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Author Topic: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska  (Read 1428 times)

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Offline GrassLakeRon

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Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« on: November 08, 2006, 12:19:23 AM »
Hi all,

     If money were no object, what would do better based on conditions in Alaska, an Argo or a tranditional ATV?  Why?  Thanks for your imput.


Ron
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Offline Thebear_78

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2006, 06:05:00 AM »
For the money I think the argo would be hard to beat.  From everyone I have talked to they just simply outperform any 4 or 6 wheel standard ATV in every catagory except speed.   AT 17K new I don't see having one in my near future.  I do take my 4 wheeler in some pretty tough country and will probably pick up a polaris 6 wheeler next year but if a used argo came by at the right price I would snap it up.
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Offline sd550

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2006, 06:57:03 AM »
Go to  www.cootworld.com and take a look at those. You can find a good one starting around $2,500 and up, depending on the condition. I got one and it is awsome. Mine has been stored for the last 15 years and was in perfect shape (tubs & running gear). The one I have is 4 wheel steer, 4 wheel drive, and it floats :o. The only problem with it is that it want run as fast as my four wheelers.
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Offline GrassLakeRon

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2006, 05:02:36 AM »
Ok,


     How about tracks or no tracks?

Ron
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Offline Daveinthebush

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2006, 09:01:56 AM »
If I had the money an Argo would be the way to go in some situations.  But you need to know that you can not cross a salmon stream with either the ATV or Argo as it is agains the law.  So that throws a little loop into some trips.  I know lots of people so it,  but one guy lost a place in the brown bear record books a few years back because he goat caught and was disqualified.
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Offline GrassLakeRon

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2006, 12:35:38 AM »
I'm guessing the reason is so the wheels/tracks will not upset the river bottoms for salmon reproduction.  I know the next thought is splitting hairs, but even if you use an outboard, it is still an ATV?  All debt aside, the law would effectively stop what percentage of passible water?  Dave in your experience, what is the best way to deal with travel over Alaskan Wilderness when hauling in supplies or hunting in remote areas?  I know I should adopt a wait and see attitude,when I get back up there, but I would still like an idea to what would be the best choice based upon more then just my experience.  Dave and everyone else, thanks for the advice! : )

Ron
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Offline Daveinthebush

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2006, 04:26:33 AM »
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/SARR/FishDistrib/FDD_ims.cfm

Do it in the winter when they are frozen or refer to this web site.  That is about all you can do.
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Offline corbanzo

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2006, 11:36:59 AM »
If money were no object I would have to go with a track rig that has a deep enough track to go through streams, who needs to float?  Also something which is on the slim side to try and fit between trees, one good thing about bigger track rigs is the ability to go through trees.   ;D
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #8 on: November 12, 2006, 08:00:14 AM »
We run Nodwells, and Bombadeer, track rigs.  It's 30 miles of some of the most awful swamp you ever seen to get to the cabin.  We have been seeing 4-wheelers out there but they can't carry anything out, and they beat themselves to death getting there.  Usually taking all day, sometimes two.  Last couple of years we started seeing Argos, with tracks making it out there.  They travel in pairs, and have the capability of hauling their camp (if they travel light) and one Moose out.  The newer ones seem to be able to handle the rough terrain, but the older ones had bad axels and I have towed several out of the woods.  The people in the Argos are not all beat up like the people on 4-wheelers when they get there.
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Offline GrassLakeRon

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #9 on: November 12, 2006, 03:37:29 PM »
Thanks for the info.  I just had one priced:  Argo Avenger EFI with all the bells, $28K.    It is kind of hard to imagin, but if it is better.....

Ron
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Offline GrassLakeRon

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2006, 09:54:50 AM »
Has anyone seen a used one for sale?

Ron
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Offline GrassLakeRon

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #11 on: November 30, 2006, 12:20:39 AM »
Dave,

Did you see the lastest issue of Field and Stream.  ATV's in the water and crossing streams in Alaska. 

Ron
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Offline Daveinthebush

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #12 on: November 30, 2006, 04:39:05 AM »
No I did not see it.  But you have to remember that some streams can be crossed.  It all depends on if it is listed as a salmon stream.
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Offline Sourdough

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #13 on: January 02, 2007, 11:40:51 AM »
Had a biologist jump on me a few years ago for crossing two rivers on my way to hunt each year.  Threatened to write me a citation for crossing salmon streams.  Finally got him straightened out, no salmon in those waters.  Argos float, so they can cross streams a four wheeler can't, as long as they don't hit the bottom while crossing.

The rivers we cross are not all that deep most years, just fast.  But when they are up, no argo is going to get across them.  No 4-wheelers either.  In fact one year when the rain came for three days while we were in there, I saw the cab of a Nodwell go under water at our usual crossing.  The water went from two feet to 12 feet in three days.

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Offline WindWalker-AK

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Re: Argo or 4 wheeler in Alaska
« Reply #14 on: February 12, 2007, 07:46:34 AM »
Mr. GrassLakeRon,
For years we have been using my Wife's Polaris 4-wheeler and our Polaris (Big Boss) 6-wheeler with tracks; our version of the Alaskan Pack Mule.  Our "Mule" will go most anyplace the Argo will; with the exception of floating.  As others have mentioned, the Argo is slow in comparison.

In addition, the Argo is very rough riding for anyone not in the front seats.  If you have a shell covering for foul weather, it is very noisy inside.  It is my understanding they have improved the axel seals on the newer models so that they not only last longer but leak less.

Having said the above, my Wife and I are looking forward to getting an Argo; perhaps as early as next year.  At my age, speed of transit is not a high priority.  Being able to float a pond for fishing or photography will be nice.  Besides, we could more easily include the Devil Dog (her pooch by name of Shiloh) in our excursions.
Best Wishes
Sawmill Creek, Alaska
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Sawmill Creek, Alaska
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