Im sure it has been discussed on here before but looking for any pros or cons
on the skidoo tundra the 550 vs the 600 ace engine as well as the 137 track vs
the 154
Thanks

I've had both they both have pros and cons if running a trail in the trees the tundra is a much more narrow ride and easier to maneuver. It also can be like ridding a wild horse at time due to that narrow ski stance. The gas mileage on the 550 is not very good about 10mpg as memory serves me.
If you are running more open country and can make wider trails the 600 ACE with the 154 is hard to beat for gas mileage I consistently get 20mpg. I love it for the stability I get and the IFS vs the pogo suspension is a much more comfy ride on my expedition. It also shines in the deep powder you can get it stuck but not near as easily as the 136 on the Tundra. I have an older model and don't have the electronic throttle or the eco mode button but am up for a new one next year and will be getting another expedition, Also the Tundra 550 was dead and gone in 3 yrs with around 7000 miles or less on it the Expedition 600 ace is alive and well pushing 9000 miles on its 5th year and will be kept as a back up/wife machine instead of unloading to a parts dealer.

Like otterman said they both have their pros and cons. I had the 600 ACE and went back to a 2-stroke after 3 years. Liked everything about the machine except the electronics. Had some electrical problems that required a trip to town to fix. The outfitter I guide for has a couple of the newer 4-stokes, both the 600 and 900 ace, and his dad and uncle both have them as well. All have had some sort of electrical issues at some point that required they be taken to town to have fixed. IMO its hard to beat a 2-stroke for the bush. I wouldnt go with the 550 though. The new VK540 is built for the bush I think.

otterman what happened to your 550?? I know a guy with two of them, his old machine has 13k with zero problems and he's still running it.

I have a 550 fan in a 2009 tundra with a 154 inch track 16 inch wide,it is a good machine,and not tippy with the wide ski skins.The engine is very peppy compared to the 4 stroke.
I also own a 2018 skandik wt with a 600 ace engine,154 inch track 20 inches wide.It is a far superior machine for trapping.Better on gas,very comfortable to ride and no troubles so far.2000 km put on this year.

I have a 2010 550 with 13.5k miles on it. Had engine rebuilt at 7700, steering redone at 9000. The 550 is quicker but have had many issues with it in the deep fresh snow causing the carburetors and throttle to freeze up. It has left me stranded more then the 600 ace. I only ride it after the trail is broken and there hasn't been more then 6" fresh snow. Other then the carburetor issues it has been great. My 600 ace is a 2015 with 4K miles on it. Still the original belt. It runs more like a four wheeler not quick but reliable. I have had a sticky relay issue on the main power relay but just popping it out and back in has fixed it each time. I carry an extra just in case it don't work now. The 600 is less tippy then the 550 with the more weight being located lower on the snowmachine(maybe)? Im considering a new skandic next year with the 600. My brother just ordered a new expedition gen4 with the 900 ace so I might wait till the next year to get a sled and see how his runs.

Oh where to start first the CDI went that was a 7 hour walk and a night in one of the villages to get home then the frame broke up by the pogo then the chain case bearing went out so yet another rescue.The final straw was I blew a seal on the crank and all of that was yr 3. During the the time covered under warantee I had the whole front end get busted up on me it was a $1700 repair that skidoo did warranty repair on. I spent a lot of time not riding that machine in the 3 yrs I had it but for making trails in the timber when hauling wood I loved it.
Bushman does make a point if something serious goes on with the electronics and you don't a skidoo dealer handy it has to go to town and I have sent my expo in once could have kept it here but wanted a lot of different things done upgrades and extra DESS keys speaking of the key or thob whatever the DESS make sure and get an extra when buying the machine as they program them to your brain box when buying any of the keyless start skidoos as they do wear out especially if you live where they need to be taken off every day

I believe you can buy a frogzskin kit to keep the powder out of the engine compartment. On my 550 voyageur I found that the snow melting off the exhaust and making steam would freeze the carb slides. If have to wait five mins for the engine heat to free up the slides. I want to get a frogzskin kit for it for those times. Never been stranded, but annoyed at times.

i was looking at an expedition 900 ace also. I want to wait as well and see what the new chassis looks/feels like. I hate the idea of buying a heavy sled like the expedition, since my 155 voyageur is just so incredibly maneuverable and light in the bush, but I like the idea of the four stroke reliability and fuel mileage.

The solution to your freeze up issue is simple. get a cover for that big vent in the front. That and a little anti-freeze in the gas when you know snow will be flying. No more problems. The vent covers are available from Ski-Doo.

I had a few questions about these sleds and this seems to be the right group. I am looking for a new sled to run my traplines next winter. As the comparison is a 550 fan or a comparable 4 stroke, the 65 hp class, I would like some opinions on people who currently own some of these. You could PM me if you wanted to discuss in detail, I would appreciate it or your thought to open discussion on hear.

The Bearcat 3000 LT with the 700 4 stroke, Any reviews on this machine?

The 600 ace, Same HP as the 700 Bear cat, After a long day, what is the max speed going back to the cabin or across a snow covered lake, 70KM/HR or 80?

Then the 55-60 HP fan cooled machines

THe Voyaguer is my second thought right now, with the 155 and bigger ski's, Good low end pulling? top sled speed on snow covered lake?

The 570 Bear cat ?

Or the 550f skidoo, tundra?

id recommend you buy a Yamaha Sidewinder if top speed across the lake is a concern. It don't matter which machine you have after a certain speed your boggan is going to flip and smash. Any utility machine is going to be borring for you. The Tundra Extreme probably the most suited to your needs.

Yea, top speed is not going to a utility sled strong point.

