New members, introduce yourself here

[hydromike]

Hey Santa...

(except for that thing at Busco, I've been good ALL YEAR, fyi.... )

Very cool! We've heard about the Swamp Fox 8x8 for some time, but don't really have many (any?) good pictures of the machine. We'd all love to see a ton of pictures if you get the chance. There really isn't a Swamp Fox "manual", per se, but the drive-line likely resembles several other machines here on the site for a good starting point. Welcome to the site...

[Bavaria]

Hallo from Bavaria

I am Frank and i live in South Bavaria in the Alps. I have buy a BigMax with Kawasaki Engine. He is build 1980. The max is complete disassembled but i think any pease is there.
The last Days i habe read a lot in your Forum. I will help me to mount my vehicle. Here in South Germany are not a lot of this kind of vehicle. The next i now is in Austria. I hope i can ask sometimes a question about the Max. It is hard to mount this vehicle . I have never seen this vehicle in a functional condition.
Sorry for my English. I learnt it in my shool an this is a long time ago.
kind regards
Frank

[jpswift1]

Hi Frank,

Welcome to 6X6World. Your English is very good. There are many people on here that own a Max AATV and would be very happy to help you with it. The Kawasaki engine you have is a TA440A. It puts out about 43 horsepower and it makes for a very, very fast Max. Again, welcome to the site and keep us updated on the rebuild process.

[Model Citizen]

[swampdonkey2]

Hey not sure how to start a new thread and i can't seem to find the info I am looking for. I have a 99 Max 2 18hp with 21" tires. I want to put 4-6 5/16 thick bolts and screws per tread probably 1" and 2" long with washers. I want to know how well this would work in deep snow, mud and mainly if it would significantly help getting out of the ice after falling through?

[Gerbur1]

I live in Australia and have just bought an Argo 8x8. The model designation is v888-22. It has a 16hp vangaurd. I really dont know much about it, and would like to know more. Where can I find what age it is and if its been modified. I think the controls are different to original, it has a fixed yoke with 2 brake levers and a thumb throttle. It seems to be difficult to turn, i am not sure if its the torque converter slipping or something to do with the transmission. It just doesn't seem to have the drive when you put on 1 brake to turn. Any help would be appreciated.

cid:433BCD3E-6F32-456A-96E7-A1B4208973F7/photo.JPG

[Mike]

Hey not sure how to start a new thread and i can't seem to find the info I am looking for. I have a 99 Max 2 18hp with 21" tires. I want to put 4-6 5/16 thick bolts and screws per tread probably 1" and 2" long with washers. I want to know how well this would work in deep snow, mud and mainly if it would significantly help getting out of the ice after falling through?

swampdonkey2, welcome to the site. To start a new thread, go to the correct forum and click on the button at the top of the page that says "Post New Thread"

I live in Australia and have just bought an Argo 8x8. The model designation is v888-22. It has a 16hp vangaurd. I really dont know much about it, and would like to know more. Where can I find what age it is and if its been modified. I think the controls are different to original, it has a fixed yoke with 2 brake levers and a thumb throttle. It seems to be difficult to turn, i am not sure if its the torque converter slipping or something to do with the transmission. It just doesn't seem to have the drive when you put on 1 brake to turn. Any help would be appreciated.

cid:433BCD3E-6F32-456A-96E7-A1B4208973F7/photo.JPG

Gerbur1, welcome to the site. If you will search the Argo forum for the keyword serial, there are several threads that have an email contact for Ontario Drive and Gear. You can email them your serial number and they can tell you what year your machine is. As for turning, if you haven't driven an Argo before, they turn best if you move forward slightly first before trying to turn from a dead stop. Also, Argos brake the output shaft of the transmission so it's normal to rob engine power to turn. Once you get used to it, you won't even notice.

[Gerbur1]

Thanks, i figure there is a bit in the driving technique. But i have tried turning at speed and the drives drops dramatically. The drive belt just comes to a stop,that is,the belt is just slipping on the engine pulley with no forward motion. Would the belt be too loose or has it worn and is too narrow?

