Dear Recreative Industries this is my wish list for you

[micmac]

Dear Recreative Industries,

We'd like to submit for your consideration, a wish list of improvements for the Max line. This list was developed through a forum of Amphib enthusiasts. I love the Max line with the T-20 drive system and hope to see it evolve / continue for the foreseeable future. I realize all things involved with business, tooling, RD etc can make change difficult, However I feel RI is getting left behind by competitors currently in the market. I also understand the improvements RI has made over the last decade but feel that they aren't enough to keep pace with your competitors. So it's time to "step it up" Recreatives and make the Max the best Amphib on the market today.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Move the T-20 on the Max IV out from beneath the engine stand and place it under the rear seat making it easier to access.

2. Make a deeper tub available for both the Max IV and II to accommodate larger tires AND tracks.

3. Develop your own "in house" swimming tire selection available in different sizes.

4. Make a swimming track system available.

5. Hydraulic emergency / parking brake system moving the rotors to the center axle. Make the system a hand brake which may require a handlebar type system rather than a straight lateral.

6. Lower the engine down into the tub for a Max IV allowing for a lower CG. Possible because the T-20 moving forward.

7. Offer different options for sprocket gearing.

8. Develop a Low range system for the T-20

9. Provide an Alternator kit for all models to run a full Automotive type alternator.

10. Place into production a 8X8 Max with more cargo capability then currently available on the Max IV

11. Include under-seat storage for all models

12. Look at competitor bearing extension and support and develop a comparable system. Rather than the Ad Hoc system currently offered by RI

13. Old fashion bearing / flange system needs updating. Look at some suggestions for a heavy duty ultimate type bearing

14. Incorporate a 2" receiver hitch system.

15. Full and complete skid plate system.



Most of the above improvements / modifications have already been accomplished by hobbyists working out of personal garages with simple tools.

Thank you for your taking the time to review and consider this list.


Your Loyal Customers

[micmac]

I was brainstorming today and thought I'd post this up to have everyone add / subtract to the list. I would like to avoid getting into a "reason why they won't / can't" debate. Instead lets make it a wish list of realistic stuff we'd like to see. This is probably just an exercise but maybe RI will read our posts and add to the Max line. So throw out your thought...

Mike

[racerone3]

These apply to the Max II.

Get rid of the jackshaft

Make enough of the engine cover/ cargo area removable to be be able to lube/ adjust chains without having to open the body.

Make different height laterals available. (I just built a set 6" taller for my wifes machine, and it is WAY more comfortable)

Redesign floor pan with "foot rests" in several locations. The current design is great for me at 6'6" as I just brace my feet against the front of the tub, but my wife at 5'4" can't even reach the parking brake when buckled in, much less the front of the tub.

[Robinhood02]

I think the single largest improvement to keep up with competitors would be up-gradeing to #60 chain, easy in the buffalo and Max IV (i have done it), but needs tub redesign on the Max II
I too would prefur to see a parking brake lever not the foot peddle
the easy way to change the sproket gearing is on the jack-shaft but you have to raise the jack-shaft all the way to the top in it's adjusters to get the room required
PS I heard there is a new machine comming out next year, being produced in Calgary, some sort of direct competitor to Argo, not hydrostatic, about the same size, i don't have many details but will find out if anyone is interested

[Stonewall]

I don't own a Max, but how about getting rid of the belt drive? Maybe using something similar to a hydraulic torque converter like our cars and trucks have.

[amphibious drew]

I want a springer from the factory with an engine cover that is removable without taking of the upper body. Maybe even a few different options of upper bodies;sport, utility, lowrider, with appropriate accesories: race roll cage, cargo racks, subwoofer. Ok maybe i could do without a lowrider max VIII with a system, but you get the point.

[Uncle Vin]

"Provide an Alternator kit for all models to run a full Automotive type alternator". Amen. If not a springer, then how about suspension seating to make the ride more tolerable?

[duckhunt81]

2. Make a deeper tub available for both the Max IV and II to accommodate larger tires AND tracks.

3. Develop your own "in house" swimming tire selection available in different sizes.

Or a different rim size. I mean the 8" wheel was standard in the 70's & 80's. But tires now a days are very limited for a 8" wheel.

[thebuggyman1]

"8. Develop a Low range system for the T-20" I think more H.P. would cure this......How about something like syncro's for easier shifting.

[smog]

for the record : I own a 2008 max IV with a B&S bandolero engineand Argo super tracks

and my previous machine was a Argo 8x8.

reusing micmac's list :

1. Move the T-20 on the Max IV out from beneath the engine stand and place it under the rear seat making it easier to access.

2. Make a deeper tub available for both the Max IV and II to accommodate larger tires AND tracks.

6. Lower the engine down into the tub for a Max IV allowing for a lower CG. Possible because the T-20 moving forward.

7. Offer different options for sprocket gearing.

9. Provide an Alternator kit for all models to run a full Automotive type alternator.

11. Include under-seat storage for all models

12. Look at competitor bearing extension and support and develop a comparable system. Rather than the Ad Hoc system currently offered by RI

14. Incorporate a 2" receiver hitch system.

[Eldon]

The Max has always been my favorite though granted competitors have been evolving faster.I would like to offer a suggestion that rather than overwhelm RI with a wish list as long as a wet Sunday and scare them to death with our wants,why not use the experience and wisdom of this forum to between us prioritize a couple of the very most important items and see how that goes.I don't believe any manufacturer will even entertain any suggestions from an enormous list.Remember no manufacturer builds things for any individual just for larger cross-sectional groups. IMHO only.

[jerseybigfoot]

You can continue the thread by showing the mods that have been worked out already.
Hydraulic handbrake. Full Skidplate and Argo type axle seals

[Toynut]

Personally, I would like to you to add some sort of effective cabin heat and windshield defrost system, or, at the very least, electrically heated controls and seat cushions.
Max Iv should have a folding 2 piece windshield (or at least one that is easily removable) for summer riding or when you want to fish from the vehicle.
A Max IV should be able to seat 4 people in the cab, not three. Move or reconfigure the laterals to one side of the vehicle (perhaps with Argo-like controls), consider offering front bucket suspension seats as an upgrade instead of your sole current bench layout.

[greg pinson]

Relocating the T20 on the MaxIV shouldn't be a problem, couldn't they just put a MaxIV body on top of a Buffalo lower tub?
Handbrake replacing foot brake is a no-brainer.
High/low range T20

[Bw6]

Not trying to put pressure on RI, but heard recently that Argo was planning to introduce 6 improvements per year on their lineup.