Do I NEED 8 wheels or 6?

[deereguy]

I live on 60 acres. I have to cross a swampy area to access my back 40.

Currently I have an old John deere gator 2 wheel drive. I use it mostly for driving back and forth hauling bait, firewood, checking trail cams, occasionally hauling white tail deer, etc. the gator is terrible in the snow and worse in the mud. This past spring was so wet I couldn't drive the gator out back until July.

While a 4x4 quad would likely traverse my property most of the year, I think I would prefer an argo.

Will a 6x6 be a good replacement for the gator? Or will I always wish I held out for the 8x8 due to its much larger cargo capacity?

I found a nice barely used 6x6 for $3,700, but can't find an 8x8 for under 5 or 6k.

[guyfox]

You have to think about what you need it for. If you are gong to be transporting any kind of cargo, passangers, duck/goose hunting or hunting in general, etc then the 8x8 is the way to go. It is a smoother ride due to the longer wheel base. I have both a 6x6 and an 8x8. I use the 6x6 when I want to play around and have fun. If I want to go out with my family or do any work then I use the 8x8. Needless to say my 8x8 gets used a lot more then the 6x6.

You can also look at different style of machines ie max ii or max iv, mud-ox etc. Everyone has their own reasons for liking a certian style of machine and different reason for having an AATV.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Rock Doctor]

The way I see it, the only real problem with most 6x6's is that they are missing a couple wheels............

But then, people always tell me I'm missing a couple of Screws, so what would I know



RD

[akranger72]

Get a Max Buffalo (6x6) with a red spring installed and tracks a hard to beat set up for your kinda use. Just my 2 cents.

[twinlakemike]

I have a 6x6 and use it to pull trailers when I have to hall a large load. I have walking axel trailers with 4 tires so there is very little tong weight on the 6x6 so it turns great and runs thru the mud and sand really well.

[North Country Tough]

If you tend to transport alot of stuff back and forth its way easier to carry it then drag it the eight wheeler is best,if its rare that you need the extra room then the 6 is a more than capable replacement for the Gator.NCT

[JohnF]

8

[deereguy]

I think you guys have convinced me to hold out for an 8x. It will be a work machine, not a pleasure craft.

I have to be patient as I want one now! But only 6 wheelers are currently available on cl in my price range.

If I wait I will likely find an 8x for $5k or less.

[mike d]

u might as well look for a machine with tracks because without them u will be disappointed. if the snows deeper than your ground clearance you ride the belly up on top and get stuck. my 2 cents. later mike

[spookum]

I would save up for a 6k machine. A lot of cheaper machines will have pinned axle shafts and mechanical breaks. Unfortunately, Argos honestly hold their value. Make sure you get one with hydralic brakes and splined axles. Tracks can be purchased later.

[Rock Doctor]

Don't loose hope.
The last conquest I bought is a '98, it was freshly rebuilt, came with rubber tracks and a 4200 lb winch.
Paid a little under $3,500.00.
Few yrs ago

RD

[deereguy]

I would save up for a 6k machine. A lot of cheaper machines will have pinned axle shafts and mechanical breaks. Unfortunately, Argos honestly hold their value. Make sure you get one with hydralic brakes and splined axles. Tracks can be purchased later.

I found a 2003 8x8 I'm trying to talk the owner down to $5000. It has about 300 hours on it. No tracks.

I'm making a list of must haves:
Splined axles
Hydraulic brakes
8 wheels

What else should I add to the list? Is it better to purchase a machine without tracks with the reasoning being that tracks are hard on the machine? I'm a mechanically savvy guy, I can likely tell if the chains/sprockets tensioners appear to be in nice shape.

You guys are a great source of argo knowledge.

[Rock Doctor]

Keep it simple

Look for a Conquest.
Liquid cooled( some think its a neg, some think its a pos)
Axle bearing extensions
Splined axles
Hyd brakes
Skid pan

[guyfox]

Before you go buy a machine you should download the used buyer guide from the home page at this link...

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

This is a great help when sourcing a machine.

[deereguy]

Thanks for the link to the buyers guide!

Liquid cooled would definitely be a positive as I will use the machine a lot in the winter and can easily add a cab heater. I am intimately familiar with Kawasaki liquid cooled commercial lawn mower engines. In my opinion, they are expensive to work on and no more or less reliable than other disposable engines like Koehler or Briggs, but the option to have heat would be nice.