Snowmobile "Polaris": specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Snowmobile "Polaris" - one of the best tracked all-terrain vehicles of our time - was created in 1954 by brothers Edgar and Allan Hitton. The first device turned out to be generally successful, although the creators expected more. Nevertheless, the Hittons' neighbor bought the "sled" for a decent amount, and this became the impetus for the construction of the next instance. The proceeds from the sale ($465) were invested by the brothers in a new, improved car.

History of Creation

If the brothers equipped their first snowmobile with a low-power and unreliable engine from a lawn mower, then for the next car they purchased a two-cylinder motorcycle engine that develops traction of 12 horsepower. This power, according to Edgar's calculations, should have been enough to transport two riders at a speed of 30 miles per hour. The engine was mounted on a frame made of thin-walled pipes, which they themselves made using a primitive welding machine for homework.

It was impossible to create a real classic caterpillar track in a garage, andthe brothers decided to use drive wheels from a garden tractor, relatively small in diameter, but wide enough so that they would not sink into the snow. The calculation turned out to be correct, and after the pressure in the tires was reduced and the wheels settled, the movement on the virgin snow became optimal - the design worked.

The new snowmobile, named "Polaris", was already more maneuverable, besides, he literally "taken right off the bat": a torquey motorcycle engine easily accelerated a light car. The Hitton brothers decided to start designing and manufacturing snowmobiles.

However, the inventors did not have enough money to develop the project, and the brothers bought in bulk waste metal pipes of various profiles at a mechanical plant that worked nearby. When enough material had been collected, work began to boil in the garage under the house. To begin with, the Hitton brothers made three snowmobiles, which they immediately sold to local residents, and with the proceeds they bought materials for the next batch, which already consisted of five snow bikes. It became crowded in the garage, I had to rent an additional room on the outskirts of the city. So there was a workshop for the production of snowmobiles - "Brothers Hitton and Company".

Northern Star

The Polaris company, a few years later, announced itself as a manufacturer of reliable equipment for driving in snowy expanses. Since the beginning of the 60s of the last century, the Polaris brand (which means "Northern Star" in translation) has united the production of sportsmotor vehicles, including snowmobiles of various modifications.

Lineup

Modern-generally positive Polaris snowmobiles are powerful, compact vehicles that make up the whole Polaris Rush family of snowmobiles, with high-speed performance, easy handling and reliability. In the production of snow bikes, the highest technologies of recent times are involved, technical innovations that allow them to withstand fierce competition in the market. The company is successfully developing, the model range is regularly updated with exclusive developments. Each new machine is the result of the hard work of a large team of the company.

Snowmobile "Polaris" has 16 sports modifications, 17 mountain models and 18 tourist models. In addition, the company has five utilitarian types for adults and three for children. Each model includes a number of exclusive features, although most of the units and assemblies are completely or partially unified. This simplifies the assembly line process: when you need to increase the production of a particular model, you do not need to rebuild production. A certain set of parts is common to a certain number of models, and the conveyor almost never stops.

Sports cars

• Polaris IQ 550/600 Shift is a brand of sport snowmobile with a torquey engine that allows you to reach speeds of 100 km/h with stable control.
• Indy 600 SP - a car with a powerful Liberty engineCleafire 600 cc. The high performance of the engine is combined with low fuel consumption, thanks to the variable injection system of the latter.
• 600 RR - The 2008 Race Replica sled provides a reasonably comfortable off-road ride. The machine is light, agile and stable at any speed.
• The 600 Rush is a 2010 sporty, innovative snowmobile. The design includes almost all the latest proprietary developments, the machine has an aggressive design and high engine response.
• Rush 600 Pro-R is a popular 2011 model with a 125 hp engine. s., needs no introduction. Sporty contours are organically combined with a relatively low weight of 212 kilograms.
• Switchback 600 Adventure - The 2012 Polaris 600 SA snowmobile features an extended contour to accommodate a 136" track. Two-stroke engine, proven in racing.
• Dragon 600/800 SP is a 2009 sports snowmobile based on the IQ platform. Available in two versions, with a forced motor and with a quieter dynamics.
• 600/800 IQ - 2009 model, features a powerful engine that throws the car off the bat. Perfect for extreme riders.

Pro Class

• Indy 800 SP is a performance snowmobile with a light and strong Pro-Ride chassis for easy handling.control at high speeds. Features an economical engine.
• Rush 800 Pro-R is one of the first Polaris snowmobiles to smoothly corner at speeds above 80 km/h with a comfortable feel.
• The Switchback 800 Pro-R is a model equipped with a 136-inch track, high-performance Walker Evans shocks, which are found on all machines with the Pro index. The 800 features a wide, comfortable seat.
• 600 Dragon FST - the snowmobile has a truly draconian character, super-dynamic, although obedient in control. Indispensable in racing and in any other sports competitions.

Motor power

• The IQ 700 is a sports snowmobile with an aggressive look thanks to its 142 hp engine. With. provides the owner with a high level of adrenaline throughout the trip.
• IQ Shift is a great tool for breathtaking trips through the snowy plain, the extreme nature of the snowmobile will not let you get bored.
• Turbo IQ Dragon is a machine from the 2009 model range. Ideal for outdoor activities, sports competitions and just dizzy rides. A snowmobile driven by a 140 horsepower engine will always be in the lead.
• Turbo IQ - high-speed car for snowy expanses. Sporting performance is impeccable, the car runs smoothly and confidently in the set mode.

