Should I Purchase Tracks?

[thohon]

Hello folks, I am new to the argo world. I have a 2005 6x6 big foot and have a place in Alaska. Will use machine mostly in the summer. Not sure if I should put tracks on it . What you think and what will it take? Tim

[ARGOJIM]

Hello folks, I am new to the argo world. I have a 2005 6x6 big foot and have a place in Alaska. Will use machine mostly in the summer. Not sure if I should put tracks on it . What you think and what will it take? Tim

That would depend on what you plan to traverse, muskeg could cause the need. Perhaps a specific location area of intended usage would gain advice from the locals. Tracks have some major advantages tied to disadvantages.

[thohon]

Thanks for the advice.

[beagle man]

I had a 2002 conquest with the 25”x12” rawhides. It swam pretty good but I got stuck a lot. I ended up getting some Adair pro series and it turned into a whole new machine. It didn’t swim as good but it did swim. I’m not trying to sell Adair’s but they are a great track in the mud but I think any tracks are better than no tracks. I have a 2016 750hdi that I have pretty well equipped but I don’t have tracks yet, but I will have some.

[Sparx]

Being you are from Alaska I would try and deal with Jeff AKA Buzz on here for tracks. He's spent a lot of time on all types of tracks in Alaska knowing what you will use it for and set you up the best you need making a custom set.

[beagle man]

I have talked with Jeff and I really like his tracks. I was ready to pull the trigger and got side tracked with a new truck. Boy was my little bride surprised when I got home lol. F350 power stroke 4x4 Platinum with all the bells and whistles. I will still get some tracks, just gonna have wait till later.

[Sparx]

Jeff really knows his stuff, I'm basically where I'm at now with tracks cause of that guy. Haha
I don't think anyone has the experience he has on all the different types of tracks. I'm trying but a little far behind at this point. I need to pick up some Adair and plastic tracks soon, but even then with his Hybrid versions it's pretty hard to compare to the testing he has got done over the years. I think the Channels with the swim mods are the best bang for buck track out there if speed is not of an issue which normally isn't for most people on Argo's. Lol

[John8x8hdi]

Tracks are great for real thick mud and bad swamps, depending on what you want to use your Bigfoot for. I'd say the addair tracks are one of the best tracks made for overall swimming and mud.

[Sparx]

Tracks are great for real thick mud and bad swamps, depending on what you want to use your Bigfoot for. I'd say the addair tracks are one of the best tracks made for overall swimming and mud.

He's based out of Alaska and there's a lot of rocky country up there which doesn't suit well to plastic tracks much at all.

[scimanstev]

I am running Beaver Dam Argo tracks, and although the steel is not the best on bare rock, these tracks are unstoppable. They swim, climb, and can claw their way through any amount of mud. I have the winter kit, but have never attached it. 3 feet of snow is not a problem. Pudding mud is not a problem. When I do encounter bare rock, the winch works just fine. Severe muskeg would not even be a challenge.

Steve

[Sparx]

I am running Beaver Dam Argo tracks, and although the steel is not the best on bare rock, these tracks are unstoppable. They swim, climb, and can claw their way through any amount of mud. I have the winter kit, but have never attached it. 3 feet of snow is not a problem. Pudding mud is not a problem. When I do encounter bare rock, the winch works just fine. Severe muskeg would not even be a challenge.

Steve

You must have better tracks then me then. I am stuck in this pic. I can assure you there is muskeg out there for everything and anything to get stuck in, have you ever even rode in it? Lol

[scimanstev]

I would love to find it. So far I was able to get stuck in 3 feet of slush, as the center compacted, leaving me high centered. I keep trying to find a challenge, but can't. Maybe there is mud I can't handle, but deep, thick or soupy mud is not a problem. I have rolled over 2.5 foot diameter logs, several feet of snow and every thing I can find. My tracks are similar to yours, but square ends, that are cupped. The bottom is a right angle, so theoretically they should work better going forward than backwards. You may be right, but I will keep looking for severe conditions. I have gone up a steep hill of mud with several inches of water running down. I can say one thing for certain. This tracked Argo is by far the most fun I have ever had.

Steve

[Sparx]

Doesn't make sense, you got stuck in slush and right after you say you have yet to find a challenge? It's like one second they are unstoppable even in terrain you have never put them in but then they were stuck. Don't get me wrong I think they are great tracks and all, but everything has it's limits and definitely aren't perfect or unstoppable. Yeah they'll work great for their purpose but will have weak points like rocks and still being able to be high centered like my pic showed before it vanished?
I'm curious how your tracks would swim with the cupped edges like that, they seem like they would be harder to steer then the rounded Escargo's as well. I know my flat edged Rubber tracks sucked for skid steering in tall grass for that reason as well. There are even moments in soft ground especially where the conveyor belting on my Escargo's touch that make skid steering difficult.

[scimanstev]

I agree with you. I did get stuck in 3 feet of slush. I am still learning, and certainly make mistakes. This Argo is more than I ever hoped. Bare rock is a difficulty. I can't say how the tracks swim yet, only tires. I haven't had any difficulty steering yet, whether in high or low gear. Actually it has been highly maneuverable. I do truly appreciate what you and others have tought me. As I learn, I will continue to enjoy this most wonderful vehicle.

Steve

[john swenson]

i have found no matter how aggressive a track style is , once the tracks can't grab a hold of any ground due to the bottom of the tub stuck on a high spot just right .... it's up to the winch to get moving again. j.b.