NEW Argo owner with questions

[Rock Doctor]

Originally Posted by bearclaw46

Hi, have a few questions here. I'm a new Argo owner. I just purchased a Frontier 6x6 with the 23 hp motor and the other top of the line options. Anyway, can anyone recommend a good lube for the chains?? I would imagine a good lube from a motorcycle shop would work but thought I'd get your thoughts.


Thanks
Dennis
aka bearclaw46

I have had great luck with MILLCOT 220 (Esso) It has all the standard stuff-Anit Wear, Anti Rust, ect, and it also has an "Adhesive" additive that allows it to "cling" to rapidly moving parts.

I bought a 20liter pail of it last yr (don't remember the price). It works best to apply it with a paintbrush, as it's pretty thick (Argo on blocks, Chains turning)
It handles water quite well, and I've never had a problem with it "slinging" onto the brake disks.
Good in any weather, down to -40 or so (if you can get your machine started, and if you WANT to be out in that temp for some reason)

my 2 bits
RD

[bearclaw46]

Originally Posted by Rock Doctor

I have had great luck with MILLCOT 220 (Esso) It has all the standard stuff-Anit Wear, Anti Rust, ect, and it also has an "Adhesive" additive that allows it to "cling" to rapidly moving parts.

I bought a 20liter pail of it last yr (don't remember the price). It works best to apply it with a paintbrush, as it's pretty thick (Argo on blocks, Chains turning)
It handles water quite well, and I've never had a problem with it "slinging" onto the brake disks.
Good in any weather, down to -40 or so (if you can get your machine started, and if you WANT to be out in that temp for some reason)

my 2 bits
RD

Rock Doc,
Thx for the tip. Where might one buy this stuff?? I like the idea of a paint brush. Also, where do you jack these things up at so you can put it on blocks?? I ran it Sat and Sunday and it was a blast. I was with 2 guys with ATV's and all they could do was watch while I went in places they couldn't go.

Are there any DVD's or manuals for maintenance other than the owner's manual??

Thx
Dennis

[Rock Doctor]

Originally Posted by bearclaw46

Rock Doc,
Thx for the tip. Where might one buy this stuff?? I like the idea of a paint brush. Also, where do you jack these things up at so you can put it on blocks?? I ran it Sat and Sunday and it was a blast. I was with 2 guys with ATV's and all they could do was watch while I went in places they couldn't go.

Are there any DVD's or manuals for maintenance other than the owner's manual??

Thx
Dennis

It's an ESSO product, I got mine from the local ESSO Bulk Plant. It's used quite a bit in the Plywood and Lumber mills around here, I'm told.
To Jack up the Argo, I just use a floor jack and a chunck of 2x6. Jack up the front center and set on floor jacks (at the corners), then the back, same thing. Just try to set the weight on the Argo Frame.

[AKTrail]

Dennis,
Hey I live here in the Valley and I have a Max IV. If you ever come up here drop me a PM!
Sean

[bearclaw46]

Sean, Rock Doc,
Thanks for the tip Rock Doc. Good info there. I was wondering where & how you jack this thing up. Didn't want to destroy my skid plate. The 2x6 will work fine. So far so good, I have one vertical chain on the tranny's right side that's a little loose. Found out how to fix that. The engine runs really well. But I wanted to pull the tires and grease the bearings in that I was in a lot of water it's first time out. Where are you located anyway??

Sean, what year is your Max IV?? How do you like it?? Any good Max/Argo places out your way or can you recommend any trips??

Dennis

[Rock Doctor]

Originally Posted by bearclaw46

Sean, Rock Doc,
Thanks for the tip Rock Doc. Good info there. I was wondering where & how you jack this thing up. Didn't want to destroy my skid plate. The 2x6 will work fine. So far so good, I have one vertical chain on the tranny's right side that's a little loose. Found out how to fix that. The engine runs really well. But I wanted to pull the tires and grease the bearings in that I was in a lot of water it's first time out. Where are you located anyway??

Sean, what year is your Max IV?? How do you like it?? Any good Max/Argo places out your way or can you recommend any trips??

Dennis

The NE most corner of BC, Fort Nelson. There's not another real town within 300 miles of us.

[cory_Alaska]

Originally Posted by Rock Doctor

There's not another real town within 300 miles of us.

Just the way it should be!!!

[MaxRules]

Congrats on an excellent vehicle choice.
Bel-Ray is the best chain lube for amphibs that I've found. It won't sling off and it lasts a really long time. It won't wash off if water gets in your vehicle, a fact more important to Maxs than Argos! Be careful not to overspray and make a mess in the tub. I usually jack up one or both sides of the vehicle and roll the tires by hand. Spray the chain lube in one spot on each chain, and maybe a little on the sprockets. Wipe up the overspray in that one spot and you've got a clean, well maintained vehicle. I use a floor jack to raise the vehicle with a small piece of 2x4 board on the jack. That just keeps it from scratching the body unnessasarily but they are extremely tough and you don't have to worry about any real damage. You'll end up with plenty of deep gouges after some rides. That's what is so great about Argo skid plates!

[Roger S]

Aboout the jacking up part, there's a steel plate all through the floor, EXCEPT the chain wells. Don't jack or support from there.

[bearclaw46]

Thanks Maxrules, I'll be working on mine this weekend. I want to grease the bearings on the outside behind the tires and I've already discovered the right side chain next to the tranny is a bit loose. Definitely feel the diff between the left side. It's a pretty easy adjustment the way it looks.

RockDoc, I think I saw one of your movies on YouTube. You were dropping off a guy so he could take your winch cable to hook up so you could pull out of the creek or lake you were in. He was reluctant to jump out at first. I take it that was your Argo??

Anyway, great forum here. Lots to learn yet, including driving it. It's a lot diff than my ATV.

Dennis