Haven't yet owned a snowmobile but @ 75 I'd better get with it. Your knowledge and time taken to answer other peoples questions is very appreciated. Not many authors respond with such details. Thank you!
Excellent Video work! I will use your tips on the mirrors and gas vent. Thanks When checking the oil I made the mistake of checking it before I started it and almost thought I was low and added some. Then I read the owners manual and it requires the engine to run a bit, then when off check oil. Sounds funny, but I was glad to avoid a near engine oil overfill. Cheers from Alaska, I've got 600 miles on mine now. Practical Porters
I had the same problem as you when I take off the front would lift up and my ski's would ride on top of snow and have no control, so I had to adjust the front suspension strap and rides much better, my problem was solved
Right on Dave, you will be happy with it. If it's mostly for fishing I would recommend the Expedition over the Skandic, just because they are more stable while the narrow Skandic offers some advantages for trapping in tight bush. Just a thought.
On my 2021 600 efi..the openings on top of cowling..for the radiator..are horrible for brush fallin in below engine ...ontop of radiater..a mess👎 I took some 2 in sticky side velcro...and some heavy plastic screen..and engineered a neat setup..no more duff..brush inside..pinecones etc..highly recommend building one!
Thanks for the walk around. I noticed the same thing on the cowling catching edges compared to the older models. More places for snow and ice to set and build. I cannot have my suspension set up quite like yours. I need to lift the skis to clear ice and creek crossings. I have to really gun it to pick the skis up though. The expeditions are a whole different animal than the Skadics for sure. Ride and steering on the Expeditions are unbelievable. Like your set up. May I suggest putting a soft bag like a feed bag over your chainsaw power head? Keeps the snow out of it when carrying it on the back of the machine like that. Keep it up.
Thanks Howler580, in the past I had a saw that the recoil would always freeze up and required to be covered, for some reason this little Still has never given me any issues! Been on the back of my sled for 4 years now and no issues. Definitely a good suggestion though, might just have been lucky so far!
I have a 2021 Skandic SWT 600r etec 2 stroke. The radiator is on the top of the front cowling and not below like your 4 stroke. I definitely noticed the new design is a magnet for branches.
The gas tank plastic inserts are designed for filling up at the gas pumps. It allows you to insert the pump nozzle to just the perfect place to full squeeze the trigger. When it automatically stops, your sled with be perfectly full. It speeds up filling at the pump. It's not so good from filling from a gas can.
Make a small brim over the cluster like on a baseball cap. May stop the glare. That there would be annoying for sure looking through the windshield. That's like when you have papers on the dash of your truck and you can see the papers in the windshield can't stand that.
I am a skandik 550 fan wide track old time trapper. Skandik floatation and gearing is great as I’m Always pulling a sled full of stuff, slowly, stop and go. now I need to buy a new machine. Is the 600 ace strong enough to break trail? Or Is it worth buying the 900 ace? Does the super wide track performs better than the wide track..?
Really enjoy your vids - good temporary solution for the cooler stick guard - strange that they’d change that design . Red glare on the windscreen is not ideal at night. Beauty machine though…thanks and cheers
I've heard they tend to break so I have since backed the tension off one notch, still maintaining traction with the front strap shortened so I am happy with it where it is, thanks Eugene! And I will get some spares just in case!
I haven't added anything new, I have sold the Skandic lately since the miles were getting up there but will go back to a Skandic as soon as I can get one. This year I will be using an Expedition sport and has the same brush deflector on the front to protect the rad, works awesome, still allows air flow, doesn't plug up and haven't put a branch through the rad so far! Hope this answers your questions, thanks for watching!
Your thoughts on the skis in deep snow... any need for skins to increase floatation? Your videos are very helpful and helped me make decisions. Thanks for posting.
I really don't mind the factory skis at all. Skins definitely help in deep snow but I went away from them since too much flotation makes it harder to tilt the machine over when side hilling, especially when a good crust develops, but on level ground they are great. Just my opinion
So overall are you happier with your Gen 4 over your old ‘15? I’ve got the same ‘15 WT 600 ACE. It’s still low Kim’s and in great shape, use it on the trapline, lots of trail breaking. Like the looks of the Gen 4 and some say it rides better than the old XU chassis. Thanks for the honest opinions. Happy trails eh.
My 2015 was a great machine and I can't say that this newer one is a whole lot better. As far as the suspension, I had no complaints on the 2015 and I drive pretty slow the majority of the time, so I can't say I notice that great of an improvement that way. I have heard multiple times now of issues with the cluster on the older ones, although I never had any issues with mine. Hope this helps Will S.
