not very deep snow. For those who have to travel far from civilization and in the wild, it is still better to equip Skandic with a winch. This possibility is provided by the manufacturer.

The simple-looking Easy Ride WLS rear suspension has a travel of 215 cm, which is quite enough to overcome most snowy off-road problems in a relatively comfortable mode, even with a decent load.

The more expensive version of the Skandic WT 600 is equipped with a 600 cc liquid-cooled engine with a power of 90 hp. With. Its weight is slightly greater than that of a 550 cc air vent - 296 kg (dry), but otherwise it is practically indistinguishable from its “younger” brother.

Having been on the market for quite a long period, Skandic is still in good demand, and not only in North America, but also here in Russia, since it is simple, unpretentious and capable of fulfilling almost any whim of its owner. The only things it can't handle are races and dashing climbs in the mountains... But for this there are specialized snowmobiles, which in turn will not be able to “walk” through the forest and snowy silence as confidently as the Skandic.

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Main features of the snowmobile:

1. Customizable steering column that can be adapted to a specific driver
2. Sports rear suspension SC-5U, developed exclusively for this snowmobile. With such a chassis you can, without fear, overcome snow-covered trails of various types
3. The front telescopic suspension of the LTS has high levels of rigidity, and allows you to move through deep snowdrifts. A car with such a suspension can move over rough terrain
4. Wide tracks for increased maneuverability
5. Halogen light optics
6. Multifunction center consisting of digital instruments with gauges (includes speedometer, tachometer and odometer)
7. Proprietary Synchromesh gearbox, adapted to heavy loads. The gearbox has only two forward and one reverse speeds, which ensure smooth running regardless of external climatic and road factors.
8. The machine is equipped with thin and narrow Pilot DS2 skis of its own design. Such skis are characterized by high strength, rigidity and high maneuverability. In addition, the use of such skis had a positive effect on handling and maneuverability. The lower gear made it possible to expand the possibilities of using the snowmobile and made it more versatile.
9. A high windshield that plays a protective role. It protects against strong winds in mountainous conditions.

The potential of the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 snowmobile is so high that it can be compared to a reliable off-road vehicle, ready to conquer any heights. The car is very stable and safe, it is ideal for recreation, hunting and extreme adventures. Moreover, this device is adapted to such conditions and is a reliable assistant that can help you get out of any off-road situation.

Price of models

Ski-Doo Skandic WT 550 snowmobiles have a fairly high price. The cost depends on the year of manufacture and technical condition of the track. Thus, the price tag for new models without mileage from official dealers starts from 1,400 thousand rubles. In addition, many of them must first be pre-ordered.

Of course, you can find older used models on message boards. An all-terrain vehicle produced in 2006 - 2008 will cost about 450-490 thousand rubles, and 2015 - 2022 - 750-900 thousand rubles. Even a model with a 500 cc engine will be expensive, about 600-700 thousand rubles.

Ski-Doo Expedition 1200 SE Luxury Snowmobile Review

This snowmobile can safely be called a legend. It is recognized as one of the most luxurious, powerful and comfortable snowmobiles in its class. You can mention many more epithets for this model, but first things first.

The snowmobile comes with many features and things that many people can only dream about. Pleasant “surprises” include a front power bumper, a sliding plate, and a rear luggage case. To make it possible to pull the snowmobile out of a difficult area in a short period of time, a winch is provided under the seat. The adjustable steering column allows you to customize the control for each person, taking into account the physical characteristics of each person. 150 “mares” allow, despite the large size of the snowmobile, to ride quickly with a passenger, for whom a special backrest is provided at the back. Comfortable trips are hard to imagine without a roomy, ergonomic seat with a thick layer of padding.

The snowmobile has incredible cross-country ability. Track length (utility) is 154 inches, width 50 cm. Hook height 32 mm, reverse gear will not leave a chance even in the most severe weather conditions. A snowmobile capable of driving where it would seem impossible to do so. The presence of a low gear makes it possible to tow heavy loads, trailers and sleds. The use of the model under consideration is quite wide. A snowmobile can not only “plow”, but can also seriously compete with sports cars.

Fast driving becomes a reality thanks to the incredibly powerful 1.2 liter engine. The model of the productive element is “Rotex 1200”. This inline 3-cylinder unit is renowned for its performance all over the world. In addition to dynamics and power, it is very reliable. It is difficult to overestimate the motor resource, which is simply enormous

What else about the layout as a whole? Let's pay attention to the intake muffler, which is similar to a certain musical instrument. The engine is moved as close to the track as possible, this has a positive effect on the stability of the snow machine

The exhaust system consists of only one exhaust can, unlike other brands of snowmobiles. The rear suspension is supplemented with a pneumatic element, which improves the performance of the shock-absorbing system. The suspension at the rear of the snowmobile has 6 stiffness settings. It is possible to install automatic stiffness adjustment to maintain optimal suspension performance, regardless of the load on the snowmobile and changing road conditions.

The front suspension is similar to the shock-absorbing systems of sports versions of “Ski doo” snowmobiles

On uneven trails there is a high level of stability and comfort, which is important for “executive” snowmobiles

Repair of gearbox of snowmobile Scandic 550

If you hear a characteristic noise in the area of ​​the gearbox, the bearing in the lower idler gear may have failed. There is a danger of subsequent breakdown of the lower gear and both “parasites”, and in especially sad cases you can get a breakdown of the crankcase.

Without waiting for problems, I strongly recommend that you start repairing the gearbox, which is described in the video below.

BRP Ski-Doo Tundra WT 550F

The Tundra WT 550F is called an excellent all-around model that can be easily used for both recreation and various tasks. This snowmobile perfectly harmonizes such characteristics as stable operation, reliability, as well as ease of control and excellent dynamics. The use of an exclusive telescopic suspension allowed the company's engineers to achieve excellent maneuverability and controllability when overcoming real winter off-road conditions. The BRP Ski-Doo Tundra WT 550F is equipped with a Rotax 552SK 2-stroke power unit that can pull the car out of any trap. It is also worth noting the use on this model of a reliable steel steering wheel with a spacer, as well as a special mountain sling.

Price

Currently, it is difficult to find a BRP Ski-Doo Tundra LT 550 F snowmobile without mileage. The average cost of a new model is in the range from 700,000 to 760,000 rubles.

There are much more used options on the Russian market. The final price tag here is determined by the mileage and condition of the snowmobile. Average prices:

• 2007-2008 – 250,000-320,000 rubles;
• 2011-2012 – 390,000-450,000 rubles;
• 2014-2015 – 430,000-520,000 rubles.