#62468 - 01/28/07 09:52 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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gary smith
trapper
Registered: 12/28/06
Posts: 115
Loc: Lincoln , Mt.
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i need a snow machine, can only afford a junker about 5oo$ my line is from the house for about 5 miles. i can start from home & dont need to haul the machine. i have never owned one & only ridden one once. i am in the mountains but not worried about breakdowns as i will always carry snow shoes. seems as if the tundra is popular but i see lots of other machines for around 500$ . what other machines are good for this work?
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#62548 - 01/28/07 10:55 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: gary smith]
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bearbait
trapper
Registered: 01/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: North Pole Alaska
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Gary, so you're one of Ted's old neighbors!! I've hunted deer around Lincoln a few times. Will you be riding on packed trails or breaking your own trails through deep snow? If you will mainly be on packed trails then a 121" track will do. If you will be off trails you'll want at least a 136" track. Many machines out there can be used for trapping, all will have enough power for you, track size and machine weight is important. Look around, if you find a used machine you're interested in, ask on here about it.
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Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#62604 - 01/29/07 12:14 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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Aksigns
trapper
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 10
Loc: Juneau, Alaska
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"Look around, if you find a used machine you're interested in, ask on here about it."
I'm hoping this was an invite for others as well.
I've never owned a snowmachine and the last time I was on one it was a single ski machine by skidoo about 40 years ago. Do any of you know anything about an arctic cat 600 powder special. It's a 2stroke with EFI and i think it's oil injected from a separate oil resavoir? One is for sale locally with 1000 miles on it and they want $2900.00. He also has a '98 yamaha vmax sx700 short track but everyone I have talked to says 'longtrac only'. I just don't have the $ for a brand new one thats got the real long track. Thanks for your input. Daryl
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#62968 - 01/29/07 12:15 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: Aksigns]
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bearbait
trapper
Registered: 01/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: North Pole Alaska
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Daryl, I have a 1999 600 Powder Special and am thoroughly happy with it. I has great power and I love the EFI. I used it as a trapping machine and except for low mpg it worked great. You get enough snow down there that a wide track may be better. Are you looking for something just to trap with or to play on also?
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Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#63918 - 01/29/07 11:36 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: fishermann222]
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gary smith
trapper
Registered: 12/28/06
Posts: 115
Loc: Lincoln , Mt.
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Thanks for your replys. trapping is my intrest not snowmobiling, its just a means to and end ( trapping) there is about 18 in of Hard snow now some of the line is near a road that is traveled only by snowmobiles, much of it will be on logging roads that havent had any traffic . Bearbait ,Ted sure put Lincoln on the map! i have only been here since 7- o5 we moved here from Miles City, Mt. after starving out on irrigated farm. Are there enough roads in Ak that you can get to fire wood ? is it timbered where you are ?
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#63942 - 01/30/07 01:20 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: gary smith]
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Aksigns
trapper
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 10
Loc: Juneau, Alaska
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bearbait & fishermann -
We've gotten quite a bit of snow here this year. It will usually rain away in a few days but this season it has stacked up like in the old days.
I feel like i'm missing out on something in the hills with all the people running snowmachines + i don't go uphill on foot as well as I did 20 years ago. The snow is pretty loose but there are lots of packed trails. I doubt if there is enough room in our area for a trapline but who knows.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the snowmachines and to all reading this for their info on trapping - its a great way to end a day reading about your days in the woods (or tundra). Daryl
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#64291 - 01/30/07 11:13 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: Alaskacajun]
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bearbait
trapper
Registered: 01/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: North Pole Alaska
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Gary, most of Alaska is timbered but some areas are so barren the fox can't even find a stick to pee on! I burn about 4 cords a year to heat my garage, wood isn't hard to get around North Pole. Daryl, I visited Juneau a few years ago and and everything is uphill there, that's some steep country.
