Avenger or Frontier

[Backpacking fool]

Need some input from the argo gurus. I have never owned an Argo but have decided to make the plunge. I am considering an 06 or 07 26hp Avenger (8 x 8) or an 08 23 hp Frontier. Most of my use will be in the snow (live in central Idaho) getting to remote trailheads and maybe taking the family (4 small children) to remote sections of the wilderness in the Summer. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. THANKS

[jerrynuss]

I'm not up on the current Argo spec but I think everyone that has the EFI machines are happy with them. I would think if you are hauling the family the 8x8 would be your best choice.

[jerrynuss]

Was ther an 07 EFI Avenger?

[lager99]

Was ther an 07 EFI Avenger?

The 26hp isn't EFI.

[liflod]

I have talked to people in the past about the Response vs Conquest. Most people I talked to seemed to think the Conquest was not that much if any better than the Response and not worth the extra money.

I guess now the question is the 8x8 Frontier vs 8x8 Avenger?

What are the differences aside from liquid cooled vs air cooled ?

[lager99]

I have talked to people in the past about the Response vs Conquest. Most people I talked to seemed to think the Conquest was not that much if any better than the Response and not worth the extra money.

I guess now the question is the 8x8 Frontier vs 8x8 Avenger?

What are the differences aside from liquid cooled vs air cooled ?

Performance related:
31hp vs 26hp
carb vs EFI



Edit: 23hp is Frontier, 26hp in non EFI Avenger 700

[Backpacking fool]

The major differences between the 26hp 07 avenger and the 23hp 08 frontier is the frontier has smaller tires (24 inch vs 25 inch), the frontier weighs less (1050 lbs. vs. 1195 lbs), the frontier load is less (1000 lbs. vs. 1150 lbs), the frontier is air cooled vs liquid cooled and the frontier has a few cosmetic changes. My question is that with using the rubber tracks which are heavy, am I going to notice a substantial difference in driving capabilities between the two units?

[liflod]

If you are definitely going with tracks, get the biggest engine you can. The 8x8 frontier does not come standard with rear axle extensions. What is the price difference between the Avengers and the Frontiers?

[lager99]

The major differences between the 26hp 07 avenger and the 23hp 08 frontier is the frontier has smaller tires (24 inch vs 25 inch), the frontier weighs less (1050 lbs. vs. 1195 lbs), the frontier load is less (1000 lbs. vs. 1150 lbs), the frontier is air cooled vs liquid cooled and the frontier has a few cosmetic changes. My question is that with using the rubber tracks which are heavy, am I going to notice a substantial difference in driving capabilities between the two units?

The 24" tires are also on 8" rims vs 9", however, the 25" tires are also new & have more flexibility.

[artist1018]

I own an Argo Conquest with the 20hp kawasaki, water cooled. I'd go with the newer Argo with the larger, water cooled engine. You will appreciate the option of an automobile type heater where you live. My unit does not have a heater & I am considering adding one, or buying a newer machine with one.
I live in Michigan & today we have 16" of fresh snow. I have the standard tracks & am able to go where I want & I also have the factory plow & push this heavy snow o.k. I feel under powered only because this "heart atack" snow is Very Heavy!! I have kids & grandkids that enjoy riding along & will always own an 8x8 due to passenger load. I use a trolling motor in the summer fishing season & enjoy sneaking up on the bass & panfish as opposed to using the tires for propulsion. Just my 2 cents worth, hope it helps!!

[Backpacking fool]

Liflod,

I can get the 07 avenger (30 hours) for about the same price as the 08 Frontier (new). Just wondering if the extra 3hp on the avenger is going to make much of a difference. I do like the fact that the Frontier with its air cooled engine can be started with the recoil if the battery were to die at a remote trailhead in the Winter. However, I don't want to sacrifice performance (maybe the 3 extra hp doesn't effect performance).

[Roger S]

No problem to add axle extensions, either at the factory or at home. Power a consideration but since he's not considering the efi avenger, not sure it amounts to much.

You really need feedback or test drive in the snow with tracks. Prolly won't find anyone but a dealer or the factory rep that has frontier 8 experience with tracks.

I wouldn't discount the frontier tires. I'd take them any day over the rawhide III's. A max/argo dealer ran a frontier through deeper snow than any other machine he had (without tracks). People have complained about the power of the 26 avenger so I wouldn't discount the 23 Vangard. Less weight up front and a 100? lbs less rotational weight in tires/wheels. Tracks and altitude will slow them both down, but I ran around at 10,000 ft with tracks with 18hp, so... One thing to consider is the different trans ratios available.

And as far as power, that 23 vanguard can make 30/40 dependable hp, easy, with some $ and love thrown at it. Without adding a pound of weight.

[liflod]

That's a tough decision. Ask your wife which one she likes

[Robio_8x8]

Air Cooled engine oil heater system

I own an Argo Conquest with the 20hp kawasaki, water cooled. I'd go with the newer Argo with the larger, water cooled engine. You will appreciate the option of an automobile type heater where you live. My unit does not have a heater & I am considering adding one, or buying a newer machine with one.
I live in Michigan & today we have 16" of fresh snow. I have the standard tracks & am able to go where I want & I also have the factory plow & push this heavy snow o.k. I feel under powered only because this "heart atack" snow is Very Heavy!! I have kids & grandkids that enjoy riding along & will always own an 8x8 due to passenger load. I use a trolling motor in the summer fishing season & enjoy sneaking up on the bass & panfish as opposed to using the tires for propulsion. Just my 2 cents worth, hope it helps!!

I know this is has its draw backs compared to using engine coolant but is an alternative to using a liquid cooled engine

Air Cooled engine oil heater system

Pros: lighter motor used
Takes the Chill off
Brings in heat to the cockpit area without increasing noise ( so does the engine coolant)
Cools the engine oil ( this may also be a con)

Cons: if heater leeks you may damage engine sooner (oil pressure gage is a must)
Does not heat up as fast as coolant
More oil needs to be added system
A soft or hard top should be used for effectiveness
Reduces fuel efficiency of the motor

[lager99]

Liflod,

I can get the 07 avenger (30 hours) for about the same price as the 08 Frontier (new). Just wondering if the extra 3hp on the avenger is going to make much of a difference. I do like the fact that the Frontier with its air cooled engine can be started with the recoil if the battery were to die at a remote trailhead in the Winter. However, I don't want to sacrifice performance (maybe the 3 extra hp doesn't effect performance).

Unless you know how it was maintained, I'd go new. IMO