Need some advice.

[goldminer7759]

Hello All. I'm new to Argos and need some feedback about capabilities of the machine to fit my specific needs. I'm a Land Surveyor in the south eastern U.S., Georgia specifically. A lot of my work is in areas that have been clear cut and sat idle for a couple of years. These tend to grow up in young sweetgum saplings (1" diameter) and dense briars. Looking for the ability to push through and over this re-growth. There are also scattered logs of up to 12" diameter to climb over. Would a 2018 Frontier 8x8 S with tracks be able to negotiate this? I'm 60 this year and tired of hacking through this junk but need to keep working!! Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[dirtdobber]

Welcome goldminer. I don't even have an Argo, but my answer is yes. The one inch sweetgums will be no problem to push through. The briars will be a nuisance as they will get you as you push through. The 12 in logs should not be a problem as long as you attack at the correct angle - to avoid getting high centered.

The biggest problem I see is stumps. I don't know if the Argo has a skid plate of any type, but hitting a hidden stump with the plastic body can create a problem. Perhaps other Argo owners will chime in.

[fornarog]

Goldminer,

Great questions.

I have a 2017 Frontier S 6x6 that handles conditions much like what you are describing, on the lower eastern shore of Maryland. I would get a skid plate, they are standard on many Argos, I think on the S model but I am not sure. I would definitely install a front bumper to protect your front end and winch. I got an after market winch but used the Argo winch mount to install it. It wasn't a hard job, but the spaces do get a bit tight for my CeeLo Green, TRex arms to maneuver, especially with sausage fingers...

If possible, you might try to reach out to Duke Energy, I've been told they are one of the largest consumers of Argos in your part of the country and they use them extensively. I can also recommend that you reach out to Bost Argo near Charlotte for advice. They are great folks to deal with and a wealth of information.