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Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#64507 - 01/30/07 02:39 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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Hupurest
trapper
Registered: 12/26/06
Posts: 3905
Loc: Las anchorage
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$2900 for the powder special is high, more around $2000 sounds right. I had that in a 700 carb, and it was a ripper, but the newer models allow for more clearance with the snow..they were low riders..
gary, we have trees for fire wood, but they are junk,.Spruce and birch, it is horrible wood, but all that we have. No hardwood anywheres, back home we wouldn't even think of cutting one of these down to burn, but we got no cherry, maple or oak here.
and yamaha vmax, it is an ancient ttechnology, triple.. I wouldn't take it if you paid me too.
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Beaver for everyone VOTE  DOBBINS in -08
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#65407 - 01/30/07 09:57 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: Hupurest]
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gary smith
trapper
Registered: 12/28/06
Posts: 115
Loc: Lincoln , Mt.
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Thanks Alaskans.
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#117832 - 03/02/07 02:00 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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TrapperTy
trapper
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 24
Loc: Wyoming
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Bearbait where did you get the 1/4 inch UHMW? I just got a new Tundra and would like to put a skid plate on it. Also what did you attach it with? Thanks for the great pics. Really like your trapping box.
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#117950 - 03/02/07 03:23 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: TrapperTy]
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bearbait
trapper
Registered: 01/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: North Pole Alaska
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I got it from a machine shop in Fairbanks. Lots of places carry it up here but it'll probably be harder to find there. You might look in the phone book under industrial supply or plastic. When I attached the skid plate I had a jack lifting the front end so the suspension was extended and the plate wouldn't prevent the full extension of the suspension. I attached it with 6 or 8 bolts in the front through the plastic nose of the machine. The back is attached using existing bolts that hold a bracket for the suspension, the existing bolts are long enough, look under there and you'll see what I'm talking about. My latest addition is a hot pot for midday hot lunch. It doesn't work well along my trapline because I'm poking along too slow to build much heat. I'll get some thin sheetmetal and build a shroud and that should solve the problem. I'll take some better pictures this weekend.
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Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#119019 - 03/03/07 06:13 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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Pete in Frbks
trapper
Registered: 12/28/06
Posts: 539
Loc: Fairbanks, Alaska
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TrapperTy,
Any dog mushers in your area? If you know of any, ask where they get their runner and toboggan plastic.
UHMW is commonly used for the beds on the toboggan type sleds used in middle- and long-distance racing. It sometimes is used for runner plastic, but is not quite soft enough for most of that type of application.
Machine shops and glass replacement shops sometimes carry it.
Pete
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#122393 - 03/05/07 01:17 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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Hupurest
trapper
Registered: 12/26/06
Posts: 3905
Loc: Las anchorage
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if anyone has a widetrack, superwide with the 550 fan, or the suv 600 carb, there is an update kit for the carbs from ski doo that will make the mileage upwards of 13 mpg. I believe it is a new slide for the carb that does it. not sure on the cost, but a aquatance got it done and gets over 13mpg on his super wide instead of 7mpg.
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Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#123758 - 03/06/07 10:13 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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TrapperTy
trapper
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 24
Loc: Wyoming
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Thanks for info guys and pics Bearbait. I checked online for UHMW and found a place (online metals) to order it from. The Tundra is awesome! We went out last weekend and tried it out in 2 feet of fresh powder. It was almost impossible to get stuck and the most manuveable machine I've ever ridden. It's a little weak on climbing hills without a trail to follow but makes up for that in the way it handles. The RMK was stuck about every half hour. Anybody else have coments on the new Tundra?
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#123839 - 03/06/07 12:08 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: TrapperTy]
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bearbait
trapper
Registered: 01/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: North Pole Alaska
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Ty, I think the skidplate will help the front end to float in deep powder, but I haven't had it in enough snow to find out. The new Tundras haven't been real well accepted up here, there was alot of displeasure when the old style was discontinued. I agree on the handling, you just turn the handle bars and it turns.
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Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#123841 - 03/06/07 12:11 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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bearbait
trapper
Registered: 01/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: North Pole Alaska
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Alaskan, now you need to lower the handlebars so you can laydown and ride it, like those mortocycle racers. You should be able to get at least 5mph better plus better mileage.