I've had the 24" in the past and it was amazing in deep snow, the only reason I went to the WT 20" is because I have a lot of side hilling and find myself needing to tilt the machine over now and again for this, a bit easier with the WT. The 20" WT is also excellent in deep snow especially over a tundra, If I was on mostly flat ground I would go SWT, but for What I Do with hilly and uneven terrain, the 20" works for me. I tow a heavy sleigh 95% of the time and it never stops to amaze me for towing and backing up as well. Wish I could have some better videos of what it can pull in deep snow but not much snow this year. Hope this helps.
It is much heavier but totally different in its own way, Tundra LT is light, narrow and nimble, great for manouvering through tight spots. Overall a great machine although very tippy. Skandic is ultimate for towing with the hi and low range, and the 20" track is very noticeable for floatation and in reverse. Also tippy but less than the Tundra. I opted for the Skandic simply because I got my first one (2015) on sale cheaper then the current year Tundra. Been in love with the Skandic ever since. I tow with it the majority of the time and it is very happy to do so. If you are on a tight budget don't be afraid to try the Tundra, I've run lots of Tundras and they are an awesome sled. Skandic is like a one ton truck compared to a half ton when towing a camper if that makes any sense.
I've had them before and for the uneven terrain I am in they were more of an issue, especially when there's a good crust, prevents me from tilting the machine over when side hilling.
The 550 is a 2 stroke, in the Skandic they have the 600 ace 4 stroke and the 900 ace 4 stroke, they also offer the 600efi 2stroke which is what replaced the 550 carbureted 2 stroke.
Great video and nice sled.. JUST wondering if you considered the Yamaha VK540 which is also a utility grade sled. It’s really basic and looks to be pretty much bullet proof. Also it has fan forced cooling so there is no radiator to worry about. I’m considering a new sled and looking at both the Ski-Doo Skandic or the Expedition or the Yamaha VK540 maybe the VK Professional 2 but the VK540 is a much simpler sled with a back up pull start..Would love to hear your opinion on the Yamaha if you consider one.. Thanks.
Totally agree with you on the VK 540, I've had one in the past and they are a very dependable machine, they are simple to work on and as you have mentioned, they have a recoil backup starter. I would not be afraid of going that way and I am even considering going back to them for the ease of repairs if in a tight pinch. The only down fall to the 4 strokes is the fuel economy, exhaust fumes and noise. Hope this helps Rick.
@@noniespam Just meant that the 2 stroke's only downfall over the 4 stroke is the fuel economy, exhaust fumes and noise, but you know what I mean. My poor explanation.
I like the box right behind seat where rear seat. Can you post a video on how you made it or contact me would like to get design to make my own. Thanks.
Hello how do i change the oil? I have the manual but I need to see the step by step on how to change the oil I'm more of a visual type of person to learn
I will have a video eventually on how to change the oil but for now there are a few detailed videos on CZcams showing the process. For the filter change, I remove the entire hood and grease the front suspension at the same time, hope this helps.
Just found your channel and find the information on your Skandic interesting. I’m trying to decide between the SW and SWT. Perhaps I’ll learn enough from you and the COMMENTS to help me make that decision. Just subscribed from Hells Canyon.
Defiantly some design flaws . BRP needs to see this video. Your using this sled for what it was intended for . That cooling vent is a bad design ,not thought through. My sled is the same but I ride trails so it's not a concern for me . Nice review
Haven't yet owned a snowmobile but @ 75 I'd better get with it. Your knowledge and time taken to answer other peoples questions is very appreciated. Not many authors respond with such details. Thank you!
Excellent Video work!
I will use your tips on the mirrors and gas vent. Thanks
When checking the oil I made the mistake of checking it before I started it and almost thought I was low and added some. Then I read the owners manual and it requires the engine to run a bit, then when off check oil. Sounds funny, but I was glad to avoid a near engine oil overfill.
Cheers from Alaska, I've got 600 miles on mine now.
Practical Porters
Thanks for the walk around. Very good video.
Thanks Stu!
I had the same problem as you when I take off the front would lift up and my ski's would ride on top of snow and have no control, so I had to adjust the front suspension strap and rides much better, my problem was solved
Nice machine you have there!
I just purchased a 2022 Skandic SWT 900 Ace, it should be here in a week. Love the box that you built.
Right on Stephen,
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the info. Saving up for a scandic now and learning all I can.
Right on Dave, you will be happy with it. If it's mostly for fishing I would recommend the Expedition over the Skandic, just because they are more stable while the narrow Skandic offers some advantages for trapping in tight bush. Just a thought.
For doing firewood.
Always something to look out for, good catch on the problem.
