My up coming project

[redliner]

Hello all,

I have 13 acres of woods. There is a good collection of trees that have fallen over the years from bad weather. I have a combination wood/oil forced air furnace. So free hard wood that has been sitting for years sounds great right ? Well the dilemma is that the grounds is not exactly level. There are some swampy parts, hills and stumps. So I promissed my wife with the right amount of money invested in this I would provided wood to burn and money in our pockets going forward. I have six thousand to spend. I want something that can go deep in the woods with paths I will cut though. I am going to get a dump trailer for what ever I end up using. Does this sound like something the argo is up to doing ? Or am I barking up the wrong tree ? ANY insight would be great. Thanks I will keep this thread updated.

[thebuggyman1]

Hi redliner, welcome to the site. I'd love to say YES, an amphib could fetch you all the firewood you can burn, but without seeing your land I cannot promise that.
If you post up your location, you may get some local members to volunteer to "ride" on your land. They could give you a much better idea of how well it would work.
You may also get the chance to check out different types of machines and figure out what would work best for you.
Edit:
Just saw your introduction post http://www.6x6world.com/forums/gener...tml#post140437 where it says Nova Scotia Canada. I know there are several members in Maine, but I'm not aware of any real close to you.
You may have to make a day trip to travel to where they ride, and judge by yourself.
$6k is not a lot for an Argo in Canada....they seem to hold a much higher value on your side of the border.

[redliner]

Thanks yeah that sounds like a great idea. I will take pictures as well an post them here next week when I am home from work. I am located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/conte...r-s-guide.html <-------------------- excellent stuff there guys keep up the good work.

[thebuggyman1]

Other Canadian members have had U.S. items shipped to the border and picked up there....That may be an option for you.
Maybe those members can chime in here and give details on how that works?????

[BW3]

Yes , My Friend Bruce does this and more not only does he use his 2000 Argo Bigfoot , but also does tree work and other duties for National Grid Electric along the transmission / Power lines. He has a low gear transmission in his Argo and has no trouble pulling 50-60' logs out ....

[wilburjohn]

I collect wagon loads of firewood with my Argo 580 6x6. love the maneuverability but pulling a load up steep hills is a challenge for the Argo. No problem without the load but have had to use the wench a few times when the wagon is loaded. Depends on the weight of your wagon load and how steep you are trying to climb but most of the time the Argo does a great job delivering my firewood. I have saved enough money over the years on heating to buy several Argos. My gas furnace almost never runs. My wife loves the warmth of the fire and she loves my Argo.

[Bazooo guy]

I collect most of my wood in the winter when the mud and water is frozen.
I dont have tracks on my six wheeler and get thru areas that are impossible when its soft.
If you sink in and get high centered in the snow or mud you will get stuck...even with tracks.
A winch is a must have.
When the snow is hard I can stay on top of it and go anywhere but in soft powder deeper than a foot I just sink and the tires spin.

[srfnson]

My property sounds similar to yours...although not as hilly. I have 160 acres of wetland and forest and my argo bigfoot does a great job getting in to haul out the fallen trees which I have many of. Driving over stumps and fallen trees isn't any problem for the argo but can be for the trailer depending on the what kind you have. Many times I just winch out a log from a wet or tricky location and then cut it up and load it onto my trailer.

I discovered a great timber trailer made here in canada which I'm ordering shortly which you might want to take a look HERE

Good luck with your decision. I don't think you'll go wrong with a 2000-2005 model range Argo 6 wheeler if you can find a reasonable deal. Do your homework though because used prices vary widely and generally are at the high end here in Canada. You may want to look in the US close to you as prices seem to be better. You only have to pay gst/pst bringing a unit across the boarder so much less hassle than with a car/truck.

[redliner]

Thanks for the info everyone. I have found one that I am going to go look at tomorrow. The only draw back is that it is a 1988 (The year kinda scares me). Anyways some back ground on it is that it was used for search and rescue for the province since it was bought in 88. There selling it now. Has 182 hours logged (seems low). Anyways here are some pics if anyone can pick anything up from them that would be great. They said it needs a new battery and bendex spring in the starter ?

[newargoowner]

I bought a 87 8x8 with 400 hrs on it (not maintained very well) for $800.00 (included new tires,snowtracks,cargocage,fiberglass hardtop). I ended up rebuilding it for about $2200.00(rebuilt carb/changed all fluids/tuneup/all new bearing,chains,outer flanges,...) now its all mechanically new. its not very fast (max 12/15 mph) compared to the newer ones (25 mph), but it has plenty of power(geard low). that one looks great for the year. Looks like it was maintained. nice cover. check the basics... bad bearing, worn sprocks, stretched chain, bent axles... theres a checklist on buying used aatv's on the main page.

[amphibious drew]

The checklist is helpful for first time purchases. By the looks of the machine, I would say the hours are correct. I would image most of them were training hours as well. I bet it was a very well cared for machine. Most government agencies have someone dedicated to maintenance of fleet vehicles, and being for emergencies, maintenance would be high priority.

[ARGOJIM]

That machine looks well taken care of, check the chains probably about 3/4 used up if maintained. check the bearings if they'll let you by jacking each side and any up/down play is a wore bearing.
These machines are not fast as stated but powerhouses with many of the innovations currently used, hopefully it comes with the convertible top that i see all the snaps for.
Good luck and yes that is a very nice cover.

[redliner]

Just got back from taking a look. It is in GREAT shape. Still concerned about dropping the money on a 24 year old Argo.

[newargoowner]

Did you get to drive it? Did you check out the bearings/chains/oil levels/... Is the frame rust free? Got any pics of the motor/chains/clutch/disc brakes/belt? What is the asking price? What motor does it have.. M18 kohler?

[wilburjohn]

I was not able to search for the trailer mentioned. Safari could not find the server. Can you give me more info. Thanks