Coot vs. Terra Jet questions

[Rudy]

Hello,
Seriously in the market for a Coot or maybe a Terra Jet and would welcome any advice. I am a long-time off-roader (Power Wagons/Scouts/Rokons) but need some advice here.

I have found 3 units that seem to be what I am looking for:

Coot #1 - 2 wheel steer. No issues. Turn key.

Coot #2 - 4 wheel steer. Sitting for awhile. Looks nice in pics. Needs a "tune-up" ;-)

Terra Jet - Retrofitted with a Vanguard 4 stroke engine. "Restored". Has a plow set-up, rolls bars and winch which is nice. $1000 cheaper than the Coots.

The 4 wheel steer Coot sounds like a great advantage in the woods. Is the steering prone to trouble? Tough to get parts? Is there a big advantage to 4 wheel steer over 2 wheel steer with the Coots? How does a Terra Jet compare?

The Terra Jet does not look as "heavy duty" as the Coot. Not that I will be kicking the crap out of it on a daily basis or abusing it but is one more sturdy than the other? I will not be taking it in the water. Just trails, mud, hills, uneven terrain. The swivel aspect of the Coot sure seems like it would shine on rough terrain.

Any input on parts availability, personal preference, design quirks, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.
Rudy

[brushcutter]

Personally, I would go for the 4 wheel steer coot. The articulation, combined with 4 wheel steer and the ability to float, should make an awesome trail machine. Another big plus is a decent sized cargo area. Coop had a nicely restored one listed here : http://www.6x6world.com/forums/aatvs...t-6x6-8x8.html. It might still be available, and if nothing else, he is knowledgeable about them and could advise you about what to watch out for as you shop. I also like that they are "open fender" which to me equates to monster tires, or as big as the drive train would handle.

[Don]

I'd go for the four-wheel steer Coot as well. I've had a couple of the Terra-jets and they're a blast (mine never ran but I did drive a friend's machine). They aren't that good on trails and "amphibious" is only partially descriptive of the machines. The two-wheel steer Coot takes about 40 acres to turn around, and from what I gather the four-wheel steer version is only a little better.

[Coop]

I can't comment on the Terra Jet, never even seen one of those, but I have had a few COOTS. I would stay away from the 2ws version, like Don said, turning radius is big with the 2ws, but it is better with the 4ws. I've had COOTs with the stock Tecumseh engine and the Vanguard conversion, both have plenty of power, but after having one with the Vanguard engine, I'd never go back to a single cylinder again, the differance in lack of vibration felt is worth it alone, much smoother. They aren't fast, I get about 15 mph out of mine, but that is fast enough with no suspension. I've floated mine, it floats very well, but if you are going to do any serious water crossings you'll need some kind of propulsion other than the tires, I'm either going to add the optional rear prop to mine, or mount a small 4 hp outboard on the back, (leaning towards the outboard). They will climp like a goat, I still get amazed at places I can crawl up over in low range. Parts are pretty easy to come buy, all the bearings, seals, u-joints are off the shelf items at any auto parts store like NAPA, etc. Before you buy, check out the gears in the torque boxes, just take the top cover off and look at them. There is a bronze gear in there that wears out quickly if not adjusted correctly, or the wrong lube has been used. They require a special lube because of the bronze gear, reqular 90 wt gear lube will eat it up. But new gears are availiable, just a little pricey, $300-400. Check the floors, they tend to rust out, but not hard to replace if you have access to a welder. The engine/transmission mount cradle tends to crack due to not having any support in the middle, easiest way to tell that is you'll see the engine will be shaking alot when idiling. Again, easy fix if you have a welder. They are pretty reliable machines, built simple and rugged.

Coop

[Rudy]

Coop, Don and Brushcutter,

Thank you very much for taking the time for responding to my inquiry. Great info you have provided! When I was a kid in the 70's I remember the Terra Jet but did not know what a Coot was until the 90's. Both the 4 wheel steer Coot and the Terra Jet sold today. Bummer. The Terra Jet was really set up nicely with the Vanguard, winch, plow, hitch, etc. The 2 wheel steer Coot is still for sale and I just received some pics. It looks pretty good. The owner drilled holes in both tubs beacuse it was 'filling up with water'. I guess from sitting outside? Not sure about that "modification". The unit does look very solid, though. With the tight trail space here in western, PA along with hills I think I will search for another 4 wheel steer. You all recommended that. Thanks again. Much appreciated guys.

Rudy

[Coop]

Or you can convert the 2ws to 4ws, pretty easy to do.

Coop

[Noel Woods]

The steering ratio of either a Coot or Terra Jet, or any other vehicle with a steering wheel can be improved with an automobile steering quickener. I put one in my 4wd/4 ws Coot. I turned it upside down to make a steering slower, which reduced the very heavy steering effort by 50%. It also allowed for improved control and better steering feedback.

Steering quickeners can be found on EBAY and Amazon for around $100.

In comparing Coots and Terra Jets: The Coot is much more heavy duty than a T.J., I like all atvs, but the Coot is built like a tank.