2019 Arctic Cat mountain cat or 2020 Alpha ?

[bjd68]

So Im looking at purchasing another sled because my doo wont be fixed till end of season, On a budget of 10k, Im looking at a 2019 arctic cat mountain cat 154 3" with 500 kms on it with twin rail for $9500 or a 2020 alpha one 165, estart with 1300kms for 10k, both looked to be in great shape, from the digging Ive done it seems the 2020 had some minor engine changes and thats about it, anything else that I should be aware of besides the cat airbox design that will have to be sealed up properly?

 

[drew562]

So Im looking at purchasing another sled because my doo wont be fixed till end of season, On a budget of 10k, Im looking at a 2019 arctic cat mountain cat 154 3" with 500 kms on it with twin rail for $9500 or a 2020 alpha one 165, estart with 1300kms for 10k, both looked to be in great shape, from the digging Ive done it seems the 2020 had some minor engine changes and thats about it, anything else that I should be aware of besides the cat airbox design that will have to be sealed up properly?

2020 engine works good. Does make a little more power. Better factory helix.
But 19 mountain cat is no slouch. Pipe sleeves and some clutching then you’re off to the races. They both have a good Powder tracks. The one with lowest mileage would be the winner because it would be easiest for you to sell why the doo is ready.

 

[JMCX]

If you want deep snow performance, Alpha all the way.

 

[RXN]

I have a 19 M8000 twin rail. 162.
A buddy had the alphas. In deep snow the alpha was better. But on crusty crap snow. The twin rail had better handling and control. (At least in my opinion)

 

[vrscr43]

Had both
2018 163 3" Mountain Cat
2021 154 2.75" Alpha
Both were awesome but prefer the Alpha because of its playfulness

 

[Turblue]

Had 18 twin and 20 alpha. Didn’t feel confident riding the alpha(230 with gear) …worried I was going to break the rail every time I hit something. Knew quite a few people that broke the rail. Twin rail for me. Also the snow where we ride is more on the setup side.

If you’re riding revy deep snow and not hitting anything probably the alpha be the sled.

 

[Bnorth]

I'd probably get whichever track length you prefer. For me that is the Alpha. Bonus it's a year newer and has the updated motor. The 20's will also take a pipe without a tune.

 

[niner]

Depends on your riding style. The twin rail will be way more precise in rutted up snow conditions. The alpha has a way better track for deep untouched snow but can be unpredictable in certain conditions. I would buy the 19 and a put a Lynx track and Alpha drivers in it and sell your stock track for the best performance package. Little clutching if you want and you won’t even miss your doo.

 

[bjd68]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I think whatever one I purchase I will probably keep as my backup sled even when I get my 23 turbo doo back, but I think I always wanted to try the alpha so Im leaning towards that one, Basically I want something I can ride deep pow because I generally dont ride when the snow is crusty. Also want something that I dont need to change anything just buy it and ride it. I see I could buy a rail brace for the alpha but Im only 175 pounds and dont really hit jumps, mostly just ride tight trees. Im going to go look at the 20 alpha on tuesday and see what kind of shape its in and also will do a compression test on it.

 

[drew562]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I think whatever one I purchase I will probably keep as my backup sled even when I get my 23 turbo doo back, but I think I always wanted to try the alpha so Im leaning towards that one, Basically I want something I can ride deep pow because I generally dont ride when the snow is crusty. Also want something that I dont need to change anything just buy it and ride it. I see I could buy a rail brace for the alpha but Im only 175 pounds and dont really hit jumps, mostly just ride tight trees. Im going to go look at the 20 alpha on tuesday and see what kind of shape its in and also will do a compression test on it.

My alpha was a serious sled and I weigh 230. At 175 pounds you’re gonna really like it.

 

[tex78]

If ya buy the alpha, put the 4 wheel kit in it

Makes a big difference

Sent from my SM-G991W using Tapatalk

 

[Panzerdog]

Buy the alpha I have 2019 and like it so much bought a 2022 alpha also have kingcat four stroke twin rail and a couple xf 1100 turbos and the alphas are awesome

 

[Mountainman52]

I would just keep the Kitty Kat and sell the Lump Ski Dooo..........you will be further AHEAD on a KAT..........

 

[bjd68]

I would just keep the Kitty Kat and sell the Lump Ski Dooo..........you will be further AHEAD on a KAT..........

Hhaaha I guess will have to wait and see, it would save me alot of coin if I ditched the doo.

 

[bjd68]

Well I picked up a 2020 alpha hardcore and rode it for a few days at grizzly lodge. Definitely a whole different sled to learn . This sled only had 70 kms on it with the jaws Shark tune with y pipe, exhaust and pipe. Apparently has a extra 10 hp or so. I would say it pulls better than my 18 cat, but the alpha skid is very floppy haven't decided if I like it or not yet, turns so easy and found myself falling off a few times , but got use to it by the second day and started to enjoy it more.
Anyways question for u guys sled run great but would consistently run between 145- 152 f In powder and would run 158-160 on trail with scratchers down and with a decent amount of snow on trail with the overheat light coming on around 162 f.
So to me this is too hot as my 18 cat always ran around 110 f
Could it be thermostat. My coolant is right up, maybe a air bubble or guage is just miss reading?

 

[JMCX]

My Alpha always needs the scratchers on any trail. Even if it's -20 and you can't see the guy 50' in front of you from the snow dust. 50°C seems to be the 'normal' temp. The warning light starts to flash at 70° and is on solid at 80°. Riding slow on a whooped out trail is the hardest to deal with.

 

[mountianguy]

I would be looking for an air bubble, my 2020 Alpha runs around 140 -145 on the trail depending on conditions. As previously stated scratchers down no matter the trail conditions. Last spring we rode a fairly icy trail with my snow flap cut to about 4 inches my Alpha was the coolest sled in our group, worst was the 2022 Doo turbo. Point being the AC cooling system works very good. The T-stat were an issue in the 18-19 MY I haven't heard of any 2020 or newer having issues also the part number changed up in 20 from the 19.

 

[tmo1620]

My 19 runs around 120f-130 on a good trail and around 140f ish on an icy trail, if I can keep speed up, if it’s whooped and ice and you can’t keep speed it overheats steady, have an itek flap and stock scratchers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[06yamahaapex]

My guess is that the water pump impeller is spinning on the shaft. There was a service bulletin on em I think.

 

[bjd68]

My guess is that the water pump impeller is spinning on the shaft. There was a service bulletin on em I think.

interesting so was this a recall. Whats the easiest way to check this.