Full Version: Skandic SUV 550 vs. Skandic WT 600
I have been looking into getting either the SUV 550 or WT 600, and was hoping to get some input from you guys. I will be using this machine daily for short trips around town (they don't plow the roads up here), but I will also be using it for the occasional long distance trips and wood hauling. Anyone know which of the two (550 or 600-not H.O.) has better gas mileage? If so, what kind of mileage are we looking at? Is either one better in cold weather, or are they about the same? I know the SUV and WT have different front suspensions, does this affect how they ride? Thanks in advance for your help guys...it's much appreciated.
Get an SUV, it will handle and turn much better.
I'd get a 600 for the extra speed and pick-up when trail riding.
If you want studs get the 550 since they won't clear the cooler on a 600.
In anycase I'd get the SUV.
I'd get a 600 for the extra speed and pick-up when trail riding.
If you want studs get the 550 since they won't clear the cooler on a 600.
In anycase I'd get the SUV.
RigoletMan...
The 550 does not have anything even close to the same fuel mileage compared to the standard Series-III 600 in the Skandic WT 600, but admittedly, the SUV has a much better rear suspension and a better riding front suspension than the standard WT. Studding is not a common practice in your area, so that shouldn't really factor into your decision.
Seeing as you are not planning to cover large distances on too many trips, the fuel consumption of the SUV 550 may very well be fine. Both engines are common, proven and very reliable. You did mention that you will be using this sled to commute a lot during the Winter and to me that means that ride quality is going to be a very important factor. If that is a quality that is indeed very high on your list, the SUV wins hands down.
The 550 does not have anything even close to the same fuel mileage compared to the standard Series-III 600 in the Skandic WT 600, but admittedly, the SUV has a much better rear suspension and a better riding front suspension than the standard WT. Studding is not a common practice in your area, so that shouldn't really factor into your decision.
Seeing as you are not planning to cover large distances on too many trips, the fuel consumption of the SUV 550 may very well be fine. Both engines are common, proven and very reliable. You did mention that you will be using this sled to commute a lot during the Winter and to me that means that ride quality is going to be a very important factor. If that is a quality that is indeed very high on your list, the SUV wins hands down.
Just bought 550 2009 new and 2010 tundra from dealer . This forum made many points to me to buy 550 . Ride is better , comfort, insurance cheaper ,suspention larger travel, this sled is the most all around sled pulling trail, back country, hope this helps get mine next week
QUOTE (LabradorBoy @ Oct 16 2009, 09:58 PM) 
RigoletMan...
The 550 does not have anything even close to the same fuel mileage compared to the standard Series-III 600 in the Skandic WT 600, but admittedly, the SUV has a much better rear suspension and a better riding front suspension than the standard WT. Studding is not a common practice in your area, so that shouldn't really factor into your decision.
Seeing as you are not planning to cover large distances on too many trips, the fuel consumption of the SUV 550 may very well be fine. Both engines are common, proven and very reliable. You did mention that you will be using this sled to commute a lot during the Winter and to me that means that ride quality is going to be a very important factor. If that is a quality that is indeed very high on your list, the SUV wins hands down.
The 550 does not have anything even close to the same fuel mileage compared to the standard Series-III 600 in the Skandic WT 600, but admittedly, the SUV has a much better rear suspension and a better riding front suspension than the standard WT. Studding is not a common practice in your area, so that shouldn't really factor into your decision.
Seeing as you are not planning to cover large distances on too many trips, the fuel consumption of the SUV 550 may very well be fine. Both engines are common, proven and very reliable. You did mention that you will be using this sled to commute a lot during the Winter and to me that means that ride quality is going to be a very important factor. If that is a quality that is indeed very high on your list, the SUV wins hands down.
Thanks for the responses everyone, it has been a great help! After weighing all the positives and negatives, I've decided to go with the Skandic WT 600. Fuel economy was the biggest factor in my decision as the gas is so expensive in this neck of the woods, and I do go on weekend outings of a moderate distance. LabradorBoy is correct, studded tracks are not needed here, so that's not a factor at all. Also, I am fairly used to a stiff riding machine because I used to have one of the older Skandic SWT 550's...that thing was a tank!
BTW, any idea of how much better mileage you can get with the Series-III 600 than the 550? I really wasn't impressed with the fuel economy of the Skandic SWT 550 and Legend GT 550 I had...they were both gas guzzlers.
