Why not use a limited slip diff?

[mudslinger]

From what I've read and heard it seems the biggest weakness of the Argo is the transmission and the fact that it is an open differential so if one set of wheels on one side lose traction the vehicle goes no where, just like a car with an open differential goes no where if one of the wheels starts to slip since all the power goes to that wheel. If this is true, and I guess all the Argo owners will have to clarify if it is, then it would seem that an easy cure for this would be a trans with a limited slip device, sort of like what a car would have to have to try to keep both wheels powered when things get slick. Would this be possible and if so why doesn't the manufacturer of the Argo incorporate this into the vehicles transmission? Is it cost prohibitive or just thought to not really be needed? Thanks in advance for your response.

[mudbug3]

mudslinger ,

That used to be true of Argo,s up to 2009 , but now , for the 2010 model year, Argo has designed a new transmission, thats unlike the old open differential trans like they,ve used up till now. Compare the two model year specs.







2010 Argo Avenger 750 HDI


Clutch Belt-driven, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) maximizes engine power to the transmission.

Transmission ADMIRAL triple differential steering transmission with dedicated Hi and Low selector; Forward, Neutral, Reverse





2009 Argo Avenger 700 EFI


Clutch Belt-driven, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) maximizes engine power to the transmission.

Transmission Planetary differential transmission with High and Low range; Forward, Neutral, Reverse

[mudslinger]

need more info

Thanks mudbug. Does anyone know anything more about this new trans on the Argo, they call it ADMIRAL, as if it is an acronym for something. I am very curious as to how it differs from the open diff trans they have used up to now and does this new trans take care of the problems of the old one in respect to having one side spin while the other side just sits there not getting any power from the open diff trans. Thanks in advance for your response.

[Beeman]

From what I've read and heard it seems the biggest weakness of the Argo is the transmission and the fact that it is an open differential so if one set of wheels on one side lose traction the vehicle goes no where, just like a car with an open differential goes no where if one of the wheels starts to slip since all the power goes to that wheel. If this is true, and I guess all the Argo owners will have to clarify if it is, then it would seem that an easy cure for this would be a trans with a limited slip device, sort of like what a car would have to have to try to keep both wheels powered when things get slick. Would this be possible and if so why doesn't the manufacturer of the Argo incorporate this into the vehicles transmission? Is it cost prohibitive or just thought to not really be needed? Thanks in advance for your response.

You would need the "full" slip to be able to turn however and whenever you would want to. An automatic mechanical limited slip could potentially be devistating. However, if you could somehow manually control the limited slip/locker so that there was a range of engagment (ie, not on/off but more like 10%/20%/etc) and tie it into the steering levers, well.. then your laughing.

[Roger S]

Argos are limited slip, the driver limits the slip. The things were hard enough to steer without physically tightening up the diff I have some ideas about mods for all wheel drive on demand, but if you know how to operate the sticks, there's not much need.

The slip doesn't bother me much.. it's the power loss when steering.

they call it ADMIRAL, as if it is an acronym for something

Now that's something we could have fun with.. suggesting acronyms.. actually it means it doubles as a boat anchor How about:

Admirable Design Might Improve Radically Argo's Line

[Amphiman1]

Argo trans

The old, same type system is on my 1971? Hawk Hi torq

[mudbug3]

I noticed on the specs for the new " admiral " Argo transmission its says " triple differential steering transmission". What exactly does this mean?

[Roger S]

Here's a thread from route6x6 years ago. Route 6x6 Discussion Board: Dual Differential Drive

the bottom link about gizmology is interesting. One article from it.. might get the gears in our heads turning.. Notes on Tracked Vehilcle Steering

[mightymaxIV]

Limited slip

Mudsliger,the Argo uses a open differental to steer. That means if you apply a brake to the left out put the drive goes to the right tires pushing the vehicle left. If you apply brakes to the right the drive goes to the left and pushes the vehicle left. Thats the way an Argo steers. The reason why its not a problem for seasoned Argo drivers is they will apply a slight amount of brake pressure to the spinning wheels sending the drive to the wheels that have traction. If you watch someone who has been driving Argos for years like Roc Doc or Roger they can make the machine work so well that you don't notice them constantly making minor adjustments to the wheels receiving power to keep the vehicle moving forward. As I understand it the New Argo has a really high tech triple differental system that keeps the drive moving to all eight tires without power loss. Argo has listened to it's owners and made improvemnets. The new new Argo also has the ability to counter rotate the tires. As I understand from people who have seen and driven the new HDI the machine is almost unstopable with great ground clearance, new 25" swimming tires and true 8 wheel drive. I can't explain the new system but I do know that it works well and should be showing up as the dominate machine at a mud hole near you.