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#36056 - 01/13/07 12:32 AM Snowmachine Thread/archive
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	OK I'll start the snowmachine thread. I bought a new Tundra today. Only time will tell if it was a wise choice, but I done it. I'll start building the cadillac of trapping boxes tomorrow and figure out where to store everything. There is a little under seat storage and a good spot in the nose of the machine to make a storage box. I'll post more as I figure it out.
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#39092 - 01/14/07 11:11 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 584 Loc: Alaska	I blew my '94 Yamy Phaser II up yesterday in 3 feet of fresh powder.... - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (01/14/07 11:11 PM) _________________________ Pancho
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#39098 - 01/14/07 11:15 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskacajun]
fishermann222 fishermann222 "OX" trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 3036 Loc: Bethel, Alaska	what happened clint? piston? _________________________ I survived the Tman crash of '06
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#39116 - 01/14/07 11:50 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: fishermann222]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 584 Loc: Alaska	I think so, the plug next to the clutch was hotter than a fire cracker.... It still starts so it may be fixable! - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (01/14/07 11:50 PM) _________________________ Pancho
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#39129 - 01/15/07 12:24 AM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskacajun]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	I had my first real ride on the new Tundra yesterday. I went cross country to open up a new line. It was real rough but only had about a foot of snow so it was not a real difficult test. Overall I was pleased. It has too much ski preasure and is already adjusted all the way out, when you get in soft stuff it is a little difficult to steer. It is a bit tippy but not as bad as expected. My only concern is damage because of the aluminum chasis, we'll see. I've started on the modifications, I'll take some pictures when I'm done. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#39901 - 01/15/07 02:30 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
Hupurest Hupurest trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 3905 Loc: Las anchorage	There are many adjustments for the ski pressure, and each effects another one, it is tricky and time consuming to set one up right. The manual should show how each effects the other and how to adjust for suspension changes.(front rear shock, rear shock, limiter straps, front shocks) _________________________ Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#40746 - 01/15/07 08:56 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Hupurest]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 584 Loc: Alaska	Blown head gasket.... - Clint Edited by Alaskacajun (01/15/07 08:56 PM) _________________________ Pancho
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#42761 - 01/16/07 10:09 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
RECONDO RECONDO trapper Registered: 12/28/06 Posts: 149 Loc: North Pole, Alaska	Do any of you use the Skandic Longtrac? I am torn between the SWT and the Longtrac, not real sure which one I want. I have driven a SWT twice and buried it both times and it is just a HOG to get unstuck. But I have never driven the Skandic Longtrac. My line is in alot of wooded rolling hills with deep and steep valleys and basins. It seems like when the wind really blows for a day or two all the snow from the surrounding hills blow into the basin and add an extra 3 to 5 feet of snow. I have even had to rebreak trail on snowshoes on trails already run five or six times.
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#43356 - 01/17/07 12:38 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: RECONDO]
Hupurest Hupurest trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 3905 Loc: Las anchorage	Recondo, I have the skandic SUV, 156", 20" wide, 600cc LC. I can ride alongside the superwide in the deepest of snow so far this year,about 3-4 ft at deepest, and the backcountry was burried. But, I can also go up alot steeper than the swt,and it is a blast on the trail with that 600. the 600 vs. the 550F is a HUGE difference. It also gets better mileage than the swt. the down side is that it is just as heavy if not heavier than the SWT. I did get it stuck once, (rider error) and it was no fun. _________________________ Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#43382 - 01/17/07 12:49 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskacajun]
Kusko Kusko "Mr. Mayor" trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 2086 Loc: Bethel, AK	Originally Posted By: Alaskacajun Blown head gasket.... - Clint Clint, that's an easy fix. You should be up and running in no time. _________________________ "There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin." Linus Van Pelt
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#43493 - 01/17/07 02:20 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Kusko]
