Argo 480 vs 580 vs 650?

[meld0gga]

I've been searching locally for a slightly used {or new} Argo 6x6. I'm completely green to these machines. I went up to Maine last weekend and test drove a new 650 HD {all he had in stock}. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the entire time and it was so cool to finally drive one of these awesome machines after watching hrs online. Problem: The new 650HD at a base price of $13,600 and with winch, roll bar and bilge, $15k is too rich for me. He quoted me a 580 at $10,400 base and $12,700 with winch bilge & roll bar. I found a 2010 480 and going to see next weekend at $6,500. Any thoughts on the 14hp? can all three take me anywhere the same? Using for recreation only. Will they all climb the same? tracks on 580 or 480 bad idea? Do you guys recommend roll bar? I just don't want to end up with a case of I should have gone bigger? Thanks for any input!

[philipatmaxfour]

My 2 cents? Don't go smaller than the 580 and be aware of the things that you NEED like the skid plate and hitch that don't come on the480 and not sure about the 580. should have axle extensions on the front axle at least. Tracks? you are going to wish that you had the 23 hp of the 650. get the winch cause you need it and installing the inner supports later is not easy. don't worry about a roll bar for now ,most don't have them and if you want one later there are lots of options like home made and used. good luck

[meld0gga]

Thanks for the advice. on 580 skid is an option, which i know i need. leaning towards 650 but figured I'd check with people who best. hoping to own so I can make it to Busco this year. thanks again!

[spookum]

not to completly mess with what your doing here. Think long and hard about the 8 wheeler. if it is a wheel base thing i get it... completly. having owned both a 8 and 6 wheeler i know that the 8 rides nicer and the extra cargo/people capacity is nice too! But if your heart is set on a 6 wheeler, go as big as you can. The worst thing is that it constantly exceeds yoru expectations. It is just like getting a truck. If you think a 3/4 ton will work for what you are doing, spending an extera 15 payments on the 1 ton gets you a larger comfort zone. This means that you dont have to worry about over loading or over working it!

[spankbomb]

I'll be curious to your impression of the 480 and how it compares to the 650HD. What if the 480 has the 3.3 transmission in it? Could it then handle tracks? Since the 480 is no longer available, I don't know. Obviously it won't perform as well as the 650HD, but then again there is a major price difference.

Keep in mind ODG only made about 15 480s for the U.S. in that model year, so you may want to consider how easy/difficult it may be to sell that 480 if you decide to trade up.

[rickga]

I have a 2008 480 that i bought last year. I took it to Busco in October and had no problems. I was a little concerned about the 14hp but it was fine. The extra hp is great but it costs as well.

[meld0gga]

Hey guys thanks for the info! Spookum- I'd love an 8x8 but it won't fit in my shed. besides the higher cost of machine i'd be into a bigger shed too!
RICKGA- i'm glad you had no issues at Busco. I didn't want to be the guy that needs to be pulled out of every mud hole if i go 480. I'm gonna test drive the 480 Sat and will have a good comparison as i just tested the HD last weekend. Not sure i'd ever use tracks but again, like to have the option. ODG dealer told me no way on tracks for 480 and said he doesn't recommend on 580 {although i know they work}. the 480 is a 2010 and for the price at 6.5k, very tempting? less than half price of new 580. Plus the hd comes with skid plates which I will need but could add to 580 or 480. Either way I'm gunning for April Busco trip and not as a spectator! Thanks guys

[pcmark]

So, I was in your position last year, and went with the 580 with the 3.3 gear ratio, brush guard, winch, etc. -- and I'm thrilled that I didn't pay the extra $4,000 or so for the 650. I've never come close to reaching the limits of the 580 -- it's an awesome machine. People will always tell you to buy the seeming "best," but it's not their money you're spending. Maybe the 650 does have attributes beyond the 580, but I have no idea what they are since my 580 is a kick-butt machine. My point is, if you buy more machine than you need, you're truly wasting money. Figure out your priorities, and buy what works for you, not what others think is cool.

[DDA]

650 hd all the way already has the bearing extensions front and rear, skid plate, and of course the admiral tranny, wouldn't worry about the roll bar at this time

[marshgunner]

I would look into the 480 mainly because of the price. You could always upgrade to the hdi parts and a bigger engine later if you think you will need it. What kind of tracks are you looking to get, that may also be a deciding factor weather they are heavy rubber or something lighter like a adair track. Just my 2cents.

[meld0gga]

pcmark- Thanks for the first hand advice on the 580. You hit the nail with the money thing, easier to spend when its not yours. Either way its a big investment so I appreciate everyones input. I'm test driving the 480 tomorrow so I will have a good comparison to HD. I found a 2010 locally that was converted from 480 to Vangard 23 like marshgunner mentioned so I know thats always an option. Anyone know if other than bearing extensions and skid plates, what else may be lower grade or less "HD"? Everything else the same? I know also tires are smaller. Am I limited to tire size with 480 or 580? Track style not really a concern as long as I know I can add tracks period if I ever wanted. Terrain up North here is not as muddy and I snowmobile in winter so likely be stored when deep snow on ground.

DDA-Thanks for tip omn roll bar. everyone seems to say I wont need one? My daughter will be with me for some of my rides but obviosly I wont be pshing machine too hard when she's on board {at leats not now-she's 5}. I also heard you loose the rear seat capacity with roll bar? Can't seem to find a good picture showing how it attaches?

Thanks again and if I ever make it to Busco and you guys are there, I owe ya all a beer or six!

[meld0gga]

480 Test drive completed!

It goes without saying there is no comparison to HD. It had no pep in comparison and top speed seemed way off? For a 2010, this is not one I would call "well maintained". Only 15 hrs on it with 71 miles but tub was filled with gunk and debri. Rear floor pan was severely warped and curled from being left out in direct sun. Evidence of rust on some components too. Then again, he only wanted 6k. Nice machine for someone but my search continues. Dealer in ME ruined me by having me drive the 2012 HD for first ever 6x6 experience. He's getting a leftover 580 which I am going to test out next weekend. If that lets me down, I;m gonna bust the bank and go with the 650HD I already tested. Maybe you guys can comment on price? It is a 2012HD with real tree camo finish. Has 3k winch, bildge, rear lights and receiver for quick change rear winch attachement. Skid plate and bearing extensions standard. Originally wanted 15,200 but said he'd sell for $14k? The pricing I found from other sources said base HD {no extras} is $13,400. It has less than 1.5 hrs. Thoughts? Looking for someone to talk me off the cliff or shove me over! Thanks

[pcmark]

Again, part of the trick with the 580 is getting the 3.3 gear ratio. That's what ratchets up the 580.

[micmac]

Ok I'll shove a bit...
If you can afford it go with the most machine you can comfortably purchase. Not too many people here say they wish the had less horsepower, less accessories etc. The price for the 2012 seems reasonable. I vote for buy it and start wasting time on riding rather than agonizing which is a better value

[Roadtorque]

If you plan on keeping it for a long time then go with one that will suit your needs best, even if it's more expensive. If you plan on selling and upgrading along the way then get your feet wet with the cheapest model that entertains you.