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Missouri's Max and Argo Dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 175
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 06:22 pm: | 
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I finally had time today to get the Frontier and Max IV sitting side by side to take some measurements and pictures. The Max IV is the 27hp with 26" tires, roll cage, and winch. The Frontier has the 24" Argo tires and no additional accessories. I did find that the Frontier's lower body gives it 1/2" more ground clearance down the middle than the Max IV. Both vehicles had equal clearance under the chains. All tires had equal pressure at 3psi. The Frontier did sit slightly lower in the front because of the extra weight and very soft tires. The IV sat even front to back thanks to it's slightly better balance and very stiff tires. The vehicles are almost the same overall width but the Frontier has a wider hull, and also a wider middle between the chain troughs. The Frontier has a much lower step in entry height even though both vehicles are almost the same height at the bumper. Here are the numbers,
Frontier on Left and Max IV on Right (inches):
Middle ground clear - 9.5, 9.0
Middle ground clear width - 15, 12
Chain ground clear - 7.25, 7.25
Hull width - 31, 28.5
Entry height - 28, 32.5
Bumper height - 26.5, 27
Vehicle width - 58, 56 |
Missouri's Max and Argo Dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 176
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 06:31 pm: |
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Pics:
Frontier Front:
Max IV Front:
Frontier Rear:
Max IV Rear:
Overall View:
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Mike Maroni
Intermediate Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 87
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 23, 2006 - 10:37 pm: |
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Brandon,
Thanks for doing that. It's interesting to see both machines side by side. It' supprising to see the close simalarities in the lower tubs. Not to turn this into a Max vs Argo thread but it is plain to see how much more refined the Argo is (I own a Max). Max has done alot recently to upgrade the drive train of their machines but I don't understand why they stick to some older flawed designs. for example:
The bearing flanges. There is no reason not to use the type of flange that argo uses with the sealed axle opening. Along these lines bearing extenders should be standard as with the Frontier.
The seat backs. Every older machine I've seen has the plywood rotted and broken. It wouldn't require huge modifications to make a frame around the seatback and make handrails like the Frontier. Everytime someone gets in or out of my Max that is what they grab and eventually mine will break too.
How about a factory hitch instead of the tang that they supply now.
The drain plugs on the frontier look well designed
anything else? |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 408
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 24, 2006 - 02:24 am: |
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To counter some of Mikes suggestions. I like the max axle seal system better. The sealed bearings work. The double oil seal design on the Argos cause wear and eventually the axles need to be moved in or out, replaced or resurfaced. I consider this a big reason not to use the Argo system.
I like the tang hitch design also. A person can get a bolt on 2" square reciever that mounts to the current hitch. So a person has the choice of which to use. |
Dennis F. Saskowski
Advanced Member
Username: Sasko
Post Number: 100
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 24, 2006 - 08:10 am: |
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Well you can tell the American machine,driver is on the left.The Argo can come in handy if delivering the mail.How 'bout those ribs on the front and rear of the tubs,would that add strength?I do agree the max should come std. with those extra outside bearings,not just for tracked models.As far as grabs on the seat your rear passengers would like it for entry but would have to watch thier teeth when the going gets rough and weren't paying attention,looks about that hieght if they were pitched forward.Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all and thank you for all the interesting discussions we all had in 2006. Dennis |
Mike Maroni
Intermediate Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 88
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 24, 2006 - 09:14 am: |
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Jerry,
Doesn't the argo flange also have a sealed bearingas well? Wouldn't that make for a better seal and longer bearing life?. I understand that eventually the double seal on the argo flange would wear the axle. I guess I'm looking for the lesser of two evils. On this note I emailed Richard about the Argo flange and he said it would fit the bolt pattern on my older Max. i might consider those down the road.
Merry Christmas
Mike |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 409
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 24, 2006 - 12:38 pm: |
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The Argos that I have worked on did not have sealed bearings behind the flanges. When I replaced the bearings I put tripple sealed bearing in along with new flage seals and resurfaced axles. I don't mind replacing bearings when required but to replace the axle or have it resurfaced along with the bearing change is just added work and expense. |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 245
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 25, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
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Thanks for all the information and entertainment over the last year. Thanks to Richard Clark for this board. Happy New Year to everybody and I hope you are having a great Christmas. W. Philip Cox |
Missouri's Max and Argo Dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 177
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 25, 2006 - 12:35 pm: |
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The pictures do show a lot more than just ground clearance. I have said from day one that the major downfall of the Max is the lack of sealed axles, and the downfall of the Argo was their transmission. Argo has fixed their problem with the Avenger/Frontier trans and Max... well let's just hope they are working on it.
