Arctic Cat is a manufacturer who offers a very wide range of 2- and 4-stroke engines (total of 7), and the manufacturer who offers the largest number of models in the crossover category (XF). Effectively, as the hybrid snowmobile is designed for a versatile use on trail as well as off trail, it is popular in the Province of Québec and demand is growing. Arctic Cat offers 8 XF models in 28 packages available. As snowmobilers do not all have the same needs and same riding type, all expectations and dreams will be fulfilled.
In the same way than some prefer traditional cole slaw while others prefer the creamy one, the range of 2- and 4-stroke engines offers a good choice. Some Arctic Cat engines are more traditional and are proven, others come from agreements with other famous engine manufacturers like Yamaha and Suzuki. The latest one, state of the art, comes from Arctic Cat’s engineers who developped the proven C-TEC2 introduced in 2014 on the ZR 6000 El Tigré model.
In 2015, this new 2-stroke engine is now available on many Arctic Cat models such as the crossover and mountain snowmobiles. Arctic Cat made their snowmobiles lighter and want to reduce even more their weight all while keeping robustness and offering cleaner technology. The C-TEC2 engine reduced the weight by another 10 lbs by using alloys like magnesium. Handling and agility are then improved.
The 2-stroke total fans will note that this new engine of 125 HP is very powerful in the 600 cc category and that on some aspects, it becomes the right choice. The new dual stage injection technology allows the electronic oil pump to measure with precision the gaz / oil ratio needed acording to RPM and altitude. At lower engine speed, fuel enters in the upper part of the piston. At higher speed, a small quantity is injected in the pin bushings for an improved lubrication. The right mix of oil meets the needs and provides a cleaner combustion, low emissions and better fuel economy. With this system, the oil / fuel mix may vary from 1 : 60 to 1 : 90. A better lubrication at the right moment should also impact on the longevity.
SledMagazine.com is testing a 2015 XF 6000 Limited. At about 420 lbs or 190 kg, this machine is very interesting for many snowmobilers. As the 2015 season began later, it is yet too soon to perform a complete analysis of experience on trail, which is its first purpose, and off trail. Trials have begun and are still going on.
As you will see on the following pictures, the XF 6000 Limited is equipped with a short track of 348 cm or 137 in. Many among the 28 crossover editions are equipped with a 360,6 cm or 142 in. track for more flotation. According to your needs, lugs have different shape such as saw-tooth, spoon, distributed at various angles. These lugs are also available in different heights of 3,2, 3,8, 4,5 5,7 cm (1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2.25 in.) adapted to hard-packed snow on trail or to fresh deep snow of abrupt sidehills off trail.
The XF Limited is equipped with a flat handlebar and a riser block of 13,97 cm (5,5 in.) that allows the pilot to adapt it in accordance with his position. Also, the XF has the lighter, the most robust and the most efficient chassis Arctic Cat says they have ever built. It includes extrusions, punchings and aluminum forgings or castings parts, all in a configuration that takes design and high tech construction to the next level. The forging location of the steering reunites many components on which the chassis is mounted.
The suspension lays on new weight distribution design that includes the front triangular arms, the adjustable Fox Float 3 shocks with sway bar and the Slide Action rear suspension that allows tranfers. The goal of this technology is to provide easier riding in turns and in bumps.
Arctic Cat has equipped the XF Limited with an increased vent of the clutch. The operating temperature is then reduced by 30 %. Arctic Cat has added deeper fins to the secondary clutch to increase cooling. Also, this technology uses a material that is more resistant to heat, which brings less friction and extended durability of this component. Thanks to this improved heat decrease process on the primary and secondary clutches, the quality and durability should also be increased. Furthermore, a cooler clutch will surely impact on the performance and the belt life.
The riding is made easier with the use of a new front triangle and suspension. Trail skis are 15,2 cm (6 in.) wide with dual carbide runners and the handles match the snowmobile. The digital gauge is easy to read at a glance. The fuel level, speed, RPM are easy to consult. The hand and thumb warmers are efficient. However, they only offer high/low settings and temperature dimming would be appreciated. During our tests, the «high» position was a little too warm for our palms. Also, you should consider the addition of muffle-style hand guards; it would be better for longer rides under extreme cold because the windshield is small. The brake lever consists of a large ergonomic brake handle that responses well and quickly. The XF 6000 is equipped with good night lighting and low beam can be used easily while riding by operating ergonomic buttons. The XF 6000 has a good weight distribution and skis are firmly planted to trail in turns. The suspension adjustments by air pump must be made indoors, where it is warm, to avoid breakage. The riding is enjoyable and well controled. Its lightweight is an advantage.
Reverse is obtained by operating a button on the right handle. The engine shuts down and restarts, giving you access to reverse, then forward. We liked the fast functionning during our test. There could be a small improvement by giving more space to this boxed lever, much too small for my thumb, even with no glove on. As switch is made when we are stopped, to operate the lever bare hand is more annoying than cold.
The standard RipSaw II track of the XF 6000 Limited is much more silent on hard-packed trails. As other standard features, this snowmobile is equipped with electric start, goggle holder at front, small rear storage bag and robust matching bumper that also gives a nice look to the machine.
In option, you can choose a mid-height windshield that offers more protection and mirrors that are mounted on the hood close to the gauge. This type of mirror on long rod looks good but it is fragile if during a ride, your machine overturns by accident. A simple roll will break the mirrors and you will have to buy new ones. Folding mirrors on more supple supports should be offered, because anyway it is an optional feature and mirrors are mendatory in the Province of Québec. Also, folding mirrors would make it easier when we use a cover during transportation. We would not have to take off the mirrors and put them back on with a tool each time we cover our snowmobile for transportation.
The hitch package and the useful Expedition cargo rack designed to be fixed to the tunnel are also interesting optional accessories. A larger tunnel bag for a few-day trip will be more convenient for travelers. This bag is attached and removed by using two small zippers and two straps with attachment points. The standard bag is a one-day bag, of low capacity, just large enough to carry tool kit, spare plugs and bags of synthetic oil of 1,4 liter. The larger bag is an optional feature and its capacity is more convenient for travelers’ material such as night and spare clothing, bags of oil, emergency repair kit and spare plugs for longer rides. Our trial snowmobile is not equipped with storage options and sadly, there are not many ways to attach our travel equipment.
There is another inconvenient that could be easily rectified. The snowmobile offers only one lighter plug, which means that we need a mobile adaptor for a heated visor or to use a GPS during a trip. The lighter plug adaptor being a mobile part, it may end up not functionning because of the vibrations coming from the snowmobile and the trail. The 12 V outlets (jack) or USB outlets protected with caps to connect visors, GPS, etc., should be among the standard equipments and replace the lighter plug; this would insure a more reliable power supply.
In regards of fuel and oil consumption, the snowmobile is in its breaking-in period, so its consumption is higher. The Arctic Cat synthetic oil is the only one authorized by the manufacturer and it is not cheap. Its price adds up to fuel cost and it would be wise to buy a lot. We will report further on this issue after a few thousand kilometers.
Louis Perron.
