2011 Arctic Cat 550 H1 EFI 4x4
User Reviews
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Road hard and put away wet (and muddy)
By Jeremy (I am an Owner) on Apr 22, 2018I have beat the ever living crap out of this machine since day 1. I(TM)ve submerged it, burried it and rolled it and after a few parts and lots of oil changes she keeps kicking. To date I had to replace the 4 wheel drive module, ( from hammering it in 4WD lock). Lots of oil after sinking it. Air ... filter and spark plugs. Otherwise excellent.
SNIRT!!
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Left me stranded
By Ken from Kanada (I am an Owner) on Oct 10, 2011I bought mine new in August 2011. I've had it out maybe 7 times. Yesterday (Oct 8) I was out in the mountains in some fresh snow. The transmission gave a grinding noise and then gave out completely. I was stranded 10 miles from my truck, and had to walk in the snow. I now have no faith in Arctic ... Cat. I can't trust it to be reliable. I was stranded, and its only 2 months old!
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Worthy Machine
By Charles Elder (I am an Owner) on Feb 06, 2011I've rode a few machines like this one and feel very comfortable on this 550. The TRV bodies are all the same so performance it the only differing factor on what you buy. I would prefer a more ergonomic handle bar feeling like the CanAm's, but standing and sitting feel pretty comfortable while driving.
This ... thing moves pretty well with the 550 in it. I do not need massive power and don't even think it is a benefit so I can't comment effectively on that. It does howl in the CVT but is not that annoying. It would be nice if it were quiter like the polaris or CanAm's.
I do not like the perceived valve slap you hear from time to time. For this kind of money, this should not be. I don't believe the noise I hear is a significant concern and I can't be 100% certain of its origin so do not hold this to heart.
I do like the soft ride it gives and the ease of use for the 4x4. The soft ride coupled with the high center of gravity could cause a problem so if you intend on riding hard corners I would set the shocks to stiff and loose the comfort.
Honestly, if I had more money I would have bought a CanAm. Considering the same overall machine would have run about $2000 more, I can't say I am unpleased with my purchase.
This is a beautiful machine and plows 12" of snow with a 60" blade like it is not even there. I plowed the road in front of my house during a recent major snow storm with the blade at an angle and it just pushed it away like nothing. So if you have a long driveway and want to plow it this thing will do it.
The seating is very comfortable and I sat for long rides without getting fatigued in the hind end. The passenger seat is equally comfortable (I had my son give me a ride to see what it felt like and for the half hour he drove I was content).
Lastly, the storage capacity sucks so plan on immediately buying rack bags if you intend on riding a long time in the woods. You will need this for all gear you may need encountering trouble and for food. The gas holds up well also, but I would still get a travel tank in case you get stuck and consume a lot of gas getting out. I got the winch for the plow so getting stuck is not often.
Storage is a big concern for me. I like to carry clevises, ropes/straps, small plow anchor (for getting stuck in the middle of fields), rain gear, food and gas.
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Well done AC
By Tony Crispino, Forest Ecosystem Management Tech. (I am an Enthusiast) on Jan 16, 2011What a blast to "grip it and rip it!". I know when I shop for a new utility sport quad, its going to start with the 550 H1 EFI. Arctic Cat continues to raise the bar with the H1 in terms of performance and low range towing capabilities. A long time friend of mine and I spent the day felling trees ... on my land and hauling the timbers to the landing with the 550 H1. A balanced ATV for any task.
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