By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Just traded my Vanguard2 in on a Bigfoot. I can honestly say its twice the machine the Vanguard was. Better flotation, more ground clearance and more aggressive tires. The way the 18hp runs compared to the 16 is incredible. The power is smoother, its quieter and runs great. Don't get me wrong - the Vanguard was a great machine but the Bigfoot is even better. Just trying to help anyone that’s trying to make a decision on which machine to buy.

By Douglas MacCullagh (Dougmac) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Travis -

I "upgraded" my Vanguard2 to a Response. I agree that the Vanguard is a great machine - but I like the less aggressive tires. It is easier on the real estate where I run my Argo. On some days it is hard to see where I've been just a few minutes after passing. I like the fact we have a choice of vehicles & tires so we can match the equipment with the terrain.

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

Travis, now you know why those of us who know, prefer the Max - you have almost got in your Bigfoot what we get from the Max (any Model Max).

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

The Bigfoot is also my favorite Argo model. I like the bright yellow color and the fact that ODG lets you choose just about any color under the sun. Maybe I should get one?

By F.S. on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Would you expect any other kind of answer from a person who is strictly interested in trashing the competition so he can sell his Max's? It is recognized as a desperate tactic by someone who has little knowledge and even less class. Keep your lips flapping SOWerwine, you are quite amusing.

By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred -
And you have "almost" got a life like we Argo owners.

By Jon Danilovitz, PA Max Dealer (Jon) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Here we go again. Just makes us all look bad. Every make has it's advantages and disadvantages. Why must we keep bashing each other? As long as you like what you have, that is all that really matters. I just had to get that off my chest. I will step down of my soap box now.

By Ken Valentine (Trackster1) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I STILL want my trackster back(grin).

By mike s. on Unrecorded Date: Edit

guys-competition is the only reason these vehicles are as good as they are now. one manufacturer tries to outdo the other. if we all like the same aatv, only one would eventually be available-the one that sells. we all know this,but sometimes it seems that our pride of ownership clouds our minds,and we get mad when someone doesnt agree with us. a friend of mine bought a 2000 argo conquest. i was hoping that he would get a different make than mine. we both can compare, to see what we like and dislike about our own and each others machine. both could use some changes and or options. competition is good, just keep it friendly. we may need each others help someday. we are already helping one another with different ideas and information on a common interest we all share.

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

Hey guys, Travis has been on my case for quite some time now because, I guess, I told him how great the Max vehicles are and he took offense. I probably told him why the Max was better than the Argo and that if he bought an Argo he could very well have problems with certain conditions.

Looks like I must have been right! Didn't take him very long to "upgrade" to a Bigfoot. He still doesn't have the "best", but he has the "best" Argo has to offer. I never "bash" ARGO or any other machine - I do point out the differences.

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

Ken, You need to go back and read what you wrote about what you didn't like about your Trackster. What has changed?

Now about your max in the water: You are a big fellow and your caution is a good idea, but the Max will float with you in it just fine (make sure you are alone and balanced with the engine in the machine so you will float level). Start slow in calm water and stay close to shore until you are comfortable. Your turning the machine problem is just a few hours practice unless maybe your tranny has Ford fluid instead of Dextron II( Ford fluid grabs tighter and is for much heavier machines than the max is). Hold your right stick (one with the throttle lever) like an ice cream cone - with your thumb and forefinger; leaving your other three fingers to wrap around the speed control. Give it some gas when you go to turn (your weight requires being in motion more than a lighter person would require). Work at moving the sticks smoothly and slowly - smooth hands and good throttle control make for smooth turns and smooth stops. Can't help you with the size of the passenger area part. Use that Max II and you will soon agree on its abilities.

By Ken Valentine (Trackster1) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred,I apreciate the advice,I've been unable to ride for the better part of the last two months because of back problems,but i'm ready to give it a try now.The cargo space isn't too bad,i'm sure with practice i'll get the hang of it,i would like to get hold of a max4 though,then i could take the front seat out and sit in the back,should have enough room then don't ya think(GRIN).

By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Fred
The reason it may seem like I'm on you case is because I can't stand someone preaching to the world about something when they have no business doing it. What makes you the authority - do you own both a Max and an Argo? Have you personally done side by side testing?
You say you don't bash Argo, you only point out the differences which is fine but the way you come across is such that you seem to be bashing. Everyone has a reason they choose one machine over the other so what makes you so great that you can tell them that they still don't have the best if they picked something other than the MAX.

