By Lisa Hartman on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I am going to buy a 6x6 atv, I haev been looking at this web site
for a few months, some one has done a lot of work.

What do you users think is the better overall machine? I guess
i am considering a smaller Max or the Argo 6x6, I have been told the Argo
is the better machine, but other tell me about this 3 wheel drive thing, I thought it was a 6x6 drive machine. is it or not? Will the Max fall apart, as there seems to be many concerns over this, or is it a case of poor condition buggys. I seem to like the Argo better, I do not know why. But there are lots more Maxs around, must be a good resason or is there ?

I have a 450 acre farm and need something to get to the back sections that are like a swamp. A guy in town brought a John Deere Gator 6x6 out here last week, and got stuck right a way, I need something that will get around, maybe tracks, I do not know, Do I?

I have been looking on web hard for a week and keep coming back to this route66 site, I do not mind spending the money but I need something that will work for me. I do have a maintenance man who does tractor and general repair but I do not need him to be always working on this one buggy.

Please will some of you guys help out a lady looking to buy.

Thanks in advance
Lisa Hartman in Ohio

By Jim Stiver - Western PA MAX Dealer (Viper) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa,

I am a Max Dealer located 20 miles east of Youngstown, Ohio. If you are located close by, please feel free to contact me for a demonstration.

Jim

By Lisa Hartman on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Jim

Thanks so much for the demo offer, I most likey
will take you up on it, after I get some education
as to my concerns

Lisa Hartman

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa, You really don't give us much information to go on. Max do not fall apart and if you buy a current production Max; the only reason your maintenance man would be working on this one machine all the time is if he constantly wants to test drive it for you.

If flotation is important to where you want to go, get the lightest machine with the biggest (most contact area on the ground) tires (Max). The Max IV with 26" tires has the best performance of any skid steer in all environments (the Max IV 900T and 950T are in a class all by themselves). A Max with tracks has exceptional flotation (less than 1 PSI on the ground loaded) and the solid rubber track provides 100% contact area (not true for a segmented plastic track). Tracks are not good in open water though.

Even though none of the skid steers are speed machines, the extra speed one gets from a Max can be an advantage in some circumstances. The Max is the best balanced of any skid steer allowing the driver (if alone) to place his/her weight where it is required in those tough terrain situations. The Max gets the horsepower to the ground better than any other current production skid steer thanks to the T-20 tranny. There is a learning curve to getting the most from the T-20 (it requires smooth steady hands).

There is absolutely no comparison between the abilities of a skid steer (any make) and any conventional 4 or 6 wheeled machine once the driver knows how to drive the skid steer. Even though some quads can get to the same places, the skid steer does it with much less effort. If the skid steer needs to push things over to make a trail, it can and most people are amazed at the places a skid steer can take you.

Your best bet for a comparison is to get someone who knows how to operate the kind of machine you have an interest in and get a demonstration. If you can attend a ride where numerous machines are, you will be able to head to head compare. There are very few Argos in Montana (maybe 4 or 5 verses about 100 Max so Montana likes Max best.

If you have specific questions about the max, I or any other Max dealer would be glad to answer them for you. You get more for your money from Max.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa, As someone who has an ARGO, I can tell you that they are very solid machines, last a long time, take tons of abuse and as long as they are maintained properly, will last for years and years. Like any piece of equipment, it must be maintained for it to last. ARGO and MAX alike, require periodic maintence such as chains and bearings after they wear out after a lot of use. These are the more common things you will face with either machine. The MAX (although i have not driven one) is produced at a lower cost than ARGO, but that is not saying they are cheep machines, they are both quality products from both companies. ARGO tends to be more expensive especially if you are adding aftermarket accessories to it. As Fred mentioned, find someone with the machine you want to try and get a good feel for it then test the other machine and if you still aren't sure, test again. Each machine has its pros and cons and while all have like abilities, one may be better for your application than another. The property manager in Dad's development has 2 ARGO 6x6 and one does things the other doesn't do as well, while the other does things the other can't as well. In my opinion, the Max has a few more things that can go wrong in the drive system, but the ARGO can also, however, their are no bands or plungers etc to deal with. ARGO repairs will probably cost you a bit more than a MAX, max uses briggs engines, and can be serviced anywhere, argo uses different engines, briggs included. Good luck

By dt5428 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey Lisa I own a 1998 Argo 8X8 Conquest and have rode in Big Wolf's Max IV 950T.I would have to say I would buy a new Max 950T over the Conquest.Both machines have pros and cons.I like the bigger motor in the Max and also like the motor in the rear.Having the motor in the rear gives the machine better balance and you do not get the engine heat in your lap in the warmer months.I also think the Max rode much better than my Argo and I think this was due to the larger tires and the custom roll cage Big Wolf put on his Max.I have not seen the Argo Avenger or rode in one yet and it may change my views but as it stands right now go with the 950T and put on a custom roll cage you will not be disappointed.I would also take into account how many people and what you want to haul inside of your machine.
Both machines should last a very long time and have very little expense if it is maintained and used with some common sense.If you fill the inside of either machine with mud and sand you are asking for problems some where down the line.I also feel if you want to go out and just run these things wide open through everything you find you are also asking for problems.Hope this helps you in making your decision.

