First AATV

[Mustangman1990]

Been looking for a good machine to start with. I don't mind doing a little work on one I get a good price on as long as I get a machine worth fixing. I have been reading a lot here and can see you all know what your talking about so wanted to get some opinions on one I found. Have not seen it in person because it 6 hours away. Owner states that it is a Magnum but don't know the year. Has 342 hours and has been used to duck hunt. I am planning on looking at it tomorrow so any things I should specifically be looking at? What a good price for it and is it a Magnum? Thanks for your help

[ARGOJIM]

That's not a Magnum, it's an I/C. Most noticeable by the mounted firewall and side grate. It looks to have a homemade backrest( good idea for that model) and homemade windshield.

[Mustangman1990]

Think it would be a good machine?

[eightwheeler]

Looks like a decent mid 80's I/C with newer rawhide tires not too bad of a machine has a 17hp Kohler only bad thing is the charging system was known to give out so make sure it still charges the battery

[olargo]

I have an '86 I/C 8x8. It's a great machine and I'm quite pleased with it. Had around 450 hours on it when I got it about a year and half ago. It has the 18 hp Kohler, and I had to install a new regulator to correct a non-charging issue. Check the idler shafts- they are the shafts which transmit power from the transmission to the axles - there is one on each side of the transmission. Sometimes the set screws in the bearings (on each end of each shaft) will back off, causing the end(s) of the shaft to wear and no longer fit securely in the bearing.

[Mustangman1990]

He is asking $2500 and it comes with a set of standard tracks. I am going to try and talk him down a little just to cover my trip. These AATV's are hard to come by down here in Arkansas.

[shot410ga]

Plan on $1500-2000 in added cost to get everything right. I found that out, as have other people. Just saying, but you may get lucky.

[Noel Woods]

Arkansas is laden with amphibs. I used to live there and bought, sold and traded many there. If the deal on the machine doesn't work out, don't fret, there are many machines there. FYI: Hustler had their factory in Jonesboro.

[Mustangman1990]

I never knew that about Hustler that is pretty dang cool. I'd like to go up there and just drive around looking for them in peoples back yards. I would think I would see a lot more then I have. The ones I have found have been pretty expensive that's why I thought this was a good deal for a 8x8. Anyone think that $2500 is to much and I should just pass and keep my eyes open?

[thebuggyman1]

$2500 could be a good price, or it could be $2400 more than it is worth. Condition means everything here. When looking at older machines especially, you really need to take a pad of paper/pencil and start listing all it's problems. Then go home and start researching what all the costs of repairs/replacement parts will be. Tires are a good example here, cheap tires are $100 each, and the new 25" Argo tires go for approx $200 each, and that makes costs add up quick. The 25" are too big for that model and the 22" you would need are cheaper....the $200 each was just used as a high end example. Also remember that when tires get replaced, the wheels are often rusted too bad to be reused, so there is another $70 each for Argo wheels.
Make sure you take a copy of the buyers guide with you when you look at it. http://www.6x6world.com/forums/conte...r-s-guide.html

6 hours away is an awful long drive to make twice, so make sure you add in the cost of fuel too.

[plott hound]

i completely rebuilt a 1984 argo I/C.it was a great machine but i spent way to much money on it.IMHO spend a few more bucks and get a conquest.the difference bettween the 2 models is night and day.

[Gras]

I would also take the floor panels out and make sure the chains are okay. If they are stretched then they should be replaced. Have him start it up when you get there so you know how it runs. The Kohler engines are tough and never seem to break down if they are taken care of. I bought a 1987 8x8 last year and ended up putting around $2700 into it but I only paid $350 for it. It took a little work but now it runs great so I think it was worth it. I don't get to my cabin a lot, maybe 4-5 times a year so I think I got a good deal. Mine also came with 18" super tracks which is kind of cool. Good luck. Let us know how you do.

[Mustangman1990]

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Well I am now a proud first time Argo owner. Thank you for all the advice it really helped in my inspection and purchasing process. Runs great but will need a battery. Jacked it up and has some slack in all but one wheel bearing. Chains all seem to be good but not sure what an expectable amount of shack should be. Tires are in great shape they are 21". Has a kohler 18 hp that sounds great with no smoke. The tag on the dash reads KB7207 and idea what year this might be? The plugs in the bottom are also missing so need to research replacements too.

[olargo]

Congrats! Doing the repairs yourself will help you become familiar with it.

[Mustangman1990]

Thank you. I agree it will help a lot doing the work myself to learn the ins and outs of the machine. I have a very mechanical background so it should not me a big problem I always like to learn new things.