Dusty Dusty trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 113 Loc: North Pole, AK	I ran a Skandic SWT on the Beaufort Sea for a couple years. It was a terrible machine on rough ice. When they widened the track, nothing was (properly) redesigned - they just stretched the tunnel out and stuffed a wider track in. Lots of stuff broke, often. I welded on that thing more than the ancient Elans we had up there (the second-worst ice machine on the planet....). It also drove like a tractor - not the most maneuverable thing. They're probably fine if you're puttering around in deep powder, but they will NOT take abuse in rough ice. I assume the same things would happen on my trapline trails, but I'm sure it would take longer to shake things loose. When everything was in one piece, it was a GREAT pulling sled - I regularly pulled 4 barrels of fuel (that's about 1400 pounds, plus the sled) around with it. The machine we never worked on - and rode harder than any of the rest - was an aluminum-framed 380 Touring. It wouldn't pull the weight, but it got a BUNCH of miles with two people going way too fast over very rough ice, and just kept on going. _________________________
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#43597 - 01/17/07 03:41 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Dusty]
Hupurest Hupurest trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 3905 Loc: Las anchorage	as far as the suspension, the suv has the SWT licked. There are plenty of adjustments, and on the bumpy trail, it handles superbly, I am also impressed with the amount of grease fittings they have provided.. I like to find things wrong with stuff, but I have a very hard time with this machine, the windshield is to tall, and the snow swirls back around onto my back and the dash, but that is a trade off. Changing belts isn't the easiest task, but I can not say anything else bad about it. _________________________ Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#43799 - 01/17/07 05:41 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Hupurest]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	Hupurest, My tundra doesn't have any adjustment in the front suspension or springs and the limiter strap is loose. I'm still building the box for the back, when I get a little weight back there it should help. Thanks for the advice, keep it coming. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#43977 - 01/17/07 06:55 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
Hupurest Hupurest trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 3905 Loc: Las anchorage	you can't adjust the springs on the front shocks?? You could decrease the center shock and that will help too. _________________________ Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#44048 - 01/17/07 07:23 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Hupurest]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	Nope, the front springs are not adjustable, if the problem persists after I get some weight in the box I'll try the center spring, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#44367 - 01/17/07 09:27 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
RECONDO RECONDO trapper Registered: 12/28/06 Posts: 149 Loc: North Pole, Alaska	SUV & SWT but no one runs a line on a Skandic longtrac? Any reasons?
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#44425 - 01/17/07 09:50 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: RECONDO]
Alaskan Alaskan trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 2091 Loc: Nome, Alaska	Ah....I LOVE THE 440 LT!!!!! Can't say enough good things about it. Got 150 miles to a tank, goes anywhere and can be freed easily. Usually if it gets bogged down, you unhook the sled, give it gas, ride it back around and hook up the sled. It just GOES. Now, if you're running anything fast, and/or rough, its NOT the machine you want. I drove it bear hunting last year, ad while I made it out, its VERY tippy and made for a long few weekends. Other than that, I HIGHLY recommend it. _________________________ "I'm not hung over. I'm just tired and have a headache."
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#44486 - 01/17/07 10:25 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskan]
RECONDO RECONDO trapper Registered: 12/28/06 Posts: 149 Loc: North Pole, Alaska	Alaskan- Honestly, I am leaning more toward the LT than anything else simply for the reasons you cite. I am 45 years old, pretty much run a line all by myself out in the middle of absolutely no-friggen where and just can't see myself leaving my snogo and walking out anymore. (only happened once and man did that BLOW) It only took that one instance for me to realize there are times when a snogo is TOO STUCK to recover by oneself. And this really sounds stupid but it was an RMK and I was a German U-boat commander in dive mode (incredibly freakish incident in about 6 foot of snow the consistency of confectioner sugar) It was also when I realized you don't go no-where on a snogo without SNOWSHOES especially when your scouting in January 20 miles off the Haul Road. 150 miles on a tank that pretty awesome.
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#44497 - 01/17/07 10:36 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: RECONDO]
Alaskan Alaskan trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 2091 Loc: Nome, Alaska	Drove from Nome to White Mountain and back on that tank of gas. Had enough to double back and goof off as well, which gave me 151 when I pulled into my driveway (and it didn't stop then either, but I did fill it up). I'm going to be taking my Renegade 600 up to my "new" area that I'm going to trap for a few months. I want to bring the Skandic up, but its a 40 mile ride and it tends to be rough going on that 440. It sure is reliable though, and I wish I was bringing it. Still torn on which one. Just like the comfort the 600 has. Definately not going to be making any trails though as I can't risk getting stuck in that heavier machine. IN the 440 I'd go anywhere, no question. EASY to get unstuck. AMAZINGLY easy. _________________________ "I'm not hung over. I'm just tired and have a headache."
