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The Buran snowmobile is the right snowmobile, at the right time, in the right place.
You don't see any kind of snowmobiles these days. And they do everything they can with them, they jump and race through the mountains, mud and even water.
Crazy speed, high power. Athletes in helmets and beautiful uniforms. A price that sometimes goes beyond 500,000 rubles. What is all this? These can be said to be expensive toys that not many people can afford.
But we want to talk about the good old snowmobile. This is Buran.
It has been produced with minor modifications since the 50s. Outwardly unprepossessing, when it starts, it makes a strong roar. However, you won't find a better workhorse. As the Chukchi gentlemen say: “Deer is good, but Buran is better.”
Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this snowmobile:
General information about the snowmobile
The brand became famous 40 years ago . Under the influence of time, the model was modernized several times, components and components were updated, and the external design was improved. The device has found wide application not only among local residents and remote northern regions, but also among hunters and polar explorers, when the distance can only be covered using a special vehicle.
The first Burans were similar in design to Canadian snowmobiles. Only the Americans used the units as a means of transport for vacationers. Russians need cars to put the harsh life into practice.
The main models include:
- Basic, category “A” with a short frame.
- From the “E” with electric start.
- The modification “D” has an extended base.
The developers of snowmobiles from the 4T, 4TD category updated the engines and created an economical device with maximum cross-country ability. He became indispensable in the most difficult places. Due to its compact size and dimensions, the device was positively characterized by users - hunters and fishermen during operation.
Experts were not left without their conclusions, emphasizing reliability and design simplicity . 2 tracks helped many in an extreme situation, when one side failed and the other side reached their destination. The central lower part of the body is equipped with a ski, which helps to navigate steep slopes. The owner will be able to start the snowmobile by pulling the manual starter; it is worth emphasizing the comfortable spring suspension.
You can refuel with gasoline even with low quality characteristics; an octave number of 76 . The gear moves the car, it is supplied with torque between the crankshaft and the drive shaft, and the installed handle changes the speed.
Ergonomics
Buran has two full seats with a backrest for a passenger. There is a wide, flat platform for the feet. In all three modifications it is finished with anti-slip rubber pads. In terms of cargo transportation capabilities, the domestic manufacturer offers the following options:
- Buran A has dimensions of 2.7 x 0.91 x 1.35 m. The only luggage compartment is located under the seats.
- Buran Leader has a long wheelbase of 3.1 m and has a rear luggage area. This is the most optimal model for transporting goods.
- Buran 4T/4TD can be 2.7 or 3.1 m long. The longer version will also have a fenced luggage area.
To prevent snow and wind from flying into your face, there is a high windshield. It stands almost vertically and covers the driver well. The towbar allows you to attach a trailer for transporting goods.
Scandic has anatomical seats. They do not merge into a common line, as in Buran, but are clearly separated by levels. This helps the driver and passenger not to move towards each other during shaking. There is a support arch on the steering wheel to make it comfortable to stand up. A high soft backrest is provided for the rear passenger. Since the chairs are located at different levels, the footrests are also angled to make everyone comfortable.
Skandic also has a wide windshield and a luggage platform at the rear. But it is located higher than that of Buran, so the load gets less wet from snow splashes. The length of the Scandic WT 600 E-TEC and WT 550 is 3.2 m, and the WT 900 ACE is 3.3 m, which gives room for legs and ample space for luggage.
Pros of a snowmobile
Information from experts and reviews from owners who have operated a snowmobile over time will help you evaluate Buran.
These parameters include:
- Delivery of goods to remote areas depends on good cross-country ability Buran is able to drive along blocked roads, which a unit with 1 caterpillar cannot overcome; debris is inaccessible to sled dogs; they get tired quickly. A vehicle with 2 tracks can even be reached on thin ice due to the slight pressure on the occupied area; otherwise, the crusty ice hole will not support the weight of a person. While doing checks, we stepped on the trail left by the snowmobile in deep snow and fell through, the compaction was so small. After 24 hours, a reliable road was created at the passage site, which froze under the influence of low temperatures.
