Subtopic	Posts		Updated
	Archive through August 2, 2000	11

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Am bringing this up again. Are there any Predator owners out there or someone who has driven or actually seen a Predator?

By BILL on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike, you will probably have a hard time finding PREDATOR owners. They only came onto the seen in 1998 and their base model costs $15,000 (give or take a thousand). I mean, how many Hummers did you see this week, or even this month, or even this year. Not many, uuhh??

I sure would like to know if they're hanging in there or not. I'm starting to understand that the PREDATOR is a way of survival and not just a toy up there in Canada. They probably buy one of these instead of a truck in some places. Justifable cost to a Canadian. Life or Death !!!

BILL

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bill,thanks for your comments on the Predator. I sure would like to hear about the machine from someone who owns one. The Triton video shows only so much. Expensive yes it is!

I think that the Scot Track HillCat 1100 is comparable as it is hydrostatic and mid engine mounted but costs a lot more. A used 1999 HillCat 1100 with 50 hours on it was being sold by the factory back in March for $23,000.00. It had a V-Twin 25hp Kohler, seat belts, roll frame built into the cab and attached to the chassis, hand rails, grab rails, interior light, 12 volt dashboard plug in, HDPE full under body protection, mud guards, winch, spare wheel, windshield, wiper, canopy over the rear, tool kit and a first aid kit. The new price for this machine is $29,000.00

I don't know a lot about the ODG machine, Centaur I think it's called, but it is also somewhere in the $20,000.00 range.

Maybe the Predator is a value at it's price compared to the others like it but I don't know.

About the Hummer.I have seen about a dozen in the last year. They were on the road. Funny though, each time I saw one, I was in a major metropolitan area on business and they were being driven in the city. Status symbol I guess!

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I forgot to mention in my previous post that I don't think the HillCat 1100 is marketed as amphibious so it really is not comparable to the Predator after all. I was just comparing the drive and engine location,not floating ability. Sorry if I confused anyone.

By Rick Cushman (Rick) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bill, Yes there is at least three of us out there that I know of. I have one myself with the 37.5 hp Kubota diesel. I have owned 3 other machines and after looking at all the rest this was what I decided I was looking for. It is not for racing, and if speed is what you are looking for sory. But if you can live with 22 miles per hr you can not beat it in the woods. Yes it is expensive and what's cheep anymore. I just wanted a machine that needed min. repair and was built to last for years. I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have about this machine.
Rick

By Curt Yount on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Rick, I am in the market for a AATV and I have friends who one has a max and one has the Argo. Just like anyting, they both have there pros and cons abouth them. I just sent away for the tape for the predator, to me this seem like one of the better choices, but as other members stated here they are pretty new to the market,I would like to know more about them, such as there duribility and maintaince requirements.

By Rick Cushman (Rick) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Curt, All machines have pros and cons even the Predator but if you looked the three machines which I have you'll find that the Predator is one well built machine. There tape is fair, but you need to see the machine yourself. How close to Michigan are you? If you are looking for a afordable toy than maybe this is not for you. As for the commits knocking the hydraulics look at all the mowers now a days. On the down side, There is some pump noise, and they are not as fast as some others. The Predator has plenty of power and is very stable on land and in water.
Top speed is around 22 mph. It is easy for others to knock this machine but I'll bet they never driven it eather. That was the most impressive part and sure there is things that I have changed already and have sugested to the factory. Well I've rambled on long enough If your interested in seeing the Predator look me up, I'm sure I am closer than Canada.
Rick

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Rick, like Curt, I would like to know a more on the Predator. It sounds like you are happy with it. Do you have the tracks? Why the diesel over the gas engine?

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

curt,
Just my opinion: Hydralics and deisels are bad news for aatvs. Hydralic fluid gets hot and lines break which = bad burns. again just an opinion.

By Rick Cushman (Rick) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike, No I did not buy the tracks, they come in three widths and are made from snowmobile tracks which I think are the way to go, but for my use I do not think I'll need them. I did buy a 6 foot jeep plow & I am having quick disconnect brackets built for snow plowing. You asked why diesel over the gas....well simple more hp and longer life better fuel consumption, hydralics are not as efficient. I personaly like that Kubota diesel & the guys at Triton did a great job fitting it in such a compact unit. Don't get me wrong there are some things I would do different but thats just the way I am.
Curt, If hydralics were uncontrollable you would never see them in all the different applications they are being used in these days,airplanes ect.. and yes there are some isues to be conserned with so unless you know what you are doing do not build your own hydralic unit. The hydraulic oil never runs over 145 degrees in my machine and hydralic lines are of high quality. You should inspect things and take care of it like anything else. This work horse machine will be around for many years and does serve its master well. IF you would like pictures of any part of this machine sent to you let me know.
Rick

By Mike on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Rick, did you have the opportunity to see and test drive the Predator before you purchased it? If so where? When I asked for literature, they also sent me a dealer application form. They did not list any dealers where the Predator could be seen. I like what I read and viewed on the video but I would like to see the machine close up.

The Kubota diesel engine seems to have a good following and reputation in the light work tractor user group. Would you happen to know if Triton uses the same Kubota application found in the small tractors?

The diesel interests me for longevity and less maintenance in the long run.