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#44523 - 01/17/07 11:14 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Kusko]
Alaskacajun Alaskacajun trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 584 Loc: Alaska	Originally Posted By: Kusko Originally Posted By: Alaskacajun Blown head gasket.... - Clint Clint, that's an easy fix. You should be up and running in no time. Got it today..... Runs better than it ever did! I polished the inside of the head cleaned everything up real nice before I torqued everything back down..... - Clint _________________________ Pancho
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#44534 - 01/17/07 11:35 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskan]
piperniner piperniner trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 586 Loc: Alaska	Recondo: I have a warped sense of humor, as many on this forum have observed ( have to tolerate ? ) , so I really found the humor in your adventure. Almost had a similar experience today with some of the Alaskan ranges finest-deep powder on skis. Anyway, sounds like it would have been fun even with all the tools - snowshoes, bumper jack , Shovel rope along , anchor, etc. I know of several trappers up North who loved the 440 long track . But when the SUV came out , people went for the upgrades. I have a friend that just loves his SUV and says it's real good in those deep powder valleys you mentioned, but they can be a pain for sure if stuck. I don't think you can get a better critique than what Alaskan has offered. Like everything else, no one machine does everything so I guess it's what fits your overall needs best.
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#44542 - 01/18/07 12:04 AM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: piperniner]
RECONDO RECONDO trapper Registered: 12/28/06 Posts: 149 Loc: North Pole, Alaska	Pipe if you only knew of this transplants experiences in Alaska as a green horn I would have you doubled over puking in laughter for some of the stupiest stuff you'd ever get one to willfully acknowledge.
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#44948 - 01/18/07 12:01 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: RECONDO]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	I really considered the 440 LT but I spend most of my time on real tight winding trails in the timber so I went with the Tundra. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#45050 - 01/18/07 01:07 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
Hupurest Hupurest trapper Registered: 12/26/06 Posts: 3905 Loc: Las anchorage	a trick, or tip.... you drill a small hole in the throttle, like 3/32's, and get one of those little "S" hooks that will fit it, and tie a rope to it. If you are stuck by yourself you can put that hook in the hole, and use the string to pull on the throttle from wherever you are, in front, behind, next to. It makes a huge difference, is easy and cheap. CAUTION.... plan it out first, and do not drill through the THUMB WARMER.... _________________________ Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#45197 - 01/18/07 03:03 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Hupurest]
Alaskan Alaskan trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 2091 Loc: Nome, Alaska	Bearbait summed it up with the Tundra, however the 440 is the next in "narrowest". Its also got the "old" design of sealed front, with telescopic skis. Goes over everything. It turns well, in tight places too. Hupe - I like that idea, but for everyone, also make a note to JUST hold the rope, as when it gets going, you're going to be giving it EVEN more gas as you'll be standing still. Need to be able to let go. I bring that up, cause I'd attach it around my wrist or something dumb like that and snap off the thumb throttle. _________________________ "I'm not hung over. I'm just tired and have a headache."
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#45205 - 01/18/07 03:20 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskan]
snowman snowman trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 3286 Loc: Michigan	lol...that's something i would do too just like safety cord on a jet ski...it'll stop the snowmachine so you dont have to chase it very far.
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#46257 - 01/19/07 02:33 AM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: snowman]
RECONDO RECONDO trapper Registered: 12/28/06 Posts: 149 Loc: North Pole, Alaska	Think I am gonna go with the Skandic LT. Might get the SWT later you know you always need a back up LOL..
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#46495 - 01/19/07 10:17 AM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskan]
fishermann222 fishermann222 "OX" trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 3036 Loc: Bethel, Alaska	Originally Posted By: Alaskan Hupe - I like that idea, but for everyone, also make a note to JUST hold the rope, as when it gets going, you're going to be giving it EVEN more gas as you'll be standing still. Need to be able to let go. I bring that up, cause I'd attach it around my wrist or something dumb like that and snap off the thumb throttle. you would look like a rogue beaver being drug across the tundra like that. _________________________ I survived the Tman crash of '06
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#46661 - 01/19/07 01:48 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: fishermann222]
Alaskan Alaskan trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 2091 Loc: Nome, Alaska	Are you making fun of my new furry garment?? I think it would look like a bear attacking a snow machine, and likely get myself shot. _________________________ "I'm not hung over. I'm just tired and have a headache."
