Author Topic: Anyone use an argo for ice fishing? (Read 20758 times)

Wiener · « **on:** Feb 19, 2010, 08:08 AM »

How many of you guys use an argo for icefishing?

I was thinking that if the ice broke, at least it would float.

Thanks,

Wiener

CMMahy · « **Reply #1 on:** Feb 19, 2010, 08:28 AM »

Not yet, but I'm saving my pennies for an 8x8 Avenger with rubber tracks. No first hand experience with them on ice, but they're used by a lot of emergency crews for ice rescue, so they must work. I've been scouring youtube for any video's of them actually falling through the ice, for me, the big question is how stable are they if just one side breaks through. Once they're in the water, they float great, and with a few studs in the tracks I bet they'd climb right back out in a hurry.

Wellsy · « **Reply #2 on:** Feb 19, 2010, 08:40 AM »

here's one

CMMahy · « **Reply #3 on:** Feb 19, 2010, 10:25 AM »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hYXVYnwHXw

I'd found that one too, but that machine isn't a true "Argo", it's a clone, not sure how much of a difference it makes though.

Wellsy · « **Reply #4 on:** Feb 19, 2010, 11:42 AM »

I noticed that but I figured it was a quick example, although he drove into a worst possible situation I think you could find on ice.
If it was studded I think he may have gotten himself out

d3 · « **Reply #5 on:** Feb 20, 2010, 03:25 PM »

Came across this when looking at the other video posted above. It is crazy looking. I have to go see how much they run.

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D3

tundraman · « **Reply #6 on:** Feb 20, 2010, 05:25 PM »

Ive seen videos of them getting back up on the ice but it was in a river and it seemed like they were hitting bottom. ive had the same Q for years. it doesnt do me much good to break through if i cant get back up on the ice. the whole reason i would buy one is to be able to go out on very bad ice when no one else can.

Idahogator · « **Reply #7 on:** Feb 16, 2011, 03:04 PM »

An experienced owner/operator mentioned he always backs into/onto doubtful situations which leaves the winch facing in the recovery direction. Also on board is a substantial spud to be used as a deadman thru safe ice.
The 8X8 payload at 900# ~ a bit more than most of us carry.

staggerin · « **Reply #8 on:** Mar 09, 2011, 10:51 PM »

A few guys use argos around me. Most have tracks on them and they get around the ice very nicely

onebadc20 · « **Reply #9 on:** Mar 09, 2011, 11:00 PM »

I use an attax 6x6. Just like an argo only better

25hp kabota, borg-warner transmission, and pretty much bullet proof. I've never had it break through while out on the ice, but I have messed around with it on my pond when the edges were shot and I was able to go from the water onto the ice with a little practice. You have to get one side up on the ice first then the other. No tracks, just chains on the front tires. The only problem with them is they are rough as ****. Fine on smooth ice, but a pita on the rough stuff.

Reel trouble · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 03, 2012, 12:52 PM »

they sure look like fun

&feature=related

Layne · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 09, 2012, 10:04 PM »

This settles the debate,

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I have a 6x6, would be great for ice fishing other than the lack of suspension.

WestSideAl8x8 · « **Reply #12 on:** Nov 29, 2014, 11:55 PM »

I use an Argo Response 8X8. With the tracks on it and cleats it will climb back on the ice from open water. Only downfall is you have to back onto the ice from open water as they are nose heavy.
http://s99.photobucket.com/user/alholmjr/media/IMG_2047.jpg.html

kasilofchrisn · « **Reply #13 on:** Nov 30, 2014, 01:03 AM »

Plenty of Argo videos on youtube I guess.
My friends dad has one. Not for icefishing but he bought some remote property he thought it would be good to use it to access.
They do float which is a bonus.
They are slow which is a detractor if you have to travel long distances with one. I think the one I rode in topped out at 18mph. So say you are traveling a few miles out you will not keep up with a group of 4 wheelers.
I would worry a little about mechanical breakdowns while stuck in the ice but I do know they have a dependable reputation so probably a rare issue.
Definitely want the tracked version for getting out of the ice.
The Wilcraft's look nice for ice fishing but I think the Argo has a much wider usage range. Things like deer hunting or to access remote lakes or cabins in the summertime.
But as long as the Wilcraft is I'm not sure how they would do on an ATV trail in the woods.

Whopper Stopper · « **Reply #14 on:** Nov 30, 2014, 06:03 AM »

Wilcraft's are pretty dang nice, I had a chance to ride in one last year.

