Potential newbee tto Max IV

[SSDaytona]

All,

I am looking to purchase a 2001 Max IV that looks to be in good to very good condition with little use on it. A few questions:

1) I have done some research on pricing, but am curious what you guys think would be a fair price on the buggy considering its age and condition (considered to be in good - very good condition).

2) The current owner indicates that he is on his original set of tires and they still look to have a fair amount of tread with no dry rot. Realistically, how much longer am I going to get out of them?

3) Any local (Houston, Tx) experts on these that I could get to look over with me or potentially a shop that could look it over?

Thanks much,
George.

[Mike]

Probably need to know a little more about it before guessing at a fair price? Motor size, tire size, what options does it have...roll cage, tracks, etc. That can greatly swing the price one way or another. How much longer the tires will last depends on where you will be riding and how much you will be riding. If you are riding in mud a lot I would expect them to dry rot before they wear out. If you have to drive on asphalt for a mile before you get to the trail then I would expect them to wear out more quickly. With normal trail riding if the tires have a good amount of tread I would expect them to last you for years to come.

[Iwantonetoo]

be sure to check sprockets and chains. if the adjustments are close to all the way out you will soon be in need of new chains. check for any metal shavings in the tub, or chewing of the sprockets. also take as many pictures inside and out and post them here on the site. the guys and gals here ar more than helpfull and a picture is worth a million words. if you are buying off line post up link to sellers photos if you cant take pictures of your own. Trust me all answers to your questions are here @ 6x6 world.

[SSDaytona]

Test drive

Test drove vehicle last night. The chains and sprockets were in fairly good condition though they were a little dry. Overall, though, I didn't have any concerns in that department. What I didn't like was the "smoothness" of the turning. It seemed like I almost had to lock out one side to turn the vehicle. Not sure if this is an adjustment issue or normal for these vehicles.

Any folks on the forum that are local to the Houston/Seabrook, Texas area?

Thanks,
George

[thebuggyman1]

Basically....YES. Amphibs skid steer. You apply the brakes to one side while driving the other side wheels in order to turn. The T-20 transmission does a far better job of making sweeping turns than the open differential type trans in most Argos. With them you need to make a series of small turns to get the sweeping turn effect.

[SSDaytona]

Part of my use will be around my property on grass and I am worried about eating up the grass with this, but on the flip side I have some low lying areas on the back that would sure make it fun to play.

[MAX IV Mark]

You may just need to get the feel for it. It's a common mistake for someone new to a max to try to let off the gas and then try to turn. If you keep on the throttle And pull back slightly on 1 stick you can make a sweeping turn.

[jpswift1]

Mark is right on the money with this one. Try taking the springs off the steering laterals. I do this with every Max I own.......and it's odd because Max is the only AATV that has spring loaded steering laterals. This will let you feel the transmission much more and you'll get the hang of making sweeping turns with ease and not having to lock up one side and tear up the grass.

[SSDaytona]

Thanks guys and I agree. 5min with the machine definitely doesn't make me very proficient. Ok, here are specs, let me know what you guys think on price.

1) manufacturer says it's a 2001
2) running 18hp B&S Vangaurd
3) original 6 Goodyear 26x12 tires in good shape, no dry rot and fair amount of tread
4) overall body looks to be in very good shape as does the drive train. Some rust on the chains but not much

No other add ons ever added. Seats in good shape, no tears. New throttle cable and battery as well as a fresh service.

Thanks again for all the guidance,
George

[thebuggyman1]

I would not pay over $4k for it, and $3k would almost be stealing it.
The rust on the chains has me a little concerned. I'm hesitant to run rusty chains for fear of it eating up the sprockets.....rust on the side bars would be OK just not the rollers.

Sorry, nothing can be done about tearing up the grass other than go slow and easy on the turns. Sweeping turns will tear it up a lot less, but are not nearly as fun.

[SSDaytona]

Will probably change out sprockets and chain if I get it as a precaution. I don't think the rollers will rusty but I will look again to make sure.