Both vehicles really are great machines. I have my own opinions on how they're put together but I will let the future owners decide which they like better. I tell customers the benefits of each when they ask. I still sell both brands so I try to stay neutral on the subject, but that's getting tough to do.
Jerry, I have heard very limited reports of the problem you refer to. I think it's a small price to pay for all the benefits the seals give the Argo. All Argos today use the sealed outer bearing behind those double oil seals, similar to the inner bearings and Max bearings. I don't know what kind of bearing they might have used before that. Argo bearings will last so much longer than Max bearings just by being protected, regaurdless of maintenance. Argo's axle seals will keep the machine dry and extend the life of the drivetrain. My '97 Conquest has 145 hours and is drier than any Max I've ever been in, new or used.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and we can all look forward to an even better year in 2007. Santa brought me a Bose Wave music system. This thing has speakers like I've never heard before, it's amazing. Santa was over booked this Christmas so later this week he'll be taking that Max IV to a proud new owner in Texas. |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 410
Registered: 02-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 25, 2006 - 01:19 pm: |
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Brandon,
I wouldn't call the bearings on the max or Argo as really being sealed. Just shielded. When I change out bearings I use a real sealed bearing and it stops the leaking through the bearing. Around the bearing and flange is different. Each to their own. I find it easier to put in a superior bearing when needed instead of replacing or repairing an axle. |
Derek Hubbard
Member
Username: Justmax
Post Number: 45
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 05:02 pm: |
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Hello Everyone:
I have one question. What is the difference between the regular Argo transmission and the Anvenger/Frontier transmission ? I understand you can get different gear ratios with the Anvenger/Frontier for track use, but what I want to know is did ODG use a limited slip pack in the diff?? Can some one shed some light the subject.
Thank you
Derek |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 212
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 06:14 pm: |
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Nice pictures Brandon - they certainly show the undersides well. Guess I'm never satisfied. I was hoping for one tire of the Max IV and one tire of the Frontier with as much of each underbody as would fill the frame. My hope was to see the difference in tire width and height which would also show the difference in clearance. The ridges in the max bottoms do increase the surface area causing more drag. Guess I am going to have to figure out how to get ski wax on that area!! |
Rogersmith
Advanced Member
Username: Rogersmith
Post Number: 191
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 08:57 pm: |
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Derek, argo has pdf files you can view that show the transmission internals. Look at a model, then click on manuals, then choose a parts manual. All I see is a planet differential that looks like the past models. |
steve young
Member
Username: Gearhead
Post Number: 33
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 07:45 am: |
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BRANDON just wondering if the tires and rims on the max would fit on the AVENGER ie: bolt pattern,offset, tire to tire clearence. I'm thinking the 26" tire would be good for even more ground clearence though they might be more rough due to lower sidewall.As for the argo transmission it now uses helical cut gears but still uses the the same differential as the old transmission even some of the internal parts are interchangable to me this is still a downfall i'm working on .I'm surprised the MAX has no bearing extensions ARGO has them front and rear as you know and I installed them on my middle axles as well.The bearing on a ARGO is 12" away from the wheel flange on middle axles normally;with the extensions it is 2" thus eliminating the leaverage effect and with the AVENGER axles in the middle supporting the majority of weight this strenghtens these axles and bearings. |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 213
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 02:18 pm: |
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Steve, you must have missed my point on the "trick question" conversation on another thread. The 25" Goodyear Rawhide III and the 26" Goodyear Super Terra Grip are both essentially the same size. They do have a different tread pattern which allows the Super Terra Grip to put more tread on the ground and go a little better in mud and water (not sure about snow), but for clearance purposes there is no difference. I'm fairly sure they would be a simple swap although the increased tread depth and width do increase the turn resistance (turn harder). The 25" tire on the 9" wheel is much smoother riding and I wish RI would get a nine inch Krim made and go back to using the 25" rawhide III (at least as an option).
