New guy wants an Argo

[sniper]

Good Morning. Im brand new to this forum and even newer to these machines. I live in Wisconsin and want to buy my first Agro. Main use will be for duck hunting. I cant afford a new machine. Can you help me with what to look for in a used one. Just some basics to make sure its mech. sound. Ive heard you should jack it up and move the wheels to check the bearings. What do I look for when doing this ?
Thanks
Bob

[guyfox]

Welcome to the world of fun....The first thing you should do is download the manual buying a used aatv that is on the forum page...see attached link....

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/342-used-atv-buyer-s-guide.html

this will be a great place to start....

then decide do you want a six or 8 wheeler...

then you will want to take a look at the different types of machines that are out there...argo, hustler, attex, mud ox, etc.

then most important thing is do not jump into the first thing that comes along...take your time ask questions to the sellers and then ask members on this site...

hope this is the start of a a lot of new adventures for you...

[Rusty-Gunn]

When we got our first Argo I read a lot of threads in the Argo forum. I learned a lot about aatvs, but don't know enough yet. I highly recommend reading through the Argo threads. You'll gain confidence I assure you.

[trebmaster]

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/342-used-atv-buyer-s-guide.html

[thebuggyman1]

Welcome to the site Bob.
Look through the machines that members have for sale here AATVs For Sale

And here's a great bargain too. http://www.6x6world.com/forums/autom...s-vehicle.html
The reserve is set at a very low bargain price of $10,500.

[amphibious drew]

Just wondering what makes you choose the Argo brand? Do you need an 8-wheeler? If not, there are many more options than just Argo. Both the Max II and Max IV are very capable machines and can be found for a reasonable price. There are also vintage machines like the Hustler and Super Swamp Fox that use components, such as the t-20 transmission, that parts are still produced for today. If an Argo 8-wheeler is what you got your hear set on, Buggyman's is a good deal.

[ARGOJIM]

Drew, duck hunting, the cargo area and stability of the 8x8's tend to attract duck hunters.
2 guys,2 guns, max2? I'm out or my eye might be.

[foxvalley]

Welcome to the site, Bob. I second what ARGOJIM has to say about the 8x8. There just isn't enough room in a 6x6 for 2 guys,dog,decoys etc. Also an 8x8 argo is extremly stable in the duck marsh,and I have seen some really cool blinds made for an 8x8 that turn the argo into a duck blind,where you would never have to get out.(If you have a dog.)
As mentioned, this site is a wealth of info,and would modify your unit to what you will be mostly using it for,ie,duck hunting. A large part of my property is marsh, swamp,ponds, etc. and I find that a set of tracks designed for this type of terrain is invaluable.
One more point is that with an argo,you could also,(with the right setup) pull a punt full of decoys,or a layout boat. Hope this helps.

[amphibious drew]

Drew, duck hunting, the cargo area and stability of the 8x8's tend to attract duck hunters.
2 guys,2 guns, max2? I'm out or my eye might be.

I guess that makes sense. Others seemed automatically assumed 8x8 and I didn't see him specify. Now I know why they went that route.

[KBSAK]

Bob,

if it's an Argo you want, find a local owner and have him show you his machine.

Have a long time Argo owner go with you when you look at one.

Download the manuals as mentioned.

Don't buy the first one you see.

If you buy a worn out Argo, replacement parts can add up $$$ quick.

I bought my 8 I/C for $1K with the intentions of restoring it. When I'm done, I'll have $1800 in parts for the resto.

The older the Argo, the more challenging the parts can be to locate. My resto will take longer to get all the parts located than it will to do the job itself.

Hope this helps,

Ken

[Castro]

Look for an Argo Bigfoot. Great machine for the money with most of the options of a newer machine and easily upgradable to hd standards

[sniper]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help. Not sure if I will get an 8 or a 6 it just depends on what I can find in good shape and at the right price. Theres a ton of them on Craigs List now.

[KBSAK]

I think if you wanna haul stuff, better go with an 8.

[Bud]

I duck hunted for a few seasons with a MaxII. When I got tired of not being able to haul everything in a single trip and having to rely on the winch in the really bad spots, I went with an 8x8 Argo Frontier with Adair tracks. I am very pleased.

[spookum]

THere is a very popular theory that i have. Buy a cheap argo with pinned axles and a kohler motor, 18 hp to 20 HP. Hydraulic breaks are a bonus. Replace the front and rear axles with HDI axles and splined sprockets. Remove the middle 4 axles and replace the sprockets with PVC tubing over the axles. Run chain from the rear axles to the jack shaft, and put a Snap idle chain tensionor on, and put chains back on the front. With the money saved from not upgrading the middle 4 axles you can buy swimming adair tracks. WIth tracks on, you dont need the middle axles to drive! Hope this gives another option for budget minded folks.