Argo or Max IV

[Willy49]

I am new to 6X6s and looking at a 97 max IV with tracks and tires for $4500.00
or a 2002 Argo 6x6 with a ton of extras for 5000.00 which one is the better machine?
What the biggest size tire that would fit on them. Thanks for your time.

[Roadtorque]

If your shopping locally why not take them both for a spin to see which set up you like better? Make sure to look the machine over real well. If able, lift the machine and wiggle the tires to check for bearing play. Any idea how many hours each machine has on it?

[Willy49]

max 140 hours argo 220
I just like the look of the argo but i was reading that the maxx is very capable

[jpswift1]

If I were you, I'd go with the Max for sure. Any Max, or any AATV with the Borg Warner T-20 transmission will give you true 6 wheel drive. All 6 wheels spin, except when you turn, you lock one side of the wheels up so it can skid steer. An Argo has an inferior design with their transmission due to the fact that it works as an open differential, meaning not all 6 wheels will spin all the time. When one set of wheels is spinning on an Argo, the other side is not. Plus this open differential set up robs a lot of power and the Argo will not be able to skid steer easily in high range. The Borg Warner T-20 is a tried and true design that holds up to a lot of horsepower and lasts a VERY, VERY long time. If something ever does break on it, parts are much easier, and cheaper to obtain than for the T-20 compared to an Argo transmission. I've owned and drove many AATVs and I'd highly recommend the Max over the Argo any day. Plus the Max will be easier to learn how to drive and it's more forgiving than the Argo.

[Willy49]

Thanks for the info I think the max is in great shape. Can I attach a small boat motor to it?

[msafi65]

I tell all my friends with track rigs to at least carry a canoe paddle. I can steer my MAX in water but move faster with a paddle. U

[jpswift1]

I tell all my friends with track rigs to at least carry a canoe paddle. I can steer my MAX in water but move faster with a paddle. U

+1 on that!

[vader8x8]

I think jp swift drove many aatv's except an Argo. All six wheels do spin at the same time in an Argo. If they didn't we'd all be driving in circles. Buy what YOU like better. They are both excellent machines. It's like Ford and Chevy.( Argo and Ford are better) Better yet, compare the Max and Argo 8 wheelers. Oh never mind, Max doesn't make 8 wheelers.

[Willy49]

It has a extra set of tires for water and land use.
About how fast would it go in water with tires?

[vader8x8]

It depends on the tires. I have 24" frontier tires which are excellent in water for speed and control. The machine does 5 mph by my gps on calm flat water with these tires. I have a 9 hp outboard also for wider water crossings and going fishing. It's been said here before nobody buys an 8 wheeler and wishes they bought a 6, but lots of people buy a 6 and wish they bought an 8. It all depends on what your going to do with it. Don't listen to the tight trail stuff. I ride my 8x8 everywhere and I haul my wife and two kids with me. Along with a lot of gear. a max IV has very limited room. There is NOTHING about an Argo tranny vs Max to make it a decision maker. Also how is a Max easier to drive or learn on? It's the same principle. And I can drive with one hand, at all times. Can you JP? In any of your T-20's?

[Mike]

Let's not start a war over transmissions. It has been discussed every few months here on the site, so use the search and see the differences between the two. Yes, the Argo transmission operates like an open differential giving power to the side with the least resistance so there are some instances where power is not applied to all six wheels. This can sometimes be tricky for someone new to Argos but the downfall can be overcome by braking and that can be learned within the first few hours of operation. The Max does have true six wheel drive since the T20 acts as two separate transmissions in one. Neither side affects the other at all. It will also take a couple of hours to master.

Again, both machines and their transmission's capabilities ultimately depend on the capabilities of the driver. Learn how to drive either one and they are both great machines. Really, riding with Argos and Maxs for several years, the thing that makes the most noticeable difference is the weight distribution with the engine in the front vs. the engine in the back. There are some mud holes that Argos come out of and Maxs don't and some that Maxs come right out of that Argos don't.

And yes, you can operate a T20 with one hand. It is particularly easy if you do not have the springs installed to give you backpressure on the sticks.

[Mike]

I'm closing this thread since it's obvious that nothing good is going to come from this.

To the original poster, both machines are great. Go drive both and decide for yourself. Read the hundreds of threads on this site about each one if you want to see how people use them and what the pros and cons are to each one.

Ultimately, you will mainly get opinions when you ask a question like this because it is like asking "Which is better, Chevrolet or Ford" but for anyone that has ridden with or driven both (max and argo), there isn't a distinct enough advantage to either to sway your decision either way. It will ultimately come down to personal preference.