By Tim Mueller on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey Travis, how are you liking your Bigfoot? I've had mine for a year this month and I really have been happy with it. I don't use it much for playing, but it gets quite a workout here on the farm. I did get a set of Tru-Traxx for it last winter but only got it up in to play in the snow one time. It did great and I hope I have more time to play this winter. I'm just about done with my latest project, a 62 inch, 14 horse mower that mounts on the front of the Bigfoot. I built brackets that mount to the axle bearing extentions that are height adjustable for raising the mower. It has two excentric wheels on the front and I can raise and lower the mower with my winch (Warn 2000). All I have left to do is install the electric clutch so I can engage and disengage the blades while sitting in the comfort of my Bigfoot (am I lazy or what?) shoot it with paint and I'll be done. It'll come in mighty handy for mowing between the 10 year old fir trees the on the place. When I get it done I'll send Richard a picture and ask if he can post it.

PS: Don't let Fred get you riled, he's just mad 'cause he can't read too well: the heading of this string said 'NEW BIGFOOT' and didn't mention Max's as I recall...

By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Tim
Love the Bigfoot. What tires did you have to mount to get the super tracks to fit and if you don't mind me asking, what was the cost? Its going over to the local fabricator pretty soon for a aluminum roll cage and then into the canvas shop in Cheyenne for a top. I've seen a top he made for a Max dealer/duck hunter in CO that had Bestop Jeep windows with a pop open roof for shooting - pretty neat deal. Also working on a camo skin to slip over the bright yellow body.
Fred don't get me riled - I just hope he don't go on & on about the "PSI ON THE GROUND" thing again.

By Works for me on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I've used my bigfoot for work, two and a half years. Its never let me down, I can hardly tell if its still yellow!. Keep the inside clean and keep'er lubed up! she'l be good to ya boys.

Proud owner, Nova Scotia, Canada.

By Tim Mueller on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Travis,
The tires that came with the tracks are 22" Goodyear Rawhide III's . My tracks also came with cleats. The one time this year I got to use the Bigfoot in the snow, I could tell the cleats really dug in and helped in the icy spots. The bad thing about them is they really raise hell with my pasture and my yard! The tracks/cleats combination makes for some amazing traction, that's for sure. I took them off this spring so I could play in the water and I'll probably put them back on when the first snow flies.

PS: Speaking of water, I took my 7 year old son fishing in the Bigfoot today and he caught his first fish (a nice one too!) Seeing that priceless smile on his face made me realize once again that I don't miss my Big Bear at all. A great day and a memory made that wouldn't have been possible with a quad.

By Travis Chrystal (Travisch) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Where did you get the tracks?

By Tim Mueller on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I posted an ad right here on the Route 6x6 Classified section in the 'Items Wanted' page. I had a number of responses but eventually struck a deal with a gentleman from Pennsylvania. He had made a great deal on a Bigfoot that came loaded with every option you could think of including the tracks. They only had 11 hours on them and he didn't plan on using them so I wound up with them way out here in Oregon. I was happy to see the tracks and the tires (already mounted on wheels) were in almost new condition when the freight line loaded them into my pickup. Even with the freight included I still saved a chunk of cash.

By mike mccormick on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bought a supposely new bigfoot on aug 14 2000. I say supposely becouse the dealer said it was about a year old but new. Found out its a 97. Can't say wheather I enjoy it or not becouse its been broken down since a couple of hours after I bought it. Been in the shop 3 times in a month and I still don't have it back. My opion of an Argo, they should rename it a nogo! The distributor picked it up from Ohio and took it to Indiana I guess we don't have anyone in this state that knows how to fix it. I plan on being in Humpries N.Y. next yr. sitting across from the Argo rep. letting everyone know what a piece of junk an "ARGO" is.

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Why do you think it is a '97 and what exactly is wrong with it? I don't know why they would have to take it to another state to fix it. I can't think of a single part on my Max I can't fix myself. It is such a simple design and Argo is no different. I'll see you at Humphery next year and I hope you don't hurt ODG's feelings when you bad mouth their Nogo.
Hope you get it fixed soon.

MaxRules

By LuvMyBigfoot on Unrecorded Date: Edit

You should have found out it was a '97 BEFORE you signed the paperwork. Too bad all dealers ain't honest, that's what gives any brand a bad name. I had good luck with my dealer and my Bigfoot is an excellent machine with over 300 hours on it now and NO problems, (other than it's a bitch to change the oil)
'Let the buyer beware.' But it's a little late for that advice now, ain't it Mike?

By Downtown Cleveland Brown on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike:

There are some new laws in Ohio you might want to be aware of. First, all dealers must be licenced to sell atvs.

Second, there are new strict lemon laws pertaining to atvs. You may want to check in to this. It may help you either get your money back or at least force the dealer to "go legal".

