Old Max IV Restoration

[jpswift1]

Here is a Max IV (1981) that my friend and I restored during the Summer of 2006. This was the first machine that I ever took in the Erie Canal which started the Canal Fest rides. The Max got a complete rebuild and the 440cc two stroke was an Arctic Cat Spirit 5000, then a 440cc CCW shortly after. We sold it and the new owner went to RI and installed a 25HP Kohler. I could never get over how big the thing was since every machine that I had owned up to that point had been a two seater Max or Attex. Im happy that it has a good home.

Max IV.jpg

Max IV 2.jpg

[Mike]

Awesome Jeff. I had seen that picture of it finished before but never dreamed it started out looking like that. It looks like a whole new machine. Great work

[jpswift1]

Thanks Mike, its not a monster with those 26" shoes like yours but it was a fun machine. That two stroke 440cc engine in there could make that machine get squirly and lift up on 3 wheels when you took a turn hard.

[boncrshr]

Looks great JP...what a difference!

BTW, I have never seen a Max IV in person, how do they compare size-wise to a regular/"smallfoot" Hustler?

[jpswift1]

Thanks! They are very similar in size to a Max IV except they are a tad bit smaller just by a couple inches in length I believe. They drive a lot different than the Hustler because they have a higher center of gravity because the engine is mounted on a stand above the T-20. Also, you sit right over the front wheels on these machines. In my opinion the Hustler can be controlled easier than a Max IV because of its design.

[boncrshr]

That's kinda weird to put the motor on top?? Didn't expect that...prolly makes maintenance a little easier, but it does seem like it would raise the center of gravity.

Is sitting over the front wheels an advantage since it counterbalances the weight of the trans/motor?

[Roger S]

Yes it raises the center of gravity more than I would want, but allows a 4 seater vehicle in a shorter overall length.

[boncrshr]

Yes it raises the center of gravity more than I would want, but allows a 4 seater vehicle in a shorter overall length.

Makes sense...plus, I envy how easy your oil changes must be!