Adair tracked Argo 8x8 vs. Max II in the snow

[Bud]

We got a measured 19 inches of snow here, with a 40 mph wind piling up drifts to 4+ feet.

Our Max II with 22" Rawhide IIIs can run in up to about 10-12" of snow. When we pulled it out of the barn it high centered and got stuck after traveling less than 5 feet.

The Argo 8x8 Frontier with Adair tracks did not miss a step. We tried to get it stuck, but it has enough flotation with the Adair tracks that it never even came close. I climbed a plowed drift with a sheer 3 foot face and a 5 foot pinnacle without problem, and through 4-5 foot drifts.

I am very surprised at the snow performance of this machine.

The only gripes that I have is it is a bear to start, and the tracks throw the powdery snow up and the wind blows it all over the driver and the interior of the machine.

[mudbug3]

Bud


The floatation of the Adair open track design is impressive , since they were,nt originally designed for snow use , and most people , including myseld , bought them for driving in mud and swamp conditions.

[vader8x8]

"The only gripes that I have is it is a bear to start"

I was having the same problem with my 2010 frontier 8x8 until I read on a post here "choke on, twist throttle fully two times then hold it about 1/8 open and turn the key. It fires right up every time. My tax refund will be used for adair tracks. I can't wait.

[jpswift1]

Comparing your machine to a Max II without tracks is like comparing apples to oranges. Any machine with tracks will do better than a rig with tires.......it's simple science, exerted PSI is going to be less, therefore it won't sink down as much.

As far as your cold starting goes, consult your engine owner's manual for what weight oil to use in colder temps and it should crank over easier. For example, 10 weight oil would be better for running in the cold because it's thinner and when it warms back up later in the season you could switch it over to 30 weight.

[Noel Woods]

A tracked vehicle will always have the advantage of additional traction.
I agree with JP that the starting problem may relate to oil weight. It could also be a spark plug problem. Some plugs are hotter than others and may do better under certain conditions. The problem may also be a carb issue. Bottom line start with the easy to fix issues, then keep going until the problem is solved.

[JoeMeg]

"The only gripes that I have is it is a bear to start"

I was having the same problem with my 2010 frontier 8x8 until I read on a post here "choke on, twist throttle fully two times then hold it about 1/8 open and turn the key. It fires right up every time. My tax refund will be used for adair tracks. I can't wait.

That is precisly how I cold start the 20 hp Kaw in my 2001 conquest,works quite well.

Joe.

[MaxRules]

All the tracked amphibs go very well in the snow. We have at least 15" to 20" here in central MO. I plowed some of the driveway with my Max II (tires only) but there is a layer of ice over the gravel and that makes it really difficult to get anything done.

I got a chance to run a Frontier 6x6 back in December 2006 when we got 12" of snow. It was easily the best amphib in the snow, competing against a Conquest 8x8, Max II, and Max IV. These three vehicles could barely go anywhere but the Frontier was like a snowmobile. It went through the field where I measured snow 20"+, as well as up hills in the woods. It must be the Argo tires and lower body design that allowed it to go so good. I wish I had one today!

[mudbug3]

MaxRules


I you ever have the chance to drive one of the new Argo Frontiers with the steering transmission in it you,ll be even more impressed.

[Bud]

Hey, Brandon: How did that Max II do pushing the snow? I have been considering something like that after the way today went.

My 8n would not start, and I wished that I would have had a blade for one of AATVs.

[Obsessed]

we got some of the same snow up here and we spent most of the day cleaning it up.....got to luv it:-)
Another trick that works well for me is to pull the choke full on (out almost 2") then simply open the throtle full on and as you turn the key and start cranking, slowly back off of the throtle and you'll see that it will fire when you hit about 1/3 throtle...once it is running slowly back the choke off and let it run on half choke while it is warmimg up...all of the briggs motors seem to be a little cold blooded and since about 04 or 05 (as close as I can tell) came with fixed jets and can no longer be adjusted for temp changes by simply turning the air/fuel mix screws...your machine was filled with 10w30 on the first fill and that covers a pretty wide range of temps...if it is cranking over slowly then 5w30 might help durring the really cold months...

Luv the snow!

[mightymaxIV]

we got some of the same snow up here and we spent most of the day cleaning it up.....got to luv it:-)
Another trick that works well for me is to pull the choke full on (out almost 2") then simply open the throtle full on and as you turn the key and start cranking, slowly back off of the throtle and you'll see that it will fire when you hit about 1/3 throtle...once it is running slowly back the choke off and let it run on half choke while it is warmimg up...all of the briggs motors seem to be a little cold blooded and since about 04 or 05 (as close as I can tell) came with fixed jets and can no longer be adjusted for temp changes by simply turning the air/fuel mix screws...your machine was filled with 10w30 on the first fill and that covers a pretty wide range of temps...if it is cranking over slowly then 5w30 might help durring the really cold months...

Luv the snow!

This is the exact starting procedure I use and I have started the machine in some pretty cold weather and it fires every time. It's also the same procedure I use for my 27 horse Kawasaki engine in my MaxIV. The Kawasaki engine requires a chock even when the engine has been running and is warm.

[awesomepossum66]

Tracks on the Max would be fun ...i just don't have the funds to get them yet

[Obsessed]

Actually...when I rethink the carb change..it was the 18hp that I first noticed the change to a fixed jet carb...but I know my 07 650 6x6 frontier still had adjustable air/fuel mix screws, so the 23 hp motor has just been changed in the past year or two...

[Bud]

Thanks for all of the starting tips.

As far as the tracks, I had seen posts speculating that the Adair track design would not do well in snow. That was not a big issue for me, as I got them for mud and water travel in the duck marsh. Their adept snow abilities are now an added bonus.

[radar]

It is my belief Adair makes a track just for the snow. Does anyone know if this is true or not? Are you guys just running the 14 inch track or something a little wider?