2004 argo bigfoot

[argo al]

Hi guy's i'm new here and have never owned a argo so i thought i might asked you guys for some info.I'm looking into a 2004 bigfoot with 250hrs the guy's asking $6000can.What should i look for and what's the machine like,i would be using it mainly for ice fishing.

Thanks Al

[waylonh]

Ill chime in, since I just bought one, and just finished major repairs. First off, look for the obvious. Number of Hrs. Mine had 330 hrs, and I personally think this is alot, but others may not. Tire wear, broken stuff, cracks, major scars, visible damage. Also, a test drive or demonstration would be nice. Just get a good feel for it. Does it turn well, or make any funny sounds? Watch the exhaust during startup, does it blue smoke or black smoke? Grab the pipe with your hand, and see if it's hot, if so, the owner had to warm it up before you got there.


Bearing/Seal replacement (Very Expensive!)

you have 12 bearings, and 12 seals on this machine, and if you purchased all parts from the factory and did all labor yourself you would be out over 600. That doesn't count gaskets and flanges or carrier bolts if you need them. (I did) So, if you have the oppertunity, Get the vehicle completely off the ground and check for play in the wheels. If you feel the slightest movement with the wheels on; you can multiply that by 10 when the wheels are off.



Chain and sprockets (THE ULTIMATE EXPENSE)

The smallest piece of chain on the front drive wheels is 47.00. One sprocket was 67.00 from my local dealer. You can imagine how this would add up. You can find chain cheaper, but i'm going by dealer prices. Ask to take the pans out, and ask permission to check drivetrain. Check to see if the chains look worn, or if the sprockets are curved any. If they are curved, this is a major expense.



Tires (you get what you pay for)

Need I say more?



Engine

You can replace for around 1500. Or "tinker" all day long.


Trans

Will it shift clean from R to N to L, and H while running?



If all is good 6000 is a fair price in my opinion.

[derekhonda]

It doesn't sound too bad as long as it runs good. Where are ya from? I've been tossing the idea around of selling mine, only 91 hours on it, plow, winch, bumper, bilge, and outboard motor

[argo al]

Thanks guys for the info.I went sunday to pick it up and thought better take it for a spin and the engine didn't seem to run well lots of blue smoke and really no power for 18hp i think she's tired so i guess i will keep looking.One other question is what are these machines like on snow,ice conditions without tracks? oh yea I am from north of Oshawa,Ontario, Canada

Thanks Al

[maxheadroom]

Hi AL.

Did you ever consider buying a Max? I bought one and just love it.. They are the easiest thing in the world to work on, you can get most of the parts you will need at your local Princess Auto and Machine shops..

They use a T-20 Trans which is bullet proof, if it breaks... Oh well..!!! You can rebuild them yourself in less time it takes to drink a Six Pack...

The Manufacture is just in Buffalo; the two guys a talk to (Dan & Jay) are the best in the world for support and never rush you off the phone.

The Max goes anywhere a Argo will and some will argue it will do more and go further..

No downside in buying a MAX...my son and are having a ball rebuilding ours and I think I may be getting another one pretty soon.

And last but not least.. They are just so dam ugly that you can’t help but love them..

Drop me PM sometime, I live and work close to you here in Ontario..

Cheers

Max.

[waylonh]

Thanks guys for the info.I went sunday to pick it up and thought better take it for a spin and the engine didn't seem to run well lots of blue smoke and really no power for 18hp i think she's tired so i guess i will keep looking.One other question is what are these machines like on snow,ice conditions without tracks? oh yea I am from north of Oshawa,Ontario, Canada

Thanks Al

GOOD JOB!







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