Later,Dan

By liflod on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I agree with every reply to your original message. The biggest problem you will find is test driving the machine that you want. Make sure you get a ride with someone who knows how to drive the thing in the same terrain that you wish to use the machine and then drive them for yourself. If you get on a machine and feel comfortable, buy it! I will warn you, they are really weird to drive for the first time. Once someone shows you what they can do and explains how to do it, try it for yourself. Dealer support and knowledge should play a big part in your equation. Some dealers will bring their machine to you to test it on your land. That way you know you can do what you want the machine to do.

By Lisa Hartman on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks to all your answers, Seems like the
MAX is the machine of choice. Any advice on
what to buy?

I think I may need tracks, I have about 100
acres of swamp and red clay that never
seems to dry out, we need to pull a trailer or a
skid with fence materials, and to look for
mushrooms.

Do I need the wide tracks? How long do they
last on dry grass, or would we need to take
them off many times?

Jim, I will call you next month and try to take
you up on your offer of a test, however I do live
75 miles into Ohio

Thanks again for all you guys help

Lisa

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa, My favorite machine is the Max IV with 26" tires (either the 600T or the 900T). The Max IV is only 10" longer and about a 100 pounds heavier than a max II and I like having the hauling capacity and 26" tire option. It is very easy to get into to service. I have not seen the 950T and am not sure what advantage it might have over the 900T. I'm not sure that water cooled and more HP are right for a skid steer. I like the extra ground speed of the 900T when climbing long slopes on hard stuff, but it is really hard to keep on top of the soft stuff as it is so easy to spin yourself stuck (wheel spin on a skid steer means digging holes and bottoming out). I worry about the extra weight we are seeing on some of the newer machines. The machine I use the most is a very basic 1995 Max IV 600T (only add ons are: solid axles, hour meter, spark arrestor and 26" tires. It takes me most everywhere I get the urge to go.

A Max II 600T or 850T would be my choice of the two people machine. Even though it only accommodates a 22" tire, it has equivalent PSI on the ground numbers as the Max IV.

I encourage all to get the biggest tire available and if you are thinking tracks, to get the track prep package. Once the bearing cages are installed, it is a simple process to mount tracks and can be done at any time if the need arises. Tracks will last well if used on soft stuff (mud, soft dirt, snow, forage). They will wear faster if used on hard dirt and gravel (they should not be used on bare pavement or concrete - which is also true for machines with just tires). You need the 21" tires to mount the tracks and I suggest that the extra tires just be considered part of the track package (RI gives a break when you buy two sets of tires with a new machine).

It is my guess that you will not need tracks (that the 26" tires with their aggressive lugs and excellent flotation will get you through what you have described), but I would encourage getting a machine with the bearing cages installed just in case. If you add tracks, it is important for longevity to have the whole kit installed and I highly recommend using only factory tracks (or tracks made the same way as the factory does). Tracks will not give you as good of traction as the 26" tires and if you have inclines to traverse, you might not get the traction you need.

If you have forage to drive on, tires will go about anyplace. If it is bare dirt and swamp or churned up stuff, tires might work and might not. I guarantee that if anything will go, the Max will and probably will be the only machine in current production (except maybe the Argo Avenger) that will!

Check them all out for yourself, but I will put my money on the Max.

By Jim Stiver - Western PA MAX Dealer (Viper) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa,

Here is a link to Recreatives Industries dealer locator for Ohio. http://www.maxatvs.com/dlrstate2.php?State=OH

If neither one of these dealers are closer to you, I am located just 3.5 miles off of the first I-80 exit in Pennsylvania, just 6 miles past the Ohio state line.

Jim

By Rogersmith (Rogersmith) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hi Lisa,

You might invite people from this site to come ride on your land.. the tough spots. Could show what the vehicles will do without tracks, whether you need them, etc.

You can come to an organized ride and see all the different make and models we ride.

I suppose you've seen this site's for sale adds? Usually some good deals.. some with tracks included..

By Douglas MacCullagh (Dougmac) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa -

When I bought my ARGO I based the decision on the two-speed gearbox and the cargo space. The two speed gearbix is great for hills, especially going down hill. The low cargo space is great for hauling tools and equipment. My wife and I use the Argo on our tree farm. In my opinion, Maxs are at the best if you need to move people, Argos are better for cargo. But that is only a rough generalization (it ignores the Max Buffalo). Both will go places nothing else will.

By Mike Longest on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Lisa

I suggest you just call Richard 812-944-1643 as he can help you with any questions, he may even have a machine available. He is the guy
who "does" this website and board

Mike Longest