By Harpy on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Still Undecided??? Please Help Max IV or Conquest

Well after months of searching I am still undecided on which is
better!!! for hunting/fishing and climbing/exploration

Which is better in water?

Which will handle a steeper grade going up and down?

Is the Conquest front end heavy?

Smoother ride?

Throttle device?(motor cycle type or snowmobile type)

Easier to Maintain?

OPTIONS:

The ARGO seems to have more options which I like:

heater/defroster

Bilge pump

the ability to
attach outboard
motor

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

Harpy,

You need to decide what you will do with your machine.

If flotation is important to where you want to go, get a Max; if traction is important to you, get a Max (Max II with 22" Rawhide, Max IV with 26" tires); If floating level on water and exerting close to the same PSI on the ground (balance) is important to you, get a Max; If getting where no other machine can get (including Argo) is important to you; get a Max.

Now for your specifics:
"Which is better in water?" - Going in and out of and having the ability to go in, nothing even comes close to a Max IV 900T with 26" tires.

"Which will handle a steeper grade going up and down?" - The Max IV although I will agree that some people are uncomfortable in the Max and some really never get the hang of operating the T-20.

"Is the Conquest front end heavy?" - Yes.

"Smoother ride?" - All depends on tire pressure! The Argo does weigh significantly more, but if the total weight in/of each machine is the same, the max will ride just a fraction better because of more tire contact area (bigger diameter, wider tires).


"Throttle device?" - Personal preference, but look at how your hand hangs from your arm when you are walking.

"Easier to Maintain?" - That's a no brainer - Max by a land slide (no recount needed).

Any accessory options offered on one can certainly be custom made for any other.

IMO, winches and outboard engines ought to be standard equipment on the Argo.

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

Harpy, I need to correct to my above post
concerning ride: If each machine is loaded to have equal PSI on the ground, the Max will be just a fraction smoother because of the difference in tire size.

By P.J. on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Harpy: I guess if the Sowerwine's opinion had any measure of truth to it there would only be Max's for sale. You need to test both makes for yourself. Buy the one YOU like. What he has told you is just not true.

By Bill H, on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred forgot to add the max needs more repair. Read the post. All max

By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Ignore Fred - ask him if he own an Argo.
I own both a MaxIV and a Bigfoot and like the Argo hands down

By Rick Cushman (Rick) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I got one question for everyone out there that knocks all other machines and believes that the Max is the only machine out there. WHY ARE THERE MORE MAX MACHINES FOR SALE in the classified listings???

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

PJ, Just what have I said that is untrue? I think after "months of searching" that this fellow wants opinions - did you give him yours, NO! You just wanted to bash me. That is fine; I believe in calling things the way I see them.

Bill H, That's an opinion, that's good, but I don't think the staticstics will support your contention. And even if you are right, it would be because max are put though harsher conditions on a regular basis because they are able to out perform other machines easily.

Travis, You know I don't own an Argo. I won't even take them in on trade (or any other skid steer, so I'm really not prejudiced). I'm still looking for Argo owners who will go head to head with me and a Max for the video camera. Do you want to meet me at my place West of Cody sometime this spring and play for all to see? I've got mountains to climb, crevices to cross,and rocks like you won't believe. The reservoir and river are adjacent. No doubt in my mind that you own the most capable of all the Argos, but I sure would like the opportunity to test. If you and your machines are going to be a valid comparison of the different machines, you are going to have to be more forthcoming with your details. All need to know you are comparing a ten/twelve year old Max IV (engine out of max production) with standard tires against a nearly new Argo with 25" Rawhides. Have you figured out to operate that T-20 yet?

Rick Cushman, There have been enormous changes in the Max lineup over the last five or so years and there is a reason to trade up. The 2000 and 2001 machines are practically impossible to walk away from if you are a current Max owner. Those wanting a tracked machine are finding it more economical to buy a new machine (set up for tracks by the factory) rather than upgrade an older machine. It also takes a certain ability to be able to get the most out of a Max (it isn't like swinging your leg over a quad or getting into a 4x4) - I never realized it before, but learning how to drive a Max is just more work than some people are willing to invest.

By Pete Cagle (Petec) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

iam not going to be long winded top get my opinon across . ihave owned hustlers, maxs, attex , argo 6 and 8 s all good buggys i know what they can an cant do the best all aroud machine for WORK and PLAY and HOLDING up in both worlds is a ARGO . now on max changes they have made a few changes to them but are just now catching up to tech that other machine used 15 to 20 yrs ago. now on to tradeins i know i would take a better built machine in on trade i think it make the one i sell look bad if the max an argo are side by side you can see the argo has a much better drive train and frame .i own a 1983 argo 8 i/c that is put together better than a 2001 max

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

Petec, I thought the Hustler was the best - at least that is what you told me last year (was that just sales fluff?). Come on, break down and buy a "New" Max - your opinion will again change.