The Max track kit includes bearing cages for all wheels and anyone can get bearing cages when purchasing a new RI vehicle by buying the track prep kit. I'm surprised that the Avenger doesn't have extra support for the middle axles, because you are right, they support most of the weight most of the time and have more rotational flex than the front and rears. |
steve young
Member
Username: Gearhead
Post Number: 34
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 08:18 pm: |
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Roger thats not me on Brandon's site ,my pics are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/71063188@N00/
Fred I was just looking at goodyears website and they said the super terra grip overall diameter was 26.2" and the rawhide 3 was 24" so thats what got me thinking about them. |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 214
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 08:55 pm: |
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Steve, I think the web site is wrong unless they have just recently changed the mold. I suppose they could have different sizes of the same tire as they do with the 25" rawhide III (some rawhide IIIs are 11.5 inches wide and some are 12" wide). I don't have any 26" Goodyears here to measure right now, but I have 26" Dicos (they were identical) and they are very close to 24" and I have 25" Rawhide IIIs which are very close to 24". I doubt that a full 26" tire will fit on a Max IV. I'm thinking that the new frontier tire, the 25" rawhide III and the 26" super terra grip are all the same height so the only real difference is in tread design and width (what I was trying to document with Brandon's side by side pictures). According to my research, the Avenger uses the 11.5" wide Rawhide III tire.
I like the Terra Grip tire, but it would be much better if it were made for a 9" rim. |
Rogersmith
Advanced Member
Username: Rogersmith
Post Number: 193
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 10:12 pm: |
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I've seen Goodyear specs online that show the two rawhide III tire specs. Don't quote me on this but my impression is:
rawhide III 25x12x9 = bigfoot tire, goodyear says 24.1" tall
rawhide III 25x11.5?x9 = Centaur/Avenger tire, goodyear says 25.5" tall
goodyear specs also listed 5psi so maybe tires were at 5 psi when measured. |
Missouri's Max and Argo Dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 178
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 08:40 pm: |
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I've been gone for a few days so I haven't been able to post. Avenger/Frontier trans: I don't know the technical end of what they really did different. I just know that anyone who drives the Frontier or Avenger will know this new trans is a huge improvement over the old. Yes this new trans is still a differential, but it performs nothing like the old. It is really good at keeping all wheels spinning in loose terrain while steering power loss is minimal to none. There is none of that constant three wheel peel going on like with the old trans. On top of that, these new vehicles are FAST. That's thanks to the new trans and CVT clutches. Get on the gas and the machine is up and running in a hurry. No more of that snail's pace gearing. High gear takes the Frontier or Avenger anywhere while low gear is still fast enough to enjoy trail riding with a heavier load. Slow three wheel drive Argos are a thing of the past. |
John Prince
Intermediate Member
Username: Jp400
Post Number: 78
Registered: 08-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 11:41 am: |
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I noticed significant tranny improvement also, though coming from 6 yr old Van II 16 hp, any change would seem astounding. I put it down to bigger engine but come to think of it I did find all the wheels seem to keep moving better than before. This is especially true in a braking turn where more power seems to be getting to the 3 wheels that are doing the turning. I don't get a lot of loose terrain except when I usually least want it(steep uphill) but thought all six whls working good in what can quickly become emergency situation. I pulled one 40 degree hill with a passenger and hit about a 50' stretch of loose dirt that we couldn't see until we were right on it. I was sure i would have had to go sidehill out of the trail if I lost traction, but I didn't. |
Jack Ouellette
Member
Username: Beungood
Post Number: 37
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 03:37 pm: |
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Brandon, Are the performance improvements you mentioned related to the standard transmission or the high gear optional one or both? I am considering a machine for next years hunting season just cannot make my mind up between Frontieror Avenger. Seems tht I could put some people and gear into the 8 wheel machine. |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 246
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 07:20 pm: |
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I will take some careful measurements next week and post them. My suspicion is that Max 1V tires with 3 pounds of air are smaller than indicated on their web site. W. Philip Cox |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 250
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 09:20 pm: |
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Hi Guys.....I don't know who this information may help but on December 28th, Steve Young said that the Goodyear website gives a overall measurement of our Max IV 26" tires as over 26". I have 30 lbs of air in my right front tire because I just reset the bead after digging out the mud from flat. I measured the left front tire with 3 1/2 lbs. of air in it at close to 24". The right front tire with the 30lbs of air in it measured nearly 26". I hope this helps somebody. W. Philip Cox |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 251
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 09:29 pm: |
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Missouri's Max and Argo Dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 202
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 07:38 pm: |
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*Pics* More bearing information. In posts near the top of this thread, Jerry and I discussed Argo bearings. I just found this bearing info on the Argo dealer site. Product improvement dated April 22, 2003, states that the axle bearings have been replaced with a new triple lipped sealed bearing. It says these new bearings have been found to out perform our current bearings that have a flinger and seal, especially when the vehicle is exposed to water and abrasive conditions. That answers the question on bearings. Remember the outer bearings on an Argo are also covered by the double oil seal flange.
