2015 ARGO Lineup Versatility Extends Utilization for Public Utility Sector

    NEW HAMBURG, ON, October 06, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Customers in the public utility sector are already using ARGOs to maintain access corridors in remote locations because of ARGO's ability to safely carry crews and equipment where other vehicles can't go. The Centaur's impressive 2,000 lb. (907 kg) load capacity and 2,200 lb. (1000 kg) towing capacity allows crews to maintain and repair power lines and gas pipelines. ARGO's renowned stability and low centre of gravity also means that expensive equipment remains safely inside the vehicle. Recognizing its customers' needs, ARGO has added new features and accessories to its 2015 models to further extend their utilization for laying cables, replacing utility poles and more.

"ARGOs offer extreme productivity," says Bernhard Wagenknecht, ARGO's VP Sales & Marketing. "The 2015 models are the hardest-working ARGOs ever built. They perform safely in even the most demanding public utility and power transmission applications."

ARGOs take workers, tools anywhere
ARGO's optional track systems and exclusive tire design make 2015 models virtually unstoppable. Lightweight and easy-to-install, these new track systems are available in tandem or quad sets. They include 18" (457 mm) HD tracks with industrial-strength HDMW PE guides and high impact-resistant 24" (610 mm) turf tires that offer increased flexibility, durability and performance. These track systems are ideal for extreme terrain and snow-covered areas.

ARGO offers more standardized equipment
To meet the varied needs of its industrial customers, ARGO has expanded its selection of heavy-duty equipment add-ons, adding a new Maxilift mono-boom crane that mounts to the Centaur. This crane can lift up to 2,870 lb. (1300 kg) and raise loads to a maximum height of 9'11" (302.26 cm).

The 2015 XT models also have the capability to use most of the equipment previously available only for the Centaur. Power packs, tool attachments, generators, welders and compressors utilizing the ARGO Universal Mounting System (UMS) include packages developed in conjunction with industry-leading brands such as VMAC, Lincoln Electric and Chicago Pneumatic. ARGO cargo options include a flat bed, a utility box, an electric dump-box, 8-wheel and 4-wheel amphibious trailers with a capacity of up to 1,400 lb. (635 kg).

ARGOs go diesel
As diesel is the standard fuel for industry, ARGO is now offering its most popular workhorses with diesel engines. 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 Centaur's new liquid-cooled 34 HP turbo-diesel engine with high torque Centaurmatic dual-differential transmission produces 10% more power than any other ARGO. Customers appreciate the convenience of fueling all their vehicles from the same pump.

Applications for ARGO expand
Because of ARGO's renowned versatility and its ability to safely go where other equipment can't, customers working in the public utility industry continue to find more applications for their vehicles. ARGO engineers and field teams continue to work closely with its distributors and customers to create a growing range of quick-change attachments and tools.

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 has 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:

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

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