On my 2021 600 efi..the openings on top of cowling..for the radiator..are horrible for brush fallin in below engine ...ontop of radiater..a mess👎
I took some 2 in sticky side velcro...and some heavy plastic screen..and engineered a neat setup..no more duff..brush inside..pinecones etc..highly recommend building one!
Thanks for the walk around. I noticed the same thing on the cowling catching edges compared to the older models. More places for snow and ice to set and build. I cannot have my suspension set up quite like yours. I need to lift the skis to clear ice and creek crossings. I have to really gun it to pick the skis up though. The expeditions are a whole different animal than the Skadics for sure. Ride and steering on the Expeditions are unbelievable. Like your set up. May I suggest putting a soft bag like a feed bag over your chainsaw power head? Keeps the snow out of it when carrying it on the back of the machine like that. Keep it up.
Thanks Howler580, in the past I had a saw that the recoil would always freeze up and required to be covered, for some reason this little Still has never given me any issues! Been on the back of my sled for 4 years now and no issues. Definitely a good suggestion
though, might just have been lucky so far!
I have a 2021 Skandic SWT 600r etec 2 stroke. The radiator is on the top of the front cowling and not below like your 4 stroke. I definitely noticed the new design is a magnet for branches.
For sure!
Thanks for watching
The gas tank plastic inserts are designed for filling up at the gas pumps. It allows you to insert the pump nozzle to just the perfect place to full squeeze the trigger. When it automatically stops, your sled with be perfectly full. It speeds up filling at the pump. It's not so good from filling from a gas can.
Thanks for explaining what that insert is for and thanks for watching!
Make a small brim over the cluster like on a baseball cap. May stop the glare. That there would be annoying for sure looking through the windshield.
That's like when you have papers on the dash of your truck and you can see the papers in the windshield can't stand that.
I am a skandik 550 fan wide track old time trapper. Skandik floatation and gearing is great as I’m Always pulling a sled full of stuff, slowly, stop and go. now I need to buy a new machine.
Is the 600 ace strong enough to break trail? Or Is it worth buying the 900 ace?
Does the super wide track performs better than the wide track..?
Really enjoy your vids - good temporary solution for the cooler stick guard - strange that they’d change that design . Red glare on the windscreen is not ideal at night. Beauty machine though…thanks and cheers
👍
What tow sled are you using?
Great Job On Video
Thanks for watching Berry, and merry Christmas!
Now that you put more tension on the rear Springs you should but extra Springs to keep on hand.
I've heard they tend to break so I have since backed the tension off one notch, still maintaining traction with the front strap shortened so I am happy with it where it is, thanks Eugene! And I will get some spares just in case!
How did you get the check valve out of the neck. Any pics of it and how it’s in there.
I don't have any pics, was very easy to pull out actually, mine went straight in the garbage!
Just to let you know the rear spring slides are a problem, Norm at True North Living has some issues with them. Very nice machine.
Thanks! I'll look it up.
I like your brush deflector is it still working OK I do a lots of bush wacking in Alaska and am concerned Have you added anything new ??
I haven't added anything new, I have sold the Skandic lately since the miles were getting up there but will go back to a Skandic as soon as I can get one. This year I will be using an Expedition sport and has the same brush deflector on the front to protect the rad, works awesome, still allows air flow, doesn't plug up and haven't put a branch through the rad so far! Hope this answers your questions, thanks for watching!
Your thoughts on the skis in deep snow... any need for skins to increase floatation? Your videos are very helpful and helped me make decisions. Thanks for posting.
I really don't mind the factory skis at all. Skins definitely help in deep snow but I went away from them since too much flotation makes it harder to tilt the machine over when side hilling, especially when a good crust develops, but on level ground they are great. Just my opinion
@@whatido3021 helpful insights - thank you
So overall are you happier with your Gen 4 over your old ‘15? I’ve got the same ‘15 WT 600 ACE. It’s still low Kim’s and in great shape, use it on the trapline, lots of trail breaking. Like the looks of the Gen 4 and some say it rides better than the old XU chassis. Thanks for the honest opinions. Happy trails eh.
My 2015 was a great machine and I can't say that this newer one is a whole lot better. As far as the suspension, I had no complaints on the 2015 and I drive pretty slow the majority of the time, so I can't say I notice that great of an improvement that way. I have heard multiple times now of issues with the cluster on the older ones, although I never had any issues with mine. Hope this helps Will S.
still wondering about buying a SWT or WT; is there some times you think you would have been better served with a SWT?
