Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 11:03:18 AM

Title: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 11:03:18 AM: Pro and Cons of each for hunting purposes. I am looking to get either a snowmobile or a tracked up ATV for lion and bobcat hunting in Idaho. What are your thoughts on each? Thanks!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 13, 2010, 11:16:09 AM: Snowmobile can only be used in snow. I'm going to have tracks put on my Can-am one day. I use my ATV all year. Tracks are about
$3500 + - plus install. My Can-am was $8200 in 2008. Also, you'll need a big bore ATV in my opion, to power those tracks.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: GoldTip on December 13, 2010, 11:22:17 AM: You can buy a good used snowmobile for the cost of a set of just the tracks for an ATV, and it will be a vehicle truly designed to be on snow. I have an ATV, and would just as soon buy a good used snowmobile as opposed to putting track on my ATV.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on December 13, 2010, 11:28:55 AM: I have been asking myself the same question recently.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: gasman on December 13, 2010, 01:38:48 PM: The tracks are cool, but the additional cost for them :yike:

I think I would get a snowmobile bor the money.

But I still would like the tracks to go any where I wanted, when I wanted :bash:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: chester on December 13, 2010, 01:43:55 PM: I have a lil bit of experience with both. If you have the $$$$$ go get the tracks for your quad. they will let you do anything you can think of and when it dries out you can put the wheels and tires on. If funds are tight though and you already have a quad. Get a sled. Much cheaper way to go but it could be limiting. there may be instances where you will need to bring both to get around effectivly. :twocents:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Woodchuck on December 13, 2010, 01:50:57 PM: http://www.mattracks.com/ (http://www.mattracks.com/)
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 13, 2010, 02:14:11 PM: So whats a good reliable make and model of snowmobile if a person was not going to buy new?
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Woodchuck on December 13, 2010, 02:22:58 PM: the polaris xlt triples were really good sleds :twocents:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: GoldTip on December 13, 2010, 02:44:28 PM: Quote from: JIMKD8 on December 13, 2010, 02:22:58 PM
the polaris xlt triples were really good sleds :twocents:

I would agree they were really good sleds, but pretty heavy. You can find a good twin that will offer more power and be much lighter as well. You can find a good used 2001-2003 700 RMK in the 3,500 neighborhood pretty easy. Another good sled would be any of the Yamaha Phazers, like a MTN lite if you are of average size and weight, less than say 180lbs would give you all the sled and track you'd need 97% of the time. Bigger guys are going to want to ride something in the 600-700cc class with a min. 141" track.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: MtnMuley on December 13, 2010, 03:06:46 PM: A good long track sled in the 600-800 range is ideal in my opinion for pursuing cats in the winter. Put your dog boxes or traps on a pull behind sled, and you're set. :twocents:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 03:08:41 PM: The type of riding I would do while looking for bobcat and lion tracks (in Idaho) is really hard on sleds. Slow driving and lots of starting and stopping. I was thinking about getting a quad and putting some trax on them so I could use the machine 12 months a year. With a snow mobile it's only good for 3 to 4 months a year and then if you have a winter like last year even less. I'd love to get a good Ski Doo Skandic for lion hunting, but never see one of those for sale, used.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: MtnMuley on December 13, 2010, 03:13:52 PM: I've used the Scandic and they were great. Also, Polaris made a Bearcat (I believe), that is similar in comparison. Good towing sleds, that could putt along and idle well.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 03:19:53 PM: you can't beat a ski-doo tundra for cat hunting. long wide track, hi-lo and reverse, light weight sipps fuel and any 12 yearold girl can get one unstuck. I spent 90 miles on a 700mtn max that is prepped for hunting and have other big mountain sleds, but my buds who rock the tundras love them. get it done and weigh 200lbs less.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: whacker1 on December 13, 2010, 03:29:42 PM: I only know of a couple of people that have been running tracks on their ATV's. They go pretty good, but very expensive, because you need the big dogs to power them. Yamaha Grizzly 660's and up or the Can-Am 800 etc. You can replace a belt on a sled if the stop and go is too hard on them.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 03:40:15 PM: I can't imagine sidehilling a tracked quad, and a 40" wide sled makes it a breeze. turning around would favor the quad, fuel mileage goes to the sled. speed goes to the sled.....i am obviously sled biased. tracks would rock for crossing plowed fields though.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: chester on December 13, 2010, 03:43:29 PM: the tracks seemed suprising stable. i also think it would make for a smoother ride.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 13, 2010, 03:44:04 PM: I think the tracked ATV is the ticket for cat hunting. Sleds are not all that great for packing dogs around, and they tend to overheat going 5 mph looking at every track on the trail! :rolleyes:

If I could afford another toy it would be a tracked ATV. They're pretty nice.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 03:45:39 PM: Quote from: high country on December 13, 2010, 03:19:53 PM
you can't beat a ski-doo tundra for cat hunting. long wide track, hi-lo and reverse, light weight sipps fuel and any 12 yearold girl can get one unstuck. I spent 90 miles on a 700mtn max that is prepped for hunting and have other big mountain sleds, but my buds who rock the tundras love them. get it done and weigh 200lbs less.

