new argo owner. have a few questions

[bigfoot mobile]

hey all! i just bought a argo bigfoot. not sure of the year, but i think its a 2000ish model. ive had a blast in it, but i have a few questions.

1 - what chain lube is the best? i live on the river so i plan to take the argo in the water sometimes. is there a water proof chain lube spray?

2 - how often should i grease the bearings? how many pumps on the grease gun for each bearing?

3 - i have a leaking rear axle. is this most probably the cork? hard job? something the average fix-it-around-the-house kinda guy could do?

4 - what maint should i do to keep it top shape?


thanks yall!

[AlaskaGrizzly]

hey all! i just bought a argo bigfoot. not sure of the year, but i think its a 2000ish model. ive had a blast in it, but i have a few questions.

1 - what chain lube is the best? i live on the river so i plan to take the argo in the water sometimes. is there a water proof chain lube spray?

2 - how often should i grease the bearings? how many pumps on the grease gun for each bearing?

3 - i have a leaking rear axle. is this most probably the cork? hard job? something the average fix-it-around-the-house kinda guy could do?

4 - what maint should i do to keep it top shape?


thanks yall!

1 - I use any good motorcycle chain lube in the spray can. Can't remember the brand so see what your local motorcyle shop has. I buy the stuff that is for o-ring chains since I also have a dirt bike.

2 - Depends on how much you run... once every 40 hrs or so maybe. I typically give 4-6 pumps to the bearings and enough to get grease coming out of the seal when greasing them.

3 - Axle removal and install is not big deal as long as you don't mind bending over and reaching into the machine as you do it.

4 - I clean the inside of my machine with a pressure washer once a year, check all the bearings to see if any are going bad, breas the bearings, keep the chains lubed and tight, change the motor oil & keep a clean air filter.

[bigfoot mobile]

thanks for the response! also, how much would a trolling motor increase the water speed? 5hp outboard? any idea how much a 6x6 bigfoot weighs?

[spookum]

Sorry but this is one of those "depends" questions. If the tires are totaly balled, it will increase the water speed SIGNIFACATLY like double or tripple it. If not, it will go *faster* if you can get a trolling moter for cheap, do it. Or if your going to be in the water alot, that is a good idea. There is nothing wrong with a back up plan to get home.... especialy where i live in alaska... paddeles is a good idea too... I have no idea how much a big foot weighs though... sorry buddy but welcome to the site!

[kghills]

Hey, welcome to the site. I was told to grease the wheel bearings every 20 hours. When greasing the outer wheel bearings grease the bearing first till you see it push out some contamination then grease the seal or outer Zerk. Lube the chains with lube recommended for o-ring chains and check all chain tensions. Change engine oil every 50 hrs and diff lube every 100.

Oh and axles can be problematic. Sometimes they slide right out, other times they like to lock up in the inner bearing requiring heat. You just never know.

Keith.

[brebett]

Hi, I don't know if I can say it here but ask Tim from adair argo sale about anything about argo's. He really takes care of you, gives good advice and seems to know very well about his product. Thanks Tim. Also this forum is very helpful and friendly.
Jack