new agv tech. aatv

[john swenson]

so it looks like this agv machine is the new '' max '' lineup. is that what you understand also from their site ? looks impressive ! johnboy va.

[AndyL]

I'm curious what the point is to call it the Max line? the only thing that is interchangeable with the old Max's is the T-20 variants. So their plan is to still make parts available for the Max II, IV, and Buffalo, but not produce complete machines?

[wfo]

DOES IT REALLY MATTER. all these people demanding all these upgrades to a new MAX, well here you go. ONE man brought the MAX to an end so this is the result.

[AndyL]

Most upgrade request I remember reading on the boards came across as more personalized things. There was definitely room for improvement, but to be honest, I'm not digging the new design. I understand it could very well just be a concept as concepts in general are more edgy, etc, like in the auto world. For example, the roll cages look very cool on the concept, but try to slap a windshield on the front of the machine. It seems somewhat limiting in width as the vertical bars for the cage are towards the inside of the machine more and closer together.

The only thing to do is to wait and see what the final result is, and like I said earlier, it may just be a concept, and we will see some similarity in the new units on the production line. Here's a larger pic where you can see the roll cages on the concept renderings.

[AndyL]

It does have a very cool frame design though on their site with the roll cage mounted to the frame at several places. It looks very well thought out.

[wfo]

As long as i can put a springer kit on it. Whipper gear up for this one !

[Don]

Is there a time frame estimate on the availability of the new machines? Will they eventually be available or is this an exercise in advertising to gauge interest?

[egoperf]

From what I've heard it's hard to build a new max when the body molds have mysteriously disappeared

[Don]

Do they plan on using the Max molds for the machines pictured above?

[AndyL]

From what I've heard it's hard to build a new max when the body molds have mysteriously disappeared

I actually saw the aluminum molds in person a few years ago for the Max II, Max IV, and Buffalo. It was crazy to see them in person... If only the long "lost" Attex and Hustler molds were still around. Supposedly, Richard Clark had the Hustler molds at one point as he had them listed for sale many years ago, but now no one can get any info from him or anyone about them.





Hopefully they aren't. Would love to see these in production again...even if the designs are updated somewhat.

[Noel Woods]

I would hope to say they ended up in good hands. Even if not, it doesn't look like an obstacle that would require a lot to be reengineered.

[AndyL]

Aluminum molds are quite expensive to make. For the Max II, you have 3 molds I believe. 1 upper, 1 lower, and 1 floorpan. The engine cover is molded in part of the upper body mold in the area where it gets cutout for the seat and floorpan. then there is the Max IV and Buffalo too.

[egoperf]

Is there a time frame estimate on the availability of the new machines? Will they eventually be available or is this an exercise in advertising to gauge interest?

The machine is in the testing stag. It will be amazing

[wfo]

aren't those the molds that MXI or AGV TECH owns

[john swenson]

i'm just guessing as to the process of how the max body's were made. there is a male and female mold. after release agent is applied to release the parts, a large sheet of the pdm or what the material is.. is heated to a soft texture and the male mold is lowered into the other to form the shape. after it cools, the molds are pulled apart and the body is pulled out and trimmed to finished shape, etc. .....is that even close to how it works ? anyone who knows i'd be interested in how it's done. thanks, johnboy