I never see those for sale either.

So what other make and model sleds would you guys recommend? What length of track would you go with, Min and best length? Fan cooled or air cooled? Thanks for the discussion!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 03:46:43 PM: Quote from: WAcoyotehunter on December 13, 2010, 03:44:04 PM
I think the tracked ATV is the ticket for cat hunting. Sleds are not all that great for packing dogs around, and they tend to overheat going 5 mph looking at every track on the trail! :rolleyes:

If I could afford another toy it would be a tracked ATV. They're pretty nice.

That's what I keep thinking!! By the way did you buy that shock collar on the UKC site?
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: alecvg on December 13, 2010, 03:46:55 PM: Depends what your driving on. For heavily snow covered roads, I wanna get a toyota with tracks, it is more comfortable, you can carry more gear, and it is street legal in more areas. Thats my dream.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Woodchuck on December 13, 2010, 03:53:10 PM: If you can find one, the old indy trails were 440's and some were air cooled (late 80's early 90's) not light by any means but some had reverse and low range
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Buckmark on December 13, 2010, 04:01:59 PM: I never see those for sale either.

So what other make and model sleds would you guys recommend? What length of track would you go with, Min and best length? Fan cooled or air cooled? Thanks for the discussion!
[/quote]
151 minimum, not shorter, i used to ride alot and rode both the SKiDoo summit 670's and summit highmarks which i loved, put on some simmons flexskis and a mountain bar (dont forget a hotdog cooker, nothing like a warm lunch)..
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 04:02:25 PM: if you stay away from big sleds they will stay much cooler at low speeds. phazers can be a handy sled and are way light, but they can be temermental to temp changes.....you have to be concious of that or jet them way safe. there are lots of older scandiks and the like that work well. sleds that are liquid cooled need to throw snow up against the heat exchangers, air cooled, well that says it all. gear any of them down that do not have a 2 speed transfer case. your best efficiency is when the belt is around 1:1 less makes more heat and eats power. if you set a air cooled sled up right you could have a very capeable dependable rig for 1500 bux or less.....or you could go buy a 800 mountain sled and be pissed that it eats belts and overheats because it is not meant to do what you are asking of it. my 700mm is setup with a rack, scabbard and hitch for a cargo sled and it never gives me a fit.....but every time I have to turn around on a narrow trail or get stuck, I wish it was a tundra.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Big10gauge on December 13, 2010, 04:03:10 PM: If you're looking for a couple of sleds with a trailer I have a 97 700 M Max and a older Arctic Cat 500 that I haven't used for 3 yrs. Only time I ever used them was to get up to my cabin in the winter.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 04:06:50 PM: most of the tundras I see are 156x16 and do very well. I can put a 121x2" where some guys can't get a 166.....skill has a lot to do with it. I would not be afraid of a tundra at 144x16 or a phazer at 136x15. you are not gonna be chute slaying, just breaking trail and tree sloloming. either way sled or quad, I suggest a saw winch and a shovel.....major back savers
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 04:08:22 PM: those mtn max's run forever too, my 97 has 7k miles on it......same pistons. my 1k cat needs a top end every year.....or about 1500 miles.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on December 13, 2010, 04:09:08 PM: depending on the terrain you are in really look at an argo, used them in Alaska, they will go where ever you want them to
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 13, 2010, 04:22:28 PM: Quote from: Machias on December 13, 2010, 03:46:43 PM
Quote from: WAcoyotehunter on December 13, 2010, 03:44:04 PM
I think the tracked ATV is the ticket for cat hunting. Sleds are not all that great for packing dogs around, and they tend to overheat going 5 mph looking at every track on the trail! :rolleyes:

If I could afford another toy it would be a tracked ATV. They're pretty nice.

