Front-mounted VS mid-mounted engines: which has the better ride?

[BluNosDav]

For those who have ridden both . . . .

Is it more comfortable to drive an AATV from behind the motor, or in front of it?

Any performance advantages with either design?

Does engine location matter to the passengers in the back?

What about noise issues?

Thanx, Dave.

[BluNosDav]

70 viewers of this thread without a single reply. Oh well, maybe too much turkey & shopping?

[thebuggyman1]

Welcome to the site Dave. I assume you are looking at buying your first AATV? The best responce I can come up with is: you are asking the wrong questions.
If you are looking for ride quality....Tires,air pressure, and the rims that allow the low pressure make up the vast majority of ride quality. The seat makes up nearly all the rest.
What is your budget? The new Argo HDI has a suspension seat as a factory option, and the new argo tires are supposed to have a very nice ride. BUT it will cost you $20k give or take. If your budget is low and you are looking at older machines...customise it with your own seat and soft riding tires.
As for performance.....In mud? in water? dry land? speed? What are you looking to do with your machine? Each machine has advantages and drawbacks. A short wheelbase machine like a maxII will dodge trees better than a 8x8, but could never carry a moose out of the bush.
Engine, transmission, tires,and especially DRIVER SKILL will determine performance far more than engine location.
I have heard people complain about the front exhaust in an Argo, but it really doesn't seem to bother most people. As for noise...stay away from 2 strokes, and they are all fairly quiet
Best advice I can give is to show up at a group ride and check out all the different machines....drive a few, ride in the rest, and kick the tires of every one, to see what YOU prefer.
The more you are around the machines, the better idea you will have of the right questions to ask, to find the right machine for you.
OR, my current theory....buy one of everything.

[mustangwagz]

buy one of everything.

amen!

[BluNosDav]

Thanx Buggy,
My local Argo dealer has warned me away from the suspension seats. They are set so close together that two big guys would not fit well.
My performance comparison question was for similar 8x8 vehicles used for hunting and hauling in Alaska. Not interested in trying to get stuck for fun.
I want reliable transportation to take my family way out into the bush where few others can go, and as comfortably as possible.
I've read that bead-lock rims allow lower air pressure? Anyway, back to the comparison of engine locations . . .

[thebuggyman1]

So basicly you are looking at a new Avenger or a Mudd-ox. They are both great machines and I don't think you can go wrong with either one. The Mudd-ox is quite a bit heavier, but how can you go wrong with a Kubota diesel? The Mudd-ox probably makes more noise because of the hydraulic drive (and diesel option). I've riden in the mudd-ox and driven the Avenger.....they both seemed to ride fine, but I wasn't really looking to compare either. I think the Avenger swims better, but that is probably due to tires.
You should look at the Adair tracks....they seem AWSOME.
The second video here is a Mudd-ox swimming: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/trail...july-11th.html
There's video here of the Mudd-ox with Adair tracks: Adair Argo Sales

[msafi65]

Traveling in the swamps in Alaska can be very slow at times. I have been ill from exhaust in a older Argo. New ones are better although I still prefer the engine behind me. The HDI Argo is the only one I would purchase as the drivability is so much better than the standard transmission. If you can drive several types before making up your mind.

[liflod]

Not interested in trying to get stuck for fun.

Getting stuck for fun is the safe way of testing your machines limits.