By Doug Clinton (Swanlake1) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have read all the discussion on this website and still haven't decided which machine will work for me, or if any at all will work. Could I hear from some of you out there who have a lot of experience operating through really wet peat bog situations? We live "off the grid" in Alaska and have a six mile, 4x4 trail between us and the closest road. The trail is a combination of woods and swamps and transits a platted recreational subdivision which was never developed. Consequently, the so-called "streets" in that area amount to about a mile of churned up peat and water. It has gotten to the point that I cannot make it through this obstruction with the Yamaha Kodiak, especially pulling a trailer. Am I a dreamer thinking a Max 6X6 is the solution? Buffalo would be my choice because we're always hauling a load. Do I need tracks? I have contacted the local Max dealer to ask for a demonstration but that was met with little enthusiasm. One gent mentioned not to buy without test driving and I agree. Just can't figure out how to get there from here if the dealer isn't interested. Appreciate whatever help you guys can give. Doug, info@swanlake.alaska.net

By Sam Keys on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Doug:

You have asked a good question, the peat bogs are really had to work with as they change all the time, from wet to wetter! I live in TN but we work in Missssippi, with all the peat bogs. I mean miles and miles of them. A 4 wheeler down here is useless, always people buying and selling them as they will not go through.

The best machines down here are the older Hustler 6x6's with the large 26" tires or the Max 4 with the 26" tires. The Buffalo is so high that I have never seen one here, but I would think that one of them with 26's would be about the best rig I could think of, with its large cargo area and big tires and smooth bottom.

I would sure love to have a Buffalo but they cost so much.... I have had a few smaller ATVS, Argos and others with tracks, tracks seem to be the best set up on paper, but in the peat they are not as good as the combination of big tires and a smooth bottom. The trouble with tracks in peat is that the tracks keep getting loaded up with the sticky peat.

This is just my opinion based on my experence with 6 wheelers in the peat. Since you said "gotten to the point that I cannot make it through this obstruction with the Yamaha Kodiak" this tells me that a good Amphibious ATV with the large tires would be great for you. I will therefore say...If money is a major concern get a older HUSTLER or MAX4 with the big tires, or if money is not big trouble, I would say get a newer MAx 4 or Buffalo. I guess a ARGO
Bigfoot would work well, but I have never seen one driving in the peat, and I do not know about this 3 wheel drive thing that we keep hearing about.

You are welcome to contact me off this board if you wish.

Good luck
Sam Keys

By Doug Clinton (Swanlake1) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

For Sam Keys: Thanks, Sam, that is just the kind of information I am seeking. Doug Clinton

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Doug, You didn't say how far your dealer would have to go to give you a demonstration! There isn't a lot of markup in present Max pricing, so he might not be able to justify the trip (offer to pay him $35 per hour for his time and a buck a mile for his travel expenses and see if he is more interested).

I basically agree with Sam about aggressive tires verses tracks. I disagree that the Buffalo is the machine you might want (it is just too heavy to haul itself through stuff that you describe - the Buffalo weighs almost as much as an Argo Bigfoot, you know). I say you need the lowest PSI on the ground that you can get (Either Max II or Max IV with the biggest tire available). The Max IV can carry 1000 pound payload so you might not have to pull a trailer.

You might just as well start with the best, If the Max won't go through, nothing else will either.

By akmaxman on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Doug you didnt say what part of alaska your in im in fairbanks and was in partners with the dealer for fairbanks we love to give rides so if you are close call mark at alaska max 907-488-4602or 590-0565.or alaskamax.net as far as peat bogs i have a max4 i have run all the machines max makes and i like the 18 or 20 i have tracks and 26"tires for summer if you want call me and i can take you for a ride i take mine every were and can push quads out with a person riding with me and go right thru were he was stuck .my # 479 8430 or tjswelding@mosquitonet.com

By argoguru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Doug,
If you want to hall cargo and lots of it, you need a conquest 8x8 from argo with rawhide 22 in. tires. that machine will haul more cargo and people than any atv made. assuming their is hills/mountains were you are traveling, the 8x8 is the safest also, it is "almost impossible" to flip an 8x8 front over rear climbing, wereas with any 6x6 it is a reality, especially with cargo in the rear. you do not have the ground clearance with the 8x8 as you do with the max 1V or bigfoot, but it is the same as a max II with the same tires. tracks have always been a huge advantage for me and were i use my bigfoot, but I do not have to deal with peat bog either. I would give the conquest a serious look before you puchase, this machine will eliminate any need for a trailer and is the only aatv that you can get a true heater kit for, and I would imagine it gets cold up in those parts. I hope you are happy with whatever choice you make because these machines all cost way to much.