Max IV is 16 HP B&S motor enough?

[MichMan84]

Im in the process of trying to find a Max IV to use at my property up north. I will be using the machine mostly for plowing snow, taking up to 4 people out into the woods (in deeper snow) and driving through small ponds and swamps in the summer months. Do you think the 16HP B&S motor is enough to do what i want, or should I be exclusively looking for the bigger motor?

[MaxRules]

No the 16hp is not enough for the 26" tires, tracks, or to haul 4 people. On top of that, the 16hp is the base model is typically does not have solid axles and o-ring chains. The 20hp Kohler is the minimum I like to run in the Max IV. It's a great running engine and has good power. You will need tracks for anything over 10" of so, depending on type (wet/dry) of snow.

[MichMan84]

No the 16hp is not enough for the 26" tires, tracks, or to haul 4 people. On top of that, the 16hp is the base model is typically does not have solid axles and o-ring chains. The 20hp Kohler is the minimum I like to run in the Max IV. It's a great running engine and has good power. You will need tracks for anything over 10" of so, depending on type (wet/dry) of snow.

Thanks for the good info. I am looking at a few machines right now but all the good ones are pretty far from me. I found one around me that says it has an 18 HP B&S motor but I wasn't even sure if they made an 18HP B&S, and another from a bit further away that says it has a 22HP B&S. Do you think either of these motors would do what I need them for?

[akranger72]

MichMan84 you could always upgrade. When I purchased my first Max IV I sold the 20hp Kohler that came in it and upgraded to a 23hp B&S vanguard. I bought the vanguard off ebay for $1000 and had it shipped for under $100. Nice power in the 23hp vanguard plenty for anything you might want to do with a Max IV. Plus you can buy the stub shaft kit for the vanguard like I did and custom install a denso alternator to keep your battery charged and also purchase an hour meter so you can perform engine maintenance at the proper hours of use. Just a thought and good luck with your purchase.

[jpswift1]

Thanks for the good info. I am looking at a few machines right now but all the good ones are pretty far from me. I found one around me that says it has an 18 HP B&S motor but I wasn't even sure if they made an 18HP B&S, and another from a bit further away that says it has a 22HP B&S. Do you think either of these motors would do what I need them for?

I can help clear this all up for you. The Briggs Vanguards come in 12.5 (very early ones) 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 23HP versions and most of these are the most commonly seen ones in 6 wheelers, yes, there are big blocks like 31 and 35HP for example, but those aren't usually found in many machines out there. The 16HP will move a Max IV with 26's, but to do it well it would need to have a red driven clutch spring. There was never a 22HP Vanguard offered, so I suspect it's a seller that is giving you incorrect information because they might not know the machine all that well. I'd say you should go with a 20HP Kohler Command V twin or higher for what you're looking to do. But like AKranger said, the 23HP Briggs Vanguard is a GREAT motor. I have it in my Hustler 980 BIGFOOT and it turns 6 26x13x12 Vampire ASX tires without a problem and it climbs hills without hesitation with 4 adults in it. I absolutely love it, and it has tons of power.

[akranger72]

MichMan84 what is your status? Keep us in the loop as to what you ended up with?

[Tomo]

hi
there is a 22hp vanguard although i have to check the cubic inchs from memory it is a 23hp... with out... the twin barrel carburettor . Uncommon size agreed .. Fitted to a friends argo .

tomo