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Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: | 
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I was playing in the woods and ran into the farmer who owns them. He was sporting a new toy I hadn't seen, his JD Gator 6-wheel thing. He was hauling cut firewood back to his place to stack and cure so I gave him a hand. My Buffalo was able to carry LOTS more than he could, mostly due to the high stake rails on the Buffalo, the short metal box on the Gator couldn't stop logs from rolling off and falling on the trail. (B1/G0). After a few loads of wood, we played follow the leader. He quickly lost me on the winding trails as he just flew down them (B1/G1) much faster tahn I could. We then played on some ditches and hills, and the gator did really well actually, never got stuck. My Buffalo got stuck once, but a little winch action and it was off. I'd say this was a tie, no clear winner. I then dove straight into the woods and managed to squirm the Buffalo through them easily, he just couldn't do that with the Gator, and got wedged between two trees (I dragged his front over so he could get unwedged with the Winch). (B2/G1) The last thing we did was try and move his water wagon (usually pulled with a small tractor). His Gator moved it but it was straining and didn't sound healthy so we stopped. I then hooked up the Buffalo, and thought it would do the same, but to my surprise pulled it EASILY. I couldn't believe it, but it dragged it down the farm road and across the field without even rev'ing the engine. B3/G1. Overall, I think my Buffalo won, not by much mind you. |
MaxRules (Brandon_price)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Good comparison Chris. If I remember right, you are running racing slicks on your Buffalo. You can not expect any kind of mud performance with those. I'm surprised you don't get stuck in wet grass. Put some real tires on there, like the 26", and you will walk all over that Gator.
Same goes with pulling. You will lose traction before you lose power with those slicks. With 26" tires you will have lots more traction and could pull an even bigger load.
MaxRules |
Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Brandon, (LOL) Good memory. I'm not running racing slicks, just less aggressive tires. I'm running the Carlisle Chevron tires that are mostly bald with widely spaced chevrons on them. I'm surprised at the amount of traction that they have actually, I can go swamping with them and climb some pretty steep banks with no problems and very little tire spin (with care on the throttle). Maybe it's that all 6 are drive wheels, I don't know, but it claws its way through anything. What got me stuck was that I hung both ends up spannnig a ditch, not traction. Once I winched a little and the back dropped off the bank it climbed out without issue... all 6 wheels were free hangin in the ditch as the front and back were on banks. I should have gone in diagnally. I'd like to put more aggressive tires on, in some places they'd be great but in my yard area they're just not needed. (BTW: When the gator lost me on pure speed, I was contemplating running him over when I caught up.) |
Harry Dusseau (Dirtyharry)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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I was at my local Deere dealer the other day. As I walked back to my truck past their Gator line up, I got quite a shock. I spotted John Deere's latest machine, the new "Pro-Gator." Has anyone else seen one of these buggies?? The front end of that thing looks like it took some MAJOR styling cues from the R.I. Buffalo Truck if you ask me!
Harry |
Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Yeah, I saw it too. It's a monster packing a hefty engine and a large price tag. Major corporations and such might be able to afford one, but not your average Joe. These even make a Max pricetag look cheap. They do kinda resemble the Buffalo truck, but is all just doesn't come together in a good looking package, it's kinda ugly but not ugly enough to be good looking. The buffalo truck is really butt ugly, I love it.
Anyone else out there have a Buffalo? |
Maxfun
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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I have a new John Deere 4x6 Gator and a 2000 Max 2. There is no comparison with what a Gator will go through. They get stuck very easy compared to the Max. We use the Gator on the Farm for picking rocks and hauling tools. It is a very handy machine. I use the Max for hunting and fishing. I am very pleased with its performance. The bottom line is the gator is strictly for work and the Max is for hunting. |
Mike
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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What are the pitfalls of the Gator other than that it does not float? |
Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Maxfun, it's too bad you don't have a Buffalo to compare to the Gator. The Buffalo combines the fun aspects of the Max with the utility aspects of the Gator. I think RI has done a pretty good job with it, and it's meeting both fun and work needs of mine well. I'm sure I'll run into the farmer again with his Gator, we'll have another fun match sometime. How is a Gator in Winter? |
Maxfun
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Mike,
I really like the Gator for work, especially the hydraulic dumpbox. Some of the pitfalls are speed (20mph) and it is worthless in snow over 5 inches deep. My Max runs circles around it in any mud. I am sure the Buffalo is a great machine for work and play. Maxfun |
Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Maxfun, how much can the Gator carry effectively? How much can it tow? I've seen them carry quite a load, but the one I've seen really couldn't seem to tow very well. It just didn't seem to have the low end torque needed, while my Buffalo did it with ease. I'm just curious about the Gator as that was the possible alternative to my Buffalo. |
Mike
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Maxfun, thanks for your thoughts. I guess the part about the snow and mud settles it for me. Snow and mud ability is a must for me. |
maxfun
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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The Gator can easily carry and lift a box full of rocks. At least a 1000 pounds for sure. We built a three foot sidewalls on the box to increase capacity. As far as pulling power, it does bog down easily when towing something heavy. It has a 18 horse motor but I am not sure what kind. I think it is a Kohler or Kawasaki. It runs very nice. |
Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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One thing I didn't mention in my post that started this; the Gator was MUCH MUCH MUCH more gentile on the ground. Both machines left little trace they had been there when just crossing fields, generally straight with little turns. When we went into the woods though, with tighter turns, the Gator was much less damaging on the wood floor. When we stopped back at the farmer's place for a snack, he drove his gator across his yard and parked in front of his front door, I wouldn't try that on my Max... unless he wanted to do a replanting of his lawn. I wish my Max was easier on the ground. Yes, the Buffalo is heavier and does more ground damage than the others, but the MaxIV that I tried here was almost the same. I have very little experience with a MaxII, so it might be better. |
ISAAC EISENMAN (Tropicjungleboy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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WELL.. all depend on the aplication to make desition where to go...both polaris 6 x 6 and jd gator 6 x 4 are easier to get in and out..also less damage on turf and soft bouncing due to shock absorbers BUT THEY DOESN'T FLOAT or have positive...full time 6x6 traction plus precision steer when soil/heavy load get real nasty..not to mention that all mechanical component are 100% away from dirt/snow/water......... |
Chris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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I hadn't thought of that last point you make, "all mechanical component are 100% away from dirt/snow/water..." That's a really good point to make, that should really extend life of the machine. |
Garry Graham
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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The 6 wheel diesel Gator is a proper work vehicle.
The Max is a fun machine -a toy. |
Chris Chwaz
Junior Member
Username: Buffalomax
Post Number: 12
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 66.194.59.146
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 20, 2006 - 07:45 pm: |
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I have a buffalo and a old max the max is a very fun machine but mine has the jlo295 in it .The buffalo has the 20 kohler in it very nice the 26 do make a big differnce.I can go threw about 14 inches of snow,my max about8.I got tracks for the buffalo and can go threw alot more but the weight does get it .I cant got just out into any 3 foot snowy field it s got to be the right kind of snow.Or just groom my trails every 6inches so I can get to my sugar bush for maple sap in feburary and Iam find. |
Bob Shelver
New member
Username: Curly
Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 209.193.88.171
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 21, 2006 - 09:43 am: |
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Don't Ya just hate it when someone tries to better your story, check out this pulling and hauling deal. He generally has 8 bails on the ARGO and puts a 35 on the trailer drops his plow and plows a clean spot to drop his hay. Five years and 1700 hours still going |
Chris Chwaz
Junior Member
Username: Buffalomax
Post Number: 13
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 66.194.59.163
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 21, 2006 - 10:08 pm: |
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I like many differnt machines ,I got the buffalo becauseof the great deal I got on it very good.I never tried a argo did alot of reading about them.What do you got in that machine .How are the super tracks I got tru tracks. |
Bob Shelver
New member
Username: Curly
Post Number: 8
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 209.193.82.126
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 22, 2006 - 10:41 am: |
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It has a standard 20HP Kawasaki, 18" Super Snow track. It is a stock as you can get with a bit of Curlymizing |
DougImbo (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 24.60.124.16
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 05:37 pm: |
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All buffalo owners!! My girlfriends dad just bought one and it sunk the two times it was put in water. The thing is very unstable in the water with just one person in it. Just curious what you guys think about? |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 164
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 216.166.168.53
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 10:46 am: |
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Douglmbo, I think you need to provide more information. Maybe even a picture! The Buffalo, more than other models needs to have its load evenly distributed and fastened down.
I'm not a big fan of the buffalo (because it weighs too much), but your alarmist post implies something that I do not think is true. |
Dennis F. Saskowski
Intermediate Member
Username: Sasko
Post Number: 61
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 24.248.94.166
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 12:30 pm: |
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I got to agree with Fred,I've seen them float and go thru a aggresive trail ride ok.Although I don't think that it is the buffalo's application.Kind'a liked the spring loaded solo seat they were trying out.Would like to see a max 4 with that high dash.Don't forget entry and exit out of water is important with all types of machines |
Bud
Member
Username: Budtx
Post Number: 43
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 167.230.104.90
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 12:47 pm: |
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It sounds like your girlfriend's dad forgot to put the plugs in. |
DougImbo (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 24.60.124.16
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 03:42 pm: |
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Well I know the plugs were in and I witnessed how unstable it was in the water with just him in it (no other cargo). Yes it floats but very very tipsy. I was just curious if thats how the buffalo is in the water. |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 165
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 216.166.168.53
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 03:43 pm: |
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Douglmbo, You need to provide us with more information as to what the situation was when the buffalo sank. The fellow must be a really big guy and he must have been leaning over the edge.
