New to forum,and thinking about getting one of these?

[ProfitOfDoom]

Well I went to a paintball outing this past weekend,and a few of these people make some custom tops for these 6x6 things to make it look like a tank,I was blown away on how cool these things are
I heard of them before,and seen soem pics but never seen one in action,I couldnt stop thinking about one ever since. But I just bought a boat a couple of months ago,so the wife will lose her mind if I get one of these now.
But as I looked around I seen a few from the 70's one on ebay looks like it would go for under 2k,and one locally selling for $600 "claims all it needs is new chains and some tlc" But my questions are if I do decide to get a older one,are parts still available,whats the cost of of fixing these up,are they rugged or do they tend to break alot?
The $600 looks to be a ok fixer up,but I know how that goes,$600 now and a couple grand down the road and it will be decent,if thats the case I will just save up and maybe get a decent one next year.
Any info you can give me as far as parts avaiability,ease of repair,maintenence or anything Ineed to know before buying one,I would appreciate it,Thanks

[MarshallEpp]

profit some models are still being made and most parts are interchangeable. from re-creative industries and argo. also the web site route 6x6 can sell you just about any parts you would need also this web site has parts and more information than any place on the web my two cents worth.

[ProfitOfDoom]

What does a set of chains cost,I looked at that route6x6 but they dont mention prices. The one im looking at is a 70's era Amphicat as far as the guy says its all in good working order,but needs new chains. He said it has a sacks engine in great shape as well as tranny. He's asking $600 for it,but I find it pretty hard all I need is a set of chains,im sure there are going to be a lot of little things that add up. Can anyone give me a realistic rundown on what I would need to check or possible replace "cost".
I guess its possible that a set of chains would get me going,doesnt look like there is much to these,they have a lawn mower type engine/tranny,axles and chains,Is that about all?

[jpswift1]

Just a suggestion if you want to save money and get this machine put together without getting soaked on mediocre quality parts, avoid Route6x6. Many people have had bad experiences with them. You can get chain just about anywhere online, ebay, or at any industrial supply store. I always go through Buffalo Bearing because they have the best quality bearings (and chain and other parts that you can use on an AATV driveline) at low prices. Their number is (716) 874-1720. Many 6x6World members go through them for parts. I believe an Amphicat uses #40 chain, which wouldn't be very expensive to replace.

Also, here's the 6x6World AATV buyer's guide that gives you a checklist of things to look for when buying a used AATV. This will be a huge help for you.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/342-used-atv-buyer-s-guide.html

[lewis]

I tell this to many new members and i don't want to offend anyone,.....but if you can....i would shoot for a newer model. Just my two cents. The newer model have hydraulic brakes upgraded axles, this model may or may not have pinned axles and i don't know of anyone that is happy with that type arrangement. Older parts are harder to find, new axles and other parts are not.

Not knocking anyone's machine by any means but this is just the way i look at it. My two cents.

[savage 40]

I second what Lewis says.. Been there and done that... I'm pretty mechanically inclined but if you want to have a good time fromthe get- go and make the family happy and proud , get a later machine.. She will then give you hell over "always workin' on that thing!" Sorry guys no offense.... My wife hated the 2 stroke smell of my Attex... I really liked that machine but she wouldn't even ride in it. And constantly have to wrench on it changing bearings and stuff took the fun out of it.. I got a later model low hour max2 (4 stroke) and now mama goes for a ride anytime the grand kid tells her to! ... The older machine makes a nice second machine in my opinion... Just hop in the max and go... No mixing gas, no smell, no greasey hands, etc... Good luck and when you do get one you won't believe how fun these really are! And you will see first hand that people must giggle and smile whenever they ride in one of these! A later model nice max can be had for anywhere from $2,000-$3,000 and if yer lucky like me .... Cheaper than 2k

[ProfitOfDoom]

I think I will take your advice and hold off till fall and then look to see whats available. In your opinions what is the best one to get as far as easiest to get parts for,ease of maintanence etc. Also what year machine am I looking at in a under 3k budget? Thanks guys for the good advice,Im looking forward to go out in the snow with these,Speaking of snow do all of these take a plow,or only some models accept plows?

[savage 40]

I've seen clean 96/97 max2's on eBay sell for $2800 buy it now.... I got a 2002 model for some keen horse trading and a little cash ..($700 and a radio controlled heli = eBay valued at $700) so that amounts to $1400