2015 Argo Model Changes (engines)

[thorn]

Maybe I am Johnny come late on this, but I noticed some interesting changes to the 2015 line-up particularly the engines.

The 8x8 Frontier comes with a 23 HP Kohler Command EFI, which would be nice for us high altitude guys and the 750 HD has a 30 HP in it. I was surprised to see the reduction from the 31 HP. Anybody know why the reduction in HP?

After I wear out my Conquest I was thinking that the Frontier 8x8 with the EFI, hood scoop, HD axles being all standard now would be a great machine with a base price of $14,000. They are having a special for USA buyers of $1000 in accessories and an extended 1 year warranty with 3 years on the engine.

I think the 8x8 Frontier with the low geared tranny, a nice set of tracks, winch and a hard top would make a nice winter cruiser. I think they only come with front axle extensions, so I would add the rear extensions as well.

I am somewhat attracted to the simplicity of the Frontier and the lighter weight of it. I don't know if I would really miss my Conquests heater/defroster kit (although it is nice) or the alternator kit. I don't know what kind of charging ability the 23 EFI has in the Frontier, but I do know that my Conquest alternator kit was worth its weight during a couple of long winch/self recoveries in the middle of the night in a blizzard.

Anyway, I am not getting rid of my beloved Conquest anytime soon, but I am always looking down the road at potential toys...

Anybody have any insight on the new powerpaks?

[ARGOJIM]

The 8x8 Frontier is a new model for 2015, it is not on sale for 14,000.00, the Briggs 23 8x8 is 14,000.

[thorn]

I think you meant to say that the 23 HP EFI in the Frontier 8x8 is new this year as the Frontier 8x8 with the 23 hp briggs has been around for a few years now. Adair is selling a 2015 8x8 Frontier with 0 hrs (new) on it with a "BUY it Now" price of $14,850 on Ebay with the EFI motor, rear axle extensions (upgrade), and hood fan (upgrade). So I guess minus the couple of upgrades they can be had for $14,000ish. You also get the $1000 of accessories. Seems like a nice machine for the price. I would just like to know how good of a motor the EFIs are and who makes them.

[msafi65]

The new engine is a kohler command pro EFI. I believe the rating for horsepower has changed and the 30 hp Ageis is the same as the older one rated at 31 hp. I haven't been able to confirm it but think the 23 now offered is the 25 hp from a couple years ago. It has more displacement and torque than the briggs. Should be a good option.

[jtb51b]

I have used the EFI kohler in a commercial mower for thousands of hours, same engine. Very powerful, very fuel efficient.Now, how will it perform in an Argo? Ask me in a couple weeks, I have a week of work out of town and then I am going to get mine. I cant imagine a simpler machine while retaining the benefits of EFI.

Jason

[thorn]

[QUOTE=jtb51b;179069]I have used the EFI kohler in a commercial mower for thousands of hours, same engine. Very powerful, very fuel efficient.Now, how will it perform in an Argo? Ask me in a couple weeks, I have a week of work out of town and then I am going to get mine. I cant imagine a simpler machine while retaining the benefits of EFI.

Are you getting a new Frontier 8x8 with this motor? If so keep us posted on how you like it.

[riotwarrior]

Do they offer a diesel option? That's the hot ticket for any situation except racing IMO, add a turbo and you have no issue for high altitude what so ever.

[jtb51b]

Yes, I am getting a frontier with the 2? hp efi kohler. It will probably be 10 more days before I get back from work to handle it. I will definitely let yall know how it goes.

Jason

[thorn]

[QUOTE=jtb51b;179094]Yes, I am getting a frontier with the 2? hp efi kohler. It will probably be 10 more days before I get back from work to handle it. I will definitely let yall know how it goes.

What ratio tranny and accessories did you get with it? and congrats on the new ride.

[Noel Woods]

The Kohler engine is conservatively rated at 23hp, the same engine goes in many other vehicles from ZTRs to the Max line of 6x6s. Depending which application it goes in they are rated from 23 to 29 hp. I guess it depends mostly on how they set the rev limiter. From the tech specs I've read on the Internet this engine was designed to operate in a power band up to 4000rpm, however most have the limiters set between 3400-3600rpm. So anyone who buys the new Kohler equipped Argo can make some adjustments for increased power.

[jtb51b]

What ratio tranny and accessories did you get with it? and congrats on the new ride.

I am not 100% decided yet, probably the lower ratio trans as I will spend more time moving slow than wide open. As far as accessories I think I have in planned to get: a winch mount, brush guard, hood fan, bilge pump and a windshield. Thats the plan as of today, subject to change up until I make the final order.

[jtb51b]

The Kohler engine is conservatively rated at 23hp, the same engine goes in many other vehicles from ZTRs to the Max line of 6x6s. Depending which application it goes in they are rated from 23 to 29 hp. I guess it depends mostly on how they set the rev limiter. From the tech specs I've read on the Internet this engine was designed to operate in a power band up to 4000rpm, however most have the limiters set between 3400-3600rpm. So anyone who buys the new Kohler equipped Argo can make some adjustments for increased power.

They are great engines, and your right the same model number can be rated for a variety of HP ratings. As far as upping the rev limiter, thats very easy with a carb but I am not sure its as easy with an EFI unit. I believe in addition to the mechanical govenor they also have an electronic speed limiter as well as electronic idle control. I am sure it can be done, but not sure how easily it can be done! Wont be long and Edge will come out with programmers for these things too! they are OBDC 2 compliant!


Jason

[mightymaxIV]

I've always like the old style Argo transmission. Put a 3.3 transmission in the Frontier, rear axle extensions, hood fan and a Kolher EFI engine and you get you rid of the HDI heat issues. You get a real low range that doesn't have the awful (my opinion) counter rotation feature. Add a set of Adair tracks and you have a light machine that will out perform the HDI under most conditions.
Argo should sell a lot of these Frontiers, finally the type of upgrades I have been looking for.

By the way, that Kohler engine is 747cc and air cooled!

[Noel Woods]

Well said Dan.

The Argo 3.3 transmission is stout as all get out. It allows the machine to operate most of the time in high gear, even with tracks and in formidable terrain. The low gear allows for slow speed up or down steep terrain or when pulling a stuck 4 wheeler out of a mud hole.

The Kohler engine line is tough as nails. Better cooling than B&S, less upkeep, and more industrial. The 23 B&S is an engine that is ok in a small machine when there is plenty of airflow and the heat and humidity isn't extreme. The 23 is notorious for overheating under hard usage and falls short in performance compared to the Kohler.

[jtb51b]

Those are exactly the upgrades (plus a few) that I orderred myself. I think that what your saying is correct that the machines will really perform well with the lower gearing. I understand you only lose about 2mph top speed by going to the lower gears. I am anxiously waiting my machine. Pics to come.

Jason