First let me say thank-you to the creator of this site as it is the "BEST" location for valuable insight and helpful information for a beginner like myself. Second I would like to thank anyone who has ever created a thread or posted a comment on their machines and experiences, as I read them all before entering the fun world of 6x6. This post is not meant to start the flames burning of Argo Vs Max but hopefully be a helpful read for someone like myself that was new to 6x6 ownership and trying to decide what machine to choose.
Let me start by saying 6 months ago I began my search knowing I wanted to purchase a machine. Unfortunately in Green Bay there are no dealers for either brand so test driving was not an option. I HIGHLY recommend as suggested numerous times in this site to ride both machines and become familiar if possible.
And now the rest of the story. Four months ago I purchased a 2001 Argo Vanguard with very low hours from and ATV dealer, not an Argo dealer. He took it in on trade and the machine was super clean. Even the inside chains, belts, sprockets still shined like new. It came equipped with a 16 HP Briggs and 22 inch tires. The machine runs flawlessly and I became familiar with the steering and handling. Again thank you to all the "Experts" in here as what you described was 100 accurate. This thing was built like a tank, heavy, solid and comfortable!
Low and behold I was at an auction recently and a 2000 Max IV came up for bid and because 6x6's are not used that much around here compared ATV and UTV's I got it for a good price. It had more hours and use then the Argo. It is equipped with a 18 HP Briggs and 26 inch tires. Same thing I became familiar with its steering and handling.
In my opinion a better comparison would be a 2000 Max IV to a 2000 Argo Bigfoot but owning both machines I think I can offer a fair assessment and evaluation. I know there are some technical guru's in here that can be very specific about both machines but again this is just a novices opinion and maybe it might help someone else.
ARGO
LIKES
Very solid construction.
Love the full extra skid plate for peace of mind.
Comfortable seats and ride.
Has the look and feel of a well built machine.
Seals and gaskets seem very well built.
I think it would be an excellent work horse for all kinds of projects.
DISLIKES
Steering took more time to get comfortable with.
Changing oil in a royal pain! LOL again all of who posted thanks for heads up
Not fair comparison but smaller tires then Max did not give me the traction I was looking for.
I can see how it would be more difficult to work on then Max because of placement of engine.
Overall very well built machine with good quality parts and very capable.
MAX IV
LIKES
Really liked the steering and handling, picked it up very quickly.
I understand better about the T20
Two bench seats though back seat does not give lots of room.
Easier to work on and maintenance.
I found it more fun to drive maybe because of bigger engine and tires.
DISLIKES
The leaking gaskets I had to replace. Can tell the difference between argo and max
The body is not as solid and extra skid plate does not cover entire bottom.
Cheaper seats that I can tell will wear over time.
The more open engine compartment that allows more dirt and moisture to enter but that also makes it easier to work on.
Hitch does not seam as strong as Argo.
WINNER
BOTH.....sorry guys not even going there!
It depends what your needs are and your preferences. They are both great machines and I am happy to own both. I just wish I could keep both but I have to sell one. I have decided to sell the Argo only because the Max fits my needs better. I know I could make money off of the Max for what I paid so this is not about profit. It's about finding the machine that best suits you! So if anyone is interested in a like new Argo message me LOL
Thanks again guys!
Let me start by saying 6 months ago I began my search knowing I wanted to purchase a machine. Unfortunately in Green Bay there are no dealers for either brand so test driving was not an option. I HIGHLY recommend as suggested numerous times in this site to ride both machines and become familiar if possible.
And now the rest of the story. Four months ago I purchased a 2001 Argo Vanguard with very low hours from and ATV dealer, not an Argo dealer. He took it in on trade and the machine was super clean. Even the inside chains, belts, sprockets still shined like new. It came equipped with a 16 HP Briggs and 22 inch tires. The machine runs flawlessly and I became familiar with the steering and handling. Again thank you to all the "Experts" in here as what you described was 100 accurate. This thing was built like a tank, heavy, solid and comfortable!
Low and behold I was at an auction recently and a 2000 Max IV came up for bid and because 6x6's are not used that much around here compared ATV and UTV's I got it for a good price. It had more hours and use then the Argo. It is equipped with a 18 HP Briggs and 26 inch tires. Same thing I became familiar with its steering and handling.
In my opinion a better comparison would be a 2000 Max IV to a 2000 Argo Bigfoot but owning both machines I think I can offer a fair assessment and evaluation. I know there are some technical guru's in here that can be very specific about both machines but again this is just a novices opinion and maybe it might help someone else.
ARGO
LIKES
Very solid construction.
Love the full extra skid plate for peace of mind.
Comfortable seats and ride.
Has the look and feel of a well built machine.
Seals and gaskets seem very well built.
I think it would be an excellent work horse for all kinds of projects.
DISLIKES
Steering took more time to get comfortable with.
Changing oil in a royal pain! LOL again all of who posted thanks for heads up
Not fair comparison but smaller tires then Max did not give me the traction I was looking for.
I can see how it would be more difficult to work on then Max because of placement of engine.
Overall very well built machine with good quality parts and very capable.
MAX IV
LIKES
Really liked the steering and handling, picked it up very quickly.
I understand better about the T20
Two bench seats though back seat does not give lots of room.
Easier to work on and maintenance.
I found it more fun to drive maybe because of bigger engine and tires.
DISLIKES
The leaking gaskets I had to replace. Can tell the difference between argo and max
The body is not as solid and extra skid plate does not cover entire bottom.
Cheaper seats that I can tell will wear over time.
The more open engine compartment that allows more dirt and moisture to enter but that also makes it easier to work on.
Hitch does not seam as strong as Argo.
WINNER
BOTH.....sorry guys not even going there!
It depends what your needs are and your preferences. They are both great machines and I am happy to own both. I just wish I could keep both but I have to sell one. I have decided to sell the Argo only because the Max fits my needs better. I know I could make money off of the Max for what I paid so this is not about profit. It's about finding the machine that best suits you! So if anyone is interested in a like new Argo message me LOL
Thanks again guys!
Comment