In addition to changes mentioned in the previous two posts HERE and HERE, Arctic Cat has updated its 2013 M sleds with several noteworthy improvements.
The biggest news is the 2-in. narrowing of the ski stance to 38-39-in. (compared to the previous 40-41-in. stance) on all but two models (M8 HCR and M1100). I can vouch that this change alone makes a HUGE improvement in the ease of laying the sled down in deep snow.
The portion of each M spindle that the steering arm attaches now has two holes: One in the standard (rearward) position, and one that’s closer to the spindle.
The new “forward” hole delivers a 17.5% tighter turning radius for a given amount of handlebar movement. Consequently, it also requires more steering effort. It’s an easy change to make.
On the 2013 M models with the ProClimb chassis, Arctic Cat has revised the front arm mounting location in the tunnel 3/4-in. lower than on the 2012 models, while mounting the rear arm in the lower hole (which is an existing hole on the ’12 models).
The reason? There are three: Getting the sled to roll up and out of the snow better; improved performance in deep snow; and increasing the track-to-tunnel clearance to accommodate the new 2.6-in. PowerClaw track.
Speaking of which, the new 2.6-in. Powerclaw is among the tallest available OE tracks. Arctic Cat did a lot of testing on this unit prior to giving it the green light. Compared to the previous 2.25-in. track, the 2.6-in. track is 2-3 lbs. heavier, which slightly slower top speeds on flat, hard-pack trails. However, its performance in deep snow is better (see below).
Near its western R&D facility, Arctic Cat ran through a battery of track comparison tests, including a speed/hill test.
The test results proved that the the 2.6 PowerClaw accelerated quicker, with a significant increase in top speed.
Like so many things, there’s a tradeoff. In this case, it’s a 3 mph reduction in top speed on the flats.
Compare the above two images to see a change made to the clutch-side of the side panels of the 2013 M models. It’s a response to some riders experiencing snow ingestion on the left-side panels while side-hilling, due to the panels flexing under the weight and opening up enough to let in snow.
The new fastener on the side panel prevents the flexing/ingestion.
A special note about the HCR models: they come with the front heat exchanger only (rather than the full tunnel exchanger used on the other M models). It’s a system that weighs less both “stock dry weight” as well as “real-world riding weight,” the latter of which can sometimes see upwards of a 40-lb. savings due to less accumulated snow/ice.
Of course, like everything there’s a tradeoff, and in the case of the HCR it’s that ice scratchers are a must-run item in dry/hardpack conditions.
Finally, there’s been some confusion about difference between the “laydown” steering post angle versus the vertical steering, (of which there are essentially two versions). The above slide illustrates the three steering post options for the various mountain machines.
Key to note is that vertical steering is now utelized on most 2013 4-stroke M machines, and that only the 800 engine models have telescoping steering.
Thanks for reading.
There is an issue with the vert steer for the 4 stroke sleds. The stress put on the plastic bushing above the ujoint is tremendous and the bushing wears
out quickly. If you do any kind of tree riding where you are throwing the sled around it wears out fast. Mine wore out wihtin first 3 weeks of vert steer install and now is super floppy.
AJ,
I think I have the same problem with the sloppy steering as you do. By the time the sled had 300 miles on it the steering wax very sloppy. The sled with the sloppy steering is a XF 800 HC.
Unfortunately steering slop is normal up to a 1/2 right and left. It’s pretty common on every manufacturer’s sleds. Some guys say they had none on day one and now its sloppy, myself, I’ve had it since day one. Bob, how much slop did you have when sled was purchased?
Bill
The steering slop was not bad when it was new, but certainly more than it should have been. The steering on the 2012 SP 600 is certainly much tighter. I did a quick look to see if that system would fit in the XF, it does not appear that it would clear the throttle body. Some people have been modifying the spindles on the sleds to give you a tighter turning radius. I looked at that but did not try it, it appears that there is not allot of material left on the spindle after you drill another hole.
Still waiting on a screen and also a Frogzskin mesh for the cattail fuzz scoop on the right side panel………………………………..
Bill,
I checked the steering tonight, I measure 2″ of slop in the steering. Most of it appears to be in the linkage under the air box. Anybody have a clue on how to get it apart? I also checked the steering on another XF, it was only 1/8″ of slop.
Wish they would come out with a redesigned high windshield that would work with the telescoping handlebar kit. I had to exchange my kit because it was obvious it would not work with the high windshield I had installed. We flatlanders like the advantages of the telescoping handlebar too but also like to stay warm when we ride.
The steering slop is completely unacceptable. i have freinds with thousands of miles on XP’s and rushes and those are as tight as the day they left the factory. Mine with 200 miles on it was flopping all over the place. I’m used to it but it’s a major design flow in the cats that i know several people who rode my sled and will not buy one for just that reason.
I will have to agree with steve,Arctic Cat’s steering always gets sloppy and I beleave it has to do with more aggressive riding,as stated I also have many other friends with other brands with many miles and there steering is way tighter than mine.I think Arctic Cat could supply a better quality hiem joint.
Cat needs to warranty the many many belts the Proclimbs are blowing!
