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Bayrat
New member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 07:32 pm: | 
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I have tried the new 8x8 Argo, really impressed. I looked at the Bigfoot, still seems like a small machine compared to the new 8's.
Looked at a new 2003 Max II but was not impressed with the dealer. I assume the wing-nuts around the lap flange joint is where you open it up?
How much sod damage will these machines leave and is one better than the other?
Thanks |
terry harrison
Member
Username: Th3
Post Number: 33
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 63.67.88.15
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 08:59 am: |
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yes, you are right. thats where it opens up.
if you drive straight across the sod or make a slow/wide turn it will cause very little or no damage at all but if you start skidding the tires in a tight turn then you can watch the sod fly! |
Bayrat
New member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 8
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 09:15 am: |
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The Max factory rep called me Friday. He is insistent that the transmission in the Max is better than the Argo.
Then the Argo dealer E-mailed me to explain that the Max in an inferior product with hollow axles and weak bearings. Said it will free-wheel down hill so was dangerous.
As it currently stands, I can purchase a Bigfoot with a free winch for list price and no shipping charge. Max is same HP, smaller tires and no winch but will run 3k less. Vanguard with 16HP is comparable, 8k and includes a free winch. |
terry harrison
Member
Username: Th3
Post Number: 34
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 63.67.88.15
Rating: 
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 09:56 am: |
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i have driven an argo 6x6 and maxII and i own a maxIV. each machine has its good points and its bad.
these are my opinions about these machines.....
argo good:
well built, offers 8x8(great floatation/traction), work horse, looks good, two speed tranny
argo bad:
difficult to perform matinence on, open differential design(pretty much just 3 wheel drive), personaly dont like the design of the steering sticks or the twist throttle, under powered, higher cost than max, will get stuck quicker than maxIV(i joy ride with an argo 6x6 and am able to drive my maxIV through many of the places he had to winch out of)
max good:
light weight, plenty of power, sporty feeling, lower cost than argo, t-20 tranny(true 6 wheel drive), easy access for maintenence, quicker in the water
max bad:
not built as well as argo, max IV doesnt look as good as argo, doesnt offer 8x8
if you are going to use the machine for play i would recomend the max, if you are looking for a work horse then go with the argo
i use my maxIV for duck hunting and play and i love it. i wouldnt have anything else.
some people feel the same way about their argo.
before you buy either you really need to drive each one to get a feel for what you do and dont like about each. |
terry harrison
Member
Username: Th3
Post Number: 35
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 63.67.88.15
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 10:26 am: |
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i have solid axles on my max and i dont have bearing problems. i drive my maxIV like i stole it, i never back up from any terrain, thicket or tree top and have never had bearing problems. i do spend the time to keep things adjusted, oiled and greased on a regular basis without fail.
free wheeling down hill? i guess if i let off the tranny brake, didnt use the foot brake and didnt keep the belt engaged with some rpm it might do some rolling but it would still have some belt drag. i guess you could make it freewheel after you cut the belt off the motor and didnt use either of the braking systems, maybe thats what he is talking about. |
liflod
Intermediate Member
Username: Liflod
Post Number: 61
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 24.3.236.145
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 11:53 am: |
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I have talked to a few Argo dealers and they have very little experience or knowledge of the Max machines. I had a dealer tell me that all Max's use hollow axles and they only sell about 120 machines a year. I also had another dealer tell me they have never even driven a Max and still told me the Argo is much better to drive ??
I would beware of a dealer that talks crap on another machine without the facts to back it up. The best way to judge a machine is to get out and drive one. You are better off going to an event and seeing if you can test out machines than you are going to a dealer for a test drive. The Argo dealer I went to would not even let me drive their machine in a level field behind the shop. "Due to insurance regulations" Decide which machine you want by trying them all and then find a dealer that is worth dealing with. I have seen Argos go where Max's coudn't make it and I have seen max's go where Argo's couldn't make it. I have also seen an Argo go where another Argos couldn't go and I have seen a Max go where another Max couldn't go.
