Buying a Used Arctic Cat 580 Snowmobile - What to Look For

Overview of the Arctic Cat 580 Snowmobile

The Arctic Cat 580 snowmobile was manufactured from 1996 to 2005 and was considered one of Arctic Cat's most popular trail sleds during that era. This machine featured Arctic Cat's reliable Suzuki 580cc two-stroke twin engine and was known for its smooth power delivery and dependable performance in a wide variety of snow conditions.

The 580 was marketed as an entry-level to mid-level snowmobile, making it accessible for casual riders and families looking for an affordable, no-frills sled that could still hold its own on the trails. However, the 580 also appealed to seasoned riders due to its lightweight chassis, sporty handling, and reliable engine.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Arctic Cat 580 is Suzuki's 580cc twin-cylinder, liquid cooled, reed valve inducted two-stroke engine. This motor pumps out a respectable 85-95 horsepower, providing smooth acceleration and a broad powerband that's very controllable and confidence-inspiring for newer riders. More experienced snowmobilers will appreciate the engine's strong mid-range and abundant torque.

This motor is mated to Arctic's adjustable driven clutch and traditional fixed driven clutch. Combined with the 580's lightweight chassis, the engine had no trouble propelling the sled to speeds over 75 mph on flat ground. Throttle response is crisp, allowing the rider precise control over the machine.

One downside to the 580 engine is its relatively poor fuel economy, averaging 16-20 mpg in ideal conditions. Significant wear items like pistons and rings need more frequent replacement than four-stroke engines. However, the motor is able to run on regular 87 octane fuel with no issues.

Chassis and Handling

The Arctic Cat 580 features a strong yet lightweight perimeter-framed chassis that provides great stability across various snow conditions. The front suspension utilizes Arctic's ProClimb double A-arm system, offering 7.5 inches of travel and a compliant, controlled ride. The slide rail rear skid frame with internal floated torque arms and 8.5 inches of travel keeps the track planted and absorbs bumps smoothly.

This combination results in a very nimble sled that's confidence inspiring on tight trails yet remains stable at higher speeds. The 580 transitions side to side with ease and carves through corners predictably. Riders reported that the machine was fun and casual-friendly but could still be pushed aggressively when needed.

Braking duties are handled by a hydraulic disc system that provides strong, reliable stopping power. While competent for recreational trail riding, the brakes are not quite as robust as higher-end models for extreme riding.

Features and Accessories

As an entry-level sled, the 580 is pretty bare bones in terms of convenience features and gadgets. But it does include basics like a speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauge, LED taillight, and magnetic trip meter. The digital gauge cluster neatly displays all essential ride information without cluttering the console.

A 12-volt outlet was also standard, allowing riders to power accessories like GPS units and heated clothing. Storage options consisted of a small compartment under the gauge cluster and a built-in glovebox. The 580 came with a fixed backrest for the driver and additional storage bags could be added as accessories.

Available track lengths were 121 inches, 136 inches, and 141 inches, allowing riders to outfit the sled for different riding purposes. The self-adjusting open chaincase was low-maintenance while still delivering power efficiently. Toolless side panels made routine maintenance quick and easy.

Ownership and Maintenance

Reliability

The Arctic Cat 580 established a reputation as a very dependable snowmobile, provided that basic maintenance was performed. The Suzuki 580cc engine was proven to be durable and long-lasting when properly maintained. Oil changes, spark plug replacement, clutch tuning, and fuel filters were critical to keeping the motor running strong.

One common issue on early 580 models was overheating problems due to coolant leaks or air pockets in the cooling system. Proper coolant filling, burping, and leak checks largely mitigated this issue. Later year models featured improved cooling reliability from the factory.

The Arctic Cat slide rail rear suspension is very robust, but shocks may need rebuilding or replacing as they wear. Wear bars should be checked and replaced periodically to prevent damage to the skid frame. Following the maintenance schedule for lubrication, alignment, and torque specs will keep the chassis and drivetrain running smoothly for thousands of miles.

Replacement Parts and Aftermarket Support

As a popular Arctic Cat model, the 580 has plentiful aftermarket parts and accessories available. Common wear items like bearings, pistons, rings, seals, shocks, and slides bars are easily sourced online and through dealerships.

Aftermarket companies like Boondocker, Hooligan, and Speedwerx offer performance exhausts, clutches, and engine tuning components to unlock more power from the 580 motor. Chassis stiffeners and suspension upgrades can transform the handling for more aggressive riding.

