Argo Response 8x8

[Equitrak]

Anyone have any info on this model?I am considering buying a used one in the 2000 to 2005 range? All that I could find out is on Argo's web site (history) and it was sales talk. I am most interested in dependability, maintenance and if this model had some big short comings. Can anyone help me?

[Mike]

Welcome to the site. If you will look through the Argo forum or use the search, there are a lot of threads on the Response 8x8 that should give you some history into the dependability and problems that owners face.

[MaxRules]

The Response is a solid machine. You'll want to get one with the skid plate which was optional for some crazy reason. I think it's a better machine than the Conquest unless you really need the liquid cooled engine to produce heat in a cold climate. The 18hp Briggs in the Reponse is a simple and dependable air cooled engine where the 20hp Kawasaki in the Conquest is one of the more troublesome engines. Both vehicles are slower than slow so make sure you don't need any speed no matter what you're doing. The newer Frontier 8x8 is much quicker on land and water, but for the price difference, the Reponse is hard to beat.

[Equitrak]

Tx much, your info was very helpful. Would u know how much louder the air cooled engine is vs the water cooled? I will be using it in temps between 20 to 50 degrees would this require EFI?

[GreatWhite]

Not sure if I am comparing apples to apples but I have one unit with an 18hp briggs and one with the 20hp kawi. The kawi is by far quieter. It is actually night and day the difference in sound. The kawi purrs quietly and the briggs sounds like your standing next to a grain auger.

[Equitrak]

Great White

Is the Kaws air cooled or water cooled.all of the responses I have looked at are air cooled w/ a 18 HP Brigs engine. I may have to change what I am looking for away from the Response. Quiet at least on a relative basis is important to me

[GreatWhite]

20 hp Kawi is water cooled. I am impressed with the engine. It sounds closer to a quad. Seems to have the power I need.

[Rock Doctor]

I've had good luck with the Kawi engines, when compared to the Kohlers and Brigs.
Never had much to do with the Responce model machines. I think they would benefit from Bearing Extensions all around, and should have a skidplate ( as mentioned ).
Trans gearing has a lot to do with machine noise. I find that the lower the gearing, the higher the noise level.
Both the Responce and Conquests can run the Frontier tires, which helps both on land and in the water.

RD

[MaxRules]

The Kawasaki is a very quiet motor. The Briggs in the Response is not bad at all if you get a newer machine with the muffler in good condition. The only machine that is way to loud for anything but drag racing is the 07 Frontier 23hp.
I like the "M" medium geared trans for the 8x8 if you are not running tracks. Most 8x8s were sold with the "G" granny low trans which is to slow and noisy for casual use. Some 8x8s have so much gear whine that the trans is louder than the engine anywhere over 10mph.