Arctic Cat announced a handful of changes it has made to some of its model year 2013 sleds as these machines head to production.
The following changes apply to all 2013 models:
To create a tighter seal that eliminates snow ingestion between the bellypan and side panel, plastic backing has been added to the bellypan/side access panel on the left (clutch) side, with a threaded fastener added on the front of side panel.
New ski dampers utilize added material to better stabilize the skis when airborne, to reduce unwanted ski rocking (or "flopping") for more predictable handling.
All ProCross/ProClimb models will come standard with a zippered belt holder that mounts behind the seat, on top of the tunnel. (LXR and Limited models come standard with the mid-capacity tunnel pack and the belt holder.)
The following changes apply to all 2013 M models only:
To shave weight, M8 Limited models will be equipped with the lightweight RR-style brake disc and get the HCRstyle, front-only heat exchanger, producing a 5-lb. dry weight reduction and between 30-50 lbs. of reduced "riding" weight due to reduced buildup of snow and ice on the heat exchanger. Ice scratchers will come standard on all ProClimb models.
M8 Limited models will now be offered with 162-inch length tracks, in addition to 153-inch tracks.
M8 Limited models can be ordered with or without electric start.
The two-hole steering mount spindles have been revised to have only one mounting hole for the steering arm. The new mounting hole location is 15 mm inboard (closer to the spindle) compared to the 2012 location, allowing the spindle to turn a total of 71.3 degrees (compared to 60.7 degrees in 2012) for a 15.5 percent decrease in turning radius.
A new, finer mesh screen covers the clutch air duct to minimize snow ingestion.
A plastic spacer has been added to the driven clutch to improve belt life when running at high speeds on all M and XF High Country models. The spacer forces the driven clutch to reach full-shift slightly before the drive clutch can reach full shift, thus allowing for the clutches to maintain belt squeeze at all times to minimize slippage. This spacer can retrofit to 2012 models.
The following changes apply to F models only:
To further reduce mechanical sound from the track rolling around the wheels in the suspension, Arctic Cat-patented Quiet Track technology has been incorporated on the newfor- 2013 2.86-in. pitch Ripsaw track that comes on all F models (except the F5 and F570). These raised "bumps" between the internal-molded track bars on the inside of the track eliminate resonant vibration as the track rolls over the wheels to reduce sound.
The following changes apply to XF models only:
A new, finer mesh screen covers the clutch air duct to minimize snow ingestion.
On the XF High Country, the two-hole steering mount spindles have been revised to have only one mounting hole for the steering arm. The new mounting-hole location is 15 mm inboard (closer to the spindle) compared to the 2012 location, allowing the spindle to turn a total of 71.3 degrees (compared to 60.7 degrees in 2012) for a 15.5 percent decrease in turning radius.