Body panels, grips, seat covers, and other cosmetic accessories allow owners to customize the look of their sleds. Vintage NOS parts may be harder to find as machines age but the active Arctic Cat community keeps many older sleds on the trails.

Fuel and Lubrication

The 580 engine requires regular 87 octane gasoline and Arctic Cat's 2-cycle snowmobile oil mixed at a ratio of 50:1. Premium fuels are not necessary but will help keep the combustion chambers deposit-free. The chaincase and slides should be lubricated according to the owner's manual specifications and intervals.

Known Issues

Some common problems to watch for on used Arctic Cat 580 snowmobiles include:

• Overheating from coolant leaks, trapped air pockets, or failed thermostats
• Failed recoil springs resulting in hard starts
• Leaks from crank, brake, and oil seals
• Cracked or warped exhaust valves
• Worn piston rings resulting in low power and poor performance
• Clutch issues like worn engagement dogs or failed springs
• Leaking shocks or worn suspension components
• Melting electrical connectors and wiring damage

Carefully inspecting any used sled and asking about service history can help avoid machines with chronic issues. Overall the 580 is very solid when properly maintained.

Buying a Used Arctic Cat 580 Snowmobile

Where to Find One for Sale

Good places to find used Arctic Cat 580 snowmobiles include:

• Snowmobile classified ads - Craigslist, Snowmobile Trader, etc.
• eBay Motors and other online auction sites
• Snowmobile dealerships - often take trades
• Local snowmobile clubs and forums
• Powersports dealers who sell used inventory
• Auctions like Copart and Ritchie Bros. Auctions
• Facebook Marketplace and other social platforms

Joining Arctic Cat enthusiast groups and forums is a great way to find nicely maintained machines and learn more about specific models. Examining the sled in person before purchasing is advised whenever possible.

What to Look For

When evaluating a used Arctic Cat 580 snowmobile, be sure to:

• Check service records and ask the seller about maintenance history
• Start and run the engine to check for smoke, odd noises, leaks, etc.
• Inspect the coolant system carefully for any leaks or air pockets
• Make sure the clutch engages and shifts smoothly through all gears
• Test ride the sled to evaluate power, handling, braking, etc.
• Examine the chassis and suspension for corrosion, damage, worn parts
• Look for oiliness that could indicate leaks around crank seals, brakes, etc.
• Check the skis and carbides for excessive wear
• Evaluate overall condition and make sure it's been well cared for

Well-maintained 580s with complete service records often sell for $1,500-$3,000 depending on model year, mileage, and condition. Units needing engine work may sell for under $1,000.

Is it Worth Buying?

The Arctic Cat 580 represents an excellent value in the used snowmobile market. These machines offer great performance and handling for a very reasonable price. The abundant aftermarket support also makes rebuilding or enhancing a 580 an appealing project.

The 580's reputation for reliability makes it a sensible choice for anyone looking for an affordable, no-frills sled that can still deliver miles of fun on the trails. With proper care and maintenance, it's not uncommon for these motors to log over 10,000 miles. So for many riders, buying a used 580 is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Just be diligent in examining condition and service history before purchasing. And focus on late model years for the best performance and reliability. With a bit of searching, an Arctic Cat 580 can provide years of winter fun on a budget.

FAQs

What years was the Arctic Cat 580 produced?

The Arctic Cat 580 was manufactured from 1996 through 2005. It was introduced as Arctic's first 500 class snowmobile and remained largely unchanged throughout its production run.

How much power does a 580 Arctic Cat have?

The 580cc twin cylinder Suzuki engine in the Arctic Cat 580 produces between 85-95 horsepower. This provides strong acceleration and a very usable powerband.

Are Arctic Cat 580s reliable snowmobiles?

Yes, the 580 is considered one of Arctic Cat's most dependable models from that era. With proper maintenance, the engine and chassis are very durable and can log thousands of trouble-free miles.

What is a common problem on the 580?

One well-known issue is overheating, often caused by coolant leaks or trapped air pockets in the cooling system. Proper filling, burping, and leak inspection is critical to prevent this.

Are Arctic Cat 580 parts still available?

Yes, there is good aftermarket support for the 580 given its popularity during its production run. Common wear items like pistons, bearings, and suspension components are readily available.