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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 8:13:04 GMT -6
In order to extend my coyote line as well as beaver and rats I'm going to buy a snowmobile this year. I can't use a quad because I can only use them on private ground and in State land on designated trails whereas snowmobiles are good to go. Interestingly, my County just passed an ordinance allowing ORVs to use the shoulders of the County roads but not snowmobiles so they have to be trailered or hauled on the truck.
Of late I've been looking at the fan-cooled Artic Cat's 570F and the Ski Doo 550 MXZ. What are folks using for their trapping tool?
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Post by musher on Apr 4, 2012 9:19:28 GMT -6
You have lots of snow. You should consider a skandic wide track.
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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 9:59:33 GMT -6
With a normal winter I would anticipate having a consistent snow depth of 1'-2'. Some of the State land trails will have other snowmobile traffic on them but most of the private properties won't.
Back 30 years ago in the County where I live, everybody seemed to have snowmobiles and in-mass, would run the road shoulders from one State land trail/logging trail to another and across fields. In my County, laws/ordinances stopped the roadway/shoulder running so snowmobile use here pretty much died out but where I had my property in Northern MI it remains as it always was and is accepted as a normal mode of winter travel.
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Post by musher on Apr 4, 2012 15:44:22 GMT -6
With 2 feet of snow you don't need a Skandic.
I saw a Bravo long track at the dealer yesterday. They are now out of production. They aren't fast but they are extremely dependable.
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Post by Stef on Apr 4, 2012 17:32:29 GMT -6
Bravo or older tundra.
I own a Bravo and its almost maintenance free.
If you're tall, go check some post from some trappers from Alaska.
The seat can be modified to have room under it (tool box etc..) and with an extra foam... and new vinyl/leather seat... It makes this small machine more comfortable.
They also change the windshield for a taller one.... Warmer that way.
I will put a new custom windshield on mine... I don't know how my old one is still holding in place...LoL
It doesn't suck much gas, can pull easily a large plastic sled in the back.
A reverse kit is available and from what I heard... Its a good product.
If you 're going to use a trailer or the back of your truck with the Bravo on it... A reverse will make you smile.
It weights less than 400 pounds so when you're stuck... Most can lift the back of the front easily.
It can go in pretty deep snow if the snow is good.
For big mountains and heavy snow + a sled full of equipment and animals... The Bravo doesn't have enough motor like a VK540 or Skandik etc...
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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 17:32:36 GMT -6
With 2 feet of snow you don't need a Skandic. I saw a Bravo long track at the dealer yesterday. They are now out of production. They aren't fast but they are extremely dependable. Dealer checked on new (2011) Bravo 250 and he can get them in-crate. I heard the gal on the other end of the phone tell him they'd list for $4500. Folks in AK get they cheaper than that but probably after dealing. I also heard that the ride will beat you up and since that particular machine is sort of a "niche" sled, what kind of resale it would have here in mid-MI? |
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Post by Stef on Apr 4, 2012 17:36:15 GMT -6
Mine is a 2001 and I wouldn't be shy to ask $2500 for it no problem.
If I sell it in 5-6 7 years in a clean condition.. think I'll ask $2500 again because they are good machine and I'm sure I'll find a buyer
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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 17:38:29 GMT -6
Bravo or older tundra. I own a Bravo and its almost maintenance free. If you're tall, go check some post from some trappers from Alaska. The seat can be modified to have room under it (tool box etc..) and with an extra foam... and new vinyl/leather seat... It makes this small machine more comfortable. They also change the windshield for a taller one.... Warmer that way. I will put a new custom windshield on mine... I don't know how my old one is still holding in place...LoL It doesn't suck much gas, can pull easily a large plastic sled in the back. A reverse kit is available and from what I heard... Its a good product. If you 're going to use a trailer or the back of your truck with the Bravo on it... A reverse will make you smile. It weights less than 400 pounds so when you're stuck... Most can lift the back of the front easily. It can go in pretty deep snow if the snow is good. For big mountains and heavy snow + a sled full of equipment and animals... The Bravo doesn't have enough motor like a VK540 or Skandik etc... Yup, been watching and listening pretty close there. Yes, I have to trailer and wouldn't have a sled without reverse. |
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Post by Stef on Apr 4, 2012 17:44:22 GMT -6
Check the reverse kit.
Needs a small modification.
Some Yamaha dealer propose it now when you're buying it new.
I think its an invention from a guy from our province.
I talked with two trappers who put the reverse kit on their Bravo and they love the system.
Expensive... I think so but I think it worth the investment.
Pulling a snowmobile out of the truck or trailer all day... It is a mess and a waste of time.
I know it and my back too.