I have to agree with others on the board that a Max II is probably the best fun machine out there and an Argo 8x8 is best suited for utility uses. All the other fall between somewhere. |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 11:58 am: |
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Not sure, of course he is selling his machine not the Max. Is it necessary to go to the 18HP for the Max. The left-over 2003 is 16HP I believe. I may throw that dealer a offer. |
liflod
Intermediate Member
Username: Liflod
Post Number: 62
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 24.3.236.145
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 12:05 pm: |
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I don't think the power difference is that much between the 16 and 18. At least with the 16 , you should have the solid splined axles and oring chain. The only Max that use the hollow axles are the base modle with the 14HP (450t) and I think the base model Max Iv with the 16 HP. |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 12:16 pm: |
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This is a Max 2, 500, whatever that means. The dealer is really into everything but this machine so I am thinking if I can low ball and end up with it I may be better off than a direct factory purchase. But then it all depends upon the prices. |
terry harrison
Member
Username: Th3
Post Number: 36
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 63.67.88.15
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 12:31 pm: |
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maxII-450t 14hp
maxII-500t 16hp
maxII-600t 18hp
maxII-850t 23hp |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 01:12 pm: |
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Thanks Terry!
The factory machine is 18HP. Any idea of the price spread between engines? |
david berger
Senior Member
Username: Davidrrrd
Post Number: 225
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 172.145.115.80
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 01:46 pm: |
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tery erlyer post you wonder about a freewheeling remark you herd someplace, well if you find a worthy slope to tred down you would experiance that life pasing before your eyes pre-panic fealing asociated with "freewheeling"
this is when the so called engine brakeing and poorly designed axel brakeing systems becom overwelmed and you excelerate uncontroleably,whereas any hint of brake band engagement would flip you over on your head and end over end you down the hill at worst, or at best you would have time to let off befor you went over but this alowes the rear tires to hit gound befor your butt hit's the seat, the vehicle is on it's way up at the time of contact and this hurts you from the tail bone all the way up your spine to your head!
i hope you never have to expereanc this as i have.
it can feal stupid to ride the bronking t-20 vehicle down a steap hill, bouncing the rear end and rideing the frount wheels is not fun in the least. i like the disc brakes, ther a good start in the right direction, but i beleave more can be done, but not on my buget. otherwise id have hydralic brakes of some sort working from a master cylinder lever on left lateral to prhaps a set of calipers squizing the frount chain prehaps, or maybe the rear chain, maybe it could be a second funktion of an elaberet chain tentioner!
yes id be dangeros if i had money!! |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Advanced Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 172
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 71.124.3.161
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 02:06 pm: |
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Bayrat send me an e-mail to jerrynuss@gmail.com and I'll send you a couple of .pdf files with all the current break down on each model.
Argo names each vehicle and they are fairly standard, for example a bigfoot will have a 18hp Briggs and Stratton. With Max it is a bit different There are several models in the Max II (two Passenger) line and Max IV ( four passenger line) and they use a numbering system. As the numbers go up they have a larger engine. Only the base model has the hollow tube axles. A lot of guys run the hollow axles without problem. They are easy to repair and fabricate up new ones. The new 2006 splined axles with the c-clips holding the sprockets in places is a very nice improvement over the older set screw models. For an owner operator a person may not tell much of a different but when it comes time to disassemble and repair the c-clips are very nice. The Max II 450T has hollow tube axles and a 14hp machine. This would be perfect for my Dad who would use it to drive up and down his lane in the snow or through the plowed fields and not carry a heavy load or beat it up. The 14 hp would be fine for him sine he would not have a heavy load or run at much over idle speeds. It would be plenty of machine for him. For me carrying a couple of other adults and a week supply of camping gear through rough terrain it would not meet my needs.
You had mentioned earlier in the string that you had drive the Argo 8x8. There is a big difference between an Argo 8x8 and a Max II.
So you should think about the application you want to use the machine for, then decide what meets your needs, then go and test drive and ride with someone. Unfortunately talking with a dealer or looking at a machine and not driving it won't give you a good idea of what it can do.
My interest in this is that you find a machine, brand doesn't matter, and you are happy with it and you promote the amphibious atv. I've heard from a lot of people who have owned them that they are junk, or they are slow, or a bunch of reasons not to have one. This normally comes from no maintenance and misapplication.
For those of us that own the machines and understand what they can do, we love them and we want to make sure everyone is happy with the one they choose. |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 13
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 05:07 pm: |
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Thanks Jerry, the factory rep said he was sending me that in an e-mail when he called on Friday but it never showed up. They are very confusing and the website is in dire need of an update to enhance customer knowledge. You can not even see pictures of all the options and the application on a machine..too bad.
