First, let's figure out what a "utilitarian snowmobile" means. This term applies to a very large number of models. Distinctive features of the technology of such a plan are resistance to active use, that is, work under serious loads. Utilitarian snowmobiles will drag away a bulky sleigh and wound up in any frost. Owners of such equipment rarely pay attention to indicators of maximum speed, accelerating characteristics, machine comfort or the presence of any additional ergonomic accessories.
As for the moments of maintainability and reliability, very serious requirements are made here than for the same ATVs, cars or any other motor equipment, because snow cover, terrible frost or short daylight hours can easily turn a small malfunction into a tragedy with human casualties. A walking man overcomes deep snow in a day, while special equipment goes the same way in about half an hour - this is what a utilitarian snowmobile means. The owners of the “scraps” are huntsmen, oilmen, reindeer herders, gas workers, as well as other people who cannot be called amateurs.
Below will be presented a rating of utilitarian snowmobiles, the participants of which are popular and high-quality equipment in many respects. All models from the list are united by one main feature - they are the best. In addition, numerous trials (not only proving grounds) and a large number of awards at thematic exhibitions confirm the right to take pride of place in this rating. Also with this list we will answer the question about which utility snowmobile to choose.
Rating of the best "scraps":
- Yamaha VK540 IV.
- Arctic Cat Bearcat 2000 XT.
- "Taiga Varangian 500."
Let's consider each model in more detail.
Yamaha VK540 IV - 575 000 rub.
Yamaha VK540 IV is the best utilitarian snowmobile to date. Looking at the reports on market sales, we can say that the model is in the top and is in great demand. The reasons for this success are many, and in the first place are the proven performance in a variety of conditions.
The model is equipped with a high-quality and reliable 535cc two-stroke engine. The system is air-cooled and powered by a Mikuni carburetor. The engine is very easy and most importantly it quickly starts in cold weather, both from a cable understudy and from a familiar electric starter.
Snowmobile Features
The 540th model can also be christened as the most reliable utilitarian snowmobile thanks to a thoroughly developed transmission with reverse and lower gear. You can easily turn around in some narrow place or pull a sled with a decent load for several hours.
Advantages of the model:
- simplicity of design, which means good maintainability;
- the engine has high reliability and unpretentious work;
- the widest dealer network in our territory, coupled with a large number of service centers;
- ergonomic long-stroke suspension.
The disadvantage of the series is its equipment too poor: the absence of many important sensors, such as a tachometer and cylinder temperature, while competing utilitarian snowmobiles are equipped with this.
Reviews about the model are all in a positive way. The hunters and fishermen are especially warm about the Yamaha technique. They appreciated the simplicity and reliability of the design, as well as the availability of spare parts. There were no critical comments from the owners.
Arctic Cat Bearcat 2000 XT - 795 000 rub.
Utility Arctic Cat snowmobiles even in the basic configuration are equipped, as they say, to the eyeballs. Take the same engine: an air-cooled unit with a volume of 565 cubic meters has two Mikuni carburetors, with 34 mm diffusers. Thanks to this, the motor possesses not only an enviable traction, but also eliminates all kinds of “choking” at high speeds.
In addition, the model is equipped with an overall cargo area at the rear of the machine, which can be further increased by dismantling the passenger seat. If even this turns out to be not enough, then there is always the opportunity to attach a sled - everything you need (a hitch) is already available as standard.
Distinctive features of the model
It will also be useful to note that the utilitarian snowmobiles of this series have an enviable volume of a gas tank, about 65 liters. And therefore, a long journey will not bring any surprises with a lack of fuel.
Main advantages:
- convenient and intuitive controls;
- Chic basic equipment of the model;
- long-travel pendants;
- capacious platform.
The disadvantages of the model:
- the design is too complicated for this kind of equipment (difficult repair in road conditions);
- high price.
Owners leave only positive reviews for the 2000th series. Literally all hunters and climbers admire far away admire the tank's capacity and duration of trips. Also, users note the reliability of the design, despite the difficulties of repairing “on the knee”.
“Taiga Varyag 500” - 280,000 rubles.
Utility snowmobiles of the Rybinsk plant remain the most inexpensive equipment of this kind. The Taiga engine has a two-stroke unit model RMZ-500 (500 cubic meters) and is equipped with a Mikuni carburetor.
The machine does not have enviable capacities, as previous respondents, only 43 liters. sec., therefore, to ensure proper dynamics, the engineers had to significantly lighten the weight of the entire structure. You end up with a 265 kilogram snowmobile.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
And although the dynamics indicators were clearly improved with weight loss, the car lost its electric starter: starting the engine is only in manual mode. As for the transmission, the "Varyagov" equipped with a classic variator with a mechanical reverse and steps. The design turned out to be very simple, and this automatically added reliability to the snowmobile.
Pros of "Varyag":
- price;
- foreign components from Mikuni and Ducati Energia (carburetor and ignition);
- good cross-country ability due to a well-arranged 500 mm track.
The disadvantages of the model:
- short-travel suspension;
- build quality is poor.
Judging by the reviews on the model, the domestic consumer chooses “Taiga” primarily because of the relatively low price. Satisfy the owners and driving characteristics of the snowmobile. But the fly in our cars was and remains the build quality.