New members, introduce yourself here

[Mike]

Welcome to the site!

[mudbug3]

tinman ,

Not a problem with lurking in the shadows,, but its good that you introduced yourself. Come here long enough , and the amphibious bug will bite you good. When I first bought my Max IV 6x6 , and experienced all of the places I could go with it , but never could with my Polaris 500 , 4x4 ATV ,there was no turning back for me.

[newfy8x8]

Magnum 8x8 Canada

Hello to all, I've have been reading from this site for a year now and am glad to finally join in. Last year i purchased a 1991 8x8 magnum with issues - replaced all things needed to get into moose hunting country. all succesful !
I live in most easterly point of Canada ( Newfoundland ) lots of rock/swamps and mountains. ( plenty of snow ). This is the greatest toy i think you could own. Can't wait to converse some info on transmission repairs next week .

[mudbug3]

newfy8x8,

Hello and welcome to the amphibious forum. Good luck in ironing out the problems with your Argo 8x8 magnum.

[Storms]

Welcome aboard newfy8x8!

Cya around!

[bigpopr]

Hoot ETV

Does anyone know if Hoot went out of business?
I can't seem to contact them by phone or internet.
Just curious.

[strokerjoe]

hello

hello my name is joe . looking at pics boy a lot of great things been done on here.

[komoka]

New Member

Hi, I just joined, after finding the site looking for some information. I have a 1997 Bigfoot which I use almost daily. Unfortunately I blew the motor the other day(18hp vanguard). I have had previous trouble with the engine and have decided to buy a new one. I am considering replacing it with another 18hp vanguard or possibly the 23hp vanguard, I was told I would have to replace the muffler if I go that way. One other choice possibly would be the Honda gx620. I have always liked Hondas but it only has a 20amp charging system not the 20/50amp like the vanguards. Any advise would be appreciated. I am from Lake Echo, Nova Scotia and I am the lone aatv in my area. I will decide today on which way to go. My grand kids are coming for a visit so it has to be fixed quickly and I miss my machine already.

[Bw6]

Vanguard Engine

Komoka, welcome to the site. I have an Argo Bigfoot and have found that with the 18 hp. Vanguard engine the Bigfoot is well balanced and has sufficient power. But if I had to replace my engine I would probably go with the Vanguard 23 hp. The dimensions are almost identical, and it weighs only a few pounds more.

If you decide to go with the 23 make sure that it is ordered properly, as with this engine the 20-50 amp. charging system is an option, along with the exhaust manifold/muffler. Also specify the air cleaner and recoil starter. I would go through a knowledgeable dealer.

Commercial Power has a new website that will give you all the info you need on the Vanguard Engines. Something new for me was I noticed that the Vanguard 18 hp. engine has a 20-50 amp. charging system as an option. I didn't know it was available on an 18, it could also be a misprint. Here is the link to the engine info: Vanguard™ Engines | Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power

Let us know how you made out.

[komoka]

Big foot engine

Thanks for the info about the engines. I have decided to put another 18hp vanguard in. I was nervous putting a different motor in. It takes at least two weeks to get briggs and stratton parts here. If something was ordered wrong my grand kids would be dissappointed if I didn,t have it going when they arrived. So my new motor is on its way. This way I can drop it in and not worry about any problems I hope, and also use the same muffler.(no garage and it was -19C this morning) Thanks again.

[bigpopr]

Hoot ETV

Anyone heard if Hoot went out of business?
Can't get in touch with them.
Weren't they supposed to come out with an 8 wheeled version?

[LarryW]

Thanks for the info about the engines. I have decided to put another 18hp vanguard in. I was nervous putting a different motor in. It takes at least two weeks to get briggs and stratton parts here. If something was ordered wrong my grand kids would be dissappointed if I didn,t have it going when they arrived. So my new motor is on its way. This way I can drop it in and not worry about any problems I hope, and also use the same muffler.(no garage and it was -19C this morning) Thanks again.

-19C Was -2F here Nice and toasty!!!

Think you probably made a good move there using same engine as before. Good luck and stay warm.

[bigpopr]

Anyone heard whether hoot went out of business?

[LarryW]

Anyone heard whether hoot went out of business?

I thought I may have heard something about them going outta business but dont quote.

You should start a new post. Probably get a better response.

Take care.

[bigpopr]

Hoot ETV

Thanks, Larry. I hate to hear that. Was an interesting concept.
Not too good with this posting stuff
I just got a mckee and i am going to work on this thing in the Spring. You think 8hp is enough? Needs an engine and I have a donor from a snow blower. Your thoughts