Read this Cat engineers.
http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305855
I have alot of miles on my proclimb plus 5 days in the mountains and havn’t blowin a belt yet
Zach,
My XF 1100T has gone trrough 1 belt in 600 miles. The belt failed because the primary clutch stuck shut. My XF 800 High country blew it’s first belt at 90 miles. The next “new and improved” 084 belt made it 30 miles. No the chain case nut is not loose, checked that already.
my xf 1100t blown 6 belt in less than a 1000 miles arctic you guys have the fix for that ?????
Try the Bradley Torque Arm Motor Mount. It was invented by a mountain rider (http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=297841). You can buy it direct or through Grip N Rip Racing Products (www.gripnripracing.com).
Greg, the Bradley Torque Arm only fits the 800’s not the 1100T that maxime is having belt issues with.
Super 8,
A lot of the 800’s out there are having belt issues too. Fortunately I was not one of them. But you are correct. The Bradley Torque Arm is only for the 800’s.
I got the privilege to ride a 2013 hcr 1100 t. Super impressed with that and the 800. Out of all the ms i rode that day every single one of them had huge amounts of slop. Its time to start doing something different about the steering system boys………..
Im wondering if these changes will apply for the high country 800?
I have 09 sno pro 800 & Modded it last fall … Since then , blown 2 belts in less than 300 miles . both belts blown after riding on groomed trails . I was told that the cat clutch is overshifting & the belt rides to high on the driven clutch !
Will the Torq Arm Fix that Problem ?
Blowing belts ,alinement, motor mounts , clutch bushings,jack shafting, rear Clucth movement ! I think a good tool to use is a heat gun to detect your problem ! Take readings on the front clutch, belt. ,rear Clucth , measure in several areas , top ,middle and bottom, ( controlled area , lake , road ect ) write these numbers down . For sure it is an misalignment problem happening before or after sled movement , when the two pulleys go out of alinement, heat will tear up any and all brands of belts and shorten Belt life. Basic cleaning ( acetone ) carb cleaner leaves unwanted residue ? Belts should be washed in soapy water and not reversed for it will break cores . I personally had issues for along time with a 1465 hooper motor in my drag sled , only 4/5 runs a day 1/4 mile to figure it out ! Or use the bare hand test, if it extremely to hot to handle it’s probably out of alinement . Make one change at a time and repeat until temps go down . On a 90 degree plus day at the track you should be able to remove the belt with out burning your hand ! Plus your times will very much improved and. Be more consistent
My 2014 XF 800 HC blew the belt at 109 mi. I thought they had this figured out. The belts are not cheap. What should I expect for belt life? My 2012 XF 800 never had belt problems. Love the HC but this is a PITA.
Also, the shims which hold the extendable handlebar shook loose and fell out, leaving the shaft loose where it comes throught the frame support at the top of the cowling. Anyone else have this problem? I am sure it is not an in-stock part. I am a Cat guy but this is the crap that makes me look at other brands.
Own a 2013 HCR Turbo A/C; don’t have much time on machine but concerned about the belt situation posted. Can a visual inspection of the belt determine any belt issue, (belt wear etc.)?
I purchased a used 2013 sno pro 153 in mid February, with 350-ish miles on it. Put a hard 600+ more on it in mostly awesome pow. Stock except dumped the skis and put on PowderPros. Still on the original belt! I did develop a little steering slop, and added Canada Sled Parts (Wild Child) bushings which helped a ton. I’m impressed with this sled.
I’ve read the owners manual. It’s very detailed and has a mountain of data and specs to ensure the life and health of the entire machine. Thanks Arctic Cat. I’m wondering if it may be rider abuse that’s destroying these belts? Is it preventable? I’d like to see 3000 miles out of a $250 belt. Is there anything else other then the stated above info that will save me $$$ and keep me from whining like a pre pubescent school girl on the forms!? Thanks in advance. Cheers ladies and gentleman
My kids love doing this too and they will make sledding “runs” in the front yard and after dark will get out a big shop light and shine it on the “run” they’ve ceeatrd and try to get the other neighborhood moms to let the kids come over for after dark sledding. That part usually doesn’t work. I guess I’m the freak of the hood. LOL!
My kids love doing this too and they will make sledding “runs” in the front yard and after dark will get out a big shop light and shine it on the “run” they’ve ceeatrd and try to get the other neighborhood moms to let the kids come over for after dark sledding. That part usually doesn’t work. I guess I’m the freak of the hood. LOL!
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i’ve done this with my kids and grandkids – fun! you can also take food crools to the beach and mix them with sand in yogurt cups. do a drawing in the sand then color it in by sprinkling the colored sand inside the lines! http://bqmulmrea.com [url=http://qlifkbnivye.com]qlifkbnivye[/url] [link=http://yilvueotte.com]yilvueotte[/link]
i’ve done this with my kids and grandkids – fun! you can also take food crools to the beach and mix them with sand in yogurt cups. do a drawing in the sand then color it in by sprinkling the colored sand inside the lines! http://bqmulmrea.com [url=http://qlifkbnivye.com]qlifkbnivye[/url] [link=http://yilvueotte.com]yilvueotte[/link]