hustler vs, maxII

[superclyde]

I have been looking at several Max II's and had decided to buy one. However, today I located a hustler that got my attention. The max II is a 2000 with an 18hp b&s, windshield and roll bar. The hustler, although year is unkown, looks newer than most Ive seen and in good shape, also 18hp B&S, rollbar, windshield and tracks. My question is which is better? or what are the pros and cons of each? I will be purchasing one of them this weekend, please help with any input. Thanks guys, Erik.

[jerseybigfoot]

very similar machines, the max is wider with more leg room and has larger 1 1/4" axles vs 1 3/16". you sit lower inthe Hustler and it can run 25" rawhide 3 tires vs 22 for the max. The Hustler drive is simpler with no Jackshafts but has a bump in lower hull for the center sproket clearance. flat bottom hulls are better in the mud. I enjoy driving both. I have a Hustler I rebuilt 10 years ago and it still runs ver well. Parts are available for the Hustler even though they are out of business. The max is slightly faster in the water.

[mudbug3]

superclyde ,


If I had my choice between an older Hustler and a newer Max II , I,d choose the Hustler. Just like jerseybigfoot posted, its no problem getting parts for an older Hustler. The Hustler is also a more capable machine ( in my opinion )than a Max II for extreme mud conditions. This is because you can run taller and more aggressive mud tires on it. I have two friends on this forum that I ride with. One of them has a late model 70,s Max II , and the other friend has a mid 70,s Hustler 950. I have a Max IV. If we all drive through some sloppy mud thats combined with deep rutts made by 4-wheelers , my Max IV and my friends Hustler 950 , can easily drive through them ( most of the time ) because of the bigger and much more aggressive mud tires that each of our machines have. Since my friends Max II only has 23 rawhide tires and lower ground clearance , he has a harder time in conditions like these. Also , I have watched group ride video,s where a longer machine like a Max IV , or an Argo Bigfoot ,could easily climb out of a deep mud hole , where the shorter wheel base Max II would not. I have also watched my friends Hustler 950, with 25 inch Vampire tires , drive through places that I could not with my Max IV. The Hustler is a lighter machine than a Max IV, and with aggressive tires , its hard to beat.This does not mean that a Max II is not a very capable machine in the hands of an experienced driver, its just more limited because of tire options and ground clearance , thats provided by taller tires.

[boncrshr]

I agree with Jersey and Mudbug as well, here is how I see it:

Max II advantages:
1) Splined axles-better than bolt through sprocket design on Hustler, bigger (1.25" vs 1 3/16") is moot IMO because the Hustler is light, and if you look at the difference in frame design, the inner bearing sits much closer to the center of the vehicle in the Hustler. Hypothetically, this design should place less stress on the axle.
2) Better stock chain adjusters than Hustler.
3) O-ring chain from the factory?? (did the 2000's come with that??)

Hustler advantages:
1) More carrying capacity.
2) Beefier frame.
3) Ability to put much taller and wider tires.
3) Easier to work on.

Hope this helps....just remember, you WILL be working on these no matter which one you buy.

[Amphiman1]

Choice?

Polybody Hustler....I only buy max's for parts machines......
look at above comments,,,,, Hustlers are 4 passenger too.
I have driven, handled both, Max loses...... hustler is thumbs up winner.
Yes i have one of each too.......

[mudbug3]

superclyde,

At the present time I own two Hustler 980 Bigfoot,s and a Max IV. One thing that I like about the Hustler 950 or 980 is the rounded section in the middle of the lower tub. This is a perfect place for a bilge pump , because this is the lowest spot for water to collect. My Max IV has ridges on the bottom of the lower tub , that I assume is for braking the stiction of the mud. I don,t have much room for placing a bilge pump in my Max IV , because the lowest spot is where the chains run. Even if I could install one in that area, the ridges on the lower tub prevent the bilge pump from sucking the majority of the water out. Since both the Hustler 950 and 980 have a smooth lower tub , this works great when installing a bilge pump .

[brushcutter]

Just from the list of extras that you list it seems that unless you are getting the max for a lot less the hustler would be the better buy,I mean tracks,rollbar,windshield -come on !!!

[jpswift1]

I've owned both, Hustlers and Max II's and I have torn down and rebuilt both. I can tell you that the Hustler has many more strong points and in my opinion it is a better machine.

-The frame on the Hustler is better to start with. Like it was mentioned, no jack shafts. Also, I have had to weld and repair Max II frames in common spots where they would break, none of my Hustler frames needed repairs. The Hustler frame is made of very thick 10 gauge steel and reinforced at high stress points.

