6x6 vs. 8x8 vs Tracked.

[soutthpaw]

I just picked up a Pass ParTout at a local auction so will be restoring that this summer but I am wondering what the advantages and disadvantages of the 6x6 vs 8x8 AATV's are. The obvious downside to the permanently tracked units like the Cushman Trackster and the PPT I got are they don't float in stock form. (not including the float option on cushman)
I plan on getting a 6 or 8 wheeler that will handle 4 people so need to see which is the better # of wheels to go with

[Mike]

If you will use the search function on the site there are quite a few threads on this same topic. Here are two to get you started:

This one has 5 or 6 links to other similar threads within it: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/argo-...x6-vs-8x8.html
Here's the other one that popped up with a quick search: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/argo-...8-wheeler.html

[soutthpaw]

Ok so this is what I gathered from those other posts,
+ 6x6
6x6 Easier on drivetrain
turns easier esp when using tracks
better on tight trails
Lighter and faster, more of a play machine
- 6x6
load carrying capacity is less
4 person 6x6 are much rougher ride esp on the rear passengers
not as good in the deep mud as the 8x8
less stable in the water
Obviously the opposite would be true for the 8x8's also seems they are better for steep hills due to the longer wheelbase

I doubt I would get tracks unless i were to sell/trade the PPT for a wheeler... seems the extra axle flotation is traded off for the extra weight... however a dedicated track machine with multiple articulating guide wheels will keep more track on the ground and more evenly distributed ground pressure compared to a non suspension 6 or 8 wheeler. I am planning to use the (EDIT:Passe ParTout) for a working machine with probably a snowplow and maybe a 3 point hitch so I can run my rototiller off it instead on on the lawn tractor.

I do see there are a few 4 seater 6 wheelers like the Max IV... are these a less than stellar compromise between a fun 6er and a working 8er?? or do they work pretty well with that setup??

[Mike]

I think you got it. The only thing I would address is your comment on the 4 person 6x6 being rougher on the rear passengers. That's true in an Argo but the Max IV is the opposite. It is rougher on the front two people since you sit right at the front of the machine and get the extra leverage.

Even though you are looking at an ATV for a work machine, keep in mind that a 6x6 would be fine for what you want to do. (snow plow and tiller)

As for the Max IV, they do work well but getting four full sized adult males in one isn't exactly the most comfortable thing to do. However it will work and we have had four in ours a few times without any problems.

Before you buy anything try to go look at different machines and you will get a better idea of which one suits you.

[soutthpaw]

Opps I made a typo which I fixed above the PPT is gonna do the work, the 6 or 8 wheeler will be for fun and camping with wife and 2 kiddos... Think I am gonna keep a look out for an 8 wheeler if I can find an older one cheap or maybe a Max IV 6 wheeler...

[Robinhood02]

if i may i'll weigh in on this one, up here where i am we use argos and maxs for both work and pleasure , most people are useing 6x6s these days because there is safety in numbers, we NEVER go into the bush alone on one machine ,so if we own one then we must own two or have a buddy with one . Oil companies ,forest services, surveyors and all hunters ,explorers and adventurers use them to access pipelines ,hunting grounds, other remote locations, etc. the area that i live in has a muskeg that is 120 miles long and 70 miles wide ,you do not go in there alone on one machine because you may not come out alive if something breaks down . so here is the deal , if you are going into places like this you need two machines ,Max's range in price from base line $8,500 to a high of $27,000 ,lets go with some upgrades to a bigger motor , front rack and winch on a Max II ,it will run you about $10,000 , a baseline 8x8 argo is about $18,000 to a high of $42,000 ,put a bigger motor and winch and some other basic goodies on it like tail lights and a trailer hitch and your talkin $23,000 well over double that of a similarly equiped Max II , now you say but the argo carries more , i can assure you that it does not carry more than two Max IIs , and you'll get both of them for the price of one 8x8 Argo, when you add in the light weight and agility of a 6 wheeler there is only one choice ,,,,here is a link to a satalite photo of the muskeg