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Eat, Drink, and don't be a Mary.
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#123868 - 03/06/07 12:41 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: bearbait]
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Hupurest
trapper
Registered: 12/26/06
Posts: 3905
Loc: Las anchorage
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they look better with the zip tie stitching anyways. Now it has attitude, and people won't ride so close to you anymore.
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Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#124280 - 03/06/07 06:08 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: fishermann222]
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otterman
trapper
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1504
Loc: SW Alaska
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ALaskan been there done that ended up with a busted tail bone glare ice sucks especially when it leads to open water
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It is interesting how much a man will do to suceed and how much more he will doto make sure he has excuses for failure when sucess isa simple process
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#129017 - 03/09/07 04:37 PM
Tundra Snowmobile
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Varminteer
trapper
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 8
Loc: Heart of the Eastern U.P (Mich...
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I bought a 1989 Tundra for $100. The engine runs good but the body is in pretty rough shape. Was this a dependable model/year? Do you think it would be worth fixing up to use as a trapping sled or would a newer machine be better. Does this model/year have any inherant problems? Are these machines still being used where you trap. Thank You for your reply.
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#129579 - 03/09/07 11:18 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: Alaskan]
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SEwaterboy
trapper
Registered: 02/08/07
Posts: 124
Loc: SE Alaska
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I'm going to jump in here too looking for advice. I'm looking to get a machine and know next to nothing about them so excuse any ignorant questions. It will be used foremost for trapping and secondarily for putting around. I'm not into jumping and climbing like some of these guys around here with 1000s, but that could change I guess.  The main reason I need it is when the snow makes the roads impassible I need to drag my 12 foot lund about six miles to the launch spot. Is this feasible? I asked other guys to drag me and they said their machines would just burn belts? I guess my question would be, what criteria am I looking for? If pulling power isn't directly related to overall horse power how are these things geared? Does it(pulling ability) have to do with track length, width, and tread? I'm looking for a workhorse, not a speedster.
A guy here is selling a 2004 600 RMK, but I've been told this isn't enough juice for what I want. Any and all input would be much appreciated as well as machines I might want to check out. We deal with alot of wet snow here. Also if dragging just the skiff isn't a good idea, are there some sleds with ski's that might work better?
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#129613 - 03/10/07 12:42 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: SEwaterboy]
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otterman
trapper
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 1504
Loc: SW Alaska
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if you are talking packed snow a 340 can tow a 12 foot lund. the things dont weight more then a couple hundred pounds empty add the weight of outboard and gear and doubt you would have over 400 pounds most days correct? a fan cooled machine would be the way to go in my mind something in the 550 class but talk to some of the guys on here with the skidoo 440 skandik LT they may say it can do the job. I would do it with my 550 skandik sport as long as it isnt wet deep sticky snow. It would be easier and better for the lund if you had a sled of some type to load it on a simple wide tobaggan made out of lumber would work with a good metal tow hitch. One year we had a real warm winter and in January three of us took off with a snowmachine and a skiff the snowmachine was a 440 panther probably about a 1980 model the skiff was an 18 foot lund with all our gear traps and a 50 HP Merc on it now we was towing on snow covered river ice and did it for 5-7 miles or more at a time when we hit big open streches of water we loaded the snowmachine in the skiff and kickered up till we hit ice again and unloaded the snogo and kept going did this 3 or 4 times till we got about 40 miles up the Nushagak into the Mulchatna river a ways. We set up a camp and put the skiff away and got the other snowmachine dug out from where we had stashed it in the fall. We trapped up there about three weeks and snow machined all the way home went back up and towed the skiff down right befor break up that was a trip I will never forget
Edited by otterman (03/10/07 12:45 AM)
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It is interesting how much a man will do to suceed and how much more he will doto make sure he has excuses for failure when sucess isa simple process
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#129825 - 03/10/07 09:36 AM
Re: Tundra Snowmobile
[Re: Varminteer]
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Trapper_1977
trapper
Registered: 01/26/07
Posts: 33
Loc: Alaska
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hundred buck is a fine deal. if memory serves me right the older one had a problem with the track coming off. happened to me once and mine is a 97 I think. at some point since then they have a kit to put on them that is supposed to keep the track on and for the most part it works.
not saying you need the kit, but I am saying that you need to have the tools to with you to loosen a couple bolts and slide the track back on. It is not hard, I did it.
