Argo years to buy or stay away from

[watpress]

I currently have an 83 8 wheeler that I love. I'm thinking of upgrading to a newer model because I will be moving to the "cabin" and will need something that can plow snow and be very reliable.

I've been looking at used ones online and notice that many newer ones have had major work done such as chains, sprockets, bearings, axles etc. Seems a bit surprising that something only a few years old with low hours needs these types of parts replaced.

My question is, are there any years/models I should avoid? Years/models I should buy? I want something that's rugged and reliable.

[plott hound]

if your gonna buy another move up to at least an avenger.the gospel truth is that the transmission parts for the I/C,bigfoot,vanguard and conquest models will no longer be manufactured after this year.i made the mistake of rebuilding an older I/C and then a conquest and eventually bought a 2012 HDI.although it was a great learning experience tearing the old machines apart then putting them back together,it would have been cheaper just buy a late model argo from the get go.

[ARGOJIM]

I kinda agree, anything later then the I/C will be a good investment in an 8 wheeler. The trans parts have currently been discontinued with larger servicing dealers currently making large parts investments to keep their customer base rolling, keeping you machine as a spare could change what to buy as a replacement. Many users are upgrading older machines whether needed or not with axles and bearing parts from newer machines.
A new or late model machine should out perform your current machine though all are obviously capable. It comes down to driving preference and of course available funds and condition of considered machine models.

If by any chance locals have newer machines than yours, drive them all and weigh out your preferences.

Good luck in your choice.

[watpress]

if your gonna buy another move up to at least an avenger.the gospel truth is that the transmission parts for the I/C,bigfoot,vanguard and conquest models will no longer be manufactured after this year.i made the mistake of rebuilding an older I/C and then a conquest and eventually bought a 2012 HDI.although it was a great learning experience tearing the old machines apart then putting them back together,it would have been cheaper just buy a late model argo from the get go.

What year did the Avenger come out? Is the main difference just the transmission? I see a 2011 for sale online which I might be interested in. Would that be a good year?

Thanks!

[ARGOJIM]

Avengers came out 2004-5 depending on who you talk to.
A 2011 would have come 3 ways;
700 Carbed 26 Kohler standard current production trans
750 EFI 31 Kohler efi standard current production trans
HDI Admiral trans 31 Kohler efi
If I were to go that new I'd shoot for and injected model with todays fuel issues.

[watpress]

Avengers came out 2004-5 depending on who you talk to.
A 2011 would have come 3 ways;
700 Carbed 26 Kohler standard current production trans
750 EFI 31 Kohler efi standard current production trans
HDI Admiral trans 31 Kohler efi
If I were to go that new I'd shoot for and injected model with todays fuel issues.

One online that I might be interested in is a 2011 31 hp liquid cooled Kohler EFI. What's the verdict on the Admiral trans - good or bad?

[North Country Tough]

Avengers came out 2004-5 depending on who you talk to.
A 2011 would have come 3 ways;
700 Carbed 26 Kohler standard current production trans
750 EFI 31 Kohler efi standard current production trans
HDI Admiral trans 31 Kohler efi
If I were to go that new I'd shoot for and injected model with todays fuel issues.

Hmmm wonder how I ended up with a late 03 Venge 31hp efi right place at the right Time I guess?

[North Country Tough]

One online that I might be interested in is a 2011 31 hp liquid cooled Kohler EFI. What's the verdict on the Admiral trans - good or bad?

Admiral Trans good people that try shifting them from high to low or vice versa while on the move bad that has been the bulk of the issues with them I would not hesitate to buy one,that said the standard is tough as nails so either way your good to go.

[ARGOJIM]

Hmmm wonder how I ended up with a late 03 Venge 31hp efi right place at the right Time I guess?

Must be Canadian luck, I don't remember efi available til 2007 models here under the line.

[coffinman]

We must have been VERY lucky to find our beloved "Snurf," (Avenger,) on eBay a few years ago. It's a 2005 with a 26 hp Kohler. It only had about 58 hours on it, and needed very little maint. (Oil/tranny fluid change.) Fortunately, it came with all the goodies...brush guard, winch, top, hand-rails. We added a motor-mount for a 55 lb thrust troller, and just a few days ago, a manual windscreen wiper. We also have brand new tires we plan to install in April. Having said all that, I highly recommend that year and model. Good luck!!

[ARGOJIM]

We must have been VERY lucky to find our beloved "Snurf," (Avenger,) on eBay a few years ago. It's a 2005 with a 26 hp Kohler. It only had about 58 hours on it, and needed very little maint. (Oil/tranny fluid change.) Fortunately, it came with all the goodies...brush guard, winch, top, hand-rails. We added a motor-mount for a 55 lb thrust troller, and just a few days ago, a manual windscreen wiper. We also have brand new tires we plan to install in April. Having said all that, I highly recommend that year and model. Good luck!!

Non efi correct?

[coffinman]

That is correct, Jim. It's carb'd, yet it behaves as an EFI regarding start-up, hills and/or other efforts as a fuel-injected engine would. We've had it at relatively high altitudes, and cold temps. I'm not saying it performs as an EFI, however, it's never let us down. I'm not sure if Kohler even had a 26 hp that was EFI. Please let me know if they did. In any case, the 2005 Avenger ROCKS as far as we're concerned!!

[Sparx]

Yes Kohler does have a 26HP EFI, that is the Frontier Scout S and Responder S air cooled 8x8.
I have the same motor as your avenger in my 700HD, main difference powertrain wise is that I have the Admiral trans.
Though the 26HP 674CC Carb works good I think the 8.4 Hi Torque trans really compliments it to make up for the power loss over the EFI setup.
Also note: "Kohler originally designated the horsepower at 26, but under new 2015 SAE J1940 testing standards it rates at 24 and has been reclassified." This is for the 674cc carburated Kohler Aegis motor only, not the current Frontier Scout and Responder S EFI models.
I plan to do some extensive tuning between the carb and clutches to get the most out of it at all times and personally would much rather have the carb for my application. Our company runs the HDI and they have already had issues dropping them down a cylinder when out in the bush. I have heard multiple issues similar and have helped out others in the area as well. The carb models do not have the electric fuel pump either so that is one less issue to deal with. I personally do not trust electrical components when I am 50+kms in the backcountry, I have had much better luck on carburated machines in general. Much less to go wrong and easier to repair, adjust and calibrate in the woods.

The conquest models are great and I highly doubt you will have an issue for quite some time getting parts for these. Many can be cross referenced at automotive stores as well. They are very reliable if you keep the fuel clean and keep up on the maintenance they will last you a long time and will rarely need any hard to find parts.

[ARGOJIM]

That is correct, Jim. It's carb'd, yet it behaves as an EFI regarding start-up, hills and/or other efforts as a fuel-injected engine would. We've had it at relatively high altitudes, and cold temps. I'm not saying it performs as an EFI, however, it's never let us down. I'm not sure if Kohler even had a 26 hp that was EFI. Please let me know if they did. In any case, the 2005 Avenger ROCKS as far as we're concerned!!

The carb has an accelerator pump on it? If so keep the linkage lubed.

Sparx, the 26 efi in the Frontier is a Kohler Command air cooled engine.

[coffinman]

"...The carb has an accelerator pump on it? If so keep the linkage lubed..."

Will do!