- Snowstorms are used to pave paths, ski slopes, and roll roads . For example, you need to drive a regular car to the highway, ride a snowmobile several times in the right direction, the area will be compacted and you can go on a trip. The car is carrying a heavy load; you just need to move it.
- Any breakdown can be easily eliminated in a simple and devoid of unnecessary parts design. If the stop occurs in the forest, the driver will be able to repair and start the device himself. You just need to always carry spare parts in the form of spark plugs, a drive belt, a transformer, a switch. Suitable tools include wrenches and screwdrivers.
- When in good condition, the snowmobile is easy to start regardless of the temperature.
Rural residents of the Far East, North and Siberia, Vologda, Arkhangelsk have a snowmobile in almost every house. Burans have become an integral part of business affairs; production workers also need unpretentious but reliable equipment.
Execution options
configurations and prices
- Buran 4T is a basic model (short wheelbase), as was already the case with Buran, but with an American modern “heart”. The manufacturer offers to purchase this model for 375,000 rubles (it turns out that you need to pay an additional 80,000 rubles for the Kohler ECH749-3085 motor).
- Buran 4TD is distinguished by an extended base and, accordingly, a seat. This model also has a standard trunk. This snowmobile is offered from the factory at a price of 397,000 rubles.
Minuses
Not a single technical model has yet been created without negative parameters; even advanced and expensive developments have their drawbacks.
Buran also has some shortcomings:
- The vehicle must not make sharp turns on any terrain . Limitations in maneuverability are inherent in the tracks, where there is no differential. On a slippery surface, turning occurs without problems when the caterpillar slides or the entire body of the car is tilted in this direction along with the passenger. It is difficult to enter a parking lot if you do not point the front end in the direction of the required turn.
- As an advantage, it is emphasized that the car can be quickly started in any natural conditions; this happens with a manual cable , which requires significant physical strength that the driver must have.
- The unit “eats” a large amount of fuel and oil . In this part, you can’t call it economical.
- The exhaust pipe is located near the rear side of the tracks - on the right. A passenger in a sled has to turn away to avoid suffocation from exhaust fumes .
- Poor stability ; on steep slopes you have to climb up to your full height and balance, otherwise you can tip over. If the snowmobile turns over, you need to have time to jump off and not get under the body.
Design
The exterior of Buran in any configuration is very simple:
- wide, rough nose;
- large round headlight;
- platform parallel to the ground;
- flat seats.
Buran Leader is interesting due to the presence of an additional turning headlight, which can be useful for hunting or for utilitarian tasks.
Snowmobile Buran Leader
All Skandiks are bright, futuristic snowmobiles. The widened front end gives the models a sporty look. Sculpted, multi-platform seats, a rising footrest and dual slanted headlights reflect Ski-Doo's signature styling.
Snowmobile Ski-Doo Skandic
Repair manual
In the second half of the manual, the manufacturer included a detailed list of typical faults. The list is presented in the form of a table, with all faults divided into groups. For each unit and component, signs of malfunction, possible causes and methods for eliminating them are indicated.
All breakdowns are divided into groups:
- engine;
- transmission;
- chassis;
- governance mechanisms;
- electrical equipment.
If it is impossible to fix the problem yourself, you should contact a specialized service center.
Basic price
A new snowmobile can be ordered on the manufacturer’s official website (go-rm.ru). The recommended retail price is 364 thousand rubles for the version with a short wheelbase and 386 thousand rubles for the version with a long wheelbase. The price does not include delivery costs. The truck can also be purchased from an official dealer of the Republic of Moldova, in this case the cost will depend on the specific region.
This all-terrain vehicle can also be found on the secondary market. In this case, the price will be slightly lower, but not much. A Buran with an American engine will cost about 250 – 310 thousand rubles. Burans with a Chinese engine or earlier models with a two-stroke engine will have a lower cost.