 |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 432
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 08:59 pm: |
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That is the same bearing I have been using as replacements. The design works well. If they hard surface the axles to hold up to the seal wear they would have a very durable set up. |
Rogersmith
Advanced Member
Username: Rogersmith
Post Number: 206
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 09:26 pm: |
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I saw some .010" thick wall sleeves on the 'net that I want to ask about at the bearing store. Speedi Sleeve or something.. like they give you in timing cover engine sets for the balancer. |
Mike Maroni
Intermediate Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 95
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 09:32 pm: |
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Jerry,
Where do you find the bearing if not from argo |
Jerry R. Nuss, Max Dealer in Illinois
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 434
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007 - 11:14 pm: |
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Roger I checked into the speedie sleeves and they were expensive. I bought some axles from an Argo dealer that had the grooves repaired by welding and turning down the harder weld on a lathe. |
Mike Maroni
Intermediate Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 96
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007 - 07:40 am: |
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Thanks jerry
Mike |
Mike Maroni
Intermediate Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 97
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007 - 11:14 am: |
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Jerry,
No kidding the cost on a bearing replacement can get up there fast! I just like to pack rat information for future reference.
Those bearings look fairly heavy duty. A couple of questions
I'm suprised to se that Argo is using the smaller diameter 206 - 20 (That's what I have in my older Max). Do the newer Argos still use this size bearing?
Also I see they are double setscrew and not eccentric. How do the Argo machines hold their axles? If you use these on a Max how do you hold the axle? I'm extreamly happy with the lock collar mod I did I'm just curious how the other people, and manufacturers "locate" the axles
Mike |
Mike Maroni
Intermediate Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 98
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007 - 02:16 pm: |
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Thanks Brandon. I assume the axle is part of the newer generation Max? The bolt must be on the inside of the machine, against the outer bearing is that right?
Mike |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 260
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2007 - 11:29 pm: |
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Mike The retaining bolt that I think Brandon is talking about is on the inside of the machine, but goes through the inner frame rail with a washer and into the end of the axle pulling the axle tight into the inner bearing. It's a 3/8 bolt and calls for red loctite. W.Philip Cox |
Rogersmith
Advanced Member
Username: Rogersmith
Post Number: 213
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007 - 06:15 pm: |
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Saw a drawing of the Frontier frame in an online argo parts manual. It shows the center axle lower ala Avenger style. Anyone noticed this on a vehicle? |
Missouri's Max and Argo Dealer
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 206
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007 - 07:59 pm: |
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Roger that is a very interesting find. My parts manual shows the same. It was my understanding (from distributor) that ODG decided against doing that on the 6x6. I have not noticed it but maybe the soft tires make it hard to see. With front and rear axle bearing extensions, a person would have to take all three tires off to see if the hubs were at different locations. I'll check into it. |
Rogersmith
Advanced Member
Username: Rogersmith
Post Number: 214
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 08:43 am: |
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My guess would be it's a misprint.. the one I saw appeared level. Gene's probably right. |
Rob Sandera
Junior Member
Username: Rob_sandera
Post Number: 14
Registered: 03-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 04, 2007 - 03:29 pm: |
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Thanks Brandon, when it comes to great pictures and comparisons you are the man. There is a wealth of info here that I have wanted to know. I'm continuing to monitor my ultimate machine post on another thread so hope everyone gets into that that hasn't already. http://www.route6x6.com/discus4/messages/5/21832.html?1170616266
Axle retainers are something that concerns me and Jerry I would like to compare an exploded view or pictures between the max and Argo seal improvements. I'll look at argo online manuals. I have been wondering if some sort of o ring setup like a pump may use could save axle wear over a conventional seal types. It may just be that a hard coat or chrome axle is needed etc. We have to realize to these manufacture make improvements but its like cars their not going to build what's never going to wear out and they have to operate in a cost effective world so people consider the product a good buy for the money.http://www.route6x6.com/discus4/messages/5/21832.html?1170616266 |
Rob Sandera
Junior Member
Username: Rob_sandera
Post Number: 15
Registered: 03-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 04, 2007 - 03:57 pm: |