I love my Voyageur. Awesome sled for HOW I TRAP. Read that carefully. I like every aspect about it aside from its fuel mileage. Even trail riding on the groomed trails it isnt bad at all. Hydro lines and cuts, obviously the speed just isnt there, maxing out at about 70 mph, more on flat ice.

Fuel mileage is about 12 mpg. Not amazing at all, but the sled is very inexpensive considering others in its class. Everything is a trade off. I made myself a northern sledworks style covered sleigh for behind it, and just finished using it to tow most of my building materials into a trap cabin site. The powerblock clutch does a great job of not getting you stuck, as in up until about 10 mph you cant spin the track with a load. It just keeps the sled moving and not digging a hole. At times you wish the clutch "bit" a bit more, but then you realize you didnt get stuck and the track kept turning. Kind of like traction control. Even heavily studded, once the sled hits about 8-10 mph, you can howl the track at will and accelerate as hard as youd like. Really helpful jumping creeks or getting over bad ice spots that I seem to have in abundance here on the bay. It will also watercross I would say indefinitely, and will for sure do 50 yards without issue... A guys gotta have fun right...

In comparison I had the opportunity to drive an expedition sport 900 ace for a while two weekends ago thanks to my friend bigwood on this forum. this is another sled that is a very common "trapping sled". Awesome sled, but different in a lot of ways. Much "bigger" feeling. Going from skidoo vs polaris, you lose a bit of the sporty polaris handling, but make up for it with load carrying ability on the sled its self, good low end torque, and much better fuel mileage. And a much bigger price tag up front. After riding the sled for a while the voyageur responds to body language almost surgically, while I again got the impression the expedition was heavier, and would be a handful in a lot of the crazy places I regularly bring the voyageur. Because I do more than trap, as an all around sled, the voyageur does what I want it to do in spades, but if you are a long distance type of trapper, the expedition sport would maybe be better for you from a fuel mileage, longevity, and comfort standpoint.


Also, curiously, I am 6' 2" tall, and the voyageur is more comfortable for me from a riders perspective. Standing I need to bend over, and handlebar risers could fix that, but the seat is about two inches too low for me to ride comfortably. My back felt a bit sore after riding it sitting down for a few hours. Maybe just handlebar height. The voyageurs riding position is more comfortable for a taller person, but I would imagine the expedition is totally perfect for someone under six feet.

I trail ride and blast around with 600 e tecs, and on fast trails, no difference aside from me being a bit slower getting 155" of track around corners. On the lakes, I get spanked in an all out speed run, but not cruising or in general riding. Inf act, a friend of mine on a renegade 600 etec is constantly amazed at how fast I cruise, and I by no means ride flat out.

As for lake riding, if you want the extra power not sure what to tell you. Maybe get a switchback assault 155 with an 800 and drop the gearing a ton to tow easier. Of course, you lose a bit of utility without the articulating rear end, but...tradeoffs. I think you need to ask yourself if a four stroke is what you want/ need. For me, my answer is no, although I may buy an expedition sport as a second two up sled for the wife and me. The 900 will do 85 mph. Keep in mind though that while a sled may go that fast, running it to the bar isnt exactly a good idea from a longevity standpoint. many have claimed that the expy sport is the best trapping sled made if you don't require the narrow ski stance of a tundra. I would echo that sentiment, but for the moment I prefer my Voyageur. When it eventually blows op on needs a rebuild, I can rebuild it easily and inexpensively.

Keep in mind that these differences in sleds seem realy silly to discuss when you look fifty years ago and see that the cutting edge sled for trappers was an elan that you could carry on any of the sleds we are discussing!


As for the other sleds you mentioned, I have no experience with them.

If you have any questions about the voyageur, Dont hesitate to ask, and I am sure there will be other opinions out there.

Thanks Hutchy
This is what I was asking about. I believe this will help Tucker with the question he was originally asking also when talking 2 stroke to fourstroke. This was not meant to derail but to help with his decision. When talking ski doo, arctic cat or Polaris these are all built for this same situation with 65hp units.

There are times on a big line or two that point A to point B time is a consideration.

Sorry Tucker.

Just curious if you guys think paying $3500 for a 2014 ski doo tundra 550 fan cooled with 1600 miles on it is a good deal or not. Thanks, Guy

How much does a new one cost where you are?

8800 for a 2018 new tundra

Sounds like a fair price depending on how much abuse on it.
Some guys take good care of their equipment,mtc wise,others not so much.

Thanks Boco, I appreciate it

I put the plastic cover to cover the front hole when I bought the sled. Frog skinned all the openings and run ISO through exact tank of gas and it has helped but the problem still happens. Somehow moisture is getting in the cowling. My brother and 2 other friends have 550s and all have had the same problem.

That cover solved the problem for me right away. You did not put a tree through the bottom or something?

I've been using the 570 Bearcat WT for a few years now. Its been bulletproof. Best overall trapping sled I've ever owned. My son has the 16-inch track version, and it won't break trail like mid will. I think it all depends on what kind of terrain you're in. Up here about the only sleds you see trappers using is one of the wide track versions, with Skidoo being the most popular by a long shot. A few of the guys I know that have had trouble with the 4-strokes are really interested in the new VK540...both Arctic Cat and Yamaha are making it now. The fact that they decided to bring that machine back says a lot. Being within a hundred miles or so of a dealer/mechanic is one thing, but when you are literally hundreds of miles from another soul, reliability and simplicity is king. Anything can break, but the old 2-strokes are easier, and cheaper to fix. The 4-strokes most often end up going to the dealer. I know one trapper that had to get his 600 ace lifted out of the bush by a helicopter. The dealer told him it was throwing 7 codes, any one of which would cause it to quit. Any savings he thought he would gain on gas milage went right down the tubes with that breakdown.