I work for an environmental consulting firm that has two large wetland mitigation sites, one site over 2,000 acres. We are required to check wells throughout the sites and the only way to do this is by ATV. I am curious what other people may think is the best ATV for this work. We spend at least 8 hours a day on the ATVs and sometimes have to extract them ourselves (no trees around for winches) when they get stuck which happens often. The sites are man made wetlands so they have huge ruts from excavators and tractors moving around debris. There is also a considerable about of water that is impossible to get around. I considered 2wd because they are light weight and should be easier to pick up but don't think its worth it. Right now we have a 2014 Honda 420 and a 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 350. Manual shift and shaft driven are necessities but not required if someone has better suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

There are two companies that make dedicated mud machines. Can-Am, and Arctic Cat.

The Mud-Riding ATV: Can-Am Outlander X mr | Can-Am Off-Road US

Arctic Cat 2015 Mudpro 700 Limited Eps
Arctic Cat 2015 Mudpro 1000 Limited Eps

From what you're describing maybe an Argo 6 or 8 wheeler might be good too.

For extraction a "sand anchor" might work if the ground is firm enough to hold it. Something like this: Pull-Pal Land & Winch Anchor specifications - off-road, 4x4s, ATV, UTV, buggies, all-terrain-vehicles

Track kits for quads work well too in just about any type of terrain. Ask.com - What's Your Question? has several companies that make them. You need a machine with good power to run tracks and they typically use more gas to cover the same amount of ground.

 

A Argo they float. Not sure what advantage a manual ATV would give you?

 

I too was going to suggest an Argo. You can find good ones used too.

 

Manual shift narrows it way down. I think a couple of them are still made but nearly all utility ATVs are automatics.

 

Not sure if any ATV would do much better then what you have with your 420 Rancher and 350 Grizzly.
Both of those ATV do not have true AWD diff lock which would help with a extra front wheel turning.
Only the IRS 350 Grizzly has diff lock but not the SRA version. Unless Yamaha changed that.

You could try better traction tires Like 26" Zillas. Especially the 420 with has small 24" stock.

A IRS ATV with larger tires would have more Ground clearance and go further before it high centers and stops dead.

 

If I was working it I would be considering something more along the ling of a UTV maybe a Ranger. Got all the features, FI, IRS and you can carry whatever you may need.

 

But then if he get stuck its 1,100lbs stuck not 600lbs. The Agros are also heavy but almost impossible to get stuck even in a swamp.

 

They make tracks for Argos too. An 8 wheel drive with tracks should go anywhere the width will allow but the max speed on the 8 wheeler is 17 mph on land and 2 mph on water. With tracks it may be even slower.

 

With tracks it may not even go in the water as tracks usually don't have much grip to them.