Argo vs Max trans for traction

[mudslinger]

Is there some reason that Argos don't come with a locking differential or limited slip differential in their transmission in order to trump the Max's claim that they are the only true 6 wheel drive out there with their T-20 trans? It works for automobiles just fine and I have been wondering why ODG doesn't use it for the Argo. What do you guys and gals think? Cost? Maintenance? Weight? All of the above?

[Roger S]

Why argo ran that old trans design, and made wheels that tires won't stay mounted on.. I have to shake my head and wonder. What were they thinkin' It's been to RI's benefit all this time, which is fine with me. Except for having to drive the old tranny. The open diff doesn't bother me as much as the power robbing steering effort, which isn't really a problem if you only go in a straight line.

A limited slip would make it even harder to steer, a locker would work, but would have to be idiot proof so the driver didn't have it locked when he needed to turn. I have some ideas but havn't got around to them. The new argo trans takes care of both issues, traction and effort. When will they figure out how to make a wheel.. yes sometimes the wheel does need to be reinvented.

[Don]

I hate to re-open the bare-knuckles fight over the two systems, but here goes: On paper, it looks like the T20 has all the advantage in the mud and the Argo would pale by comparison, but it's just not so in real life. Anyone that's ridden with the Carolina Boys (and probably lots of others on this site) has witnessed it first-hand. I've seen Argos do some simply awsome things in the mud, on sand, and climbing hills. .............Now if they could just made them fast enough to catch an Attex.......

[lewis]

The T-20 in a Attex reminds me of my hot rod days. It is quick, responsive and fast. My Argo is like a tank with bull like strength but not any where as fast as the Attex. In fact my next project may be a Argo Bigfoot. It will have a rear engine with a T-20 and hopefully it will at least be in the running. That is in the future.

The new Argo transmission is great. Even with tracks on it minimal effort is required to do turns and no loss of power but as it is i have the older design and have learned to utilize what i have and i have a lot of fun in the Avenger. It is not so much the fact that we get stuck because it is going to happen no matter what you drive.....you play in mud and it will happen. It's the fun and fellowship that occurs as they take your picture and video as other members pull you out.

They are different transmissions that do the same thing. I try to keep a open mind on these things and not get excited about the differences. What ever you have just learn to enjoy it and learn to work the machine to it's capabilities. Being able to pick your paths and make the right moves will make up a lot of the differences. There are so many other factors that fall into place other than transmissions and we rarely mention them when we get on this subject: Tires(22's v/s 25's), Tread design, ground clearance, number of wheels 6 v/s 8, weight. Any one of these can change the playing field at each challenge. Note: Argo's are still not that fast unless your name is Roger S.

This is just my opinion on this.
Lewis