First post...In the market for an 8x8

[tizbass]

Hi guys, I've been looking for an Argo 8x8 for a couple months now. I've driven one before but never owned 1. I think an argo would really suit my needs as I hunt alot and there is always alot of water between where I am and where I want to go. Anway I don't have alot of money to spend(less than 4K) and I've been looking at 1 that just came up for sale for $2500. Its a 78 with a tecumseh motor. Apparently it ran good when it was put in storage last year and may need a bearing and some new tires. The things that concern me are the tecumsey motor(never been a big fan of them) and the non hydraulic brakes. I just need some experienced opinions. Should I hold out and wait for something newer?

Thanks, Randy

[eightwheeler]

where are you located? i may be able to help you out with your search

[spits]

re: techumseh engine

I too was never a big fan of the Tech engine until I had the same engine in an old Bolens tractor. that sucker ran and ran, used oil, sometimes was hard to start, until I went with a hotter plug ( burnt the oil better). I have a lot of grass to cut so replaced it with a 16 Briggs twin and finally ended up selling the 16 tech for parts. One thing you may consider is how many hours are you going to put on your machine, what the initial cost of the machine is, could you replace the engine yourself or is that a job for someone else, how does it run now. The OHV engine seems better than the other style and they are very rebuildable but very costly if you have to have someone do the work for you and not cheap if you do the work yourself. I have an 82 6x6, my first Argo, and am learning lesson after lesson. The guy took me for a ride and even loaded the thing on my trailer. Since then I've added $600.00 in parts value alone...and lots of loving care 'cause that's all I get for the labour and have not yet drien the thing yet.

[tizbass]

where are you located? i may be able to help you out with your search

I'm about an hour south west of ottawa

[tizbass]

I too was never a big fan of the Tech engine until I had the same engine in an old Bolens tractor. that sucker ran and ran, used oil, sometimes was hard to start, until I went with a hotter plug ( burnt the oil better). I have a lot of grass to cut so replaced it with a 16 Briggs twin and finally ended up selling the 16 tech for parts. One thing you may consider is how many hours are you going to put on your machine, what the initial cost of the machine is, could you replace the engine yourself or is that a job for someone else, how does it run now. The OHV engine seems better than the other style and they are very rebuildable but very costly if you have to have someone do the work for you and not cheap if you do the work yourself. I have an 82 6x6, my first Argo, and am learning lesson after lesson. The guy took me for a ride and even loaded the thing on my trailer. Since then I've added $600.00 in parts value alone...and lots of loving care 'cause that's all I get for the labour and have not yet drien the thing yet.

Thanks for the tips. It would likely get lots of use. I would probably use it for hauling wood as well. The guy says it needs carb work but ran good last year. Does your 82 have hydraulic brakes.

[spits]

no hydraulic brakes. Those carbs can be rebuilt easy if need be. $25-30 bucks should get you a kit. Check the throttle butterfly post, if that has a lot of slop a good used carb might be in order. The one guy who used to deal in the engines, and I take his word for it,claimed them to be a great engine and this guy is a dyed- in-the-wool Kohler/John deere fan. He also said to use 50w engine oil---no detergent. Anybody got any thoughts on this?

[tizbass]

Well I went to look at an 87 8x8 tonight. At first I was fairly impressed. It had a nice new Honda Vtwin 20HP in it and the wheels were painted up nice. It ran beautifully but was hard to get in gear. I think the belt was to small or it has clutch troubles. When I was checking out under neath I noticed a big steel patch and then noticed that one of the axles was angled upward. looked like the frame was bent at point where the bearing was attached. Then I grabed all the wheels to check the bearings, I pretty sure all of them need replacing. That would be a little pricy im sure. I guess I'll keep looking!