Bought my 1st Argo and need some input

[crkoster]

I just bought my 1st Argo and need to know what I need to check on the unit. It is a 1999 Argo Magnum with just over 200 hours on it. I could not find alot of info on the Magnum so any input would be appreciated.

I realize that I need to check everything on it, but are there areas I need to really look for issues.

Also would like to find a set of tracks for it.

Thanks for the input.

[thorn]

Well...Argo was not making the Magnum in 1999. I think they were discontinued in the mid-late 1980s. Either it is a Conquest or Response model or someone wasn't being honest about the year. There is a list on the forum of what to look for (check list) when buying an AATV. Just do a search and you should be able to find it. You can call ODG/Argo with the vin and they will tell you what you have. Good luck with your new machine.

[crkoster]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like I will do a little after the purchase research.

[foxvalley]

Congrats on your new ride crkoster.

One of the first things you could check would be the wheel bearings,jack the unit up to get the tires off the ground.Then grab each wheel and see if you can feel any wiggle,or if you can move it up or right and left. If you can, this would indicate a bad bearing. You can also check with the wheels off,but I seem to get more leverage with them on.A bad bearing will be egg shaped to some extent.

[2014SE]

http://www.argoadventure.com/uploaded/files/Argo%20Parts_Service_Operators%20%20Manuals/77-94%208x8%20Models/1977%20-%201994%20%208x8%20Argo%20Parts%20Manuals%20%20Early%20Models%20to%20Magnum.pdf

http://www.argoadventure.com/uploaded/files/Argo%20Parts_Service_Operators%20%20Manuals/Operator%20Manuals/1987-1996%20Argo%20Operator%27s%20Manual%20671-02%2009-90.pdf

[crkoster]

Thanks, My correction, it is a 1989.

[2014SE]

Thanks, My correction, it is a 1989.

Enjoy!!

[2014SE]

Thanks, My correction, it is a 1989.

Enjoy your machine!!

[olargo]

Have fun with your new toy! You may wish to check the bearings on each end of the idler shafts. These are the shafts on each side of the transmission which transmit power from the transmission to the chains that are connected to the axles. In addition to the condition of the idler shaft bearings themselves, ensure that the set screws in each bearing are tight. Also make sure that the bolts holding the flanges of the idler shaft bearings are tight. Cheers!

[shot410ga]

Yes, check everything. I found on the 98 Conquest that I bought after jacking it up, two wheels would shake up and down front right side and third ride side. Not much but a little. The Idler chains where at there max adjustment. and had about 3/8 play , and three of the adjusters were missing. All of the chains, sprockets, and bearings were said to be recent replacements. A pig in a poke, for sure. The good news is, I expected this occurring and was not surprised. I got what I paid for. If you getting a deal, on and older machine expect at least $1500.00+ in additional costs as a minimum. I did and was not surprised. It's a project for sure, but then that's what I wanted.

[foxvalley]

Yes, check everything. I found on the 98 Conquest that I bought after jacking it up, two wheels would shake up and down front right side and third ride side. Not much but a little. The Idler chains where at there max adjustment. and had about 3/8 play , and three of the adjusters were missing. All of the chains, sprockets, and bearings were said to be recent replacements. A pig in a poke, for sure. The good news is, I expected this occurring and was not surprised. I got what I paid for. If you getting a deal, on and older machine expect at least $1500.00+ in additional costs as a minimum. I did and was not surprised. It's a project for sure, but then that's what I wanted.

A good rule of thumb for buying an argo outside of a dealership is to add 2,000.00 to the price of the unit,puts it all in a more realistic perpective.

[2014SE]

A good rule of thumb for buying an argo outside of a dealership is to add 2,000.00 to the price of the unit,puts it all in a more realistic perpective.

Or even from a dealer!! I seen a few WELL ENJOYED machines and he said "as is" and not at any kinda bargain price..... He said he'd take it anywhere and it's in such good shape he'd not worry about it letting him down. I don't know what he was on but he wasn't sharing!! I then let him know the line of work I'm in and pointed out the sprockets and chains are beyond shot, tranny and engine had leaky seals, over all a mechanical disaster But!! "It looks good and the seats aren't ripped up!! They parked it in a garage and kept it clean" he was right about that part. Look at the working parts and be weary.

[tracmaster]

Good advise..check everything....I would remove and clean all chains...with the chains off you can jack up and spin each wheel and hear rumbling if your bearing is bad....good luck

tracmaster

[crkoster]

Got it home. Looks like it needs one bearing and seal kit. Everything else seems good with the exception of needing tires. I will be using it for duck hunting in Texas and Arkansas. Some farm fields and bottom land. I was thinking of putting Interco Aqua Torque ATV Tires on it. What do you guys think?

[thorn]

Got it home. Looks like it needs one bearing and seal kit. Everything else seems good with the exception of needing tires. I will be using it for duck hunting in Texas and Arkansas. Some farm fields and bottom land. I was thinking of putting Interco Aqua Torque ATV Tires on it. What do you guys think?

Those tires will be way too big for your machine. They are 25" tall and the max you can go is probably 22". The Argo 24" tires might fit, but be prepared to pay $140 a piece. I happen to have set of Vampire mud tires/rims for sale in the classifieds that will fit your machine if you are interested. Welcome to the world of Argos. They are great machines.