Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/165243
A Closer Look represent a good opportunity for dealers. "The product is absolutely proven for over 45 years," he said. Argo is also listed on the GSA Schedule and is an awarded vendor of the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Contract. These contracts make it easier for governmental agencies to procure equipment and subsequently for dealers to sell to government agencies. roll over than UTVs due to their low be doing with the equipment," said center of gravity. Equipment is stored Laporte. "We make sure that the in the bottom of the back for stability customer gets exactly what he needs." unlike most UTVs that carry equip If the Argo is needed primarily to ment on top. move people, then a Frontier or HDi According to Wagenknecht, a paper model will often suffice; if heavy analysis of UTVs and ETVs might cargo is to be moved, then a heavyshow similar pulling power and load duty XTI or Centaur model will be capacity on level ground, but off road, recommended. Optional flatbed, he says, the Argo product will outperbox, crane and auger platforms give form UTVs. An add-on trailer allows customers more ways and more What's So Special? the machine to carry six crewmembers reasons to take the ETVs into the field. Argo ETVs compete indirectly with while towing up to 1,400 pounds of "As soon as you get into the more utility-terrain side-by-side vehicles equipment, instruments and supplies. aggressive, commercial type of work," from Polaris, Deere, Kubota, and In the heart of northern Ontario's said Laporte, "then that's where the Kawasaki, to name a few. In addition, rugged mining country, Timmins new XTI and Centaur come in." Argo ETVs can replace some tasks for Rent All started renting Argo ETVs Richard Wharmby, owner and heavy tracked vehicles at much lower 12 years ago. Al Laporte, owner and rental coordinator at Expedition Rentcost. But the biggest general manager als in Edmonton, Alberta, has 20-plus differentiator is the of Timmins, serves Argos in his rental fleet. In his territory, machines' ability to on the commercial environmental companies use Argos traverse water. development team for to safely reach monitoring sites, and "We go where ODG. By responding oil and gas companies even use Argos the other machines to customer requests to transport community stakeholders can't," said Wagen• Flatbed body in the field, Laporte for onsite scoping expeditions as part knecht. This includes • Cargo box has been instrumental of local relationship management. deep snow, as well • Dump body in the development of "Out in the bush, when you hit a as soft and difficult • Welder new complementary stream, it's easier to cross that stream soils including muck, • Generator products from Argo. in an Argo than it is to take a quad swamp, muskeg (or • Power auger Optional cargo decks and then bring your helicopter in to bog). Argo vehicles • Foggers and interchangeable lift the quad over the stream," he said. traverse side slopes, • Sprayers attachments turn "This is a much cheaper alternative for • Fire pumps grades and obstacles the Argo ETV into those companies. When you are out in that are inaccessible to • Core sampler a versatile mobile the middle of nowhere, that helicopter • Snow plow other vehicles. platform for completexpense is high." • Jib crane With a ground ing heavy-duty tasks According to Wagenknecht, Argo • Winch pressure as low as in support of construc- ETVs also benefit from lower mainte• Rescue stretcher 1.06 psi when addtion and maintenance nance costs compared to UTVs. The • Trailer on rubber tracks of utilities, exploration, Argo's enclosed hull design keeps • ROPS are employed, Argo mining and fire and mechanical components protected ETVs will cross fragile rescue operations. from the elements, thus reducing terrain with little or downtime and scheduled maintenance. no lasting impact on vegetation and Get What You Need "It's an accumulation of benefits substrates. A sealed body ensures Argo ETVs are designed for versatility. that convinces customers to buy," that all engine and mechanical fluids "You could outfit the vehicle to do 10 added Wagenknecht. are well contained to prevent soil different things," said Wagenknecht. The cost of Argo's 8x8s range from contamination. Argo's exceptional A large number of attachments and approximately $16,000 at the low terrain capabilities and high altitude options ensure high utilization in the end to $75,000 at the high end for performance extend the range of sites rental fleet. With Argo's standardized a heavy-duty Argo equipped with and seasons where vehicles can opermounting system, most attachment a heavy-duty crane and cargo box ate productively. installations take 30 minutes or less. solution. Argo 6x6 entry models are Safety is always a concern for busi "When we do get a phone call for available at $10,995. Dealers interested nesses carrying personnel over rough a rental, we spend some time with in learning more about Argo should terrain. According to Wagenknecht, the customer asking him what he's contact Mark Hollister 813-508-3500, Argo ETVs are four times less likely to looking for and what he's going to mhollister@argoetv.com. n Versatile Options for Argo ETVs September 2013 | Construction Equipment Distribution | www.cedmag.com | 45 44_A Closer Look_KP.indd 45 8/28/13 12:29 PM