Segment:
Mid-to-large displacement utility ATV
Target audience:
Mechanical technicians and experienced DIY owners
Intended use:
Utility work, trail riding, hunting, and farm/ranch duties
Manual purpose:
Workshop-level service reference for qualified mechanics
Class rivals:
Polaris Sportsman 550, Honda Rancher, Yamaha Grizzly 550
Positioning:
Utility-focused ATV with independent rear suspension
Engine:
550cc single-cylinder four-stroke
Drivetrain:
Automatic CVT with selectable 2WD/4WD
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension
Delivery:
Instant download
Device compatibility:
PC, tablet, and smartphone with PDF reader
Manual type:
Workshop / repair / service manual
Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY owners
Coverage:
Full mechanical, electrical, and overhaul procedures for the 2011 Arctic Cat 550
Engine:
Disassembly, inspection, machining limits, and reassembly
Lubrication system:
Oil pump, filtration, and lubrication circuits
Fuel system:
Fuel pump, throttle body, and air intake
Cooling system:
Radiator, coolant flow, and fan operation
Exhaust system:
Muffler and pipe removal and installation
Transmission / CVT:
Clutch assembly, belt service, and drive components
Final drive:
Front and rear gearcase service
Electrical system:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, and ignition
Steering:
Handlebar and steering components
Suspension:
A-arm, shock, and strut service
Wheels and tires:
Wheel, hub, and bearing procedures
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brake service and pad replacement
Frame:
Frame inspection and component torque specifications
Scheduled maintenance:
Service intervals and lubrication points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts and electrical diagnosis
Repairs:
Step-by-step removal, installation, and rebuild procedures
Assembly torques:
Fastener torque specifications throughout
Special tools:
Required tools identified per procedure
Technical depth:
Workshop level, written for trained mechanical technicians
Parts information:
Exploded views, part references, and specifications
Specification tables:
Engine, chassis, and electrical specifications included
Page count:
N/A - page count not specified for this digital edition
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine type:
Single-cylinder four-stroke
Fuel delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Option range:
Single 550cc engine across the 2011 550 lineup
Fuel type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Air filtration:
Replaceable paper air filter element
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear
Traction:
Selectable 4WD and front differential lock
Lighting:
Halogen headlights and taillight
Guards:
Front and rear racks plus full-length floorboards
Operator protection:
Standard ATV rider positioning with handholds
Crash test rating:
N/A - ATVs are not assigned automotive-style crash ratings
Audio system:
N/A - not equipped; this is a utility ATV
Instrumentation:
Digital LCD gauge with speedometer, odometer, and indicator lamps
Assistance features:
N/A - no electronic rider-assistance systems on this model
Drive aids:
Selectable drive modes via 2WD/4WD and diff-lock controls
Break-in service:
Initial inspection after first hours of operation
Regular service:
Periodic checks per the maintenance schedule in the manual
CVT inspection:
Belt and clutch inspection at scheduled intervals
Engine oil:
SAE-rated four-stroke API SF/SG or higher (viscosity per manual by temperature)
Final drive / gearcase oil:
SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil or approved equivalent
Coolant:
Premium ethylene glycol antifreeze with deionized water
CVT belt:
Inspect and replace when worn or glazed
Brake pads:
Inspect pads and discs regularly
Air filter:
Clean or replace frequently in dusty conditions
Manufacturer:
Arctic Cat Inc., Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA
Heritage:
Arctic Cat built its reputation in snowmobiles before expanding into ATVs in the mid-1990s
Introduction:
The 550 joined Arctic Cat's ATV lineup as a mid-displacement EFI utility model
2011 model year:
EFI engine, automatic CVT, and independent rear suspension
Production location:
United States (Thief River Falls / St. Cloud, Minnesota)