For reference, the SWT application of the 550F represented the heaviest load that was put on that engine; the combination of heavy torque loads and slow speeds contributed to high engine temps at times and thus the factory set them all up a little on the rich side when it comes to gas and oil. I have seen 550F's do pretty good in sporty sleds (MXZ 550F) or Tourings (GTX 550) but the WT and SWT applications were terrible fuel-wise.
You will see about 50-65% better fuel economy on the Skandic WT 600LC vs. your old Skandic SWT 550F. By my experience, I'd say you were getting about 100km/40L tank of gas on your old SWT, that means you should see an honest 150-165km/40L tank on your new Skandic WT 600LC. Given conditions where the bays are windblown hard or late Spring when you can ride on the frost, you may see better mileage again.
Speaking of which, make sure you buy yourself a good set of ice scratchers to support the cooling of your LC engine and hyfax (slides) b/c there will be conditions where you will need it. NDA stocks the good ones that mount under the running boards, if your sled is not already shipped, you can even have the Shop Mechanics install them for you.
You will see about 50-65% better fuel economy on the Skandic WT 600LC vs. your old Skandic SWT 550F. By my experience, I'd say you were getting about 100km/40L tank of gas on your old SWT, that means you should see an honest 150-165km/40L tank on your new Skandic WT 600LC. Given conditions where the bays are windblown hard or late Spring when you can ride on the frost, you may see better mileage again.
Speaking of which, make sure you buy yourself a good set of ice scratchers to support the cooling of your LC engine and hyfax (slides) b/c there will be conditions where you will need it. NDA stocks the good ones that mount under the running boards, if your sled is not already shipped, you can even have the Shop Mechanics install them for you.
QUOTE (LabradorBoy @ Oct 19 2009, 06:15 PM)
For reference, the SWT application of the 550F represented the heaviest load that was put on that engine; the combination of heavy torque loads and slow speeds contributed to high engine temps at times and thus the factory set them all up a little on the rich side when it comes to gas and oil. I have seen 550F's do pretty good in sporty sleds (MXZ 550F) or Tourings (GTX 550) but the WT and SWT applications were terrible fuel-wise.
You will see about 50-65% better fuel economy on the Skandic WT 600LC vs. your old Skandic SWT 550F. By my experience, I'd say you were getting about 100km/40L tank of gas on your old SWT, that means you should see an honest 150-165km/40L tank on your new Skandic WT 600LC. Given conditions where the bays are windblown hard or late Spring when you can ride on the frost, you may see better mileage again.
Speaking of which, make sure you buy yourself a good set of ice scratchers to support the cooling of your LC engine and hyfax (slides) b/c there will be conditions where you will need it. NDA stocks the good ones that mount under the running boards, if your sled is not already shipped, you can even have the Shop Mechanics install them for you.
You will see about 50-65% better fuel economy on the Skandic WT 600LC vs. your old Skandic SWT 550F. By my experience, I'd say you were getting about 100km/40L tank of gas on your old SWT, that means you should see an honest 150-165km/40L tank on your new Skandic WT 600LC. Given conditions where the bays are windblown hard or late Spring when you can ride on the frost, you may see better mileage again.
Speaking of which, make sure you buy yourself a good set of ice scratchers to support the cooling of your LC engine and hyfax (slides) b/c there will be conditions where you will need it. NDA stocks the good ones that mount under the running boards, if your sled is not already shipped, you can even have the Shop Mechanics install them for you.
Hey LB...thanks again for the info. I went ahead and ordered a set of ice scrapers for my WT. But, I was hoping you would be able to explain the hyfax slides a little more. Are these slides better quality than the stock slides on the Skandic WT? Also, I'm not sure what NDA stocks are, so if you could explain those too, it would be a great help. Thanks again.
QUOTE (RigoletMan @ Oct 24 2009, 02:01 PM)
Hey LB...thanks again for the info. I went ahead and ordered a set of ice scrapers for my WT. But, I was hoping you would be able to explain the hyfax slides a little more. Are these slides better quality than the stock slides on the Skandic WT? Also, I'm not sure what NDA stocks are, so if you could explain those too, it would be a great help. Thanks again.
Oh, sorry... hyfax = slides, just a different name for them, kind of like saying "bogie wheels" instead of "idler wheels".
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