2015 Argo 650 HD 6x6 vs 2017 Argo Frontier 6x6 se

[sezk]

New to Argos, looking for opinions on which would be a better machine. I have found a left over 2015 650 HD 6x6 with Briggs and Stratton 23 hp engine with admiral transmission or 2017 Frontier se 6x6 23hp Kohler EFI with classic transmission. The 2017 Frontier is about $2000 cheaper.
Thanks, for your replies

[thorn]

Tell us what your intended use would be for either machine. Swamp/mud, snow, tracks?

[sezk]

Would be used during hunting season in mud and during winter getting to camp in snow with tracks.

[sezk]

Does anybody have any experience with either? Likes or dislikes, problems?

[mowbizz]

Does anybody have any experience with either? Likes or dislikes, problems?

Yes, lots of folks have all the Argo experience in the world right here!
That said, I have a 2016 Frontier Scout 6x6 with the “classic” trans.
The Scout model came with lots of extras which made it desirable to me and I am having a blast ice fishing with it right now. Haven’t tested it in any mud to speak of just some light mud on my woods trails. I will have a set of the rubber tracks soon to be able to conquer more difficult terrain like deeper snow. They say the Admiral trans is a lot easier to turn the machine with and someday I may upgrade to the 8x8 with the Admiral. For now no problems but I could do without those idler chains that seem to loosen fast. The tightness spec of 1/8” play sounds suspiciously tight to me. They’re running a bit looser now and no problems.

[Noel Woods]

I prefer the classic transmission over the Admiral. It just is a tough tranny without the bells and whistles and the awkward reversing power that you may or may not want.

[mowbizz]

I prefer the classic transmission over the Admiral. It just is a tough tranny without the bells and whistles and the awkward reversing power that you may or may not want.

I don’t have a problem with my classic tranny...I would like to try an admiral for comparison however.

[sezk]

What about the engine Briggs and Stratton 23hp or the Kohler which is 19hp not the 23hp that I said in my first post?

[mowbizz]

What about the engine Briggs and Stratton 23hp or the Kohler which is 19hp not the 23hp that I said in my first post?

Mine has the 23 hp Kohler and these engines get good reviews...I have only 11-12 hours on mine so far.
As far as the Briggs Vanguard, I had them in my landscaping business and they are a great motor too.
Probably one of the best Briggs ever. (My mechanic said this)
Sorry I can’t go into more detail as I am not a mechanic.

[bigfootbob]

I had a bigfoot with the classic trans for 17 years. I now have a frontier 6x6 with the admiral trans. I wouldnt go back. The ease of steering, no idler chains to adjust, less chain slap, constant torque to both sides.