I'm not worried about maybe having what appears to be "better built" sitting next to the Max. The Argo is so much "better built" that I can have two people in a max and still have it weigh less than an empty Argo. Talk about better built - you had better look at the landtamer, hydro traxx and preditor. Those three machines add 500 to 800 pounds to bssically the same tire setup. I need to be able to sell whatever I take in on trade and I guarantee everything I sell for one year on my own (unless it is an "as is sale"). Can't tell you why, but Max out number Argo in Montana by about ten to one. I know it is not my "sales pitch", so it must be the machines' performance and durability.

I know that those of you with heavy machines don't like it when I talk about it, but PSI on the ground is the "most important" spec in a skid steer machine. All that weight just limits where you can go and what you can do. In snow, mud, sand, shale, driving over growing vegetation without doing damage, etc. PSI on the ground makes all the difference in the world.

We won't go into the drive train discussion again except for IMO, you have twice the weight and one half the ability with the Argo drive system.

By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred - I've swapped tires on both machines and still run leave the max behind. That old Tecumseh 16 has just as much low end grunt the 18hp Briggs ( pretty sad but true)Don't get me wrong - I like the Max or shall I say - I like the T-20.
The quality of an argo compared to a new Max is like night & day. ODG knows quality and it shows in their machines. I'm sure Recreatives is getting better & better but they have a long way to go.
There are alot of Max's for sale out here and down the front range of Colorado. Its not that they sell more - people out here demand quality. The ones I've seen for sale are because the owner hated it and 6wheelers all together or they traded up for an argo.

I'll meet you in Cody sometime - sounds like fun.

By pete6x6 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Guys,
Attex is all I can say. I hope they bring them back. but then again with the 700cc three cylinder two stroke I just cramed into my Attex i'd be biased also :) hehe sorry couldn' t resist that's why we need races again so instead of talking you can show me :)

By Pete Cagle (Petec) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

iam not going to to argue about this bs the hustler is still better than a max . you said it right on the better built a max 2 with 2 people in is ligher than a argo8 and is also loaded to the max. light frame no chain adjuster that work small chain need i go on, any one who has owned a max knows you dont here tomany ARGO people with so mant tech ?s on the board i wonder why

By Douglas MacCullagh (Dougmac) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred's comments not withstanding, I'd still vote for the Argo. If you will be climbing out on a steep bank, RI recommends backing the Max out to prevent water from sloping into the engine cooling vents. Argo recommends backing into the water on a steep grade. I'd rather back in than out. The longer wheelbase of the 8-wheeler will smooth out the ride a lot. As for mobility, our local utility companies use AATVs to help with maintenance work. (They also use converted WWII tank chassis.) I have seen Argos, not Maxs, and I live in soggy South Mississippi. And for steep grades, the Argo gearbox is easier to get comfortable with than the T-20. Plus the interior layout is more flexable, and the Argo is rated to carry more weight in the water (700lbs for Argo, 500 lbs for Max). But the guys who say try them both out are right. If you can, test drive. Neither machine has an unambigous advantage over the other. With cars, which is better, a sedan or a truck? Depends what you need. Max is the sedan, Argo is the truck. In my opinion, anyway.

By Jerry on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I see a lot more Argos than maxes up here in Alaska. Argos are stronger built, and mine is easier to work on than my max (albeit my max is probably over twenty years old). Floor boards and fire wall pop right out on my Argo. Gotta take the upper body off my max to do anything major to it. The argo will haul more, and will pull more weight. Although-I do like the T-20 better than the ODG tranny. Wish argo used it too. Only wish the T-20 had a low range. Then the max might out pull the Argo.

Question, Fred or anyone else that may know.
My maxII seems to have a considerable amount of frame twist and flex. Is this normal or do I maybe have a cracked frame? Very noticable even in minor uneven terrain. Just put carlisle terra style tires on it. Before, it had floatation balloons. Didn't notice the flex with the balloons. Checked the frame out and it doesn't appear to be cracked anywhere, but sometimes it is hard to find hairline stress cracks.

By P.J. on Unrecorded Date: Edit

All you have to do is check the content of this website. There are infinitely more discussions about fixing Max problems than Argo. If you want to go fast and use the machine as a toy, buy the Max. If you want long-lasting dependable quality performance, buy the ARGO.

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

Jerry, The maintenance question was concerning the Max IV - four rubber straps hold the back cover on, the rear floor pan just pops in and out and 4 screw or less hold the front floor board down. All chain adjusters are easy to get to and to work on, the oil drains easily via gravity with room to get a pan under, the tranny check and fill plugs are to the back of the machine and easily accessable, the oil filter is easy to take on or off. The battery is right in front of the tranny. The only thing a little tough is some of the grease zerks and with a 90 degree head and a flexible hose they are not bad. Sorry guys, the Max IV is the easiest machine to work on hands down (will agree that the Max II has some pretty tight spots and is a little cumbersome to get into), but with the newer machines ('95/'96 and later),about all you get to do is general fluids/ filter changes. Also, Jerry, it is not a fair test on pulling ability or carrying capacity to pit the smallest, lightest, Max against the biggest Argo.

