Considering Arctic Cat Diesel

[Dieselnut59]

I talked about this a while back and am now considering it a little more seriously. I am considering a Diesel Arctic Cat ATV. They call it the "700 diesel". It has a 686 cc inline two cylinder Lombardini engine in it. Do any of yall know anything about them? Anyone have one? I prefer to keep the discussion on the diesel, as I do not want a gas powered ATV. All of my equipment is diesel powered and I make my own bio blend. I want the diesel, just looking for opinions and input. Where is a good place to buy? Someone mentioned Bass Pro Shops, which is not too far from me...
Thanks, John

For anyone else who may be interested, I found this article:
700 Diesel ATV Lombardini - Diesel Power Magazine

 

[Wingate]

Haven't seen that one yet. I rode a Polaris Diesel ATV back about 10 years ago. It was slow, but would pull the world out of orbit if you could find a place to hook a chain. Not sure if that was the engine or the ultra low gearing of the Polaris. It really didn't catch on big here in Texas. But, I could definitely see where it would have its advantages in the major farming states. I believe Cub Cadet makes a side by side 4x4 that sports a small Cat diesel.

 

[Dieselnut59]

Haven't seen that one yet. I rode a Polaris Diesel ATV back about 10 years ago. It was slow, but would pull the world out of orbit if you could find a place to hook a chain. Not sure if that was the engine or the ultra low gearing of the Polaris. It really didn't catch on big here in Texas. But, I could definitely see where it would have its advantages in the major farming states. I believe Cub Cadet makes a side by side 4x4 that sports a small Cat diesel.

Wingate, did you notice my "signature"? Yep, I have one of those Polaris diesel ATVs now. I want a new diesel ATV and the Polaris is no longer available and that is why I am looking into the Arctic Cat one... I really want to stick with the ATV platform over the utility platform, otherwise I will just get the Kubota RTV.

 

[Wingate]

AAhhhh... now I see it. . When you go to look at it, you might make sure that it doesn't have the same drivetrain as the gas engine bikes. I'm sure they have beefed it up for the diesel torque, but i'd make sure before writing the check. IMHO, the A/C drivetrain on the gas powered bikes is maxxed out with no mods, so anything beyond stock breaks it. (tires, exhaust, modules, exhaust. . etc. . ) Thats why I said, make sure its not the gas drivetrain with a diesel engine.

My son in law has an 05 Arctic Cat 650 with the Kawasaki v-twin gas engine. So far, its stripped the front differential once and broken 4 rear CV shafts . The bike doesn't have a lift kit, but does have 27" tires and a performance module. I have an 02 Sportsman 700 that had been ridden extremely hard since new with 27" tires, aftermarket camshaft, dual exhaust, jetted that has never broken a driveline part.

My in laws have been looking at buying a Kubota RTV, but haven't made a decision yet. He's getting up in age and needs an easier way to feed the horses and get back and forth to the mail box.

 

[Dieselnut59]

AAhhhh... now I see it. . When you go to look at it, you might make sure that it doesn't have the same drivetrain as the gas engine bikes. I'm sure they have beefed it up for the diesel torque, but i'd make sure before writing the check. IMHO, the A/C drivetrain on the gas powered bikes is maxxed out with no mods, so anything beyond stock breaks it. (tires, exhaust, modules, exhaust. . etc. . ) Thats why I said, make sure its not the gas drivetrain with a diesel engine.

My son in law has an 05 Arctic Cat 650 with the Kawasaki v-twin gas engine. So far, its stripped the front differential once and broken 4 rear CV shafts . The bike doesn't have a lift kit, but does have 27" tires and a performance module. I have an 02 Sportsman 700 that had been ridden extremely hard since new with 27" tires, aftermarket camshaft, dual exhaust, jetted that has never broken a driveline part.

My in laws have been looking at buying a Kubota RTV, but haven't made a decision yet. He's getting up in age and needs an easier way to feed the horses and get back and forth to the mail box.

I LOVE Kubota equipment and may just keep the old Polaris diesel and get a Kubota RTV. A good friend has two of them and his brother has one and his parents (elderly) do also. They all love them. I will certainly check out the strength of the Arctic Cat before buying. I would assume it is well made and beefed up because it is built for the military.

 

[Skydiver]

I have read some really bad things about A/C gas atvs. Many with frame cracks.

Here is a good report from some owners.



TRAIL RIDERS OF AMERICA • View topic - Is the Arctic Cat diesel ATV a boon or bust?

I know you said diesels. I just want to add that our 05 Honda Rincon is a pleasure to own and very comfortable. It is geared a little on the high side.

 

[Dieselnut59]

I have read some really bad things about A/C gas atvs. Many with frame cracks.

Here is a good report from some owners.



TRAIL RIDERS OF AMERICA • View topic - Is the Arctic Cat diesel ATV a boon or bust?

I know you said diesels. I just want to add that our 05 Honda Rincon is a pleasure to own and very comfortable. It is geared a little on the high side.

Wow! That sounds like an easy fuel adding tip. I "turned up" the power on my Polaris, but as the guy mentioned, not the RPMs. I really want an Arctic Cat diesel, but there are no dealers close by. Thanks for the link, skydiver.