That's what I keep thinking!! By the way did you buy that shock collar on the UKC site?
Funny you ask- Doud called me the next morning and a guy had stopped by and bought it...just my luck!! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 04:28:10 PM: Bummer Wacoyotehunter!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 04:28:45 PM: Quote from: BLKBEARKLR on December 13, 2010, 04:09:08 PM
depending on the terrain you are in really look at an argo, used them in Alaska, they will go where ever you want them to

Tracked up argo....yea baby!!!! :)
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 04:43:12 PM: if you can afford an argo with tracks.......you can have a new sled and a quad. agree though, there are some wicked setups in AK.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: GoldTip on December 13, 2010, 04:56:53 PM: If your truly talking the IDEAL setup for what you want Fred, then you need a Ski doo Superwide. You can run them on virtually any ground even bare faces when needed. I've put a 1000miles on one in Alaska in a 14 day period more than once, and they will go anywhere, and ride like a Cadillac. If you don't like whats in it's way you simply drive over it. And they will pull anything you want. But finding one of those anywhere outside of AK, or northern Canada or possibly Sweden would be like pulling teeth. My cousin in AK had one of the Polaris Bearcat prior to his superwides, he referred to it in a not so loving fashion as Miss Piggy. Nuff said. One of the air cooled sleds would certainly probably be best suited for what you wanna do. The tracked ATV would certainly do the job as well.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on December 13, 2010, 06:17:03 PM: I have been checking this website out www.atvtracks.net (http://www.atvtracks.net)

They are based in Spokane and they have some videos on youtube. The tracks look great. They guys says he started testing ATV tracks because he was tired of getting stuck with his snowmobile while hunting.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 13, 2010, 06:20:54 PM: Thanks everyone, neat discussion!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: go4itlab on December 13, 2010, 06:42:48 PM: Track up!! I talked to a couple linemen last week north est of elk, WA they had a quad with tracks they tow around and the guy said he can get any where he wants with it. Goggle search tracks on ATVs and see what they can do. The guys from Spokane area has some great footage of tracked systems. www.atvtracks.net (http://www.atvtracks.net). I'm looking at putting them on my NRA edition Brute 750. Nice to get around in the deep stuff for work and play :chuckle:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: sisu on December 13, 2010, 06:49:08 PM: If you guys were talking Alaska then I'd say long track, gun scabbard and a tow behind sled for gear, animals etc.
I also like the 8 wheeled ARGO but not the 6 wheeled one. You can get tracks for both but the 8 wheeled one is better at not getting hung up.

My 2 cents but it's Alaskan gear and not the best for here
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on December 13, 2010, 07:30:28 PM: But this is what I really want: ** Vidoe starts at 10 Seconds !! ** Winter Wheeling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJn5gm0QZHc#)
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: mulehunter on December 13, 2010, 07:47:24 PM: Its tough question. I would tow Trailer with snowmobile/hound trailer and good Truck with four Chains in box. Either way leave Trailer and use Truck with Chains or leave Truck and use Snowmobile. Thats what I always do and bring me HIGH HIGH Mountain or low land and find Cut for real. I personal run Four Cougars in Five days only reason I bring Truck with chains and Snowmobile no matter how Snow condition is. Its good Toy to use.

Its Very expensive sometime cant have everything!

Mulehunter
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 07:51:37 PM: not sure if alan has any ready for atv's but look at timbersled in sandpoint, id. he did a skid mount for a bike that is beyond cool.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 13, 2010, 08:32:19 PM: the linemen up here use the tracked atvs and they love them. They can get anywhere...to me cost is the only problem!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 13, 2010, 08:35:49 PM: right of ways usually have some sort of road and not a lot of lines where the snow is super deep. as long as you can keep the cats on the wide trails.......go for a tucker!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 14, 2010, 03:55:42 PM: If you do geta sled, make sure it has reverse, if not, don't buy it.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 14, 2010, 04:01:59 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on December 14, 2010, 03:55:42 PM
If you do geta sled, make sure it has reverse, if not, don't buy it.

Agreed!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 14, 2010, 04:19:34 PM: www.Xtremepowersports.net (http://www.Xtremepowersports.net) in Okanogan Wa. Call Darren, the owner, 509 826 5771 and tell him Crazy Steve from Curlew sent you. He will give you a good deal. I even sent our Game Warden over there for his own ATV. He was very happy. Darren also wheels and deals abit too. Nice guy, easy goin'.

Campmeat
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 15, 2010, 05:15:29 AM: meat, that turbo vector on their custom page was one of my buddies sleds.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: cohoho on December 15, 2010, 06:32:17 AM: How deep is the snow??? A tracked Argo will get buried in the deep stuff, the bottom will get high centered-- trust me, my friend Jerry has one in AK and doesn't take it out past about a 18" of snow.. Now if the snow is lower that thing will eat it up - hard core... A tracked ATV same thing - snow depth is the biggest factor. Polaris makes a great wide track- We had about ten of them for our patrols in Alaska. They got a wide track and super wide skis.. Plus cool storage and can tow a huge trailer for your dogs to sit on...
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 15, 2010, 09:04:31 AM: I don't know have you seen the videos of the Tatou tracks, they are running around in 3 and 4 feet of snow with no issues. Supposedly the tracks have really come along way in the last couple of years. Looks like I found a good used long track sled that has been used alot for cat hunting. A retiring outfitter is selling it and it's in really good shape. I'm headed out Sat to look at it. Then maybe this year I'll get a grizzly and buy the tracks next fall and have both. :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 15, 2010, 07:08:34 PM: what sled is it? I might be able to tell you what to look for. every sled has its weak points.....good bargaining material
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 15, 2010, 11:17:46 PM: This one: http://spokane.craigslist.org/spo/2110462965.html (http://spokane.craigslist.org/spo/2110462965.html)
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: whacker1 on December 16, 2010, 06:03:28 AM: Mattracks 4x4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VJ4QkuhfoQ&feature=related#)