Specifications
- Engine – Kohler ECH749-3085 (two-cylinder four-stroke): displacement – 747 cm³
- Max. power – 29 hp (21.6 kW)
- cylinder diameter × piston stroke – 83×69 mm
- fuel system – EFI (electronic injection)
- cooling – air
- lubrication system – oil in the crankcase (≈1.7±0.1 liters), with a mechanical pump
- starting system - electric starter (manual start and cord are not provided)
- front – semi-elliptical spring (travel 50 mm)
- length – 2878 mm (3686 mm for 4TD)
- length – 2700 mm (3100 mm for 4TD)
- structural – 289 kg (314 kg for 4TD)
Maximum speed , obviously, is not about this snowmobile. It is, of course, capable of achieving the passport indicators (≈57±3 km/h) (on compacted snow with one pilot on board), but on deep virgin snow the limit will be 35±5 km/h. The good news is that the load, in such a situation, has little effect on this indicator.
Fuel consumption , on the contrary, is the strong point of this device. Even in the most difficult off-road conditions with maximum load, this figure does not exceed 30 liters per 100 km. In the combined cycle, so to speak, the consumption will be no more than 20 liters (even with a full load).
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the four-stroke model are the presence of a modern and reliable engine made in the USA and low cost compared to foreign analogues.
The snowmobile is very high-torque, despite the fact that the rated power is less than three dozen horses. Its advantage is the high torque at the bottom - it confidently pulls large loads and is even used to tow cars stuck in the snow.
The main disadvantages of this model are considered to be outdated appearance and poor handling on packed snow or ice.
Snowmobiles produced in 2014 had a design flaw - throttle control was very tight. This problem was fixed in 2015.
User manual
Each track comes with a user manual. The manual contains detailed information about the maintenance of all important components and assemblies, recommendations for running-in and methods of operating a snowmobile. All instructions are additionally illustrated. At the end of the manual, the owner can find a list of typical faults and methods for eliminating them.
Break-in recommendations
The break-in period of the engine, transmission, variator and other vital mechanisms of a snowmobile affects how they will work in the future. The manufacturer indicated the duration of the snowmobile's running-in period - the first 300 km. To avoid future problems with the engine and other parts of the all-terrain vehicle, the owner should comply with the following requirements:
- Ride without a passenger.
- Maximum speed – 30 km/h.
- Choose flat areas with dense snow cover.
- Do not drive on very rough terrain, wet or deep snow.
- Avoid long climbs. This can lead to overload of the power unit.
- The ambient temperature should be between -25 - -3 degrees Celsius. If it is lower, it will be difficult to start the engine, and if it is higher, there is a high risk of overheating.
- After the first 100 km of driving, it is necessary to check the alignment and tension of the tracks. If necessary, adjust according to the user manual.
Daniila Rukin
Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.
Ask a Question
The manufacturer categorically does not recommend fully loading the snowmobile before it has been fully run-in. Violation of operating modes can lead to a decrease in the service life of the track.
Maintenance
Timely maintenance will allow you to keep your snowmobile in good working order for a long time. The first complete maintenance should be performed immediately after the end of the motorized dog's break-in period.
Types and frequency of maintenance:
| Name | When to carry out |
| TO-1 | Every 950 – 1050 km |
| TO-2 | Every 1950 – 2050 km |
| CO (seasonal) | When putting the track into operation after preservation |
Malfunctions identified during maintenance should be eliminated.
In addition to seasonal and scheduled maintenance, every owner must also perform a number of mandatory measures every time before leaving. The list of required works includes:
- checking the fuel level, brake fluid, presence of oil in the crankcase;
- inspection of the engine and chassis;
- checking the condition of the ski and spring;
- control of brake and gas levers.
A complete list of daily diagnostic activities can be found in the included user manual.
Daniila Rukin
Snowmobile specialist "Buran". I go fishing in my free time.
Ask a Question
On the manufacturer's official website, every snowmobile user can find and download all related documentation. In addition to the standard manual, you can find there an operating manual for the Kohler engine, a vehicle passport and a service book.
