New member with some newbie questions!

[ditty22]

Hello guys im new to the forum here and have never owned an aatv ever so i have a few questions and i could use any advice i can get. I already own a yamaha grizzly 660 and would like to have something new to play around with. I live in minnesota and spend most of all my summers trail riding, camping up north then in the fall i bow hunt grouse hunt ect and would like to have another atv to use and have another rider with also. Im not looking at buying new and i would like to spend as little as i have to so an aatv that needs some work im ok with. What are the better companys, models an year range of 6x6 or 8x8's to buy used? I have seen some range from $500 to $8000, im guessing that most of the 6x6's for sale under $1000 are not running and need alot of work? how hard are these things to work on? What should i look for when trying to buy a used one?

Thanks for any help guys. Adam

[TerryA]

Welcome Adam, i'm a fairly newcomer to this forum also. You're thinking right with the 6x6 or 8x8. From all I have read the ARGO and the MAX are pretty good machines. I just bought a 98 ARGO Bigfoot with 140 hrs with 18" plastic tracks and have ridden it over some deep snow drifts without trouble. I crossed some wide ditches that had filled with snow and has no trouble at all. I have yet to do any work on mine (mechanical) but have looked it over and I think the machine is pretty straight forward. If you're looking at used check the body for cracks around stress points, anywhere there are bolts, screws, etc; The body is key to keeping afloat! The bearings should be tight. Jack up each side & try to jiggle the tires around. If you can the bearings are probable bad but can be replaced. The chains should be lubed with chain lube and be fairly tight. This is all advice I got and am just passing it along. Good luck.
Terry

[6X6]

Well, if you're looking for something for hunting and recreation, I'd also say a Max or Argo will fit the bill. Mudd-Ox machines are also great but being a new company, lesser priced used ones really aren't available yet. I love the light and quick Attex machines, but You'll be carrying gear and there are small 6x6s only (OK, they did an 8x8 but it's RARE and not a work machine) Besides, you'll want a quieter 4-stroke machine. The Hustlers, such as the 980 Bigfoot look very capable, but out of production and so not as common.
I wouldn't rule out other vehicles though. Almost all the parts on these machines are either off the shelf AG parts or easily fabbed, and even a 20+ year out of production machine may still use a T-20 tranny which is still made/used in the R.I. Max II and IV, (and Buffalo truck) and many of these older machines are quite capable. Just keep your eyes open, and if you see something, post up and ask for info, there will be at least a few on here familiar with even the more obscure machines.

As far as working on them, it REALLY depends on how the machine had been kept. If you maintain them, they are much easier and more reliable. Some machines are easier and some are harder. I have found the worst with Attexes and Maxes is removing axles from an older and poorly maintained machine.