God Bless America
Trapper
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#132655 - 03/12/07 04:29 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: fishermann222]
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Hupurest
trapper
Registered: 12/26/06
Posts: 3905
Loc: Las anchorage
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we towed out a 20 ft jet boat this weekend with 1 skandic WT 550.
We towed in a truck with 2. you will be better off with a widetrack, and a 550 would be fine. Also, if you can make skiis for the trailer it is that much easier.
As far as belt slipping, it is how you tow it, a slow ride is better than a fast walk.
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Beaver for everyone VOTE DOBBINS in -08
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#133042 - 03/12/07 07:25 PM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: Hupurest]
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quebectrapper
trapper
Registered: 02/04/07
Posts: 7
Loc: eastren townships quebec
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i thinking of buy a ski doo mxz 700cc any thoughs about this machine
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#140456 - 03/17/07 09:34 PM
Re: Tundra Snowmobile
[Re: Trapper_1977]
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white17
"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
trapper
Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 5070
Loc: McGrath, AK
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Mine's a 96 and I love it. The track will come off if you don't adjust it tight enough and get on a side hill.
If I were you I'd look for a better body and just keep running the 89 till it quits. Then rebuild the engine. Good machines
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Mean As Nails
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#140690 - 03/18/07 08:11 AM
Re: Tundra Snowmobile
[Re: white17]
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cedar
trapper
Registered: 01/04/07
Posts: 172
Loc: MN
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160user loves his tundra if he could he would have a garage full of them. LOL
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#140815 - 03/18/07 10:07 AM
Re: Snowmachine Thread
[Re: Alaskan]
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SEwaterboy
trapper
Registered: 02/08/07
Posts: 124
Loc: SE Alaska
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I've looked into a few machines and have a few more ignorant questions. I suppose I could ask a dealer, but I figure the guys that are using them for the same application I would be day in and day out would be a good place to start. I'm looking at the Skandic models of SWT,SUV,WT,and Tundras since that seems to be popular models. Where does the weight of a machine come into consideration? Just the stuck part? Fuel economy? Workability? Looking for a crash course here. I borrowed some ancient Yamaha's the other day for my trap retreival operation. A 400 LT and a 340. I pulled the little skiff with the bigger machine. It went ok on the way out, little on the weak side, but did fine with a light load and dry, cold conditions. On the way home with an additional 100lbs of traps(no wolves, bellies are too full of deer and moose to bother with my scraps) and slightly wetter snow had a bit of a time with any inclines and starting. We would push with the little machine. Overall it was a learning experience and sealed the deal, I'm buying my own machine and maybe one for the old lady. I could see where with the right sled one guy could easily do this leg of the line and then some. I had a blast. The key is to buy the right machine the first time, so I'm trying to do the leg work here. What are the drawbacks to a wide track, if any? Is the difference in body design between the Tundra and the others for manuverability? Snow conditions? I most likely will be pulling some weight with it and just doing some general dinking around on the off days. Maybe hauling around the wife since apparantly she doesn't want her own. And how much power is too much? I know guys that talk up their huge 4 wheelers and I can do all I want with my 350 Rancher4x4. Plenty of power for plowing and it can move when I want to.
bearbait and Rick Phillips- How is that Tundra working out for you? I know when you buy something like that it is tough to admit weak spots, but I would appreciate it if you could tell me things to consider? What applications and conditions are you riding? They don't give those things away as you know. Usually when I get into something I have to buy a few, try em out, and then figure out what I want ie rifles, bows, skiffs, 4 wheelers, outboards. Trying to avoid that this time.
Thanks guys.
Edited by SEwaterboy (03/18/07 04:10 PM)
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