Which 6x6 to buy/atv vs 6x6

[mad-max]

Ok, so I finally got permission to sell my old four wheeler once spring comes along from my dad So, I have been considering getting a 6x6 as in the little time I've driven my dads max its been AWESOME!!! Where I ride you have what looks like watery mud which could be as it looks or hide sticky, slick, goo that is a pain in the butt. We also have many hills (many of which are nearly vertical!) We also have VERY big ruts in the center of those hills that you must straddle. We also have an assortment of ditches, small creeks, off-camber climbs and so on... So I've debated getting another 4x4 ATV or a 6x6. The price range will be about $2,000-$3,000 and will have to be reliable and easy to get parts for. Is there any 6x6's that are under 50 inches wide or so for the small ATV only trails that are already carved? Have seen many 6x6's with rotax 550 2 strokes around here, how often do they need to be rebuilt and how much power do they have for hills and such? Thanks,
mad-max
I will post pics later to give an idea of the terrain I'm talking about.

[mad-max]

Anybody have some thoughts on this matter?

[thebuggyman1]

Anybody have some thoughts on this matter?

Yeah. Listen to the wise advise of that old guy that lives in the house with you....your dad. What does he think you should do?

[Noel Woods]

There should be a variety of Max 2 & Max4 machines available in your price range. They may need some work however unless you get lucky. Most in this range will be below 18hp. You get what you pay for in these machines.

If you are just in need of an atv, bargains abound there. One of my friends just found a 1997 Honda fourtrax 4x4 in good shape for $1050.

[amphibious drew]

Just start taking your dad's machine when he needs it and he might eventually buy another one when he gets annoyed with your antics.

[mad-max]

I doubt my dads gonna let me take the max much as he keeps his baby on a tight grasp!!! What are the advantages/disadvantages of a 6x6 vs an ATV. I like the fact that ATVs are cheaper and if problems arose I would have money to fix it vs a 6x6 where I would spend all of my money on the machine itself. If I could find one I could afford I do like the Argos for the fact of low range...but does it make THAT much of a difference compared to a max or t20 rig???

[amphibious drew]

Your dad bought a max for a reason. If I were you I would look for a cheap t-20 rig. I newer max with splined axles can be had on that budget, but an older max, hustler, or attex can be had cheaper some times. As for cost to maintain vs a 4x4, most parts on a max or attex, hustler, or any t-20 machine are pretty universal. Bearing flanges, bearings, sprockets, can all be bought at any metal supply co, online, or at tractor repair stores, where as a quad always seems to require a part that is only available at the dealer which means dealership prices. I built my Attex racer for under a grand with all new bearings, axles, and rims. I bet you could do the same if you found a deal on a Hustler and it would devour any quad out there.

[mad-max]

What about 2 stroke vs 4 stroke? I know a 4 stroke will be more reliable, but by how much compared to a 550 rotax or similar with 2-3 times the power? What sort of situations would a 6x6 have a disadvantage to a regular four wheeler? I've heard that soupy mud is not a trait but is there a way to sort of counteract this? I am looking for a rig with sticks such as a max as I feel more in control. Is there any 6x6's that have a bobcat style sticks to where its forward and reverse without having to shift a lever???

[mad-max]

Anyone got answers to my above question Which is the best between an older max, a hustler, or an older attex??? I know the max's have the strongest hulls in the industry but anything to die for about the others???

[highrollinmopars]

If I were going to buy a brand new machine today I would buy a Argo Frontier. I may be biased but if I were going to buy older t 20 machine a I would definitely stay with a four stroke poly body Hustler for no other reason other than personal preference. The Max and Argo are both very good machines and wouldn't be around today if they weren't. I think they're all about the same maintenance for the older machines. I would say Attex other than I have never come across 1 and never have worked on one. If I were you I would buy whatever you could find close to you for a good price. I would just try to stay with a poly body and a 4 stroke in whatever you get.