On one of the trails by my house there are two deep mud holes one just after you clear the first. Today I made it through going one way but not on the return because I forgot to enable the 4wd until I was stuck. That got me thinking. What's the best way to get through deep mud. Obviously the 4wd on is best but how about High vs Low gear. Should I try to sprint through it or take a moderate but steady approach? Thanks

John
03 Sportsman 600

 

You are best off picking a speed and gear that you can maintain through the whole mudhole. Too high a gear and speed and you could bog down, too low and you do not have enough momentum to get through. It will vary by bike but my Eiger does best in mud in high range 2nd gear.

Jaybee

 

hey jaybeecon, low range would be best for mud, becuase it gives yo umore torque, and the belt doesnt slip as much as it would in high range, plus it gives the belt a longer life.

 

You'll want to use low range and a moderate but steady speed. Low range will give you more torque and better throttle response if things start to get sticky. You'll need to have your speed and momentum built up before entering the hole, otherwise you may spin out trying to power up. If you eneter too fast you may find hidden rocks, ruts that could swallow a wheeler, or even a punk log!

 

definitely low gear and gun it!!!

 

Bwarndog - Agreed, if I had a belt. That's one reason I chose to stay with a 5 speed - no belt.

Jaybee

 

With a belt/auto use low gear and 4wd on. On my Honda, I hit most holes in 2nd gear so I'll have enough torque to turn my 27" Blackwaters. If your sure of the hole hit it with moderate speed and hold your line.

If I'm unsure I approach it slowly test it out, back out, and give 'er again! (I don't want to go up to my neck in bog!)

 

question "The best way to attack a mudhole?"

answer "On a GRIZZLY" ha ha ha


Gun it junior



2002 grizzly
Mountain West Ent. 2 inch exhaust
2000lb warn for those who can't follow the leader (I'll turn around)
27"Dirt Devils

 

the best way is actually to let someone else go first, if they get stuck.....................



..............do something else!!lol[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

On other consideration may be: Not going alone.

I don't know what it is like where you ride. . . But up here you can get yourself in deep kimshee real quick if you decide to ride solo and take unnecessary chances. I would guess it could be the same in most locales.

I'll be the first to admit that I do juvenile stunts. But only when there is another machine to pull me out, or haul me back to civilization.

If you are 20 miles back in the mountains from the dirt road, which is 70 miles from the nearest town, you have a long way to walk if you bury your machine in a mud-hole that turned out to be 6' deep.