| We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. When you register for an account you will see the following message -Due to the amount of "spammers" trying to get on the board all registrations must be approved by me. What this means is that after you register your registration must be authorized. Also your email address has to be verified, you will receive an email with a link YOU MUST CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VERIFY YOUR EMAIL OR YOUR ACCOUNT WILL NOT BE APPROVED. I check the message board several times a day and approve registrations as they come in. Sorry for the wait but it is necessary to keep the spam off the boards.Thanks,Koz It is very important that you click on the link in the email to validate your email. Please check your spam folder as the email message may be sent there by your email provider. IF YOU DO NOT CLICK ON THIS LINK YOUR ACCOUNT WILL NOT BE APPROVED !!! Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| 2010 Skandic Set Up; Set up tips | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 28 2009, 01:37 PM (2,471 Views) | |
| phatires | Dec 28 2009, 01:37 PM Post #1 |
|
Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hey all, Our club just bought a 2010 Ski Doo Skandic 800. Hooking this up to our small trail tenderizer resulets in the almost complete inablility to turn. I have tightend down the suspension strap to put more weight on the skis with very little result. I am looking for tips, new skis, nose wieghts or all of the above. Thanks, Matt |
![]() |
|
| phatires | Dec 28 2009, 01:38 PM Post #2 |
|
Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I might add that I have an 84" ginzu in the mail and really need to get this sled set up soon |
![]() |
|
| couchsachraga | Dec 28 2009, 02:09 PM Post #3 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Two thoughts: 1) Definitely go with the "gooseneck" on the Ginzu. Yes, it is expensive. It is worth it! Moving the weight forward gives you more traction, it is easier to steer (does not pick the skis up as much), and the ability to turn around in a short area without unhitching saves your back (that alone is worth the price). 2) Seriously consider the Simmons Flexi-skis. While I haven't used them (they don't make them for Alpines, and the center I worked at for years wouldn't spend the $ for the Skandics) you'll find with a quick search on here a lot of folks with a lot of experience say they can make a big difference. welcome, and good luck! |
![]() |
|
| skier2 | Dec 28 2009, 02:29 PM Post #4 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
definitly simmons flex ski, and weight in front over the skis, i just layed 50lbs weight in the bottom bay below engine. you will see big differnce with the skis though. |
![]() |
|
| semntrails | Dec 28 2009, 03:23 PM Post #5 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
There are some simple suspension adjustments you can do too, besides the strap - probably won't see a difference on an empty sled but it'll help counteract the weight of a drag. Can't tell you exactly what to do from memory but they are in the operators manual and take about 5 min. I don't think you can put much weight in the engine bay like you can on the 550's - if someone has I'd like to see pictures. We're looking at adding weight to the front of ours as well. ABR has a 'horn' on the front of theirs although it looks like you need to remove it if you want to open the engine cover and have it stay open. The Birkie snowmobiles have weight plates mounted below the radiator opening - looks solid and out of the way but if you have to go through a lot of deep snow (8"+) it looks like they could drag and cause a plowing action. The Birkie groomers found adding weight to the front worked best for them- they didn't like the Simmon's skis on the 800's. Although I think they had tried the original ones before the wider ones were available. |
![]() |
|
| phatires | Dec 28 2009, 03:55 PM Post #6 |
|
Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
10" wide flexi skis for the Skandic run about 440, I also plan on studding the track for the MN icy snow we useally have to deal with. I have been to the ABR clinic and like the nose weight idea, just a matter of getting them made. thanks matt |
![]() |
|
| couchsachraga | Dec 28 2009, 04:41 PM Post #7 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Careful with the studs - they will make turning even more difficult. I'd try it without them first. |
![]() |
|
| Steve.M | Dec 28 2009, 07:21 PM Post #8 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
cs beat me too it-yes, studs will make turing harder, but you have to have them to pull up hills in hardpack. Simmons skis are #1 priority in my book. EVERY Skandic SWT we have had/have , has them right away. They are a must. The gooseneck hitch, again, yes, the wt is moved forward, and it makes a big difference, and just as important, like was posted, is the ability to turn around in the middle of a trail. |
![]() |
|
| tolson | Dec 29 2009, 04:57 PM Post #9 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
The other thing you can do is increase the "preload" on the rear and center springs on the suspension. This will stop the suspension from compressing from the weight of the drag and keep more weight on the skis. Your owners manual should show you how to do this. The gooseneck hitch and Simmons skis are also a must. |
![]() |
|
| Ricardo | Jan 1 2010, 10:19 PM Post #10 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Set rear spring preload cam to the highest(#4) setting. Also, open the tool kit and dump out the contents in order to find the four aluminum horseshoe washers. These are installed behind the rubber bump stops which are just behind the rear arm of the suspension. The rubber stops are threaded with no lock nuts, will usually loosen by hand, screw them out far enough to put two of the horseshoe washers behind the rubber and tighten back down. The objective is to keep the stopper closer to the arm to keep the arm from swinging back as far. As the arm swings back it transfers weight to the rear, causing the skis to lift and steering ability to decrease. Makes a noticable improvement in steering particularly from a start and at very low speeds. This procedure is also shown in the owners manual but the illustration they use is small and hard to understand unless you know what you are looking at. |
![]() |
|
| mt groomer | Jan 2 2010, 07:20 AM Post #11 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Does this apply to the swt 800? Our Skidoo dealer said the only suspension adjustment is the front limiter strap, which is tightened all the way down. Our's is a 2009 model. The owners manual shows several adjustments- not of which seem to apply to this model. Sled does not turn very well , pulling a Ginzu w/gooseneck. Has anyone tried replacing just the carbides w/ more agressive ones, or is it best to replace the skiis? |
![]() |
|
| Steve.M | Jan 2 2010, 09:01 AM Post #12 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Replace the skis for sure-they make a huge difference. The older skandics came stock with huge flotation skis-probably the worst combination for steering while grooming. The double runners and horseshoe shape of the Simmons skis really make a difference. |
![]() |
|
| Ricardo | Jan 3 2010, 10:58 PM Post #13 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Yes applies to SWT800(and 550) any year. My experience has been that snowmobile dealers(at least here in the US) know absolutely nothing about utility sleds and care even less. |
![]() |
|
| yoopergroomer | Jan 10 2010, 10:22 PM Post #14 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
We just completed a DVD presentation on setting up your snowmobile for grooming. It will be shown at the Jan 21 Grooming CLinic. www.abrtrails.com |
![]() |
|
| mt groomer | Jan 13 2010, 07:31 AM Post #15 |
|
Advanced Operator
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks for the tip. I finally got down and cleared out the snow from inside the track. The preload was set @ the lightest setting, so cranked that all the way up. The washers were easy to install behind the bumper. I also strapped a 20# dumbell to each of the ski legs for some added 'ballast'. Hopefully there will be a noticeable differnce in the Skandic's handling. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Cross Country Talk · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2





![]](http://z1.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)



4:31 AM Jul 11