6x6 meat tractor vs a quad?

[minzwa]

I've been wanting a motorized machine to help our camp haul out mule deer and elk for years. Finally decided to pull the trigger. Initially, I thought about a quad, but after seeing some you tube videos, I thought well, maybe a 6x6 would be a better "meat tractor". Several of our hunters have now achieved "legend" status, and are great hunters in their late 70s and even early 80s. This means when they shoot something....The younger 3 or 4 guys do all the hauling, which can seriously cut into a 5 day trip! (these older guys can still hunt like the best of us). I also frankly didn't want to join the "quad-hunter" ranks and just ride around making noise all day. Just leave it parked until there is an elk to retrieve. That's just the way I like to do it.
Anyway, 6x6s are pretty rare out here in Oregon, and money doesn't grow on any of my trees, so i picked up an old argo on ebay locally (the only one I've seen for sale within 300 miles in 6 months) and am getting close to finished. It has a Kohler Magnum 20 with good compression (should be plenty?). Been sprucing it up, adding a winch, hitch, skid plate, etc and I'm about finished (yeah, right) prepping her.
We hunt in the high desert, so mud won't be much involved, but hill climbing in some rocky forest and sage hills.
Love to hear what you gents think about this decision to go 6x6 (even an older one) vs just getting a damn quad! (which would have been simpler!)
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[amphibious drew]

I think you made a smart decision. You worked on your machine preseason, so there. Is plenty of time to sort out any bugs and you know how it actually works. That means so much more than just knowing how you drive one. I wouldn't say you purchased an old machine either, just a used one. That looks newer than 80% of my fleet, and the technology has not changed that much since the introduction of aatvs. There are some people that think that older or cheaper rigs are junk, and you gotta spend big money or its no good, but around here, most appreciate a good buy and well done build on a budget. The less spent, the more impressed most will be. Welcome to the club.

[akranger72]

Nice looking Argo. That Kohler Magnum 20 should be enough power but you can always upgrade or go to a Briggs Vanguard down the road. I would upgrade the tires but I do know tires are not cheap. Have fun elk hunting this fall. I miss hunting mulies and elk but sure do love moose and caribou hunting up here in Alaska.