Max IV vs Coot

[tonyk72]

How much more or less maintenance is a Coot (assuming 4WD and 4WS) vs a Max IV? I'm really staring to get sick of working on my Max. It seems as if I'm constantly dealing with tire/rim issues, transmission issues and always finding items to adjust. Frankly, I'm getting sick of working on the Max because it's a PITA. I go riding in some very rough and rocky terrain (usually with another passenger or two) and I think that causes a lot of the problems. I recently saw a Coot on CL for $800 and it got me thinking about getting one of these. Unfortunately, it was sold in less than 3 hours of me replying to the ad.

I realize all machines need maintenance, but is a Coot easier and/or simpler to work on than a Max IV?
And what would I be losing or gaining in performance if I went from a Max to a Coot?

[Noel Woods]

I've had each, both are great for the applications they were designed for. The Coot is more like a amphibious tractor than a standard aatv. Like a tractor, they handle like a tractor as well.

I do think a Coot is simpler to work on, the components are robust, and straight forward. Look for a 4wd / 4 ws system. And if you can find one with a rear pto and propeller, that would be a rare find. Being all steel, the Coot is easy to weld on. It is heavier than a Max4, and the front passenger box is limited in legroom with all the mechanicals crammed up front.

[Dozerlarry]

I've had both and the Coot wins hands down in the maintenance department. I don't think I ever had a flat on the thing. That being said the Max 4 is a much better performer. The key to the Max is taking some time after every ride to check it out and lube it and adjust chain tension if needed. It's not that complex a ride to work on. I agree with Noel on his points. The Coot is not that great in water either. Very little freeboard.

[tonyk72]

Thanks for the replies. My Max is back up and running after addressing a few minor issues. All were simple fixes, but time consuming. Over the past few years, I must have spent hundreds of hours on the Max tweaking, tuning, upgrading and repairing various things. I just want something that isn't as needy but is just as fun.

When you say it's a better performer, are you taking about speed and maneuverability? I could see that being the case. How about off-road performance and hows the ride compared to a Max - softer or harder?

[Noel Woods]

The Coot has a two speed transmission, you can place the shifter in these positions: reverse, neutral, low, neutral, high. The Coot is geared fairly low from new, so I would say high gear is the equivalent to your Max4s drive, low and reverse are very stoutly geared. On flat ground the Coot is just as quick as the Max in terms of top speed. The Max will skid steer but the Coot is fairly heavy in the steering department and may require several stabs at a tight turn. On the upside the Coot will articulate and follow the contour of the ground making for a smooth and non scary ride in tricky ground.

I think the transmission of power is much smoother in a Max with the t20, and generally simpler to operate.