another option for you
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 16, 2010, 07:24:28 AM: those are pretty good sleds machias. they ride a bit harsh and are heavy, but good on fuel and plenty relaible. any sled that age should have the compression and crank seals checked just to get a good baseline. look the clutches over closely, scuffing on the friction points of the sheaves is normal, scarring is not. a bum clutch is not a deal breaker, but it is pretty easy to wrap up 300 bux in one if you have to replace it. the good news for you is the sled wrecker here in spoko is a friend of mine, so if you need parts.....scream.

I would buy it if it is clean and not ultra high on miles.....say sub 5k. high miles on a trail sled are not a big deal and there is not too much to replace as far as wear parts, but to own a sled you need to be mechanically savvy......or rich
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 16, 2010, 07:26:04 AM: Quote from: high country on December 15, 2010, 05:15:29 AM
meat, that turbo vector on their custom page was one of my buddies sleds.

Darren loves to build those hot rod sleds. He's a real nice guy. I deal with him all the time. That's where we bought our Can-ams.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 16, 2010, 07:44:27 AM: that sled was built in canada and then jonny orr bought it. you can see it in the last 2 509 films. I can tell you from expierience that thing has been rode hard. it saw 3k feet of rope with my chainsaw winch on the other end....lol

sorry for the hijack.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: teanawayslayer on December 16, 2010, 07:54:38 AM: I don't know how Idaho works but in washington once a forest service road has been groomed for snowmobiles it is closed to all vehicles execpt single track vehicles Ie. snowmobiles. the 4 tracked vehicles no good 250.00 ticket. If you have plenty of access on roads that aren't fs you should be fine. There is a guy from kirkland that has a tracked jeep grand cherokee. It's bad a$$. He loves it and can go just about anywhere.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 16, 2010, 07:59:46 AM: Quote from: high country on December 16, 2010, 07:24:28 AM
those are pretty good sleds machias. they ride a bit harsh and are heavy, but good on fuel and plenty relaible. any sled that age should have the compression and crank seals checked just to get a good baseline. look the clutches over closely, scuffing on the friction points of the sheaves is normal, scarring is not. a bum clutch is not a deal breaker, but it is pretty easy to wrap up 300 bux in one if you have to replace it. the good news for you is the sled wrecker here in spoko is a friend of mine, so if you need parts.....scream.

I would buy it if it is clean and not ultra high on miles.....say sub 5k. high miles on a trail sled are not a big deal and there is not too much to replace as far as wear parts, but to own a sled you need to be mechanically savvy......or rich

Thanks for the advice and the offer to help!! I appreciate it!
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: high country on December 16, 2010, 08:06:18 AM: Quote from: teanawayslayer on December 16, 2010, 07:54:38 AM
I don't know how Idaho works but in washington once a forest service road has been groomed for snowmobiles it is closed to all vehicles execpt single track vehicles Ie. snowmobiles. the 4 tracked vehicles no good 250.00 ticket. If you have plenty of access on roads that aren't fs you should be fine. There is a guy from kirkland that has a tracked jeep grand cherokee. It's bad a$$. He loves it and can go just about anywhere.

need a out of state license and groomer sticker......unless you register your sled there, then just a groomer.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: TheHunt on December 16, 2010, 10:09:37 AM: Excellent thread... I am learning a lot.

I did rebuild of a 6x6 and it did go any where.
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 16, 2010, 03:15:27 PM: Check out this old side by side 2 seater snowmobile. That thing is cool looking!

http://spokane.craigslist.org/for/2110700978.html (http://spokane.craigslist.org/for/2110700978.html)
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: TheHunt on December 16, 2010, 08:56:37 PM: I love that twin... Looks great
Title: Re: Snowmobile or Tracked ATV?
Post by: Machias on December 20, 2010, 11:43:09 AM: Well I drove over to Idaho on Sat (right before the whole place turned into a skating rink) and did not buy the sled. It was in a bit rougher shape than what the photos showed and had several things wrong with it. I do most of my hunting with dogs in the back country of ID, by myself, and I don't think I want to rely on that sled getting me back. Back to the drawing board. :(