I've had the 24" in the past and it was amazing in deep snow, the only reason I went to the WT 20" is because I have a lot of side hilling and find myself needing to tilt the machine over now and again for this, a bit easier with the WT. The 20" WT is also excellent in deep snow especially over a tundra, If I was on mostly flat ground I would go SWT, but for What I Do with hilly and uneven terrain, the 20" works for me. I tow a heavy sleigh 95% of the time and it never stops to amaze me for towing and backing up as well. Wish I could have some better videos of what it can pull in deep snow but not much snow this year. Hope this helps.
What kind of price tag would this machine have? Are decent used ones available?
Prices vary depending on where you are. Used ones are hard to find here in Alberta due to this covid thing. Big demand for them!
How would this compare to the tundra 600 LS ACE ? Static is a lot more expensive and heavier isn't it ?
It is much heavier but totally different in its own way, Tundra LT is light, narrow and nimble, great for manouvering through tight spots. Overall a great machine although very tippy. Skandic is ultimate for towing with the hi and low range, and the 20" track is very noticeable for floatation and in reverse. Also tippy but less than the Tundra. I opted for the Skandic simply because I got my first one (2015) on sale cheaper then the current year Tundra. Been in love with the Skandic ever since. I tow with it the majority of the time and it is very happy to do so. If you are on a tight budget don't be afraid to try the Tundra, I've run lots of Tundras and they are an awesome sled. Skandic is like a one ton truck compared to a half ton when towing a camper if that makes any sense.
Thankyou for the update. Do you feel you need the ski skin ?
I've had them before and for the uneven terrain I am in they were more of an issue, especially when there's a good crust, prevents me from tilting the machine over when side hilling.
Need a little help is the Skandic 550 WT 2020 a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke
The 550 is a 2 stroke, in the Skandic they have the 600 ace 4 stroke and the 900 ace 4 stroke, they also offer the 600efi 2stroke which is what replaced the 550 carbureted 2 stroke.
Great video and nice sled.. JUST wondering if you considered the Yamaha VK540 which is also a utility grade sled. It’s really basic and looks to be pretty much bullet proof. Also it has fan forced cooling so there is no radiator to worry about. I’m considering a new sled and looking at both the Ski-Doo Skandic or the Expedition or the Yamaha VK540 maybe the VK Professional 2 but the VK540 is a much simpler sled with a back up pull start..Would love to hear your opinion on the Yamaha if you consider one.. Thanks.
Totally agree with you on the VK 540, I've had one in the past and they are a very dependable machine, they are simple to work on and as you have mentioned, they have a recoil backup starter. I would not be afraid of going that way and I am even considering going back to them for the ease of repairs if in a tight pinch. The only down fall to the 4 strokes is the fuel economy, exhaust fumes and noise. Hope this helps Rick.
@@whatido3021 thanks again but I’m sure you meant 2 cycle and not the 4.
@@noniespam Just meant that the 2 stroke's only downfall over the 4 stroke is the fuel economy, exhaust fumes and noise, but you know what I mean. My poor explanation.
I like the box right behind seat where rear seat. Can you post a video on how you made it or contact me would like to get design to make my own. Thanks.
I don't have a video from when I built it although In some of my other videos I cover a little on it. Not sure if you watched all of them.
How did you remove the anti-splash sleeve from the gas tank?
I just used a pair of needle nose pliers, a little tug and it pops right out.
@@whatido3021 any twisting or tabs on it or it just comes straight up.
@@leesmith9942 just came right out when I pulled on it, I didn't deal with any tabs at all
Hello how do i change the oil? I have the manual but I need to see the step by step on how to change the oil I'm more of a visual type of person to learn
I will have a video eventually on how to change the oil but for now there are a few detailed videos on CZcams showing the process. For the filter change, I remove the entire hood and grease the front suspension at the same time, hope this helps.
@@whatido3021 yaaaaay thank you!!!
Just found your channel and find the information on your Skandic interesting. I’m trying to decide between the SW and SWT. Perhaps I’ll learn enough from you and the COMMENTS to help me make that decision. Just subscribed from Hells Canyon.
Right on, glad it helps someone!
Thanks for watching.
Your next video maybe turn off the TV or anything that will create background noise. It's annoying but is a good video on pros and cons.
Defiantly some design flaws . BRP needs to see this video. Your using this sled for what it was intended for . That cooling vent is a bad design ,not thought through. My sled is the same but I ride trails so it's not a concern for me . Nice review
Thanks Mark!
Scandic is way too tippy, get an expedition if you need good sled
Skandic, Expedition, Summits, or whatever, it all depends on what you use it for.
What brand is your sleigh and what size it is and ware would a guy purchase one ,in Alberta
I bought mine from Barrhead plastics, Halford's out of Edmonton also have them, it's called the freight sled.
@@whatido3021 thanks guy, I just purchased a 2023 skandic 900 ace 24 wt for the trap line