I was going through some deep water the other day (more mud then water) maybe 28" - 30" deep.

I got stuck in the middle when my bike would no longer turn any of the 4 tires (4x4).

The bike didn't stall- it just wouldn't spin the tires. Sort of like when you pinch the blade in a log when using a chain saw. And yes, I was in 1st gear...

I winched myself out and continued riding like usual.

I figured maybe one of two things... either my 300 didn't have enough HP to turn all four wheels in the deep thick mud, or my clutch plates weren't grabbing.

I don't have any problems climbing steep fills in 1st gear fwiw-

any thoughts?

 

If it sounded like when you pinch a chain saw, it's your first guess about a lack of power. If the clutch was slipping, the engine would have revved up with no tire movement. But since it sounded like a pinched saw and bogged when you hit the throttle, there simply wasn't enough power to rotate the tires in the muck.

 

great- maybe time to upgrade to a larger ATV.... I need a loan!

 

Yeah, sounds like a lack of power if it "bound up" in first gear. If the clutch slips it can usually be adjusted before it has to be replaced.