By Rick Cushman (Rick) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mike, Yes I did have the opportunity to test drive the Predator or I would never purchased it.
Triton had a sales rep traveling the USA early in the spring and I was able to get on his list of stops. I really do not think they will be doing this again but who knows. The Kubota is the same engine used in the tractors and is a new motor by the way. Your welcome to check out the one I have but you'll have to come to MI.

I had a chance to round up some cattle with mine over the weekend. Worked great except a young bull thought he could take me on. I did manage to get him back in line.
Rick

By John Hamilton on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Around 1998...I almost bought a PREDATOR.I had to travel across the state just to look at it!I went originally to BUY an Argo Bigfoot from this dealer.They said they had "another" machine they sell and I had no clue what they were talking about.After getting to the dealership there wasn't even one Bigfoot there!About 40 different Yamaha four wheelers,a few other Argo machines...and one,just one PREDATOR.This thing was HUGE!!!!It was for sell for $13,900.It had 25 inch Rawhide III tire all around,a 3500 lbs. Superwinch with a remote,a bilge pump,an outboard motor bracket,a full standard skidplate.These machines are "over-built" in the least!The color was the only bad thing about it..and the price too.I got to drive the thing and NOTHING comes close in the AATV market.22 mph..is that all?I would have guessed(I could be wrong) with the throttle open and both levers all the way forward the salesman and I approached 30+..maybe even 40 mph. on level ground.In the water...a little slow though.I have yet to see a machine with bearing cages as big as those on the PREDATOR.I own a MAX II and it is an awesome machine but only a toy compared to to the PREDATOR.It will be the next AATV I will purchase.I wish they made a 6x6 version but the company owner(s) told me they wouldn't since it would only lose 200-300 lbs. and still cost the same!!Good choice in your AATV purchase.Now if R.I. would build a small 6x6 version......hmmm.

By heather7 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

to
TO RICK CUSHMAN FROM HEATHER7 RICK COULD YOU PLEASE GIVE ME A LITTLE MORE INFO ON YOUR EXPERIANCE WITH THE TRITON PREDATOR,AND HOW DOES THE COMPANY WARRANTY THIS MACHINE,FOR IT SHOULD BE A REALLY GOOD ONE FOR THE PRICE OF AROUND 28,000.00 U.S. DOLLARS.hea

By Rick Cushman (Rick) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Heather,
Great question!
Triton Predators seemed to be great untill you have a problem, To get the company to stand behind anything your on your own. There for I feel they should sell for alot less.
I personaly know that the body has a problem with cracking where the two body panels are put together and the company feels it is to costly to repair it, so much for a warranty.
If the company would wake up and make a thicker body this could take care of the problem. Maybe they need to look at a Argo, for half the price you get twice the body look for your self before you buy and you will see. I think for 28.000.00 you could buy 3 Argo's.

By Harry Dusseau (Dirtyharry) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

$28,000 is insane for "niche market" machines like ours. I'm guessing the annual sales of astronominally priced machines like the Predator, Land Tamer and Hydro-Trax can probably be counted on one hand. Is what you're getting REALLY worth THAT much money??

Heather-
Forget the Predator and buy yourself 2 fully-loaded Argo 8x8's or three fully-loaded MAX II's, (or get one of each, and use the leftover cash to fuel them both for the next five years!) Plus, both companies stand behind their products 100%, so you know you won't be left holding the bag if something should go wrong.

My $.02
-DH

By Keith Cook on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey guys, I purchased an Argo Conquest a few weeks ago...I like everything about it, except the whinning from the transmission at higher speeds. All of them have it, but it would be nice if I didn't have to wear ear plugs while driving the thing! Oh well, at least it gets me back in the swamps to hunt and fish, which is the reason I wanted an amphibious vehicle in the first place. KC

By fred on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Keith: The transmission does make some noise in the Conquest, but if the noise is a high pitch whine, you may have a transmission problem. I have seen two new Argo,s with that problem. You might want to have your dealer check it. You should not have that much noise.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

The Tranny in the conquest are being replaced. Talk to ODG to get a new one, I know someone how bought one a year ago and it also has this loud whinning sound. it isn't a huge deal but is very annoying

By jeff golightly on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have a 1979 Hustler with a bent front axle. I am having problems getting the axle removed from the center bracket. Any help would be appreciated.

By someguy ( - 207.164.242.122) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

this is an old thread, but all I have to say is Argos suck, dont get me wrong they are good for driving through swamps, but their reliability is horrible and the repair bills are insane, we have a Honda 450 quad, an Argo conquest, and a helicopter at our disposal, for work. By far the most problems are argo related, im tempted to push it out into the lake with dynamite and give it a burial at sea... LOL unless you like being a doit yourself mechanic and working on it all the time the the Argo is for you, otherwise go buy a honda, or a helicopter,, LOL less problems for sure.. Oh yeah a typical service price on an argo is 2000- 3500 dollars Canadian... food for thought.

By fred sain on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Someguy, If you are paying that kind of money for a service, somebody is picking your pocket. I have been an ARGO DEALER for over eleven years. A typical service is $59.95 U.S. As far as the break downs, if you keep your drive chains tight, the rest of the machine has always held up very well. If you own a helicopter, you should know something about preventive maintance. Do you get in a helicopter without doing a pre-flight inspection? The Argo does require a look now and then to see if anything needs repairing, a small problem that can be repaired in no time at all, can turn into a big problem when left unattended. Sounds to me like you are a get in drive till it breaks type guy. Maybe you need some info on maintance?