Max reliability?

[chapy]

As you may know, I am looking for an aatv again and would like some insight. I know most of the replies will be opinions and that is good. I had an argo Bigfoot before and now im looking at the max ii and iv's but I don't know much about them. are they easy to work on? Are the old style axels difficult to change over to the new splined axels? In the central New York area there are plenty of max aatvs for sale but almost no argos. So max it is! Any other goods and bads I should know about?

[amphibious drew]

Member z240 has a bunch of max Iv splined axles you could buy much cheaper than anywhere else. There is an upgrade to the t-20 mount in the IV's that was added in 2008 and you can get an upgrade kit to add the supports to the older machines as well. The II's and IV's are both very reliable machines that are relatively easy to service and maintain. I would look for a clean stock machine or a project machine unless you can find one a trusted forum member has owned and serviced. I have purchased machines that would run and drive but had issues the seller was unaware of due to their lack of knowledge or maybe honesty about the units. I basically figure new bearings are almost always going to be required during an initial service and possibly chain if the adjustments have been used up. There were several different max II frames over the years as well. The added supports and stiffened them up. I would personally look for one that at least initially came with a 4 stroke.

[jacobsrf]

My max is tough as nails. They are easy to work on just need to follow the procedures and forum can supply that. I like the old round axials because I can make them in my shop just need to stay on top of loose axle bolts. The only draw back is no low gear and for hauling heavy loads that put stress on unit.


Jake

[ARGOJIM]

The Max is a different beast from the Argo, the II's are very nimble and fun but wouldn't want to work one to hard. I don't have much on the IV's but people seem to love them and swim as well as the Bigfoot. It will take a while to get used to their little things you have to do like the t-20 shuffle, the ground clearance is lower on a 2 but both sides always drive which is good if you're easy on the throttle and bad if you're not(in some situations).
Since you're up there, there are plenty, member coop has a project for sale that is a fair deal and basically an assemble, buy tires, ride deal as all parts he has are new or rebuilt. There are also a few on c/l up there just check what you are getting as everyone's idea of rebuilt or ready to ride is different. My idea of ready to ride is "will last the season at least", now my season used to consist of about 150 hours a year and has shortened to about 60-75, some peoples season is 20 minutes once a month, big difference.

The Max's should be much cheaper that way as they are plentiful.
Good luck on your hunt, Drew and JP are good fellas to know if you're looking as they know where they all are , approximate years and how much they are. Both are knowledgeable and nice to deal with. edit

[chapy]

Im definitely looking forward to learning a new machine! Im glad to hear that they are decent overall. What is the t-20 shuffle? How different is the t-20 from the argo trans? Do they drive different?

[amphibious drew]

The t-20 shuffle is when you shake back and forth to line up the gears when shifting f-n-r. Your trying to slip it in gear rather than jam it in.

[chapy]

The t-20 shuffle is when you shake back and forth to line up the gears when shifting f-n-r. Your trying to slip it in gear rather than jam it in.

Ahh yes! Kinda what I figured.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I'm new to Max aatvs, too, having bought my first from AkRanger (Eric) and the shuffle is occasional but annoying. I can live with it though.

[BadBradII]

My Max IV is the one Eric owned before yours rusty-gunn. The shuffle sucks the most when you are on a steep grade or incline. The Max IV's are pretty stout little machines and all my buddies that have 4wheelers are impressed. My max sits almost perfectly level in the water and that in my opinion is better than the argo's nose down approach.

[Dozerlarry]

My motto for my Max 4 is "ride a little, grease and oil a little". It's been reliable but I keep it well serviced.

[chapy]

My max sits almost perfectly level in the water and that in my opinion is better than the argo's nose down approach.

I ran into problems more than once with my argo Bigfoot trying to get out of the water. Besides that, it was a pretty reliable toy. Not crazy about the leg room in it either. Are the max iv better for leg room? Im 6'3 so leg room is an issue for sure

[Noel Woods]

I ran into problems more than once with my argo Bigfoot trying to get out of the water. Besides that, it was a pretty reliable toy. Not crazy about the leg room in it either. Are the max iv better for leg room? Im 6'3 so leg room is an issue for sure

I'm 6'4" 220 pounds, the Max 2 has the most legroom of any production amphib, I also have a Max4, 2 Argos, Swamp Fox and a Coot. All are great machines, but the Max2 is the most sporty, it won't carry much gear, but they are fine little machines, The tan Max2 in my gallery has 25" tires and Mudd Ox wheels which is an unbeatable combo. The Max4s have the stock driver's seat well forward which makes for not much legroom, the good news is that the seat just has 4 bolts that will remove the thing then you can move it back for more legroom. Either Max performs well with 18hp and up.

[Eldon]

Here in Eastern Canada there are virtually no Max , only Argo. Though I did find a good Max. It has been a good machine and I have really enjoyed it. This my opinion only : I believe the Argo is a physically more rugged machine and the hi-low range transmission has many advantages. In my region there are Argo dealers but no Max dealers. None of them are really easy to work on as they have "the machinery mounted in a boat" but in time experience overcomes. Like any machine every different one built will have some advantage over others and disadvantage with some. The newer the better as any improvement that reduces the maintenance is important, if the amphibian required no maintenance to speak of they wouldn't be able to sell a quad. The amphibians need maintenance and adjustment/tuning. Buy one as close to new as possible as items such as bearings,axles,sprockets,chains and tires when based on six axles and tires (not to mention 8x8's) can really add up fast .