New to this...any advice??

[mudbowl]

Hi my husband and I are looking to buy an Argo. We have never had a machine like this and due to the high cost of buying new we may have to buy a good used vehicle.We will be using it to go hunting and playing with and are near lakes, swamps, etc so we will be in water quite a bit.We live in Ontario,Canada. my question is, are there any things to look out for on Argo's?Any common problems? not sure if we are getting 6x6 or 8x8 yet.Or is there another vehicle that we should be looking at? thanks

[JohnF]

I personally think that you couldn't have come to a better place to begin your education. My advice? Get to know the search function. There are threads here on nearly every technical aspect of these machines. There are threads discussing what to look for when buying used. In fact I started one of those threads before I bought my machines. (yeah, there are threads discussing how buying one eventually turns to two... ) So, click on my name and you should see a link that finds all of my posts. Look for my thread asking about a buying used checklist.

You will have fun.

[chris orlando]

Welcome to the sport ,there are alot of great machines, but if I where you, I would purchase a used Max iv built by Recreative Industries, the have full time 6 wheel drive system and the best transmission in the business, very easy to work on also, just my 2 cents good luck with whatever you do purchase

[countrycummins99]

i second the motion for a MAX IV i have driven both the argos and maxs and attexs attexs are fun if i was all about racing i would have an attex but i use my max as a utility as well as fun i go duck hunting with it it transports me two other full size adults three climbing tree-stands and ocassionaly the deer out of the woods without incident the transmission is pretty much bulletproof just check the fluid and if it does break its alot cheaper than an argo trans to fix the argos are very front heavy and make water entr a little scarry plus there are not a true 6 wheel drive they have a differential transmission which may leave you stuck in the mud my vote is with the max IV lighter more agile easier to drive and damn near unstoppable

[rdr]

Hi my husband and I are looking to buy an Argo. We have never had a machine like this and due to the high cost of buying new we may have to buy a good used vehicle.We will be using it to go hunting and playing with and are near lakes, swamps, etc so we will be in water quite a bit.We live in Ontario,Canada. my question is, are there any things to look out for on Argo's?Any common problems? not sure if we are getting 6x6 or 8x8 yet.Or is there another vehicle that we should be looking at? thanks

hi and welcom to the site i'm rdr / you are at the right place for you answer to your ? after rideing with several carolina boys with argo's both 6x6 and 8x8 . i can say the argo are fine mechines we have 2 8 wheel advengers in our groop and they are verry nice we also have a 6x6 bigfoot that's tuff to . some times the max does better some time the argo's do better if you look at my sig u can see we have 2 max and a attex . hunting seeing u are from canda i would be looking at a argo . the concreast or better a advenger if you plan on moos or elk hunting as it will handel the load better if you are looking to play more a 6x6 frounter is great or a bigfoot . best thing to do is go for a test ride and see whitch you like better .i'm not downing max i love mine but i would not turn down a advenger. u can pm lewis or rock doctor they can tell you more about the argos . robbie

[argohunter]

Welcome.

There are several members here that are Argo owners. Several are from Ontario and from elsewhere in Canada that may respond to some of your questions. As already suggested, there are some very informative threads in the Argo forum and in other forums that can be searched for tips on what to look for and for information on various amphibian machines.

For hunting use, the 8x8 Argos have the advantage over the 6x6 because it has more room for hauling gear and game. The 6x6's, being smaller, are easier to maneuver in tight spots in the woods and bush.

There are other good machines to consider of course. Their size, intended use, complexity of construction and price are but some of the factors to consider when deciding what to buy. You may want to try out as many different machines that you can before you settle on one particular model or brand.

Spend some time searching around the forums, the gallery pictures and the videos. Whatever machine you choose to buy, I'm sure you will enjoy the heck out of it and you will ask the question of why didn't you buy one a long time ago.

[rdr]

here is some links Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511 www.argo.com BostAtv robbie

[rdr]

Welcome.


Spend some time searching around the forums, the gallery pictures and the videos. Whatever machine you choose to buy, I'm sure you will enjoy the heck out of it and you will ask the question of why didn't you buy one a long time ago.

amen argo hunter

[george_pimpdaddy]

Hello and welcome to this great forum where there is a ton of great info on all aatv machines.
Personally I would look for a gently used argo like I did this summer buying a 1988 Argo magum 8x8 with the kohlerM18 for $2100. The previous owner has bought a newer Argo and clearly loved the machine. Argos are very easy to work on and really are simple machines aside from the transmission. Another plus is the Argo is manufactured right here in Ontario, Canada.

When you do find an Argo ad you might be interested in, feel free to post it up here and we can look over it for you. The most important aspect to check is the cleanliness of the bottom tub.

My Argo pulled out my dad's 2005 GMC extended cab out of a creek this past hunting season. I was stunned. Happy Hunting

[McCoy]

If you decide to go after a used machine, try to go over it with a fine toothed comb. Not only check the obvious, such as tires, oil leaks, etc. , but try to get all of the tires raised off of the ground and shake the tires to check for slop in the otuer bearings. If they need to be replaced, it can be a little pricey. Also, check the adjustment of the chains. If all of the adjustment is gone, plan on new chains. Other items come into play depending on the make of the machine. Don't get discouraged, you will find a machine that is right for you and when you do, you will love it. I can't say enough good things about my machine as well as other amphibs that I have ridden.

McCoy

[Swamper]

Welcome mudbowl to the site from a fellow Ontarion
I agree with the other posters here, that you have to take some time when buying one of these aatv's. If you are looking at Argo's, the floor pans come out so you can check the chains, chain adjusters and the sprockets. As stated try to get the wheels off the ground and wiggle the tires up and down to check for worn out bearings. Also check the outside bearing housings to see if the seals are still there. Looking at these points will let you know how well the machine has been taken of. These points would also be for any machine you look at.
I have an older Argo 6x6 and have great fun with. Whether it be plowing snow in the winter or out in the mud the rest of the year. The guys I hang around with have mostly Argos, except BW6, he has had all different kinds of machines and has designed and built some really good ones to. For hunting I would use and 8x8 because of the larger rear cargo space. But that is my opinion and I say that because the gentleman I purchased my machine from bought an 8x8 for that reason.
What ever you choose I know you will enjoy it. Have fun and cruise around this site because there is a great wealth of expertise here and lots expereirence with all types of machines.
Cheers
Al

[B.A.]

New or used?
I was looking for used and ended up buying a new 2009 Frontier 650 8x8. I found that in Manitoba newer used 8x8's where hard to find. The ones I found where expensive and in need of a lot of TLC . Looking at new machines the 6x6's start at about the same price point as used 8x8's. When I checked out the 6X6's it was clear there was not enough room as I use it for hunting and hauling gear to camp. What ever you buy you will need a winch. If you buy used and have to take the machine to a shop for repairs you can eat up any saving quickly. If you can handle the repairs you may come out ahead of the game. Also consider how you will be using the machine. If you travel by yourselves to remote locations how will you get back if you breakdown. If you travel with others breakdowns are a pain but not a hugh problem. I'm not saying new doesn't break but less likely than old. If you buy used float it if you can to check for leaks . I found that the options you add are what really increase the cost of new. Just my 2 cents. It doesn't matter what you buy you will be hooked........ I know I am.

[mudbowl]

Thanks so much everyone for your advice and opinions. It means a lot to us and everyone's comments and opinions will help us in our purchase. Thanks again