Appropriate hours

[Jonthecarver]

I'm looking at another used machine being offered locally. It's a 2006 Bigfoot with 553 hours on it. Is that a reasonable amount? I know there are other considerations as well, but I just don't want to get too excited if the engines are only good for a certain hour count. I do realize that an B&S 18 replacement should be easy to source. My only experience with smaller twins are the ones in my motorcycles, and I fully expect those two liquid cooled twins to last as long as a car engine. My Snowdog has a 13.5 B&S, and I'm crazy obsessive about the maintenance. I would plan on being the same with an Argo. The seller has a $5k asking price, I just want to have my due diligence done beforehand. Thanks.

[ARGOJIM]

I think " appropriate hours " is a loaded question as some of us can put on upwards of 300-500 hours a year, i think i do roughly between 120 and 180 per year but i do run multiple machines. My 2000 Vanguard2 with the 16 Vanguard has 1150 ish hours on it and has needed nothing but a starter drive, normal service and now the stator from me pinching the wires replacing the starter drive. Maintenance of the entire machine is key.
I would think that after 14 years 550 is appropriate if you look at 40 hours a year appropriate, some people only do 5 hours a year though.

As far as the engine, you should be good if taken care of, though a carburetor cleaning may become ritual if the machine sits extended periods. Check over the rest of the machine, there is a checklist on the home page.

[Murray40]

NL classified has a current listing: 1998 Argo vanguard with the hour meter showing 6417 hours. Must be close to a record?

[B4uracing]

Thanks for the heads up on the checklist. That is a great resource. Thanks. Any tips on checking chain wear? I understand that can be a pricey maintenance item?

[449fitter]

NL classified has a current listing: 1998 Argo vanguard with the hour meter showing 6417 hours. Must be close to a record?

Wow !! Wonder if it's the original engine

[Laird]

Briggs Vanguard engines should be good for 2500 to 3000 hrs plus when given the proper maintenance. That is in a lawnmower that is run at full bore for cutting grass. Argos are not run full bore all the time, at least I don't. Keep the oil at the proper level and changed on a regular basis along with the filter. Keep the air and fuel filter clean. In my opinion Briggs vanguard engines rank in the top with the other brands. They are easy to work on, parts are relatively cheap compared to some other brands, and the parts are usually quite plentiful even for older engines. I am not to sure on the proper way to check the chain but that being said if you do change the chain, you can tie up a lot of money in good chain. My budget won't allow for high end stuff so I went with RBL chain. I did get a deal on mine because of a friend who works for a company that supplies it. My 6x6 took about 25 ft of double 50 and 10 feet of double 40. $170.00 tax's in. I am in Canada so expect to pay more than our American friends.

[Canadian.Trucker]

My ‘03 Conquest has 955 hours and is still chuggin along