Hydrotraxx question?

[B.M.]

I have an avenger that I love and have tried the mudd-ox that is a super machine . I was wanting details on the hydrotraxx if anyone has experience with them. I have loads of fun with the avenger and love the handlebar steering. Does anyone know if handlebar steering is available on mudd-oxx or hydro traxx?

[akexpress]

No handle bar steering available on Mudd_OX due to hydraulic skid steer instead of mechanical brake skid steering on Argo.

[B.M.]

isn't it possible? the hydraulics could be set up where a steering bar rotates the valve couldn't it. I know that I am not familiar with the hydraulic units but it seems that they wouldwork off of a valvel and something like a micro-torque valve would work if it was positioned right and calibrated............


......has anyone tried a joystick like some of the new skid steer loaders are comming out with?

[artist1018]

Check out the hydratrek, it's pretty cool too, if you can afford one!

[B.M.]

whoa! that thing is pretty tough looking. any idea what $$$$? I stay mostly in marsh and bottoms so i would want tracks but the dual wheel setup is cool . I'd want more rack space also but man that thing is a tank!

[mudbug3]

B.M. ,


I bought my Max IV when I first got into amphibs. I really thought seriously about buying a Hydro Traxx as my next amphibious machine ,but, the more I learned about it from taking to people that owned them , I later realized that this was not the amphib for me. The recommended rpm on the Hydro Traxx is about 3,600 , and because of this , you constantly hear a loud whine from the hydrolics. I also talked to a man on the phone that was selling his Hydro Traxx. When I asked him why, he told me that the Hydro Traxx was too wide to drive on trails with his friends who had Argo,s ,and he was going to sell it to buy another Argo 8x8 again.


For a person who likes to ride trails , and also use it for a work machine , the Mudd Ox is the best choice for some one who wants a hydrolic amphib.

[Matt O.]

isn't it possible? the hydraulics could be set up where a steering bar rotates the valve couldn't it. I know that I am not familiar with the hydraulic units but it seems that they wouldwork off of a valvel and something like a micro-torque valve would work if it was positioned right and calibrated............


......has anyone tried a joystick like some of the new skid steer loaders are comming out with?

Hi B.M.

A joy stick or handle bar set up could be done. I did some testing with these set ups and liked the two control levers the best.

Matt

[B.M.]

Matt O, that would be sweet. PM me the details on cost and complication if you don't mind. I really liked your machine when we tested it. It Is a real brute.
I have just grown very attatched to the handlebar steering. I always drive with one hand and drink my coffee on the way to the duck blind!

[jerseybigfoot]

This is a great thread. It gives you a sense of the type of folks the purchase Amphibs. Some run balls to the wall down a trail. Others want to sip their coffee along the way. I enjoy the latter but maybe not coffee.

Matt it looks like the Argo crowd is a one hand sipping group. Maybe there is a Argo warm fuzzy feeling option in the MUddOx future.

[B.M.]

That would be AWESOME!

The Mudd-Ox is probably the best thought out machine I have seen. I own an avenger and don't want to start any fights . It is just well thought out and runs like a beast.
One handed steering makes it so handy for a spotlight or fiddleing with the gps or drinking coffee or punching your passenger. I look forward to seeing some more options.

[jerseybigfoot]

B.M. You crack me up. yes you are right.

[cobalt]

I too are considering the hydrotraxx.

I looked at the hydratrek. Nicely built but i just don't know.

The Hydra looks like a 6 wheeled terrajet, but with little cargo room.

I always worry about tire/track wear on any amphib atv when used on gravel roads, to which there are plenty around here.

Not as much ground clearance as a terrajet either.

I'm getting tired of even the new argo chain drives. Especially when it's below 0 deg C outside.

I find most argos get high centered far too easily. One can't exactly rock an Amphib side to like a normal atv.

I tired the hoot for a few days. However it's ability to float is greatly exaggerated. I'm 6'1 240lbs and i just about sunk it.

The avenger is nice but too costly. Especially in Canada.

I prefer the amphibs. However there has been little to improve the not so good design aspects over the years.

Hydraulic drive sounds nice. However i doubt it will work well in the cold without some sort of heating element. I have to heat the hydraulics on my very small back hoe before i can use it. I wonder what the hydrotraxx will require.

There is also the idea that not every one are weekend warriors and use their atv several times a day. That's a-lot more wear that a one week per year trip (cumulative time wise).

The cost of running is much higher as well.

[6X6]

Hi Cobalt.
Any anphib can be high-centered, but once you get used to picking a line that suites the machine you'll find it happens rarely. I've never tried to rock an 8X8 out of a stuck but at 140lbs I've freed my 6x6 many a times. I have seen other argo owners rocking out their 8x8s. The Mudd-Ox's roll bar will make it much easier to do so, too. There are Alaskan members with Mudd-Oxes (Hydraulic, like the HydroTraxx) and Ive seen no posts about problems with the hydrolics.