As often as I can, I love to introduce the faces (employees) of Arctic Cat. Below is Nathan Hesse, a Lead in the Welding Department. The Hesse family has a long history with the company, and that is why this photo is special to me. Nathan’s grandfather, Vince Hesse, ran the assembly line for many years and Nathan’s father and Uncle have worked at Arctic Cat for 30+yrs. Hope you enjoy this Factory Friday – Kale
Kale, Do you have a release date for the 2023 snowmobiles?
I don’t have a launch date for 2023s. That info hasn’t been shared with me yet. As soon as I have it, Ill let everyone know here.
I was told that my 800rr was shipped today!
Hooray!
I just want to get my 2022 so I can put some miles on it before I see a 23.
Anxiously waiting for my TCAT with EPS & ATAC. No idea when I am getting it. Any update on when the TCAT’s will be built and shipped out.
Only thing I’ve heard on TCats…goal is to build them by end of January. (assuming the necessary parts come in)
OK, thanks for the update.
Awesome photo, really cool seeing the two different machines coming down the line. Kale, do you know how many sleds they put out in one day? Really was hoping to see some tcats.
Kale, any idea what parts there waiting on for tcats? I’ve been told they have 98.9 percent of what they need. Just curious what the hold up parts are.
Im really not sure what the hold-up parts are, but I have heard the same thing about all sleds…the vast majority of parts are there. Its frustrating, but at least AC isn’t shipping sleds without parts, only to sit at dealer unable to be picked up.
Have been told by 2 dealers there is also a worker shortage. Blows my mind!
I’m just guessing but, I’m thinking its Yamaha there waiting on.
Slightly (very) off-topic but did anybody watch the video on technological innovation and marketshare that was posted on the Supertrax website earlier this week?
Cat (and by default Yamaha) were an afterthought both in the context of innovation and marketshare.
Even if the assessment is slightly biased, perception is everything in the marketplace, and if a company is perceived to be an also-ran by the consumer, then long-term prospects can be bleak.
Yeah, I know that Cat has a rabid fan base, but in order to be successful, the company has to expand its presence / marketshare in the industry and I don’t see that happening (increasing defections from the rabid fan base to the Dominant Two).
I feel for you guys waiting on your T-cats. Hope they show soon. My T-cat is nothing but a complete and total joy. Only 400 on it but for once CAT delivered. Power steering awesome. It feels like it should across the speed board. ATAC once you get the feel for putting it in that mode, with your glove on. Yes, you will use it. Not like the QS3 just not stiffer/ or harder. Trail manners unbelievable. She’s not broke in but WOW, from the few seconds of easy pulls, Holy sheep. Alot of gray hair in my helmet, so I do alot of cruising and being in the moment on an early morning groomed trail. Quiet, smooth, and easy handling. CAT for once you get a, THAT A BOY, from Retro Randy.
Thanks for sharing your review Randy. It’s my opinion, the Thundercat with EPS and ATAC is the Best TRAIL snowmobile built, for all reasons you mention. You can log some serious miles on this buggy, very comfortably, and in quick fashion.
Well my tcat date just moved to feb 24. Yep FEB 24. Unreal
Hey Kale, Hope your up at the factory today for factory Friday and the 600 RRs are on the line this week and getting shipped out ASAP. We can’t wait.
Last week I was told my 800rr was being shipped, today I was told that it may not have even been built and definitely not shipped. Someone at Arctic needs to stand up and address what the hell is going on, enough is enough!!
And to top it off I got the cat pride promos and the shirt is a large not xxl. I hope when my sled finally does show up there isn’t a 600 under the hood.
I definitely agree cat has done terrible with customer relations up to this point. I will not end up getting my 2022 sled before the riding season is over. I have not heard a single word from cat or my dealer regarding my sled. I’ve called cat numerous times and gotten nowhere. And I’ve called my dealer, who tells me cat wont tell them anything either. I understand covid and supply issues, but they could call me and let me know that I wouldn’t be getting the sled.
Jason. Your dealer is lying to you. They have the capability to track when your sleds planned build date is.
I have the build date its changed 27 times the newest date is feb 24. The first date I got was nov.18.
The only thing cat will tell dealers is build date. Nothing else. And build dates change every single day. Cat wont say what there waiting on.
Arctic needs to change their ad complain from “Waiting on Winter” to “Make you waiting on your Snowmobile”
WOW, I feel for you guys. It’s almost to the point the hell with the 22, CAT give me a 23 same model, same price. And from what I heard the other day, not selling the wife’s 600 until her 23 600 shows. If they even, make 23’s. I did notice no tool bags on the 22 Blast or T-cat. Sorry,
Have not had a tool kit since 2019. Useless anyway. Today’s sleds are not very serviceable on the trail. Better off making your own if you feel you need one. 23″s are coming but expect about a 20% price increase. Biden tax if you will.
I received a call from a Textron representative today. After many emails and calls to Arctic/Textron this past week. As I suspected, my sled is Not built and I’m looking at delivery, the third week of February! I’ve been with Arctic and the same dealer for 30 years. Its just not right, there is no way I’m paying full price for a leftover, that’s if I don’t tell then to forget the whole deal.
Your choice. Going to be a hell of a lot more next year, brand regardless. Still think you are being led along though.
I went out and bought a used sled, the whole season will be gone before my 22 TCAT comes in, I quit even asking my dealer now. No point. I don’t think anyone has a clue when or if they will be built.
Well the 600’s have been on the line all week. Mine had a build date of 1/26 to 27. They wont ship them because of not having gauges. Sucks!
Well is purshased a 22 TCat on March 3rd 2021, sled is paid in full, dealer had me trade my sled in at point of deal made, now i have nothing to ride for the season, I have a seasonal cabin rented, now being told I’m not receiving my sled, if I do it will be most likely missing something, plus I live 5hrs away from where I ride, I really think and hope Arctic Cat compensates their customers some how. This is so frustrating and disappointing at the same time.
Wow didn’t realize so many of you don’t have your sleds yet and won’t see them till the end of February! I got my 22 ZR Limited 8000 back in October and I still haven’t put a mile on it yet!!! will go ride it soon in about a week I am two or three hours for many trails!
Wow didn’t realize so many of you don’t have your sleds yet and won’t see them till the end of February! I got my 22 ZR Limited 8000 back in October and I still haven’t put a mile on it yet!!! will go ride it soon in about a week I am two or three hours for many trails!
A Thundercat update. Over 1000 miles on it. Still a joy to ride. Gas mileage witch I really could care less about, but it’s better than wife’s 600. Smooth, fast, and power steering the next best thing to sliced bread. But now for the bad news. Been to dealer once for a coolant smell. Found a slight leak, 500 miles ago. Still had a hint, see nothing, tank level steady. About 400 miles ago small oil spot on floor, kept eye on it. Now it’s like the Valdez. Oil tank seal, but why vent valve stuck? And when looking around, coolant trails coming down bulkhead. Something high leaking. It’s a machine and stuff happen but GEZZZ. Back to the dealer she goes. Slightly disappointed, but not surprised.