Which Argo?

[Vance in AK]

I started with an old early 80s Argo money pit for a season then went to a Ranger 6x6 which has been a very capable rig but I'm getting the Argo itch again so I think I will part with the Ranger & pick up an Argo in its place. Cant afford new or really close to new. Price wise probably looking at stuff in the year range of late 2000s to mid teens depending on accessories. Primarily a hunting rig.
So my questions are...
How vital is the Admiral tranny. Is it really a game changer?
Any particular models to avoid or seek out?

 

[KantishnaCabin]

I am by no means an expert. I just bought my first Argo this summer. I purchased a 2018 Avenger 750 Huntmaster R. When I was quizzing my Argo loving friends with essentially the same questions the two things that stood out as absolutely necessary were the Admiral tranny and the heavy duty axles. I have only used my argo on one moose hunt so far. But based on two weeks of absolute abuse by yours truly, I can say that I have been converted. I was firmly in the skeptic camp prior to this purchase. My wife gave me endless amounts of grief over this decision. But after I pulled a 61" bull out of hip deep muck and across 150yds of swamp to dry ground so we could dress him on dry ground, I became an ardent advocate.

I have no idea how much of an improvement those two items are over the original designs, I just know that my machine has both and I am very satisfied.

 

[4merguide]

I started with an old early 80s Argo money pit for a season then went to a Ranger 6x6 which has been a very capable rig but I'm getting the Argo itch again so I think I will part with the Ranger & pick up an Argo in its place.

Can't say I blame you at all. I never had personally seen an Argo in action until a few years ago when a guy pulled a big bull I killed out of an area that I know a Ranger could never even think about going. Friggin' tanks they are!

 

[Akgramps]

I have spent some time using Argos, both older, on tracks and tires. Both are very capable machines. My hunting pard and owner of the machines is very much up on keeping them maintained. And try not to abuse them. They will go most anywhere given time. Axels are a issue, the old trannies can be problem, I know he has had to replace one of the transmissions. Chain adjusters can be a problem.

My opinion is the heavier axels and newer tranny and both a plus.

 

[inspcalahan]

I had a 2010 700 Avenger. It went everywhere newer machines with bigger engines and the better transmissions had. It worked at it but, never failed. Sold it and went without for a few years, changing to a side by side for the kids. In 2021, I dropped the hammer for the 950, Admiral and heavy duty axles. To say it performed better isn't fair, as they both did the same. Boy howdy is there a difference though. It works less, climbs faster, runs smoother and turns so so so much easier.

It'll likely be my last but seeing as how Argo upgrades or makes significant changes about every twenty years it seems LOL, this one should do me for good.

 

[beagleman]

I would strongly recommend a 2016 or newer 750hdi/ Avenger with a high torque low speed transmission and the axle upgrade package ( 1 3/8" forged axles) riding on AK Bush tracks. I have the 2016 750hdi w/ 30hp Kohler with the low speed high torque transmission yes the Admiral transmission is a game changer. I wouldn't say the Classic transmission is no good because it is solid but the Admiral is just a better delivery of power and you very rarely need low range. Low range is only very tight turning and swimming , it does nothing for gear reduction for heavy loads.