Q: Wouldn't it be better to use hydrostatic drive?
Not by a long shot! The Argo does what it does because it is light and has a high horsepower to weight ratio. Hydrostatic drive is popular in applications where those things do not matter, like bulldozers, loaders, compactors, etc. The Argo uses a much more efficient drive system that maximizes horsepower to weight. Until you see cars, trucks, and motorcycles using hydrostatic drive, it still belongs on construction and farm equipment!
Q: Why is it so hard to find a dealer?
It is not! You have found us :-) We would love to be your ARGO dealer
Q: What type of fuel does the ARGO use?
All models use regular unleaded gasoline. Diesel models of the ARGO are not available, however, the Centaur TD utilizes a Turbocharged Diesel engine.
Q: What is the top speed on water?
The web of the tires propel the ARGO at about walking speed or roughly 2.5 to 3.5 mph. You can use an outboard motor of up to 9.9 hp for extensive water travel or higher speeds.
Q: 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.
Q: What is MAP pricing?
Manufacturers often have a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) policy. Argo does have a MAP policy. That only means that dealers can not advertise new unregistered vehicles for sale below a certain price set by the manufacturer. It does not dictate at what price a dealer can sell the vehicle. Always pick up the phone and make the best deal you can.
Q: What happened to the Goodyear Tires?
Goodyear ceased production on all of their low-volume tires including the Runamuck and Rawhide III tires that were used on Argo vehicles for many years. Argo worked with Carlisle and developed the new ARGO branded tires that are standard equipment on all Argo models. These tires are compatible with the older Goodyear tires. However, I always recommend that you replace them in pairs across from each other. This insures that if they are a bit different in diameter, the vehicle will still go straight and not pull toward a smaller tire.
Q: What depth of water can the ARGO travel through?
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.
Q: How much load can the vehicle carry?
The 8x8`s have a maximum payload capacity of 1,150 lb. on land or 6 adults. In water, it carries 4 adults or a maximum of 1000 lb. The 6x6`s have a payload capacity of 700 lb. or 2 adults and 2 children. In water, it carries 2 adults or 500 lb..
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: How does the ARGO perform on Ice?
The Argo weighs much less per square inch than we do on our feet. The weight is spread over a very large area. Argo vehicles can traverse ice with little difficulty. If the vehicle does fall through, remember, it is a boat and you are going to float dry and safe.
Q: How does the ARGO perform in sand
The ARGO's very low ground pressure allows it to navigate very well over sand.
Q: Do I need tracks?
Tracks reduce the ground pressure of the vehicle. If you are operating your vehicle in snow or deep mud, the tracks may be necessary. The ground pressure with the tracks installed is about .6 psi
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: Where do I get parts for my Powerwise Charger?
You can find most of the parts right here on this website, There are a lot more charger parts on our other website www.ezgolfcart.com
Q: The fuse is ok, the diodes are ok, and my charger still won't turn on
If the fuse is good, the diodes check ok and the batteries are not dead, The control board is probably faulty
Q: My cords are cracked or frayed, can I fix them?
Sure, just take them out of the case and cut the frayed portion off, re-install the proper terminals, replace the cord in the stress reliefs and reinstall the cords.
Q: My charger turns on, but won't show a charge on the meter
If the charger clicks on and the meter does not show a charge, it may be the meter, but more likely it is the capacitor. The capacitor is what turns down the charge rate as the batteries reach full charge.
Q: My charger plug gets hot when I am charging the battery
This is usually caused by corrosion or bad connections in the charge plug handle. Open it up and inspect the connections. If you see a darkening of the terminals or corrosion, replace the contacts and tighten up the screws. Make sure you do not loose the magnet when you open the handle. It has to be in there to activate the reed switch on the golf cart.
Q: My charger is overcharging my batteries.
The charge rate is controlled by a control board located inside the case, if the charger won't stop charging when the batteries are fully charged, the control board may be bad.
