History of Argo Models

[rodp]

Hi Guys, new here and from the UK. Looking around for an 8x8 Argo, got the cash in my pocket but, is there anywhere I can look up the history of the Argo to find what went in to which model? What engine was fitted when, what had duplex chains as standard, etc etc?
I've checked the potted history on the Richard Walsh site over here but it's very limited.
Any info appreciated.

[thebuggyman1]

I don't think there is any resource to tell you what you are asking, but here is a small history from Argo's website Amphibious Vehicles - Amphibious ARGO ATV, ARGO AATV, ARGO All Terrain Vehicle

If you are looking for used machines, wouldn't it be best just to ask the seller if that machine had the features you are looking for?

[rodp]

Thanks for the info, I have checked out that site but it's very limited. I would like to go in to any deal with eyes wide open and know what I am buying. Most of the Argo's over here are owned by folk who just don't know even what year it is and if it's original, and I certainly don't know.
Just info on what body shape, engine, simplex or duplex for a given year would be useful but information over here is very sparse. Prices are reasonable compared to yours I believe but availability is very limited.
I suppose what I need to know is what years were bad (if any) and what years will last longer than a bonk oss and how do I tell what year it was made. Power is relatively unimportant, reliability and longevity is as I do not want to be fixing the thing every five minutes.

Thanks for replying, all info appreciated.

[wildbill335]

Another thought is if you find an Argo you like post some pictures the guys on this site are amazing with knowledge and should be able to help

[rodp]

Be nice to know before I look, or at least have some idea. That way I would know if the year is correct and if it had all the original parts fitted and not been bodged around with.

Seems strange that they've been around for so long and no-one has covered their history in depth. I've owned Land Rover products for best part of forty years now and their history is known to the last nut and bolt.

[newargoowner]

If you goto beaverdamargo.com, you can download .pdf files for argo manuals for different years. the you can checkout the specs of each. Are most the argo over in England older ones? I have an 87 8x8 (NKB), This was the year that argo gained 60% of the market share. It has an M18 kohler motor, all double 50 chain, front axle ext.s, top speed is about 12/15mph. in 1990 the magnum model was updated with top speed of 20mph. i believe the conquest model will do about 25mph. they have liquid kooled 20hp kaw motors.

[rodp]

Thanks for that. I wouldn't say most are old ones, it's just that there's not that many about in the Midlands, they're mostly up Scotland (deer stalking) and in Wales (sheep farming) and they keep them until they stop.
There's a few knocking about from emergency services and Forestry commission etc but these always go to agents who then quadruple the price (this country is absolutely corrupt now, it's like some third world dictatorship)

[thebuggyman1]

Have you thought about buying from the States or Canada? I know Recreatives and MuddOx ship over seas regularly. Check out adairargosales - Home You could even call them and ask about shipping.

[ARGOJIM]

Just rough estimates and models may vary over there as i think I've heard them called Argo Cats.
Pre 1978 were 2 strokes.
1978ish to 1985ish were Tecumseh models T,TB etc early ones were single 50 chain and later had 2x50 chain on 8x8 manual brakes 6x6 or 8x8 pinned axles.
1980ish to 1985 ish were I/C's Kohler 17hp 2x50 chain 6x6 manual brakes 8x8 hydraulic brakes later ones had keyed axles.
1983ish to 1987ish 6x6 and 8x8 with B&S opposed engines, manual brakes 2x50 chain pinned or keyed axles.
Magnums 1987 and above Kohler 18magnum, splined axles, hyd. brakes, pop out firewall, raised backrest, rc2x50.
6x6 Vangaurd manual brakes 16hp rc2x50
Vangaurd 2, Response 8x8 and Bigfoot 1996 ish to 2006 hyd brakes,rc2x50 early and rc2x50 front and single 60 rear later
Conquest 1993-2006 Kawasaki FD620, rc2x50 early and rc2x50 front with single 60 rear.
Avenger specs are on the site.
Hope this gives a rough idea. Prices vary by region and buyer.

[rodp]

Thanks for the info, very informative. Any idea what a K17 would be, I know it's Kohler powered but that's about it?
A couple of questions if I may.
Are simplex chained models upgradable to duplex?

By "pinned axle" do you mean sprocket is pinned to axle instead of key or spline?

Apart from the two strokes (which I don't want) what's to stay away from?

You are correct in thinking they're called Argocats over here, is that not the same with you?

Thanks

[rodp]

Right, got fed up of searching so bought one off ebay. 1983 K17 apparently,Kohler powered, tyres at 70% and chains supposed to be very good (duplex) we'll see how good it is when I get it back home. Downside is someone has tried to paint it, badly, and most of it has flaked off. They painted it the most revolting green you've ever seen (it was orange) looks like a few hours with the steam cleaner. It's about 120 miles from me which is a long way in this little country, you blokes seem to think a 1000 miles is just popping to the shop. Hopefully I shall get it next weekend as busy up this weekend.
I'll get it back, check it out then go playing which should be fun as I've never even sat in one let alone driven one.
Any big no no's when driving one ? Any tips ?
Thanks

[ARGOJIM]

How did you make out with your purchase?

[rodp]

How did you make out with your purchase?

Picking it up this week, bought it then the flu got worse so didn't really feel like doing anything outside. OK now though and raring to go (as raring as a 60 year old gets )

[Moosetalker]

You must have it home by now Eh.
Make sure the gas/petrol is fresh and has no ethanol in it. On a side note does the petrol in the homeland even add ethanol ?
{ I was born in Yorkshire}
If you do any upgrades splined tapped axles with the end bolt.
This will stop the dreaded axle and tire buggering off into the weeds, and having chains ball up under the frame destroyng tensioners and such. A pal has an 88 with the 16hp Kohler happened to us way back in the bush fortunatly it was the front right axle we limped back to camp ok once we un-jammed and removed the chain and sprocket, cracked the battery case too. good job the older models have a pull start backup. Now all his axles are replaced.

Use the best quality o ring type chain you can afford. Tsubaki at least or Blue Diamond prefered.
Grats on the purchase and have fun.

[rodp]

Hi Moosetalker, snow in the Welsh mountains has stopped play so far. Was supposed to collect yesterday but we had 6" of snow again over the weekend and I didn't really fancy the mountain roads with an unbraked trailer behind the Discovery. I have to fit in when I can go with when the seller is there and with the weather. This winter has been one of the worst so far, it's gone on and on and on.
Yorkshire's had it bad at times, Cumbria had 20' drifts this weekend, two died and they were searching for buried cars.

Reference the Argo, why can't the pins holding it together be changed to a very high grade bolt (Allen pin (?)). Surely this would stop anything coming apart, no ?

Fuel over here doesn't have ethanol in as far as I know, but you know the UK, they keep us in the dark and feed us BS (mushroom syndrome)

How long you left the homeland ?