Now, about the body flex: Not exactly sure just what tire you are referring to that you are now using, but skid steer machines need a flexible sidewall tire whereas the tires are the suspension. The old single unit balloon tires were real good as suspension, but not real hardy and not much for traction so there are trade offs. Both the Goodyear Rawhide and Runamuk tires have flexabilty and strength with the Rawhides providing more grip. That said, I don't think you have a problem (if you have a hairline crack it will become a real break in short order) because of the design of the frame as a one piece/one plane unit. The more air in your tires and the colder the temperature, the more noticible the flex will be.

By RICK BERGSTROM on Unrecorded Date: Edit

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT "NEWT THE BOLD" 6X6 TECUMSEH 12 hp MADE BY CHALLENGER RECREATION CORP. Iberia , Ohio LOOKING FOR OWNERS MANUAL/MAITENANCE MANUAL DO NOT KNOW ABOUT TRANSMISSION ? DO HAVE BOOK ON MOTOR! REST I CAN MATCH TO PARTS KNOWN!

By jkemp22 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Harpy,
I have recently looked into both machines and have driven both Argo and Max. A good friend of mine owns an Argo Vanguard and I currently own an Attex. The Vanguard is a nice machine and is very well built. When I ride my Attex I can feel the frame twist and bend going over logs. With the Argo the frame is built tuff and sturdy, no twisting. I recently rode a Max II and a Max Iv. I was not overly impressed with the Max II but they are must cheaper that an Argo. The Max IV was a great machine and seemed very well built. The machine I drove had a 18HP engine and I read that they come with a 25HP engine (Wow). I personally do not like the Conquest. The Conquest is extremely long and looks nose heavy. The Conquest would be very hard to drive in a wooded area due to it's length. The Conquest does have a great deal of storage area and for hunting and outdoors stuff would be great. I would not recommend the Conquest. The Vanguard is an excellent machine and also seats four. If you want cargo room buy an amphibious trailer kit and you could carry a moose. The only down fall to the Vanguard is the transmission. When the Vanguard is subjected to deep mud and snow it is hard to drive. The Argo's are nose heavy in the water and I personally do not like this feature. Argo's climb hills good going up but going down steep hills is a bit scary. Going up steep hills in the Max is scary. If the Argo Vanguard had the T-20 transmission Max would go out of business. You should test ride both and have the dealer take the machine to terraine similar to where you will be riding. Oh ya and Pete is rite..if Attex started making machines again there would only be one company. Kemp

By Ron W (Rgw) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Harpy, I was tormented trying to decide which machine to buy. Both the Argo and Max have some good features. I just sat down one day and made a list of what I was really going to use the machine for most of the time. The MaxII had too small of a cargo area, the MaxIV did not have enough leg room for me up front, so I went with the Argo Bigfoot. It will easily carry 2 adults up front and the 2 kids in the back. I do wish it had a transmission like the T-20, but since I'm not planning on finding the nastiest mud holes in the world just to see if I'll get stuck or not, I think I can live wth it. It's a good machine,well built, and is just what I needed for my hunting trips and playing with the kids in yard. Good luck on whatever machine you pick.

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

The Argo Conquest is the most stable AATV on steep hills. It is not front heavy at all. The Vangaurd is the most front heavy of all the 6x6s. You can't hardly drive down a steep hill without riding on only the front wheels. All the Max models are very stable on steep hills. The II has the shortest wheel base and I have yet to roll mine.
If you want an ATV to haul lots of cargo the Conquest is the best. The Bigfoot is also good if you just want good cargo capacity in a 6x6. If you want a real go anywhere ATV, the Max is the only choice.

MaxRules

By Ed Simon on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I own a 1997 Conquest that has taken me and my pals through some of the worst cranberry bogs in the U.P. (Mich.) With standard tracks we hauled 5 guys, 280, 260, 250, 170 & 160 pounds each plus beer! If you jumped out you would sink to your waist! My Argo worked great. As for use in water, I purchased a Dual-wheel kit from Superior Offroad ATV's (1-800-518-6629) By having dual wheels up front my Argo rides level in the water and its eaiser to get up steep banks. In the front I put A set of Raw Hide III's next to the body and the Run-a-mucks on the out side. This is eaiser on the axles. It's hard to stop a 10 wheel Argo!

By Douglas MacCullagh (Dougmac) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Ed, the dual front wheel idea might have kept me from getting stuck last summer. (I have an Argo Response) Do dual wheel make the machine harder/easier to steer? Do you have any pictures of the rig you could post or e-mail?