-The Hustlers can fit much larger tires.

-The Hustler can carry much more cargo and 4 passengers compared to a Max II.

-The Hustler poly bodies are much thicker than the Max II.

-The Hustler is a more stable machine with its longer wheelbase, especially on steep climbs.

-It also has a longer range since the Hustler has an 8 gallon tank compared to the Max 5 gallon tank.

-I have had better luck with the Hustler chain tensioners compared to the Max II ratcheting tensioners that seem to wear out, pop up, and completely let go of chain tension

Max II's do have a tiny bit larger diameter axle (1 1/4" compared to 1 3/16"), but with Hustler's 62mm bearing flanges (same as the older Max II) you could easily install 1 1/4" splined axles in a Hustler using the same bearings that the Max II uses.

Hope this helps.

[mudbug3]

sixbysix4me ,


I thought that was a very good comparison of a Hustler 950 vs a Max II. You also mentioned some things I forgot to. After I do a complete frame up restoration ,and also build some chain tensioners like Brushcutter and boncrshr did on their Hustler 950,s , I plan to have Whipper build me some 1 1/4 " splined axles for Hustler Bigfoot.

[jpswift1]

Thanks, Mudbug. Once you start to redo a machine you see all those little details. If you have a Hustler Bigfoot and do it up with splined axles and some aggressive mud tires you are probably going to have one of the most capable amphibs out there. I look forward to seeing your build, and be sure to keep us all updated.

[mudbug3]

sixbysix4me ,

If things go well for me finacially in 2009 , I also plan on installing six 13.5 x 12 Vampire , ASX tires, just like jpswift and Don have on their 980 Bigfoot,s. Those ASX tires sure look sweet on a Bigfoot. I do plan on posting pictures and video,s of the build up this coming summer. My friend wildtexasranger and I have already built a custom wrap around band out of 3/16 angle iron.

[philipatmaxfour]

13.5 Vampire tires

sixbysix4me ,

If things go well for me finacially in 2009 , I also plan on installing six 13.5 x 12 Vampire , ASX tires, just like jpswift and Don have on their 980 Bigfoot,s. Those ASX tires sure look sweet on a Bigfoot. I do plan on posting pictures and video,s of the build up this coming summer. My friend wildtexasranger and I have already built a custom wrap around band out of 3/16 angle iron.

Mudbug, Will you have enough clearance from the body without using extensions? I will look fabulous!

[superclyde]

Heres the story.....

I went with a 94 Max II 16hp. Simply because of closer location. Had I had the time to drive twice the distance it would have been the hustler hands down. I had already found three that were in good shape but sold quick. I had certain criteria that I wanted to meet with my decision the main one being that my wife and nine year old daughter would enjoy it. Seeee, now they have something that they can ride in when they come with me and our six year old son when we go riding our quads. (and Dad can play with it during deer season, finding a honey fishing hole, or any other time that they are not using it.) Also the Max II met some others as well. Like, roll bar, windshield, winch etc. and is in good shape, and I felt I got a fair deal. When the guy started it, it was -2 degrees with winds up to 55 mph snow and ice, and it started right up. A good going over with some needed maintenance and I think I'll have a decent machine. Besides, I like tinkering with stuff like this anyway. Now between you, me, and the fencepost, had I been getting this for me alone............It would have been the 500 superchief listed in the classifieds on here recently. Price was right, and I would have drove. Just my choice. Thanks for everyones input.

[brushcutter]

Great,Superclyde,
Welcome to the world of amphibious riding.Have you ever owned an amphib of any kind?The hustler 950 I have is my second one I previously owned a Max IV and I must say that I am happy for you no matter WHAT you drive.A couple words of warning though First whatever you do,if you decide to put a skid plate on it be sure to contour it to the bottom of the tub(if you build it yourself)or buy one from the factory(preformed)I built a flat one from aluminum and was stuck in places that I drive the 950 right through.No fault of the machine,just didn't realize that the small area between the chain channels was that big of a deal...WRONG!
Second :are you,like me,a(ssshhh don't say this to loud)a 4x4 owner.WOW you do realize that driving an amphib(even once)can be very detrimental to your relationship with your(ssshhh make sure nobody is watching)4x4.Read my post "the Ultimate Insult".Anyway I believe this:no matter what amphib you start out with,once you get a taste of it no other recreational atv can compare to these things.