Mountain models

• Shift 550 136 is a versatile machine for various activities in the mountains.
• 600 LX - comfortable andreliable mountain all-terrain vehicle. Equipped with a 125 horsepower engine.
• 600 Pro-RMK features spring-loaded hydraulic rear suspension with Walker Evans class shocks and other know-how.
• Shift 600 136 is a long-distance car with a powerful engine and large fuel tank.
• Dragon 800 Switchback is a superior snowmobile that is easy to drive.

Top Models

• Polaris 800 RMK 155 is a classic mountain all-terrain vehicle with a 154 horsepower engine, an unparalleled example of constructive maximalism.
• Switchback 800 Assault 144 is a snowmobile designed for driving in deep snow both on the plain and in the mountains. The mode switching system allows you to choose the optimal location of the driving mechanisms.
• Trail RMK is one of the most popular models. Average characteristics nevertheless made the car popular and in demand in the snowmobile market.
• Turbo LX is a 2010 snowmobile. Model of mountain destination, characterized by endurance and a sufficient level of comfort.

Tourist snowmobiles

• Indy 550 Adventure is the ideal vehicle for long distance travel. It has a good level of comfort and a smooth ride.
• Indy 600 Voyager is a good motocross machine, easy to drive, without much equipment overcomes the most difficult sections on rough terrain.
• IQ 600 LXT - touring snowmobile2011 release. Two-stroke engine with a capacity of 600 cc, 125 hp. s.
• IQ 600 Touring is a touring vehicle for long trips. The car is quite comfortable, even while driving it has to rest.
• Rush 600 LX is a modern touring snowmobile. The machine is equipped with a high-capacity gas tank, which allows you to travel long distances without refueling.
• 600 Switchback - touring snowmobile with a sporty bias; the Pro-Ride suspension gives the machine the agility that sports models have.
• 800 Switchback is a smart design snowmobile with sport touring features.
• Switchback 800 Adventure is a touring snowmobile with sport suspension for good flotation in all snow conditions.

Luxury car

• FST Touring - the model can be classified as "luxury" in terms of characteristics: a four-stroke turbine engine with 140 horsepower and IQ-class suspension.
• Trail Touring is a simple, reliable machine equipped with a medium power air-cooled two-stroke engine.
• Touring Trail DLX is a comfortable touring snowmobile, quite reliable and relatively inexpensive.
• IQ Turbo LXT is a 2011 long-haul machine with soft seats and a powerful, quiet engine.

Utility models

• 340 Transport is one of the mostlight and fast models from Polaris, great for walking, hunting and fishing. Effortlessly overcomes obstacles, large snowdrifts, snow hummocks.
• 550 Transport - snowmobile "Polaris 550" with good cross-country ability and medium engine power. The weight of the machine does not exceed 243 kilograms.
• IQ 600 Widetrak is a powerful tractor with a wide track. Snowmobile "Polaris WideTruck 600" is able to go through deep snow with two riders. Also, the machine easily pulls a ski trailer weighing up to 500 kilograms. The speed characteristics of the snowmobile comply with the norms of the IQ group.
• Widetrak IQ - The Polaris Widetrak IQ snowmobile is often compared to a tractor as it is powered by a Liberty 600 4-stroke, 125 hp circularly cooled engine. With. Motor performance meets the highest technical standards.
• Widetrak LX - the most popular representative of the company's lineup; The Polaris WideTruck LH snowmobile is an extremely powerful machine with extended tracks capable of towing loads over 600 kilograms. The speed characteristics of the LX are the envy of a car, and the maneuverability of a snowmobile is amazing. The car gently enters the turn without losing speed. This is one of the reasons that encourages buyers to purchase a Polaris Widetrak LX snowmobile. Reviews of the owners of this "miracle of technology" are mostly positive. Buyers note the reliability of the design and a fairly long service life. The model has been successfully used on alpine skiinghighways as a convenient means of transport, economical and efficient. In sports competitions, the LX model also has no equal. This is what the popular Polaris Widetrak LX snowmobile looks like today. Owner reviews based on the results of many years of operation also look quite optimistic. A snowmobile of this particular model has long been the dream of many fans of winter sports. The machine can serve as a tractor, truck or reliable transport for long distance travel. Snowmobile "Polaris Widetrak LX" is available in several versions: in terms of colors, comfort level and speed parameters. The model is also appreciated due to the significant engine resource.
• "Polaris 500" - a snowmobile, the predecessor of today's conquerors of the snowy plains. The car was produced in the 90s of the last century and served as the basis for new developments, which then turned into full-fledged models.

Children's snowmobiles

• 120 Assault - the car, of course, is created for the smallest drivers. Friendly settings dominate, eliminating jerks and hard braking, and at the same time the car is equipped with a fairly powerful four-stroke engine, independent front suspension and a number of other subtleties for "adults".
• 120 Dragon is the perfect car for the younger generation, assembled with the latest technology. Speed limit, soft brakes, gradual acceleration of the snowmobile - all this is focused on child psychology.
• 120 Indy - new forpreschool children. A small, almost toy-like snowmobile with a friendly "character". Meets all requirements for machines of this class.