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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 17:52:54 GMT -6
Check the reverse kit. Needs a small modification. Some Yamaha dealer propose it now when you're buying it new. I think its an invention from a guy from our province. I talked with two trappers who put the reverse kit on their Bravo and they love the system. Expensive... I think so but I think it worth the investment. Pulling a snowmobile out of the truck or trailer all day... It is a mess and a waste of time. I know it and my back too. Hauling a trailer can't be helped. No other option except stop trapping for tne year! Here's some reading for you and Musher. The comparisons are at the bottom of the page. www.snowmobile.com/manufacturers/ski-doo/2012-fancooled-budget-snowmobiles-1484.html |
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Post by thorsmightyhammer on Apr 4, 2012 20:08:19 GMT -6
Seldom how much are you willing to spend and do you ever plan on pulling much.
Dont get anything smaller than a 440.
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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 20:28:01 GMT -6
Seldom how much are you willing to spend and do you ever plan on pulling much. Dont get anything smaller than a 440. Nope, going to be at least a 550. Your Bearcat could very well do the trick! I'm looking at the 550 Ski Doos against the 570 Cats. I'm just pulling a simple sled with my trapping gear and animals. I think I have to be cognisent of the type of machines being used in my part of the State toward resale demand. If I get too niche(to far out of the mainstream) I'll lose $$ later for sure. There are far and away more trappers here using quads than snowbolies but as I said, I'm forced to use a snowmobile. I'm not going to cheap-charlie myself but there's no commonsensical reason to throw $$ into something that isn't necessary to just comfortably do the job intended. |
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Post by seldom on Apr 4, 2012 20:39:23 GMT -6
One other consideration is service. I've got Ski Doo service 3 miles from my house(I catch coyote and bobcats 1mile behind it). The Cat service is about 35 miles away. Certainly something to consider!!!!
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Post by thorsmightyhammer on Apr 4, 2012 20:46:06 GMT -6
For winter trapping I wouldnt ever use a quad unless there is zero snow and even then if Im on ice Ill take the sled every time.
Resale value?
Do you plan on selling it?
When i buy a sled its forever.
I buy Cats because my wife works there and we get a hell of a deal.
Otherwise I dont think you can go wrong with a Doo.
Reverse is an absolute must.
Also I think the new rider forward style is a must. They handle like a million bucks.
Ive heard the Doo 600 ACE motor is supposed to be really good on gas but i dont know anybody that owns one to verify
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Post by seldom on Apr 6, 2012 9:14:37 GMT -6
Thanks to those that replied and sent PMs the info was exactly what I was looking for to show that i was thinging correctly in the right direction and solidify my choice. the Ski Doo dealership/service only being 3 miles away easily tipped the scales to the Ski Doo Tundra Sport 550F. Now to find a used single-space, covered trailer. They may be like looking for hen's teeth but I've got the time and if I run out of time and can't find one, a new one it is! My wife is always apprehensive about things of this nature and me getting hurt because i do everything alone but she mentioned the other day if would it be possible that I'd take her for a little spin next winter? Hot damn! There you go, I'm a winner and never got a scratch on me!!!!  |
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Post by Stef on Apr 6, 2012 9:30:49 GMT -6
Good news for you |
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Post by musher on Apr 6, 2012 14:52:44 GMT -6
Good choice.
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Post by thorsmightyhammer on Apr 7, 2012 8:20:29 GMT -6
You are going to get an aluminum trailer right? I personally wouldnt buy a covered one because of the way I use them. I've been known to load an unload 10 15 times a day and I aint dealing with the cover. It would be nice though to keep the salt and dust off though.   One thing I hate about the cats is the come standard with those stupid low profile windshields. You have to buy a taller one if its what you want. Another hundred. Z would have laughed at me for that but they are utility sleds not runners. For my use I'd get the Cat over the Tundra and thats not my bias speaking. I think the Cat will out pull the tundra and I love hydraulic brakes. Now the Skandic would be a different story. You'll be happy with it Seldom |
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Post by seldom on Apr 7, 2012 10:26:42 GMT -6
You are going to get an aluminum trailer right? I personally wouldnt buy a covered one because of the way I use them. I've been known to load an unload 10 15 times a day and I aint dealing with the cover. It would be nice though to keep the salt and dust off though. I may be forced to buy an aluminum trailer but I'd much rather it be steel. I sold all of my aluminum welding equipment and I never want to own any piece of equipment such as a trailer, that I can't modify or repair by welding myself!!!! I place a high value on workability/weldability over weight. I might have to pay a premium for a single-place covered but it is what it is! 10-15 times a day? That sounds too much like work! . I've gone over my locations with that thought inmind while trapping this past season and can't see more than unloading /loading 4 times a day and that figure includes droppage! |
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Post by thorsmightyhammer on Apr 7, 2012 12:58:16 GMT -6
Seldom I didnt buy an aluminum because of weight but because MN is notorious for using a lot of salt in the winter.
My last trailer was steel and it was a PIA with all the rust and having to maintain it. Galvanized would have been better than what I had.
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