I did drive an Argo Avenger in the swamp a couple of weeks ago. I loved the machine but cannot justify 15k for something to use around my little farmette. For future use, I want a machine that will easily convert to a track vehicle. My inclination at this point is toward a Max 2 or a Bigfoot with windshield and possibly ROPS, I will have a local canvas man make a top. Only other choice I see is the Response with similar equipment.
I'll drop you a note.
Thanks! |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Advanced Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 173
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 71.124.3.161
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 08:25 pm: |
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bayrat, You may want to order a video or DVD from one of the rides or from recreatives (Max) or Brandon Price. If he still has videos explaining the machine it may be a good investment.
I don't remember if this is correct or not but did you say you were close to the Max factory? |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 08:41 pm: |
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Yes Jerry, I am about an hour and a half from the factory. In fact, I travel past it to gamble in Canada a couple times a year. |
John Schwab
Member
Username: Johnschwab
Post Number: 40
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 168.169.28.164
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 06:51 am: |
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Bayrat- Where are you located? I live an hour south of Buffalo, perhaps we can get together and ride. Nothing helps a buying decision like an actual trail ride with used machines. |
Mike Cummings
Junior Member
Username: Hydromike
Post Number: 11
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 141.149.254.227
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 09:58 am: |
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Bayrat- There is a decent 6x6 presence here in Western NY. I live in south eastern Orleans county, and travel to the Copper Ridge Ride (Olean) each year to meet people from all over the northeast U.S. and southern Ontario. I know you'll probably make a decision/purchase well before July of 2006, but this is when the next meet will take place in Olean. This is perhaps the best opportunity to get all of the machines in one place and experience each of them on some very punishing terrain. We may even be able to get you into an old Attex!  |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 15
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 06:04 pm: |
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You folks are something else, offering a stranger demo rides. In reality, I have used two types of off-road machine not counting 4x4's. Bombardier track machine (the kind the ski slopes run) and Argo (once). I live on the south shore of Lake Ontario about half way between Syracuse and Rochester. Ergo the Bayrat....most of my time in good weather is on my boat.
I must say, I have never been treated as well on a board as I have this one. You all have jumped on my questions with great answers. Jerry has e-mailed me with tons of information, he will be a very successful dealer no doubt.
I am leaning toward the Max but am still uncertain if I want the 2 or the 4. I have plenty of time to decide so that is not an issue.
Thanks so much for being a great group of people! |
(Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 07:44 pm: |
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One more thing I forgot about. Years ago, my volunteer fire company started the "Bog and Grog" for 4x4 vehicles. At that time we did not allow ATV's for obvious reasons, high powered trucks quite likely would run them over.
I worked that Bog for years with my friends as additional volunteers until my job and property consumed all of my time. Since then, the company started an ATV mud event separate from the trucks. I have not attended because I had no desire to see four wheelers plowing into mud pits and my time is precious. There may have been some AATV's there, not sure, so I am going to check this out. It may be an opportune time for me to run a machine in the bog should I purchase one. |
Bayrat
Junior Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 16
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 07:45 pm: |
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That was me in the previous post, forgot to sign in. |
Dennis F. Saskowski
Member
Username: Sasko
Post Number: 43
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 24.48.103.90
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 19, 2005 - 10:26 pm: |
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Bayrat,looks like all your questions were answered.now take Johns advice attend a ride try different machines take a ride with someone.thats what i did in 99'' and bought my machine a few months later.Wish I could spend more time in my machine but my work and family detoured me a little.Attended rides and seen all makes,years and mechanical conditions of machines fail and complete the rides.Don't let that down hill thing bother you too much it can be mastered,i'm running a little more air in my front tires wich seems to help and I will experment to reach optimum pressure.You'll just have to sort out the pride of ownership when you talk to the machines owners about the machines worth. |
Bayrat
Member
Username: Bayrat
Post Number: 20
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 66.66.28.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 10:40 pm: |
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Mike,
Still no decision on the machine. The more I read, the more I want to see them in action at an event! I must admit however, Jerry has given me a great price on a new machine. |
My Favorite Machine: Talk about you favorite ATV and Why.