363 County Rd 513 Califon NJ 07830 us
Argonorth
ARGO Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Avenger and Frontier Vehicles
How many wheels drive the vehicle?
All models are `All-Wheel Drive`. At no time are any of our axles allowed to `free-wheel`. This means that the operator has complete control of all 6 or 8 wheels, all the time.
How does the vehicle perform on snow?
Using one of the optional track systems, the ground pressure of the vehicle can be reduced down to an extremely low 0.7 psi, even fully loaded. This allows the ARGO to operate on top of snow like a person on snowshoes.
Can the vehicle be transported on a pick-up truck?
Yes, provided there is a ramp over the wheel wells. Even the 8x8 ARGOs fit into a full-size (8-foot long) pick-up truck box.
How much load can the vehicle carry?
The Avenger and HDi models have a maximum payload capacity of 1,150 lb. on land or 6 adults. In water, they carry 4 adults, maximum 1000 lbs. The Frontier 8x8 has a maximum payload capacity of 1000 lbs. on land or 6 adults, and in water it can carry 4 adults, maximum 900 lbs. The 6x6`s have a payload capacity of 700 lb. or 2 adults and 2 children. In water, it carries 2 adults, maximum 500 lbs.
What type of fuel does the ARGO use?
All models use regular unleaded gasoline. Diesel models use diesel fuel.
What is the top speed on land?
Depending on load and terrain the top speed for 8x8 models varies between 18-20 mph and for the 6x6 models between 20-23 mph. In the terrain that the ARGO is designed for, high speed is not an issue.
What is the top speed on water?
The web of the tires propel the ARGO at about walking speed or roughly 2 mph. You can use an outboard motor of up to 9.9 hp for extensive water travel or higher speeds.
Up to what depth can it go into the water?
Since the ARGO floats, there is no limit to the depth of the water it can go in, as long as it is calm, normal boating safety precautions are observed, and safety equipment is on board.
Can the vehicle operate on water as well as on land?
Yes, all ARGO models are fully amphibious and can be driven into the water without any special preparation. Please see the "Operator's Manual" and the "Operator's Video" that come with your ARGO for water use precautions.
Why does the Argo use a mechanical drive system instead of hydrostatic?
Hydrostatic drives are less efficient, heavier, costlier, and poorer performing than the Argo mechanical drive system. They typically require larger engines for the same performance, have less payload, especially during water use, and lower top speed. The Argo mechanical transmission coupled to the belt driven CVT (continuously variable transmission) optimizes performance, weight, fuel efficiency, and cost, providing the most extreme capable amphibious vehicle on the market.
Centaur Vehicles
Can a heater be installed in the cab?
Yes, the Centaur uses a 31 hp liquid cooled Daihatsu engine. The 17,000 BTU heater uses engine coolant to provide heat to the operators. The heater kit uses a three speed dual fan motor blowing cool air over the heater core exiting through two defrost vents and two 3” round dash vents.
Can you transport more than two people in the Centaur?
The primary function of the Centaur is transporting tools, equipment and supplies to remote areas. As such, we have enclosed the front compartment with a cab that is ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure) certified, leaving the rear cargo area unobstructed for your cargo.
Can you install tracks on the Centaur?
The Centaur can be equipped with two different types of tracks. For mud, rock, swamp and light snow applications, a 15” seamless rubber track system can be fitted over low profile turf tyres. This track kit wraps around two tyres at a time making this a four-track system. For deep snow applications or where aggressive traction is required, a 22” snow track kit can be used. The 22” kit wraps around all four turf tyres, uses a 1.8” deep grouser. Ground pressure of 0.7 psi can be attained with this ladder style track.
What is the carrying capacity of the Centaur?
On land, the Centaur has a total load capacity of 1500 pounds. This capacity decreases to 700 pounds when operating in the water.
How does it steer?
The Centaur transmission is a self-contained dual differential transmission with mechanical input from the engine. The steering differential is connected to the hydrostatic pump and motor assembly. The hydrostat will rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the input signal received from the driver. This steering signal results in a speed differential left to right allowing the inside drive tyres to rotate at a slower rate than the outside tires
Does it float?
Yes it does. The lower Body of the Centaur is a vacuum formed sheet of High Density Polyethylene that encloses the bottom half of the vehicle. During water use, the vehicle has a capacity of 700 lbs. Due to the mid engine / transmission design, the load must be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle to ensure proper floatation.