Q: My batteries are not dead and my charger won't turn on
Usually this means that the 50 amp DC fuse is blown. If you find the fuse blown, you will need to test the diodes. If the diodes failed, the fuse blows. The diodes should show open when tested with a continuity tester. Replace the diodes as necessary and then change the fuse.
Q: My batteries are dead and my charger won't turn on
The powerwise charger must read an appropriate voltage from the battery before it will turn on. If the batteries are dead, the charger doesn't know what it is hooked to, and won't start
Q: My batteries are completely dead, how do I get the charger to turn on?
You need to charge the batteries individually with an automotive charger until they produce enough voltage for the charger to turn on. You can also use jumper cables to connect your battery pack with another cart. The current will pass from the other cart to yours and show the charger enough voltage to turn on.
Q: Where do I sit when I am operating in water?
The controls are situated such that you can operate the vehicle from the center or right hand side of the seat. You need to sit in whatever position it takes to level the vehicle side to side. If you are alone in the vehicle, that will probably be in the center. If you have a passenger, you will probably sit to the right. The vehicle goes straight only when it is level side to side.
Q: What special equipment do I need to operate my Argo in water.
State laws may vary, but in California they require you to have a PDF (Personal Flotation Device) for each passenger and a throw-able flotation device on board whenever operating in the water. You also must have a paddle and a signal horn. Check your local regulations before operating the Argo in water.
Q: What load can I take into the water?
Read and understand the operator's manual for you Argo. load limits are stated on plates located near the back of the vehicle. Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the Argo. Bad things will happen!
Q: What do I have to do to transition from land to water?
First you need to make sure the bilge plugs are in. The Argo will sink if it fills completely up with water. Next, you just drive into the water. When the vehicle begins to float, it will begin to move forward from the propulsion of the tires.
Q: The bank is really steep. Can I still go into the water?
Be careful here. If you are unsure how steep bank is, always enter the water backwards. That way you don't take the chance that the front end dives into the water and takes on water before it pops back up again. The rear of the vehicle will float quicker than the front.
Q: The Argo sits high in the back when it is in the water, Is that normal?
Yes. The Argo is designed to carry a load in the water. If the rear compartment is empty, it will float high. The speed in the water is actually faster when the back is up a bit. With a load the vehicle will level out.
Q: I want to go faster. How do I do that?
The Argo is rated for a 9.9 hp outboard motor. There is an optional mounting plate available for the rear of the vehicle on which to mount the motor. We recommend using a long shaft outboard motor with between 5 and 9.9 hp. The addition of an outboard motor will increase water speed to around 7 mph.
Q: How fast will the Argo go in water using just it's tires?
Argo says about 2.5 -3 mph. That equates to a normal walking speed. Wind and current will have a profound effect on speed in the water.
Q: How do I steer the Argo in the water?
Almost the same as you do on land. turn the handle bar in the direction you want to turn. That will speed up the tires on the outside of the turn, and slow the tires on the inside of the turn. To increase the turn rate, shift your weight to the inside of the turn and the turn rate will dramatically increase.
Q: How do I get the Argo out of the water and back on land?
Just maneuver the Argo up to the shore until the tires begin to touch the bottom. As they gain traction on the bottom, the vehicle will begin to climb out of the water. If the bank is too steep to climb out, just find a more gradual slope on which to exit the water.
Q: Do I have to licence my Argo to operate in the water?
If you operate your Argo in a public waterway, it must be licensed the same as any other boat or vessel.
Q: Can I operate my Argo vehicle in deep water?
Absolutely! The Argo line of vehicles are fully amphibious.
Q: Can I fish out of my Argo?
You sure can! using a gas or electric trolling motor, the Argo can do most any kind of fishing on fairly calm water. We often use the Argo to get into lakes that are not accessible with a boat, and use the Argo as out boat when we get there. Trolling for trout is a snap.
