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Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 09:10 am: | 
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Found this site while searching for answers for a few Argo questions. Looks like a lot of experience and knowledge here so I signed up. I purchased a 93 Argo Magnum 8x8 last fall. After finding quite a few surprises which were apparently "field repaired", I now have it somewhat reliable. I ran the tracks on it last winter and didn't encounter enough snow to stop me from going anywhere I wanted, and we had an old time Canadian winter. The question I have is with respect to installing the plastic tracks and if there is an easier way to do this. It's almost impossible to install these alone so I am wondering if I actually have enough links in the track itself. Based on the maintenance methods of the previous owners I wouldn't be surprised if there was something missing. Can anyone tell me how many links there should be for an 8x8? |
Skip Saul
Member
Username: Giantdog
Post Number: 26
Registered: 10-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 11:23 pm: |
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i dont recall how many track sections but if you let the air out of the end tires and use two ratchit strapas it becomes alot easer i will go out tomorrow and count my tracks and let you know |
Skip Saul
Member
Username: Giantdog
Post Number: 27
Registered: 10-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 08:04 pm: |
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there is 35 sections on my argo super tracks |
Skip Saul
Member
Username: Giantdog
Post Number: 28
Registered: 10-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 08:07 pm: |
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there is 35 sections on my argo super tracks |
Skip Saul
Member
Username: Giantdog
Post Number: 29
Registered: 10-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 25, 2008 - 08:09 pm: |
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woops my anti-crist to the rescue |
Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 26, 2008 - 08:17 am: |
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I will go and count mine today as well. How close do you get the ends before applying the strap? Mine, If I remember correctly were further than the suggested vice grips would grab. Also do you follow the procedure of measuring and re-arranging the tires? I didn't do that last year and it seemed to be fine. |
Erich Kelter
Intermediate Member
Username: Fisherman
Post Number: 98
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 26, 2008 - 11:12 am: |
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Drive or roll the Argo onto the tracks, air down the front and rear tires,(may have to let all the air out), then "feed" the track over the tops of the tires. I use a ratchet strap with large flat hooks and go about 2 sections back from where you are inserting the rod. I end up with about 1.5 to 2 inches of open space before I start with the ratchet. I clean up the rod with a bit of fine sandpaper or steel wool and grease it. Don't forget to insert the locking collar half way through inserting the rod, otherwise you have to pull it back out part way again. Make sure the rod is centered, it has a groove where the collar set screw goes. Once the track is connected, air the tires back up, but, pay attention it only takes 2.5-3psi to take up the slack. Get a good low pressure air gauge, Cabelas carries them. Don't over pressure the front and rear tires, otherwise you may end up stressing the axle bearings and then...repairs. |
Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2008 - 08:07 am: |
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Thanks for the info! I will try the ratchet straps. Does anyone follow the Argo instruction guide for installing these? Sizing the tires, installing them in certain positions based on size, different air pressure based on tire position? It's quite an elaborate installation procedure. |
Erich Kelter
Intermediate Member
Username: Fisherman
Post Number: 99
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 27, 2008 - 09:56 pm: |
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I wasn't aware there was a guide for installation, if you've got a link, can you post it. Thanks. |
Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2008 - 08:05 am: |
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It is too large to post here even when I tried compressing it. I will email it to you at the address posted in your profile. |
Erich Kelter
Advanced Member
Username: Fisherman
Post Number: 100
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2008 - 09:33 am: |
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Thanks Tim, got it, will print it off and stick it with the rest of the manuals. |
Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 5
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 03, 2009 - 07:50 am: |
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So I put my tracks on and it still pulls to the right although I put the track on opposite sides this year. It pulled to the right last year so I know it's not the tracks. I put all the tires at 5lbs pressure. I had it out on the Lake yesterday and it also shook the crap out of us while traveliing to the fishing hole. I have the metal cleats installed but I can't remember if it shook like that last year on snowless ice. I think I would have remembered that but was wondering if someone else can comment. |
Erich Kelter
Advanced Member
Username: Fisherman
Post Number: 101
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 03, 2009 - 03:40 pm: |
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I read the file you sent me, thanks. I would try and drop the tire pressure to no more than 3.5 and see if it makes a difference in the hard rattling. Try and add just a wee bit more pressure to the right side and see if that might just straighten it out. It's a bit of trial and error at times. |
Timothy M. Potter
Junior Member
Username: Patroldogk9
Post Number: 19
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 04, 2009 - 02:28 pm: |
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I use a large C clamp to squeeze the end sections together after letting out the air on the both end tires on my Max.........works great! |
Dave Keeso
Advanced Member
Username: Argomag
Post Number: 102
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 04, 2009 - 03:07 pm: |
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My ARGO pulls to the right with tracks on as well. I sometimes find that by adding just a little air to each tire on that right side and putting some weight in the back it runs straight. My machine is likely much older than yours ( i have an 8x8 Magnum) and i find when tracks are on, i have a hard time as the engine seems to bog down too much |
Dave Keeso
Advanced Member
Username: Argomag
Post Number: 103
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 04, 2009 - 03:12 pm: |
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ARGO sells (or at least used to) this device that is two c shaped pieces and one goes into the holes in the top of the tracks, the other is stretch to the opposite end of the tracks and you turn the screw and it brings the ends together- You can use an adapter to run off a drill and bring the ends together quickly. I can get my tracks on in 20 minutes using this method. |
philip w.cox
Senior Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 575
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 04, 2009 - 08:58 pm: |
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Tim, You asked if anyone used the Argo instruction guide ,when installing tires. My question is,Did You?? Measuring tire circumference is necessary but easy. Take the tire off,start with the valve down. Mark the floor,roll the tire till the valve comes around again,to down. Mark the floor and measure. Write the measurement on the tire side wall with a crayon. Your machine will run straight,and your bearings will last longer, Good luck. |
Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 05, 2009 - 10:30 am: |
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Dave, I used a rope threaded through the holes and then tournequet them together. That worked pretty good.