By Douglas MacCullagh (Dougmac) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike -

Is the problem with the engine? Transmission? Chains? Brakes? Axles? Electrical? My Argos have been tremendous go-machines, except for some irritating electical frustrations. There is enough expertise on this site that, if you can tell us what's wrong, someone may be able to help with a fix.

By mike mccormick on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks to all who responded. First I did not try to fix, it when I buy something new I expect it to work for more than a couple of hours. The dealer took it back and said it was fixed I picked it up the next day and it ran another hour before it quit running. Again I had the dealer pick it up and he took it to an authorized Briggs dealer where they put in a new short block. Got it back and got another couple of hr. before it quit again. Again back to the Briggs dealer where a Briggs rep said it was not a problem with the engine but a design flaw. Thats when I contacted the Manufature and found out it was a 97 model. I don't know why its in Indiana and a call to the dealer did not help becouse he didn't know it was there either. And I didn't sign any paper work I'm still waiting on it to arrive in the mail

By mikemccormick on Unrecorded Date: Edit

LuvMyBigfoot Your advice about "buyer beware" is so true but there are a couple of other one I think are also in order such as "paybacks are a b**ch" and "it aint over till its over" and "he who gets the last laugh" And to Downtown Cleveland Brown I appreciate your info. This is one dealer thats giving them all a bad name but the law is on my side and I'm going to pursue to the end. Thanks Again to All

By Dave Blackburn (Dave) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

If you and the dealer are both in Ohio, you have a pretty good chance at getting your money back.
I found out the hard way to NOT do business in Virginia, Virginia is to shisters what Yellowstone is to bears! I refer to my experience with Power-Trac and Virginia's attorney general.
Documented here in the topic "Caution to anyone thinking about buying a PowerTrac" under the My favorite ATV heading.
Dave

By syff_uf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Question for Brandon (MaxRules):
hello. i am new to the board. i wanted to know what your thoughts are on the Max II vs Max IV vs Terra Jet. which is the better machine or what are the pluses of each. thanks in advance.

~phil~

ps been reading some of the earlier posts... see people *do* come on here to ask brandon for advice hehe.

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hello Syff_uf. Giving my opinion is what I do best!
My favorite machine is the Max IV 25hp with 26" tires but each of the others have advantages. The best part about the Terra Jet is that it can have the tires pointed forward for best mud traction and go 6mph in water. It is easy to drive in water both forward and backward. You can make a wide turn in water by just turning the wheel or you can spin it in place by turning the wheel and leaning to that side. The ability to turn the front wheels side to side is also helps it in the mud. If you think you are stuck just turn the steering wheel back and forth real fast and those front wheels will find traction. It goes 45mph on land in high gear because it is really high geared. Low gear will pull anything but it too is really low geared. Almost too extreme on gearing I think. ANY hill requires the use of low gear and you can't go faster than 5mph. It has room for three people but leg room is limited. Not much cargo space without some type of rack built over the rear engine compartment.
The Max II is a great all around machine. You have some cargo space (even more with the cargo rack, standard on 2000 models) and plenty of space for two people. I have rode mine for 5+ hours strait with a passenger and still not feel tired or uncomfortable. It is great in the mud with an experienced driver. It is fastest in water with the 21" Rawhide tires at 5mph. Land speed is good with the 18hp at around 33mph.
The Max IV 900-T is the best 6x6 in every way I have ever compared it. It has a huge 725cc Kohler which gives it more speed and power than any other Max or Argo. It goes around 35mph on land and does an easy 6-7mph in water. It will float with four people. The big 26" tires give it the great water speed, mud traction, and 10" of ground clearance down the center. The 2000 IVs have a greatly improved back seat. An adult can easily sit in the back without his knees dug into the front seat. The engine compartment is completely covered and has a small cargo area. You could have room for two people and use the large back seat area for cargo. The new square headlights are much brighter than the older round style. The 900-T comes standard with solid axles and o-ring chain. It just doesn't get any better does it! It might be better with a suspension seat... but you'll have to wait until next year for that.

MaxRules

By syff_uf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

MaxRules,

thanks very much for the information. the Max IV seems like a great machine. i am contemplating creating an ATV, possibly by altering a used one (max iv or terra jet). i want the end result to be go-kart like up top (bucket seat/rollcage) and AATV on bottom.

does the max iv has a significant advantage over the terra jet because of it's six wheels versus 4 ? i want to create a light weight one or two seater machine. the drivetrain of the terra jet seems pretty rock solid. what's it like shifting the terra jet ? i only have experience riding a friend's 3 wheeler (too poor when younger to buy any type of AATV which is what i wanted).

that gearing situation you talked about in the terra jet seems like something they should have changed. if it were geared better would the max iv have any advantage then ?

any comments would be helpful.

~phil~