Argo Vanguard II controls

[6x6operator]

First of many questions....

So I picked up an Argo Vanguard II recently.
Surprised at how quick it is & the top speed.
I know they are not meant for going fast, but I had to check.

The controls sticks seem a little loose though.
I'm not sure if this is a normal Argo thing or if the sticks should have a more linear feel?
My Argo's are somewhat wobbly.

Can the earlier Argo's be converted to the newer motocross style T bar setup?

Lastly, can the twist grip throttle control be swapped out for an ATV thumb or trigger finger setup?
Has anyone done this mod & what parts did you use?

[JoeMeg]

Hello and welcome to 6x6world. I don't know much (anything) about the Vanguards but would be willing to bet that there are a couple of $4 bushings at the pivot point of your laterals. Replacing those should tighten things up some.

I'm not sure about the conversion to the "handlebar" set-up.

Look in member liflod's gallery,he had a Conquest that came to him with a quad type thumb throttle. I'd put the pic up but am very challenged when it comes to using search functions. I do know that he removed it shortly after getting the unit.

[ARGOJIM]

The stick bushings may be wore, that should be sensible by any horizontal movement. the brake pads may be wore allowing the sticks to travel excessively or the plungers may be out of adjustment, though some people like a long throw and may have adjusted it that way. If you attempt to adjust them, too tight will heat up the brakes due to caliper/brake pad drag.

The machine can be converted to the new style though pricey, 2005 and 2006 came this way.

We had snowmobile style (actually Max) throttles on 3 or 4 machines, thumb throttle should work also.

Liflod's pic

[6x6operator]

I appreciate the replies.
The controls seem to be more free than I expected with just a little wobble.
Excavators, dozers & skidloaders that I operate at work all have a firmer feel to the controls & I guess it's just what I'm used to.

I may look into a Max throttle setup.
I am also thinking about the trigger finger style like some watercraft have.

[JoeMeg]

Thanks for posting the pic Jim.

[ARGOJIM]

Could just be you are used to hydraulic control sticks, you should be able to steer it easily with next to no pressure, for instance I have guided the machine down an open trail with one hand and my forearm while enjoying a cold beverage (not recommending this) when Joe Camel was left home in another machine.
Just one more question, are the springs still hooked up holding the sticks to the dash?

No problem Joe.

[6x6operator]

Jim it steers very easy & yes the springs pull the sticks forward.
I guess even my Z turn even some resistance in the control levers.
Just something I need to get used to.
Not sure about driving one handed, but that has more to do with the twist throttle.

I've ordered a trigger style throttle control off ebay.
I'll see how easy it will be to adapt to the Argo & if it will be any easier for me to work than the twist type.

[Cougar]

6x6 what part of Indiana you from? I am just south of Fort Wayne.

[trevorakm1]

I switched and tried the thumb throttle found irritating, went to brake lever style and love it. I also drilled holes in the lever that is not exposed when lever in resting position to allow me to pin throttle at two different RPM's. If stuck in the muck I can pin throttle go hands off and grab roll bars to rock machine and helps me get out of sticky situations. second hole I drilled is for Best RPM for water travel so I don't get cavitation yet best speed per GPS. My Levers also rock a little from side to side just got used to it but always thinking of fixing.

[6x6operator]

Cougar I'm in Goshen.

trevorakm1, thanks for the idea!