Anyone remember the show Maximum Drive? Made in the 1990s, it was a cornucopia of ATV action, with kids racing flat-out over terrain of all types, hosted by over-enthusiastic and suitably shaggy-haired Joe Fowler. The show featured the occasional Argo ATV, made by Canadian company Ontario Drive and Gear, Ltd, now renamed ARGO. With a history stretching back more than six decades, ODG was originally founded to make a transmission for the six-wheel Amphicat. Exposure to the ATV market prompted the company to produce its own ATV; the new vehicle was named for the Greek heroes of mythology, the Argonauts. Today’s example is vintage 2000, with six wheels and a track kit. It is advertised here on facebook Marketplace for $5300, and it’s located in Crown Point, Indiana.
Argos have carried many an engine, from Kohler to Tecumsah to Briggs & Stratton, air cooled and water cooled, as little as 16 hp to more than 40. This machine likely has a Briggs & Stratton water cooled engine (the most common motor found in the late ’90s/early ’00s Argos). The bodies are sealed against water and made of polyethylene or ABS plastic. This example is a six-wheeler; by 1971, an Argo 8-wheeler was available with comfortable seating for four. Designed for use in the water, the Argo has gone fishing, hunting, and trail-seeking. That said….
… This Argo has been fitted with a track kit, making steering in the water challenging to say the least. Top speed of a tracked Argo will be around 20 mph on land. In the water, an untracked Argo will manage about 3 mph, using the tire’s hills and valleys – such as they are – to paddle. And while we’re on the topic of wheels, the Argo’s only suspension is its tires. An untracked Argo will provide a smoother ride and better traction if the tire air pressure is kept low.
Speaking of steering, the Argo is set up to skid steer, with the handlebars controlling the right or left bank of wheels by braking, or not. The wheels do not turn, instead, one bank will turn faster than the other, swinging the Argo on its axis. Underneath, chains drive the wheels. Lubricate the chains regularly and if you’re going to become an owner, scout replacements: some owners report that new chains are becoming hard to find for older Argos. This example shows only 114 hours on the clock, and the seller says it runs great. Would this amphibious ATV fit into your lifestyle?
Great 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 scene with Ricky, Julian🥃and Bubs in an Argo.
You know who does a lot of vintage tracked vehicles, is this Stacy David. I happened upon it on Roku, and is entering his 19th season. I think he’s a pretty cool guy. Restoring a Thiokol Swamp Spryte. As far as flotation and all around go through anything( within reason, of course), you can’t beat tracks. It’s what doomed the infamous Antarctic Sno-Cruiser.
This, many will find out, is horribly underpowered for the terrain it will encounter. These can get bogged down pretty easy, and only power will get you through. The downside to tracks, is they suck up a lot of power. Great find.
I have had several Argos. My dad bought me one for xmas in the early 70s. I had wanted a mini-bike (like every other kid), but my parents felt an ATV would be safer to ride on our farm. It was orange ABS, and could go about 30 mph. There were ponds and streams on our property, and it did get amphibious use.
After a few years, it needed some work, and my dad decided to just buy a new one. It was a green polyethylene 6-wheeler, and had a high HP engine. I picked it up from the factory.It would do 60 mph+. It was a wild ride, and I think the model was quickly discontinued. It was eventually sold with the farm.
About 15 years ago, I ended up with a Argo project at a power-sports store bankruptcy sale . It was an 80s 6-wheeler with no engine. I squeezed an engine from a wrecked snowmobile into the Argo. The sled motor had waaayy too much HP, and it was really hairy to drive. I had used an aftermarket clutch that I thought would handle the power, but I was wrong….. While taking my wife for a ride, the clutch exploded, sending shrapnel through the hull and hood. On wife’s orders, I sold it “as-is” a few days later. The guy who bought it, got it going again, flipped it, and broke his arm. He sold it right after that.
By coincidence, I am actually considering another Argo (with stock drivetrain). If the unit shown here was local, I would probably make an offer. The price is in the right ballpark, with tracks included.
There was many company’s years ago that made these 6 wheelers, i had many different brands. I belonged to a club where we would go to different locations and blast around. It was a great time!!
I, remember the banana splits
Ranch, farm, forest, or plains would be the perfect places. I used my 4 wheeler a lot on the ranch, even hearing cows. I saw a few of these, mostly untracked but never was able to score a ride. Looks like you could have a good time with these. I abhor FB, is there anyway to get on their marketplace without joining, cause I ain’t gonna do that! Thanks.
too kool, but my brother says [whines] they are too slow, if I had all the other toys I want, I would love to have one, just for that kool factor
I had an early 70;s Allis-Chalmers Terra-Tiger. 6 wheel drive, single cylinder JLO 2 stroke snowmobile engine. A lot of fun, not enough ground clearance, and trouble going from water to land.
I had something like this in the early 70’s but it was much smaller. Had a winch and was handy for hauling up the mummy sarcophagus I found as part of the Adventure Team…