New 2015 ARGO 8x8 Models Featuring HD Industrial Strength and New Add-On Solutions Including Universal Mounting System to Expand Utilization

    NEW HAMBURG, ON, September 17, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Headlining the vehicle line-up is a revisited edition of the ARGO 8X8 Centaur industrial-duty vehicle. ARGO engineering has delivered an updated Centaur with greater load capacity, new heavy-duty tracks, more comfort and an expanded range of heavy-duty tools for use on remote worksites.

Power, capacity, versatility
Centaur's proven liquid-cooled 34 HP turbo-diesel engine with patented high torque Centaurmatic dual-differential transmission produces 10% more power than any other ARGO. This model also utilizes ARGO's innovative automated chain lube system, which makes the vehicle virtually maintenance-free while it's operating in the field.

Now built to handle loads totaling 33% more than previous models, the 2015 Centaur delivers as much 3400 lb. (1542 kg) of payload, with 2000 lb. (907 kg) on the vehicle and 1400 lb. (635 kg) of additional capacity with ARGO's 8-wheeled trailer. The Centaur comes with optional flat deck, cargo box, utility box and electric dump box

This extra capacity also allows Centaur to mount heavier tools such as the newMaxilift mono-boom crane. The mobile crane system is able to lift loads weighing as much 2870 lb. (1300 kg) or raise loads to a maximum height of 9'11" (3022 mm). With the Universal Mounting System (UMS) installed in the Centaur's cargo bay, it is easy to install interchangeable mobile power packages, compressors, welders and spraying systems.

ARGO "workhorse" goes diesel
The popular heavy-duty ARGO 8x8 XTI has now been released in a new diesel powered version. Bernhard Wagenknecht, ARGO's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, explains that, "...diesel is the fuel of choice for our industrial and utility customers operating in remote worksites. Now we can offer them a vehicle with all the capabilities of the 8x8 XTI that can fill up at the same pump as the other equipment in the camp."

The new ARGO 8x8 XTD is powered by a 24 HP, 1028 cc Kohler/Lombardini diesel engine matched to the triple differential ADMIRAL transmission. The 8x8 XTD was recently listed by Outdoor Canada as "Best New All-Terrain Vehicle".

Advanced 18" Rubber Track Systems for CENTAUR and XT Models
The latest improvement to ARGO's advanced track systems simplifies track installation and reduces weight. Many years of development and extensive field testing led to a new design for HD UHMW-PE (Heavy-duty ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) guides, replacing the previous steel guides to achieve a lighter guide system of equal strength and reduced wear.

The new tracks are matched to a new tire design, exclusive to ARGO. Compared to previous 8-ply tires, these tires offer more flexibility to ease track installation, while improving durability and performance. The HD tracks are available as tandem or quad options also featuring HD hinge lacing, aluminum backing washers and reinforced rims.

ARGO 8x8 HD750EU is "Street-Legal" in Europe
Expanding on the success of the HD700EU, ARGO has earned certification of a new "EU" version of its ARGO 8x8 750 HDi for use on public roads in Europe. EU certification highlights ARGO reliability and safety. With the addition of special road safety and comfort features including suspension seats, front hitch mount, turn signals, horn, seatbelts, hi-lo beams and a side mirror, customers in Europe will be able to go from the road to the water. The same model is available in North America as the ARGO 8x8 750 HDi Special Edition however it is not approved for road use.

The new street-legal model shares all standard features of the fully amphibious 8x8 750 HDi including its 30 HP Kohler Aegis LH 775 EFI engine, with capacity for loads up to 1000 lb. (453 kg) or up to 6 passengers on land and 4 on water (850 lb./386 kg).

Kohler EFI engine makes 23 HP Frontier 8x8 a great starter package
Reliable cold-weather starts and strong performance in high altitudes are now standard features of ARGO's most affordable 8x8 vehicle. The new ARGO 8x8 Frontier EFI brings the efficiency and dependability of electronic fuel injection to popularly priced UTV's in the consumer market. According to Thomas Polanic, ARGO Product Manager, "the Frontier 8x8 EFI is a great way for hunters and anglers to get started with their first ARGO experience!" For the serious outdoor enthusiast, the Frontier 8x8 EFI is also offered with ARGO's updated "Ultimate Hunter" package, equipping the vehicle with a Sure Grip gun rack, 3500 lb. power winch, brush guard, a slide-in bed liner and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish. The ARGO 8x8 Frontier can also be used for light duty commercial applications.

ARGO expands utilization with universal mounting system
ARGO owners find even more uses for their vehicles with ARGO's load-tested Universal Mounting System (UMS). This engineered mounting system significantly increases utilization by giving operators the opportunity to quickly, easily and safely convert their ARGO and ARGO trailer from one application to another, improving utilization.

"Our UMS has greatly expanded ARGO's capabilities," says Bernhard Wagenknecht, ARGO's VP Sales & Marketing. "The variety of tasks an ARGO can now complete increases its productivity and its value. Add a UMS to the vehicle itself or to an ARGO 4-wheel or 8-wheel amphibious trailer, and now it can safely transport mobile equipment and people where ever they need to be."

With the UMS in place, operators can attach tools and ARGO-designed, factory-approved add-ons directly to the chassis of the vehicle, eliminating the risk of the load shifting. In keeping with ARGO's reputation for safety, "ARGO's UMS also ensures that any add-ons fit inside as opposed to on top of the body of the vehicle," according to Wagenknecht. Due to its unique design and low center of gravity, ARGO has today's best Static Stability Factor in the off-road industry. In fact, research shows that a traditional UTV with the same equipment is up to four times more likely to roll over than an ARGO.

UMS makes adding equipment simple and safe
For years, ARGO's commercial customers have been adapting the rugged extreme-terrain vehicles to suit their needs, but creating one-off solutions is expensive and time-consuming, says Wagenknecht. The UMS opens a world of opportunities for industrial, municipal and personal use. ARGO owners now have a wide range of mobile power solutions that they can add to their vehicle simply and safely with the UMS in place.

The add-ons include off-the-shelf equipment such as hydraulic power packs, welders, generators, compressors and insect abatement pumps and sprayers. Working with VMAC, Lincoln Electric and Chicago Pneumatic, ARGO has access to standard equipment packages that are designed to be mounted in the vehicle or ARGO trailer equipped with a UMS.

ARGO continues to work closely with its industrial partners, dealers and customers to create a growing range of quick-change attachments and tools.

About ARGO
ARGO Extreme Terrain Vehicles and custom utility packages are manufactured since 1967. ARGO markets its products to more than 300 distributors and dealers worldwide and continues to grow at a steady pace.

ARGO's unique durability, safety and versatility are driven by the renowned engineering capability of its parent company, Ontario Drive & Gear Ltd. (ODG). Since 1962, ODG has manufactured quality precision gears and transmissions.

For more information about ARGO or the new products for 2015, please contact:

Paula Barros, Marketing Manager
ARGO Amphibious UTV
220 Bergey Court,
New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, N3A 2J5
519-662-2840 ext. 471
1-877-274-6288
[email protected]
www.ARGOutv.com

# # #