By Bill cripe (Bcripe) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I am thinking about buying either a Max II or Argo. I
have read alot about the Maxs and should be in good
shape because I would buy a newer one. The Argo is a
little different. In my area there is a Argo 8x8 with less
than 2 hours on a honda 20 hp with tracks and an
outboard mount. $2900. I havent called yet because I
really dont know what to ask. I assume its probably an
older machine. Could somebody tell me what i should
look for? I have 15 acres on a river with a pond in NW
Montana that I would like to get around on. I would also
use tracks for snow.

Also I use a wheelchair as a result of a spinal injury. I
drive a 4x4 Toyota 4Runner so strength getting in and
out shouldnt be a problem. I just wouldnt really want it
to break down out in the middle of nowhere. :-)

Does anybody have any advise or recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

BC

By david berger (Davidrrrd) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

tim okeefe is wheele chair bound also, he owns an argo bigfoot that he has racked up ton's of hours on, it's now old enoph to have it's share of mainenence ishews and brake downs, this dose not stop him from rideing it out far from home, altogether far too often alone in fact!
he has adopted the ritual of telling his wife and friends where he's going and also carrys a cell phone along, this has all too often bin used to call wife too his rescue, a satelite gps wouldent hurt ether so you can give position to people if you do indeed high center some place or worse run out of gas like i have bin known too do,
anything with only 2 hours on it that chhep is a steal, id look into it for shure,
it sounds like the add was missing some zeroes!

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bill, the only thing that I can tell you is test out both- see what they do in relation to what you need them to do, and find out more about the ARGOs condition. To me it sounds like an ARGO (probably an early I/C) that has had an engine swap but in decent condition. Im assuming the 2 hours is the engine time since it was swapped. This is a good thing. New engine, means it is on the road to a upgrade or rebuild. Check the chains, drive components such as sprockets, clutches, belt, and any other things you feel necessary. When my dad (Also in a wheelchair due to car accident when he was 18-now 52) first bought an ARGO (8x8 Heavy duty i think it was) he got ARGO because it was the easiest to get in and out of, drive, and at the time, was the best in the market- I can't speak for a max cause I have no experiance with them, but I know that ARGO is easily accessable, and they offer many options to assist transferring, hoisting a wheelchair in the rear (use a davit type hoist with electric motor (almost like a winch) ) and transfer board. They also have options to accomodate a cusion from the wheelchair if necessary (I don't know your physical ability in regards to your disability so I am just giving all modifications I know can be done) and they also offer a modified seat back to hold passenger in better. And, although they don't usually come equiped, seat belts are available. I use them in my ARGO all the time and as a rule, any passenger in the front with me wears it unless terrain makes it a bad idea. Max may be a lot cheaper, but consider both carefully. I think its Fred Sowerwine (sorry if I have your name spelled wrong!) who always gives the same rant or advice when someone asks this question. Test both, look at the advantages and disadvantages of both and consider what and where you are using it then make a decision. I am very curious to know the model of the ARGO that you are considering and if it is a 6x6, or 8x8 model. Please feel free to e-mail me and we can talk furthur. argo_mag@hotmail.com

I hope this helps you out some, I have only ever had one breakdown in the ARGO and that was because I failed to replace a badly worn drive belt that I knew was getting bad and it shreded up in my clutches and had to be towed using the winch hooked onto the trailer hitch of the van to get it back to the garage. I was up and running again in 30 minutes and after a bit of food. Other than that, havn't really had one stop on me other than when I did something that caused a problem (rolling it 2 years ago).


Again, feel free to e-mail me and please let me know what the model is and a few more details. However, if you are getting all that you said for that price, good deal, (as long as you are sure that the overall condition is decent) Especially if tracks are desired, they will come in very handy in winter or deep mud. Let me know what you decide.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

By the way Fred, I in no way was criticizing you for what you tell newcomers to the AATV world. I respect your advice and didn't really mean its a rant. Just came out that way. Sorry if I offended you.

By Attex Bob on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bill I can't add much to David's post. About the only thing I can add is a fact that David mention that in an Argo 8x8 you could put the chair in the back much easier. Go check it out and if it is in good condition buy it now!!!

I was suprised at how many people are in chairs that own these things. I think it is great that people can go out in the woods and enjoy the outdoors.

Good luck and hope it works out for you!!!!!

P.S. Let us know if you bought it.

By mike martindale (Wetsu) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

i'm thinking that $2900. for an 8x8 is a mis-print or 1 hell of a deal.maybe an angry house-wife,that just stoled her ex-husbands toy.......if that really is the price jump on it,weather it runs or not!!!!!!!!

By bigredwolf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey Fred,

The fellow in Montana that uses a wheel chair, and is looking for a good machine, would probably do real well in one of those new early model Max II units that you have put away. You could ugrade the axles to the solid type for runnig tracks, and possibly install a couple of those racing type bucket seats, with the full harness type seat belts. The Max II has a little bit lower side entry to get into the vehicle also. That would be a great set up him. And of course I would also install a winch on the front.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bill Cripe- What did you decide on?? Eager to know when you get a chance. I havn't checked my e-mail for a while now so Im not sure if you sent me a message back after I e-mailed you last week. Let me know if you have any other questions.

By Bill cripe (Bcripe) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey guys, Thanks for all of the info. I was on vacation over the holidays and didnt have phone or internet access. The 8x8 was already sold. I havent bought anything yet but am still looking.

Thanks for all the information,
BC

By Bill cripe (Bcripe) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Ok well I think I found an Argo Response 8x8. Does anybody use these as work vehicles as well as play? How about towing a pull mower or plowing snow. Are they really that effective? Anything not to like about a 97 Response?

Thanks alot!
BC

By Tim Mueller on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I built a 62" mower deck that I mount on the front axle bearing extensions on my Bigfoot. It has a 19 horse Briggs on it and cuts through just about everything except stumps. If you're interested I can e-mail you a pic of the setup. I use my Bigfoot almost exclusively for work, you won't be sorry getting the Response.