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September 2013

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A Closer Look Versatile Argo ETVs Go Where Others Can't Maker of extreme utility vehicles focuses on establishing a dedicated commercial rental dealer network. By Joanne Costin While amphibious vehicles aren't a traditional product category for construction equipment dealers, use in a growing number of applications and markets make Argo extreme terrain vehicles (ETVs) worth a closer look. You can find a growing number of Argo ETVs working in oil and gas applications, remote wind farms and solar energy sites, remote cable and telecommunications applications, as well as fire and rescue operations. While Argo ETVs were first marketed as a recreational vehicle for hunters, the company has adapted their models to meet the requirements of commercial applications. An Argo ETV vehicle allows access to the worksite regardless how remote, resulting in more work days and improved productivity of high-value crews and equipment. Argo is currently in the process of launching a dedicated commercial rental dealer network in the U.S. and Canada, according to Bernhard Wagenknecht, vice president of sales and marketing. "The new type of dealers we are looking for are companies that are already going after our target markets," said Wagenknecht. Three new commercial dealers in the U.S. have added Argo ETVs to their rental fleet. In total, the company has more than 150 dealers serving the personal, ARGO ETV Models Load Capacity in No. of People Pounds (land/water) (land/water) 6x6 Frontier 580 700/500 4/2 6x6 Frontier 650 HD 700/500 4/2 8x8 Frontier 650 1000/900 6/4 8x8 700 HD 1150/1000 6/4 8x8 750 HDi 1000/850 6/4 8x8 750 HDi SE 1000/850 6/4 8x8 XTI/XTD 1500/1000 2-4/2-4 8x8 Centaur 1500 2 not amphibious Towing Capacity 1200 1400 1400 1800 1800 1800 2000 2200 light commercial, and public sectors, primarily across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1962, Argo is a subsidiary of Ontario Drive and Gear (OGD), based in New Hamburg, Ontario. Until 1967, the company was focused solely on producing gears and transmissions for off-road vehicles. That's when one of their customers that manufactured amphibious all terrain vehicles went bankrupt. ODG purchased the design and decided to enter the ATV business with the Argo brand. "Very early on in the '70s we were in the oil fields in Alberta," said Wagenknecht. "We sold more than 500 vehicles in Canada alone." A growing oil and gas market has Argo very optimistic about expansion into the U.S. They plan to use the same targeted commercial approach that worked well for the company in Canada. Argo is looking to gain entry into the rental fleets of dealers, where Wagenknecht believes its extreme terrain vehicles will be viewed as a safer, more versatile, ecofriendly, and cost-effective alternative to all-terrain vehicles. To introduce the product to dealers and end-users, the company has a fleet of demonstration equipment available throughout the U.S. Wagenknecht believes Argo ETVs 44 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | September 2013 44_A Closer Look_KP.indd 44 8/28/13 12:29 PM

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