Nice to meet you, doing some research

[icymudpuppy]

I'm still not getting it. There are two handles. One of them has a throttle control on it, correct? The handle on the left moves what ways, and does what? The handle on the right moves what ways and does what?

What happens when I push the left handle forward, back, left, or right?

What happens when I push the right handle forward, back, left, or right?

The squeeze handle is the throttle and operates like a thumb throttle on a quad in that the more you squeeze it, the faster you'll go?

[hydromike]

There are four handles total on a new Max IV, I believe.

The two tall center sticks are steering. Right stick forward is engage right side. Left stick forward is engage left side. Pull back on either one to brake that side.
The right-most (shorter) stick is for shifting the transmission into forward, neutral and reverse.
The left-most (shorter) stick is the parking brake. Pull to engage. I'm not sure if the newest MaxIVs have this or not.

The throttle on the right tall stick acts exactly as you say. Squeeze it to go faster.
Faster it good.

~m

[racerone3]

in stock configuration, you will either put the trans in forward or reverse. pushing the laterals forward (with the machine in forward) will make you go forward. pulling them back will make you stop.

in reverse, pulling back on the laterals will make you go backward and pushing them forward will make you stop. you can modify the shift linkage to where it will allow one side to be in forward while the other is in reverse.

to make a right turn in forward, you push the left stick forward (causing the left side tires to spin forward) and pull back on the right stick (causing the right side tires to slow, or stop). in the case of a stock machine, pulling the stick back will not cause the tires on that side to turn backward

[Tom]

From what I understand,it is as hydromike says.The long ones do not go left-right.Just towards you or away from you.On Maxs,they are spring loaded forward position.Give it a shot of fuel and you start moving straight forward until you pull back on stick(L-R control) to make a turn,or both sticks back to stop.For reverse it's opposite,you have to pull the stick back to you to move.Brakes in reverse= push both controls forward.

[RKlingborg]

my 07 Argo Fronter has a T bar like the M1, I think the Max uses sticks more like a M113. and no the Max and normal Argos do a zero point turn not a neutral stear like the tank. so they slide to one side or the other.

[icymudpuppy]

From what I understand,it is as hydromike says.The long ones do not go left-right.Just towards you or away from you.On Maxs,they are spring loaded forward position.Give it a shot of fuel and you start moving straight forward until you pull back on stick(L-R control) to make a turn,or both sticks back to stop.For reverse it's opposite,you have to pull the stick back to you to move.Brakes in reverse= push both controls forward.

So, on the maxs the sharpness of your turn is dependent upon how much brake you apply, not by how much throttle or forward thrust you exert as the rest position is full forward engagement on both L&R sides?

my 07 Argo Fronter has a T bar like the M1, I think the Max uses sticks more like a M113. and no the Max and normal Argos do a zero point turn not a neutral stear like the tank. so they slide to one side or the other.

Roger, unless you do the dual shift adjustment on the Max. I like neutral steer, but its not really convenient even with the modifications on the Max, and not even an option on the Argo, so I guess I'll just do without.

Haven't decided yet what kind I'll get. Any recommendations? I like the capacity on Argo 8x8s. Lots of storage and personnel room on those. Also, the controls off center are more normalized for front seat passengers. Max is cheaper and Made in USA. Decisions Decisions...

[Dirty Harry]

You don't have to push the sticks forward on newer Maxes. The T-20 is slightly different in that respect compared to older models & older (defunct) makes. With the tranny shifted into the FORWARD gear, the machine will begin to move forward just by squeezing on the throttle lever - the more you squeeze the throttle, the faster you go. Pull either stick back about halfway to disengage that side and being a gradual turn; pulling that stick back further will begin to apply braking pressure to that half of the transmission and the harder you pull back, the sharper & tighter your turn will be. The parking brake is just that; it has a lock (the red plastic-covered "tongue" tab above the foot pedal) so it is not a good idea to use it for manuvering because you'll likely forget you applied it and end up driving around with it left on, possibly damaging the tranny (unlikely) or burning off your brake pads' lining (very likely). Don't ask me how I know that! LOL

There is a learning curve on these machines, but it's not a long one and not that all that tricky really. It just takes a couple of hours and soon you'll be plently competent behind the sticks. The more you drive it, the easier it will be to put it through its paces. These little amphibs are very impressive machines for their size and power - especialy considering their relative mechanical simplicity.

[icymudpuppy]

Thanks for the help guys.

I went to an Argo dealer today to get a look at some machines. No Max's close by. I also found a good lead on a used machine on Craigslist, and have asked a friend of mine to scope it for me who lives in that area.

If I land the job and end up buying a machine, I promise I'll post some 6x6 trapping photos.

-Jack