Argo AATV

[EldonRC]

Hi: Can anyone here offer me any advice/experience regarding the Argo six or eight wheeled amphibious vehicles? All or any comments would be appreciated.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

livin down here in the swampland man i would love to have one with tracks.

 

[EldonRC]

I am to try out a six wheeler tommorrow with rubber tracks only way up here in Canada we are going to try it on snow.In summer I want to use it on a large bog on my property.I'm a little worried about its lack of suspension though.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

yea i hear they are a rough and jerky ride.

 

[EldonRC]

Took the Argo for a test ride through the woods with hills(steep) and lots of snow.It performed superbly.It would have had trouble without the tracks though.They move slow enough that the ride was ok.Unlike most offroad vehicles in really bad going they rely on traction totally instead of speed in some instances.I see Tommy you must have a Gator HPX, my brother has a diesel HPX and he loves it!

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

yea i do have an 04 hpx 4x4. never been let down by it . the one you drove how did you like the power. and how is the bottom made ?could it skid over stuff without tearing through the bottom ?do they have a skid plate down there? i never seen one in person but always have been wanting one i have heard horror stories about the bottoms being fiberglass or what ever and they don't take a good beating .that was years ago so i know they must have improved them by now with a skid plate.

 

[shvl73]

You may have already seen this site: Route 6x6 The Internet Resource for 6 and 8-wheel Amphibious ATVs,Argo, Attex, Hustler, Max, Amphicat, Sierra Trail Boss, Scrambler, Coot, Camel, Jiger, Starcraft, Terra Tiger, terratiger, OD, Recreatives Industries, RI, atv, 6 wheeler, 8 wheeler, quad, MaxII, Max II, Max2, Max 2, Vanguard but, if you haven't, it might be a good resource.

 

[EldonRC]

Thanks shvl73 I'll check out this link.I am looking for as much info as I can find.
There is a skid plate on the bottom and it is identical to the main bottom material but can be replaced.The bottom is made out of a high density plastic of some sort,I thnk quite tough as I looked over the demo which I know has seen some tough terrain.It didn't show any signs of gouging or diress.The replacable skid plates are about $200.I think while this is a very capable machine it is really of more of a totally off road vehicle and is not a replacement for a conventional 4-wheeler for what they were designed for.

 

[Kays Supply]

I have had an Argo and a MAX. The Argo steers with braking and the MAX steers with the transmission. In my experience the MAX will get you out of a bad spot better than the Argo. You have to brake the side you want to turn towards in the Argo. The MAX can put the turn side in neutral before you brake. This has been make or break while stuck. The MAX is much easier to service. I actually found it easier to pull the motor to change oil in the Argo.
These are all just my thoughts.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Does anybody own or test fired the Terra Track vehicle.

From what I understand, that company purchased the old Cushman Tracksters production equipment and went into business calling it the new Range Runner series unit.

Back in the late '70's, we had two Cushman Tracksters, and they were tuff vehicles,and brought a man anywhere. Never had one minutes trouble out of them >>>>.

 

[EldonRC]

I really appreciate all the replies to my query.I actually had heard from an Argo dealer that the Max was more capable though also that it was more difficult to drive.I know from You Tube videos that the Max is faster in water and appears more stable.You are right Kays Supply,braking is not condusive with getting out of a hard spot.I am very interested in an amphibious ATV .

 

[Kays Supply]

The older MAX had some issues. They have had a hard time living down the bad press. They have improved most of the issues. The solid axles, O-ring chain, splined axles, double bearings on the axles, and front bearing guards have taken care of the major issues. Up North ,the throttle cable heater is a must, to keep it from freezing up. The MAX can also be fitted with tracks. The down side is that you have to have two sets of tires. A smaller set to allow clearance for the tracks and a taller set when running without the tracks. The Route 6x6 site is wealth of info.

 

[EldonRC]

Argo has had many of these issues,bearing guards,axles etc.Even yet there are four models of argo(3-six and 1 eight wheeled) that must have a 1 inch diameter smaller wheel to fit the tracks.The best tires they have are 25 inch Rawhides(similar to a tractor tire on backwards).Their upper two models are deeper machines and can handle tracks over the rawhides.These are 8 wheelers as well.I am pleased to hear about the Max as I have very little info on them.What are they powered with? Argo's are powered by either 14 hp,18 hp,23 hp Briggs and Stratten air cooled or 26 hp and 31 hp Kohler liquid cooled.I am looking to buy an ATV and not into speed or running with the pack,I sure am keen on amphibious.We have some wild weather up here in Canada.I have never heard of a Max dealer up this way but there must be around Montreal or Toronto.I know they are American made.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

you saying something about the tires being backwards reminded me of smething. a buddy had got some tires "woolyboogers" put on at wallmart and they accidently put them on backwards well he said that they pulled better being put on backwards then they did when he had then on the regular way???

 

[EldonRC]

These "rawhides" on backwards are better this way in water,have more traction to back out of trouble than power into trouble.Or so I was told. LOL

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

the chevron desgn of the tires and when they was put on backwards was accualy pulling mud and dirt under the tires to help it instaed of the other way around when they was put on the right way they was pulling dirt and mud from under and away from the tire.i'm kinda think how my 589's would work if i reversed them?