Even full of water, the machine should float at about water level if it is empty. If it is upside down, it should float higher because the body will trap some air.
Describe to us what you mean by "sunk". What year machine, what tires? How much air in the tires? Does it have a roll cage, winch, etc. I'm trying to understand how it could be so heavy!
All Max appear tipsy (they kind of bob like a cork) and it is important to have the weight evenly distributed and be ready to adjust the weight quickly and easily. one should enter the water straight on so one corner doesn't dip water.
Was it calm water or heavy current?
Please help us understand the situation. |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 317
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 70.106.219.20
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 08:46 pm: |
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So far this is contradictory. He says it sank twice then on another post he says it floats. Which is it? This is looking like a troll to me. |
DougImbo (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 24.60.124.16
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 08:54 pm: |
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Jerry sorry it rolled over once and flooded the other time. My god you guys need to relax I'm just tying to get some info on it. |
DougImbo (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 24.60.124.16
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 06:38 pm: |
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He is about 220. Its a 2006 its got 26" tires, roll cage, lights. Well the first time I was not there but he said it rolled over. I'm assuming that since its so tipsy water got in the vents and pulled it right over. the second time he was in a little swamp. The buffalo was floating but when he was driving out(onto land) water came in the back vent and flooded it. I was looking at the other models and all the vents are alot higher than the buffalo. My main reason for posting was to hear from other people that owned a buffalo and how it performed in the water. I'm sure its a beast on land but pretty useless in the water from what I saw. Thanx guys! |
Eddie Beddingfield (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 207.117.33.134
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 07:25 am: |
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Fred maybe the psi on the ground (or water) was to little. If it is more out of the water on the top than sunk into the water it would be more tipsy. Maybe more ballast in a low position will correct the tipsy feeling . |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 169
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 216.208.194.106
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 12:06 pm: |
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Eddie, You must be right. While I can,t agree with much that you say. I do think that you would be an expert on ballast. On your past Question re: why chains usually have a tight spot,I replaced a 1/2 worn rear axle to center axle chain while I had it off. See the pic. of both chains screwed side by side on a board. The old chain is just about a full link longer. These are some of the many tolerances that combine to cause most chains to have a tight spot. Therefore "always adjust your chain by feeling the tight spot" W. Philip Cox |
Dennis F. Saskowski
Intermediate Member
Username: Sasko
Post Number: 63
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 24.248.94.166
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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douglmbo,all makes & models of AATV's are like 1/2 ton pick-up trucks they all carry a 1/2 ton ,people and can tow something.The dealer didn't lie the buffalo can go in water.Just as the car dealer said that 1/2 ton 4cyl. short box with std. springs can take a 1/2 ton from NY to FLA.but the full size truck might do better.All these words won't help your in-law with his water work/pleasure adventures so go to plan 2.This site post some pretty slick ideas from people who over loaded thier machines for water work,they run removable pontoons.Thats why you get advice from these folks to compare machines for your application before you buy when the question is asked what should I buy? I hope this helps,things are getting ugly. |
Eddie Beddingfield (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 207.117.33.134
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 01:59 pm: |
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Phillip, That chain will be tight because the pitch will be to far between teeth,and will ride up on them.If you were adjusting that chain you were wearing out your sprockets. |
Eddie Beddingfield (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted From: 207.117.33.134
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 02:04 pm: |
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P.s. Thats ok ,I usually dont agree with what you say either. |
Howard Hoover
Member
Username: Howard_hoover
Post Number: 37
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 4.161.106.134
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 12:53 am: |
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Philip W. Cox, I noticed in the picture you inserted what looks like a metal Arch Building.
I have been checking prices on these and was wondering how you liked yours and who might be the best company to go with. I have been looking at American Steel Structures on ebay and for a
45x90x17 13,999 and 45x100x17 16,259. Is there anything I need to know about before buying one of these that they might have left out or do not tell you? I would like to hear any advice you might have on these buildings thanks Howard Hoover Indpls. IN. |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 175
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 63.85.4.64
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 11:35 pm: |
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Howard I erected mine in 1988, about 8000 5/16 bolts. Cheap bldg. been handy. Mostly impossible to heat. I hate the sliding doors on tho front, they get clogged with snow and the birds build nests over them. I helped my neighbor put one up about 3 years ago. nicer bldg. straighter walls. he got it cheaper with no big door,put heavy steel frame up with proper elec. overhead door. way better ,still hard to heat. Philip. |
Howard Hoover
Member
Username: Howard_hoover
Post Number: 38
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 204.116.10.202
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 10:24 pm: |
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Thanks for the info I appreciate it. |
My Favorite Machine: Talk about you favorite ATV and Why.