How to strenghten the body frame to pull heavy loads

[danybernier]

Hi, I just purchased a 1987 Argo (6 wheels) and I have been hauling some wood with my trailer, but noticed that the frame where the ball is attached to is somewhat not that solid and I'm affaid that the next time I try to pull a trailer or a tree, I will break the frame.

Has anyone reinforced the frame for such use? If you have any pictures on how you did this that would be great.

(The main purpose for this Argo (with tracks) will be to ride on the snow to gather the sap from my maples for the sugar bush season)

Here is a second question, when I first got my Argo, two of the wheels had the "spiral" pins broken and where spinning free, can I use any 5/16" pins to block the wheels or does the spiral pins act as "cutter" pins???

[evil8x8]

Any 5/16 tension pin, shear pin, spiral pin, or even low grade bolt will work. When pins break in my Argo I replace them with tension pins. I always thought that if I use pins that will break, I am less likely to break a chain or axle.

[EWS]

Splined axles

Danybernier

I had a 1984 Argo with those awlful spiral pins. I tolerated the pins breaking for as long as I could, Didn't like unloading the Argo to replace the back four pins,then I decided that enough was enough, time for change. I took my axles to a local machine shop and had them keyed. I put the pins back in the sprockets to hold everything in place. I used the Argo for about 6 years in rough terrain with heavy loads without any problems. I think that the pins were a poor design by ODG, they have since gone to splined axles. If you can get your axles keyed for a reasonable price it's the way to go.

Just my opinion

Ride Safe

EWS