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#46667 - 01/19/07 02:00 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskan]
fishermann222 fishermann222 "OX" trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 3036 Loc: Bethel, Alaska	LOL, perception is the key to success. Heck I like it. I have been trying to talk my wife into having a red fox coat made by that guy. She is not interested though. _________________________ I survived the Tman crash of '06
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#46905 - 01/19/07 05:02 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: fishermann222]
Alaskan Alaskan trapper Registered: 12/22/06 Posts: 2091 Loc: Nome, Alaska	I know this banter isn't for the snow-go thread, but... Fish, I hear ya. Been trying to get the Misses interested in a coat, and she isn't. I'm stunned. I'm going to get as much fur crap as I can. Even if it is a full length fox coat....for me. $\:\)$ He sure does good work. Fish, I'll get pics of the sled and the modifications I did to it. I bought the Otter Large, as it was 8" shorter, but 4" wider. Added some Ptex and some supports. We'll see how it works this winter. Figured If I beefed it up a bit, it would be nice, ESPECIALLY for the price. Way cheaper ($100 less than the XL) _________________________ "I'm not hung over. I'm just tired and have a headache."
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#47130 - 01/19/07 07:06 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Alaskan]
piperniner piperniner trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 586 Loc: Alaska	Alaskan : Thanks for the info. Those bigger Otter sleds are really wide are they not ?
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#47209 - 01/19/07 07:47 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: piperniner]
guloboy guloboy trapper Registered: 01/12/07 Posts: 119 Loc: Tazlina, Alaska	I have a Scandic 440 LT and love it. Had it for three years, put 6,000 miles on it and have had no problems. It has really nice ski skins on it and it floats well in the powder, and has enough power to get you back on top when you do sink in. It has a simple reliable design and is not insanley heavy. Like somone else on the forum said though, many people do prefer the super wides. I have never driven a super wide.
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#50999 - 01/22/07 11:52 AM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: guloboy]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	I helped open up some of the Yukon Quest trail saturday on my new Tundra. I got 13 MPG which was much better than anyone else on the trip. I'm finally figuring out how to ride it but it is still tippy. I've heard people talking about the new Tundra being a good kids sled, I disagree. If I was getting a sled for a kid I'd get one of the freestyles. They are on the same chasis but have a wider ski stance and should be much more stable. I'm in the process of building a couple of new trails and this is where the Tundra's narrow ski stance helps. As I route the trail through the timber I carry a tape measure and put the trail between trees that are barely wide enough for me, that way 99% of the snowmachines out there can't get through. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#51072 - 01/22/07 12:43 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
piperniner piperniner trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 586 Loc: Alaska	Anybody know someone who has used the new back country. Some thought this might be a good combination machine, but I have not heard any critiques yet.
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#51114 - 01/22/07 01:06 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: piperniner]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	I haven't heard anything about the backcountry but would have chosen it over the Tundra except I wanted the narrow stance. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#51127 - 01/22/07 01:14 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
snowman snowman trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 3286 Loc: Michigan	Originally Posted By: bearbait As I route the trail through the timber I carry a tape measure and put the trail between trees that are barely wide enough for me, that way 99% of the snowmachines out there can't get through. That's a cool idea.
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#55322 - 01/24/07 06:31 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: snowman]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	Just FYI, I got 13 mpg on the new Tundra over a 60 mile ride on either packed or slightly soft trail, never breaking trail. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#55589 - 01/24/07 08:12 PM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: bearbait]
Loel Loel trapper Registered: 12/23/06 Posts: 74 Loc: Wasilla, Ak	Have you rode the tundra in 2-3 feet of snow yet? You think it's tippy now, just wait. lol Has anyone tried the four stroke tundra? They say they have more power. I think the tundra could use a little more power for breaking trail. I also think the windshield could be a couple inchs taller. The wind off of it hits me right in the face. I think with a couple more inchs it would go over your head.
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#56351 - 01/25/07 10:51 AM Re: Snowmachine Thread [Re: Loel]
bearbait bearbait trapper Registered: 01/03/07 Posts: 370 Loc: North Pole Alaska	Nope, I've only ridden it in a little over a foot of snow. I rode the 4 stroke 800cc Tundra and it definately had much more power but is also 110 lbs heavier. If I wanted that much weight then there lots of other machines to choose from. _________________________ Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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