Is 18 hp enough?

[Dmill]

Im looking at buying my first argo and have been reading up on here as much as I can. I found an 01 8x8 that comes with tracks winch and plow for 5500. It has 230 hours and while I have not seen it in person it looks clean. My only worry is that it has the 18 hp briggs. It seems like here really advocates the bigger engines. Is the 18 horse adequate to power the bigger machines thru the nasty stuff? Im not really planning on doing anything too crazy with the thing but I would like to know that I can if I have to. Thanks and great site!

[Noel Woods]

I'm an advocate of more hp is better. The question should be is 18hp adequate for you? If your style of driving is slow and steady, then you should be ok. If you like to blast through the mud or carry alot of passengers and gear-probably not. The factory tracks will absorb alot of that power. I'm not 100% sure that this is a good deal based on an average machine, if its been meticulously maintained then it might be a different story. You can always upgrade engines later.
My gut feeling is that there are several 20-26 hp machines out there, similar year, similar money. Depending where you live, you might find a great Max, Hustler, or Attex, or something else that strikes your fancy.
Whatever you get, I hope you enjoy this hobby as much as I have.

[thebuggyman1]

I agree with Noel. The 8 wheels(tracks are worse) of the Argo combined with the differential transmission really suck up the power. My avenger is 25hp and I don't feel it has enough....I wish I had the 31. But put that 18 in a maxII and it will be quite zippy. Any machine with a t-20 transmission will use the power more efficiently. Usually you choose an 8 wheeled Argo for extra cargo/passengers and not to be sporty.....is that what you are looking for?
Where are you from? I would suggest attending one of the group rides, checking out a bunch of different machines and maybe even driving a few before buying....here is a ride coming up soon http://www.6x6world.com/forums/trail...r-14-15-a.html

[eddieb1965]

If it is in overall good cond.,bearings,tires and motor is sound.Then with the accessorys that comes with it I would have to say it is a pretty descent buy.

[spookum]

also, those are some of the most highly modified small engines ever. If you look at after market parts, it is rather cheap to push it to 25 hp or more.... tons of cams and valves ect ect.

[Shawn H]

I'm very please with our Bigfoot 18hp. But we are not moving 8x8.

[tj_od]

I've got a 2001 Response with the 18hp briggs. It hasn't seemed underpowered for my applications (2 guys, gear, + medium sized moose, canoe on the top, on standard tracks... and once without... through the bog and floating mat) but then again I've not driven one with more horses either. There wasn't a ton to pick from where I'm at (in my price range).