One downside is the cost, which in my eyes makes the Argo more affordable.

WS

Chasing Lunkers · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 01, 2014, 01:26 AM »

Not yet but definitely want one.... the video that I came across that convinced me is named "ARGOS ON ICE" on youtube.
Definitely want the 8 wheel with tracks!

PRICE COUNTY STRIKE ZONE · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 05, 2014, 10:20 PM »

Another downfall is there is a lot more maintenance on an argo or maxx than there would be on a 4-wheeler or snowmobile. I was considering one until I did more research on them. There is a web site called 6x6 World. It is just like this one but dedicated to 6x6 and 8x8s. The guys that have them sound like they love them, but sounds like they are always wrenching on them.

nocod · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 07, 2014, 10:12 AM »

I have seen a few of them on simcoe, never get stuck I hear.

WestSideAl8x8 · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 09, 2014, 11:42 PM »

I have had mine for a while now. Maintenance on it is easy, and they are much more reliable these days than they were say 15 years ago. Mine with the tracks on it will climb over anything, pressure cracks, steep grades, downed trees, you name it. It is unstoppable and I always get guys that will walk over to check it out. I made the custom half top, and put a hinged board in the back to keep the snow out. Holds my Shappell DX4000 perfectly with all my gear safely tucked underneath. [

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Whopper Stopper · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 12, 2014, 04:28 AM »

Nice looking setup!

WS

WestSideAl8x8 · « **Reply #20 on:** Dec 21, 2014, 08:14 AM »

Thanks, I like it. I can't tell you how many guys have come over just to check it out. I always get somebody at the launch that says it's the coolest set up they have seen. Now if we could only get some ice to use the darned thing

holehopper · « **Reply #21 on:** Dec 21, 2014, 09:56 AM »

How about high centering? The belly on those Argo's looks really low to me. Do you run into high-centering issues where you lose weight on the tires and get stuck?

mackdog75 · « **Reply #22 on:** Dec 21, 2014, 02:09 PM »

If they don't have tracks they high center really easy in anything over a foot of snow. Got mine stuck 50ft onto the ice last year and it took almost an hr to get it unstuck. And they are slow! Im always the last one to get out to our spot. Great for hauling gear though.

WestSideAl8x8 · « **Reply #23 on:** Dec 24, 2014, 10:40 PM »

Have never had a problem getting her stuck. But then again I am cautious on how I drive it. Yes, I agee with the earlier reply that they are slow. But I can get out in mine when guys with side by sides are stuck on shore because the ice is only 4" thick.

LoggerFD · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 01, 2015, 05:45 PM »

I have a Max II 6x6 with tracks and I love it. One of my best purchases of all time!!

DanDANthefisherman1 · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 04, 2015, 07:08 PM »

Here's mine
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=137857.msg2226526#msg2226526

PRICE COUNTY STRIKE ZONE · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 04, 2015, 08:51 PM »

Quote from: mackdog75 on Dec 21, 2014, 02:09 PM

If they don't have tracks they high center really easy in anything over a foot of snow. Got mine stuck 50ft onto the ice last year and it took almost an hr to get it unstuck. And they are slow! Im always the last one to get out to our spot. Great for hauling gear though.

How fast does it go? I've heard 20mph is average top speed.

WestSideAl8x8 · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 04, 2015, 09:23 PM »

Tracks off I get it to about 24 mph, with the tracks on it is topped out at 18 mph. Both of those speeds were off of my GPS.

WestSideAl8x8 · « **Reply #28 on:** Oct 08, 2016, 08:03 PM »

Thanks, I sold my old Argo after bringing it to tip top shape. Hated to part with it, as I had it set up just the way I wanted. Turned a huge profit on it, so I bought this..... Even better set up than before. Has a cab heater, full canvas canopy, front suspension seats, rear bench seat and almost twice the power of my old one. I am going to throw the 18" rubber tracks on it and a wicked bright light bar. Thinking of mounting a remote control spot light on the top of the windshield to give the passenger something to play with lol

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Tbone9 · « **Reply #29 on:** Oct 08, 2016, 10:58 PM »

Nice fishin rig. I run a Max IV. I built it just for ice fishin. I put stainless cleats on the tracks, cab, heater, windshield wiper, front and back winch,auger rack, and a 27 horse power liquid cooled Kawasaki. There's not too many places I won't go.

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Author Topic: Anyone use an argo for ice fishing? (Read 20758 times)