[Mike]

The belt is too loose like you mentioned but that could be because it is worn or the wrong size as well. See if you can tighten it and if not, then get a replacement belt so you know it is good. If you have any more questions just start a new thread in the Argo forum and we can discuss it more there.

[shawngray66]

Hustler Rebuild

Hello Mike and All,

I am currently restoring a 78 Hustler from the ground up including a new steel chassis with toolboxes and a springer suspension setup. I paid $900 for it in decent shape with a Kohler 16hp. I have nearly completed the 3D modeling and construction drawings for the build and hope to begin the build early next year. I will post pics when I figure out the procedure.

I have learned a lot about 6x6's and I can say I am hooked....

Shawn Gray
CAD man and general tinkerer....

[814cannob]

First I would like to thank people like yourselves for your willingness to support each other in this hobbies, I’m sure there are many internet surfers out there that benefit from you advise. I am a newbie and can’t wait to share my new hobby with my 4 year old daughter.

Long story short, I lost my hunting spot near my house & decided to buy a used 1995 MAX II ($2000) to get me further in the woods. After looking around a bit and getting excited about the 6x6 world I bought it and got it home. There appears to be lots of new & used parts that came with it. After riding & floating around a bit I was very impressed. Then came the closer inspection of the vehicle after I researched this web site a bit. Looks like I’ll be replacing the frame. It seems totally rusted. I could repair the spots but it would still need to be removed anyway. First question if anyone would have some advice, Did I pay too much for this? Second, how many hours do you suppose it will take to tare completely apart ? Just started looking around for some options. Thx in advance.

[racerone3]

First I would like to thank people like yourselves for your willingness to support each other in this hobbies, I’m sure there are many internet surfers out there that benefit from you advise. I am a newbie and can’t wait to share my new hobby with my 4 year old daughter.

Long story short, I lost my hunting spot near my house & decided to buy a used 1995 MAX II ($2000) to get me further in the woods. After looking around a bit and getting excited about the 6x6 world I bought it and got it home. There appears to be lots of new & used parts that came with it. After riding & floating around a bit I was very impressed. Then came the closer inspection of the vehicle after I researched this web site a bit. Looks like I’ll be replacing the frame. It seems totally rusted. I could repair the spots but it would still need to be removed anyway. First question if anyone would have some advice, Did I pay too much for this? Second, how many hours do you suppose it will take to tare completely apart ? Just started looking around for some options. Thx in advance.

hard to say how long it will take to tear it down without knowing your level of mechanical skill. I can usually gut one in 2-4 hours if all goes well, but a couple stuck axles can really drag the process out. for your first one, probably plan on spending a weekend on it.

also hard to comment on weather you overpaid without seeing a lot of pics and knowing how much use it has seen. Before looking for a new frame, I would tear it down and get it sandblasted.... unless it's actually rusted through in spots. this rust bucket cleaned up pretty nice If you are going to tear it down that far, you might better replace all the bearings, bushings and chain. ($200-$300 to do it right). I know of a couple Max II's for sale in the 3k to $3500 range that have been totally rebuilt. how much you actually like doing the rebuild and weather you consider your time to be a "cost" will factor heavily into the "did I pay too much" question.

[amphibious drew]

Hello Mike and All,

I am currently restoring a 78 Hustler from the ground up including a new steel chassis with toolboxes and a springer suspension setup. I paid $900 for it in decent shape with a Kohler 16hp. I have nearly completed the 3D modeling and construction drawings for the build and hope to begin the build early next year. I will post pics when I figure out the procedure.

I have learned a lot about 6x6's and I can say I am hooked....

Shawn Gray
CAD man and general tinkerer....

Welcome to the site Shawn. Hustlers are good machines. Good luck with the rebuild.

[cableguy]

Well my name is william and i just bought a 99 max iv with a kholer motor and 26x12x12 tires. i have never driven one before and seem to be having some issues i dont know if it the machine or the operator. i am having prob when turning it doesnt seem turn turn as all of the ones i see on this site when i go to turn even on turn it sounds like the motor boggs down the only way i can get it to turn is to be moving at a good pace any suggestions please would be awsome.

[Mike]

Hi William, welcome to the site. It is difficult to turn from a stop. Try moving forward for a brief second and then starting the turn.