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SPEEDY SLEEVE LINK Ok I found a website below on speedy sleeve. What is your idea of expensive 20- 40.00 a bushing or what? I can see speedy sleeve are a high quality product hard chromed etc it may be possible to slip one on and green loctite it. But it could be it would take a precision ground axle and a hot and cold slide on fit where you freeze the axle and heat the bushing in boiling water. Green loctite is considered permanent the speedy sleeve would most likely need precision ground off then to ever replace it. Then again it may never go bad hard chrome is tough stuff. Even though the speedy sleeve could be expensive it may be a cheaper permanent alternative to a hi dollar plated axle etc. A great deal of cost on a speedy sleeve is probably because its precision ground not turned on a lathe. Thanks for bringing up a speedy sleeve I wasn't aware such a nice part was available and they could be invaluable for various shaft repairs. I may get into this when the new 19" Leblond Servo Shift Lathe goes on line. I used to weld shafts and turn them on a southbend lathe, fixed alot of snowmobile axles overnight. I've also worked running a hardcoat spray welder on a lathe (nasty job noisy dirty a gun shoots weld sparks builds up shaft)
http://www2.chicago-rawhide.com/speedi_sleeves.htm |
Tom Arch
New member
Username: Tomarch
Post Number: 5
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 07:42 am: |
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I have a 2003 max IV 900t and I'm thinking of getting a new frontier. My question is the back seat, my wife and my son ride with me all the time on long dice runs, so how comfirtable would the back seat be for them? I would love to keep my max but due to back problems I can't handle the rough ride. I know the argo has a much better ride. |
Jerry R. Nuss
Senior Member
Username: Jerrynuss
Post Number: 482
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 08:34 am: |
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Why not just do a tire swap? I suspect the 24" tires on the Argo Frontier are the real factor in the ride quality and off-road capability of the Frontier. On another thread the tires are being discussed with extremely favorable reviews. If you are running the 26" tires on the Max there is room for improvement on ride quality. The tire swap seems like a logical choice unless you just want to get a new machine. You could also put in a suspension seat in the max for yourself.
I have found that the Argo still has a whiplash effect due to the seating position. You don't get this with the front seat on the Max IV. For the rear passengers in the Argo you could always put in a rear bench seat so the passengers face forward. I find the side jump seats to be tiring and wear a person out. I also am concerned about the safety of having a person ride there.
You have a very capable machine in the 900T. |
Mike Maroni
Advanced Member
Username: Micmac
Post Number: 115
Registered: 07-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 11:09 am: |
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Tom,
I don't think the frontier has the option of putting in the bench seat. I sat in the rear section of the frontier at sportsmen show. I'm 6 ft 195 lbs and I felt that sitting back there for any length of time would be uncomfortable. I think Jerry is right if you want a better ride just change out the tire/wheels
Mike |
Rogersmith
Advanced Member
Username: Rogersmith
Post Number: 243
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 11:34 am: |
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You can also make a big improvement esp in the max's by replacing the foam in the seats and back rests. I did my argo and a couple of max II's with some very dense foam. I did John Schwab's II and his back and neck is much happier after a long weekend. |
Brandon_price
Advanced Member
Username: Brandon_price
Post Number: 220
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 11:39 am: |
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The Frontier can be comfortable for two adults in the front and a younger/smaller person in the back. The Max IV is unique in the 6x6 world for hauling four adults in such a small machine. The Avenger 8x8 with a bench seat in the rear is very comfortable and has a great ride but will cost you quite a bit more than a Max IV or Frontier. The Avenger will also float four people easily and be stable while doing it. |
Tom Arch
New member
Username: Tomarch
Post Number: 6
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 12:20 pm: |
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thank you for all your input. I will look into the argo tires for my max. |
Fred Sowerwine
Advanced Member
Username: Fred4dot
Post Number: 244
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 03:02 pm: |
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Tom, you don't say how much pressure you have in your tires. Try running them at 1.5 PSI. Another low cost thing you can try is air pillows to sit on. Put just enough air in them to lift your butt off the seat. Makes a world of difference if you have a bad back (I have a bad back). If you can't find air pillows, I sell 15" square ones that work very well. You have one of the best performing machine made!! |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 291
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 01:08 am: |
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Tom, There was a guy in a green Max 900T (25hp.) at Olean N.Y. last year who could propel his Max at full throttle off of a muddy bank with a little upturn at the waters edge and land it a long long way past his launch point. Did you have a bad back at that time? Just curious buddy. I had extra padding put into my front seat too. W.Philip Cox By the by, it might be the same guy that half drowned me in Ohio! |
Tom Arch
New member
Username: Tomarch
Post Number: 7
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 07:19 am: |
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Yes Philip it is me, I blew two disks in my back just after we got home from ledges last year. I've been out of work since then. I hope to be able to go to the rides this year but no JUMPING the big max. |
philip w.cox
Advanced Member
Username: Philipatmaxfour
Post Number: 292
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 12:03 pm: |
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Tom I am sorry to hear about your discs. I hope you take it easy and make a full recovery. I look foreward to seeing you in N.Y. and Ohio this year,we,ll just have to find a new volunteer for the for the low level space program. I assume your doctor recommends barley products in moderation. W. Philip Cox |
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