Philip - guilty, no I didn't follow them last year as I didn't know they existed. This year I was in a hurry to get fishing so I slapped them on. Ironically enough all of the snow is gone now, but have plans to take them off and install them per the manual. I will let you know if that corrects the pulling issue.
Thanks for all the advice!!! |
Jason Schulte
New member
Username: Blingking
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 07:19 pm: |
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Hey guys, I purchased a new 2007 Argo Frontier 650 two years ago and have been very happy with it except for deep snow. Purchased a set of STD 13" Argo tracks and I love them. Have been in deep snow and drifts with real good results. Quality and construction of the tracks are very good. Just thought I would throw this out there, I have read other post and others have not been happy. My 2 cents worth. |
philip w.cox
Senior Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 576
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 08:22 pm: |
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Hi Jason, That is a nice looking machine.What do you have fastened to the back of the seat? I am happy to hear that you like your tracks. I want tracks a lot. Do Avengers need wider tracks or can they wear the 13 inch tracks too? |
Jason Schulte
New member
Username: Blingking
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 09:18 pm: |
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Hey Philip, that is a Quad Boss fender bag I took off my Suzuki King Quad. Works well for small items. My Frontier has the newer 24" "Argo" tires and front and rear axle bearing extensions STD and the tracks fit perfect. I think the Avenger has the larger tires STD, I don't believe they would fit due to that reason.
Thanks for the nice comments. |
Tim Hammerli
New member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 - 08:57 am: |
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Hey Jason, yes nice looking machine. The new ones look a lot fresher than my 93 Magnum that's for sure. As far as the 13" tracks in deep snow, I never had a problem last year with lots of snow here in Ontario. It will go even when the belly is dragging in powder and the only time you can't climb is when the front hits the bank first. I have to say that I did get it stuck once but that was because the tracks broke through ice in a wet spot and the machine was hung up. Fortunately there was ONE tree in front of me and it easily winched out. Doesn't matter how may wheel drive you have if they aren't touching. Enjoy |
Jason Schulte
New member
Username: Blingking
Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 - 05:34 pm: |
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Pretty cool talking to you guys in Canada, the real "Northwoods"...
Yeah, I tried climbing the neighbors steep hill the other night and got stuck because the front of the belly hung up, cool thing is though I could back out with the tracks.
Tim, check out www.pullpal.com I have been thinking about buying this set up, sort of costly though. Right now I carry about 300 feet of recovery rope/cable in the back in case of a stuck. This might be the ticket to hook a come along to in messy situations. |
Dave Keeso
Advanced Member
Username: Argomag
Post Number: 104
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 - 08:29 pm: |
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hey guys, this is the track puller thing i was talking about- instead of using the ratchet you can buy an adapter for your drill to run the 1/2 drive socket- makes it much faster and brings the ends together in seconds, drive the pin through and done- tighten the set screw- one track on in 5 minutes.  |
Dave Keeso
Advanced Member
Username: Argomag
Post Number: 105
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 - 08:33 pm: |
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hey guys, this is the track puller thing i was talking about- instead of using the ratchet you can buy an adapter for your drill to run the 1/2 drive socket- makes it much faster and brings the ends together in seconds, drive the pin through and done- tighten the set screw- one track on in 5 minutes. |
Tim Hammerli
Junior Member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2009 - 08:53 am: |
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Jason, last year was an old time Canadian winter, years before you would barely need tracks more than a couple of days. This machine sure came in handy my first year. I will look into the pullpal, thanks.
Dave, thanks for posting the picture of track puller. I am going to have one of these made small enough to keep it with me in the event the track comes off in a remote location. I did find the rope worked a lot better than my first adventure putting them on. |
Tim Hammerli
Junior Member
Username: Hammr
Post Number: 13
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 09:12 am: |
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Hey folks, thanks for all the tips and information. I took the tracks and tires off on the weekend to put them back on by the manual. In the process of measuring the alignment of axles I found that the front one could actully travel in and out because the inner bearing had broke off of the locking collar. Not an easy thing to get at but I keep extra bearings and seals around so I replaced the whole works. After that I measured and reinstalled the tires and put the tracks back on. The only part of the instructions I was not able to do exactly was the reversing of the tread on the inside tires. There was not a huge difference in circimference of most of the tires but one was actualy significant so I left that one as a spare. I only drove it home from a neighbours garage but it seems to be 100 percent better than it was before and I didn't have to be constantly on the left brake. I am having a track joiner made this week and will post pics if anyone is interested. |
philip w.cox
Senior Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 579
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 10:02 pm: |
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Congratulations Tim. Nice job. |
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