RTV in the mud

[bczoom]

Well, I gave the RTV (and Maxxis Bighorns) a good workout the other night. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Went to the mud pit with the quads and motorcycles. (I used to struggle to even get to the pit on the Worksite OEM tires. No problem with the new tires).
Prior to our entry, the backhoe loosened everything up to a pretty deep level /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif (BTW, this pit has a steep grade going in and out just to make it more interesting).
First time through, the mud was about 18-20" deep. ATV's went first. Each made it once so I figured I'd give 'er a go. Went in hard and fast and actually made it!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Well, as time progressed, the pit got slicker and deeper (a ditch feeds constant water into it). Some ATV's and motorcycles made it, others didn't.
2nd attempt… I didn't make it. At the place I got stuck, mud was about 3" below the seat cushion. It took 2 ATV's (a 500cc & 600cc) tugging for about 5 minutes to get me out. I figured this is a good time to stop... Remainder of the evening, less then 50% of attempts by ATV's or motorcycles made it.

Fast forward to next day. Time to clean the RTV.
Ouch. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
First, I literally filled a 2 gallon bucket with sand/silt off the floor board before even pulling the machine out.
Took it outside to meet the pressure washer. Tilted the bed and voila, it wasn't the engine/tranny I remember. The entire thing was covered by about 2" of mud/sand. Spent the next hour with the pressure washer to get back to seeing most of the RTV. Another hour with the hose cleaning out nooks, crannys, radiator…

Here’s how it stood up:
Air filter - Slight amount of moisture on outer element. (I air dried and reinstalled).
Engine oil – no water.
Tranny oil – no water.
Boots/axles... - no damage.
Alternator/Fan belt – got kicked off. Probably got a rock in the pulley. No damage to belt or pulleys. (The battery light will now remain on).
Bent the front grill guard slightly on one side (actually, ripped at the weld point). It caught the steep bank exiting on the first attempt. I’ll re-weld and re-paint (a different color. Probably the dark grey).

Sooo. I’m happy with it. I’ve found the tires and RTV can take on much more mud than they’re supposed to. The grill guard probably should have withstood a little more but it’s probably not intended to stop more than brush.

Riptides - tell us more about your episode. “The other day I used the RTV, man I had to wash it off after I was done.”

 

[BeeFarmer]

Interresting to see people using an RTV for recreational type fun. I would think this was a more around the farm type vehicle.

 

[bczoom]

Well.... Mine is used for work but I just had to try it once. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I doubt I'll do it again. ATV's are much easier to clean (and tow out when they get stuck).

 

[flyingn]

wow!! Your gutsy to try that with the RTV.. Its quite heavy and really not built to do that. But glad you tried it to prove that our machine is capable.

Frank

 

[bczoom]

Hey Frank.
Honestly, I'd have prefered not to do it. How depressing... Over 40 years old and still bow to peer pressure. It was dang fun though. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Although 2 quads pulled me out (my preference since they're too small to rip me out), there was a 75hp skidsteer (with tracks) and a NH 55HP tractor within 100 feet just in case.

 

[rtvman]

What! no pictures!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif You can't tell a story like that without pictures! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I think I can speak for everyone in this forum that pictures of before, during and after the mud hole would have been a nice addition to your story. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Remember your camera next time. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[markct]

i have to get some better tires for my mule, it has the square knobbys like the early atvs had, they are useless in mud since they plug up in no time with mud. when i first had my mule i got it stuck all over till i learned not to take it where i used to be able to take my quad, i got my quad stuck alot too but all ya had to do was get off and pick up the back and move it over, my mule is way too heavy to do that, it takes another vehicle to pull it out for sure. i have been thinking of putting some better tires on the back, like a tractor tread type or just some more aggressive atv tires, but havent had the urge to cough up 150 buck for a pair of them yet

 

[bczoom]

rtvman,

Yea, my bust. All of us hitting the mud was a spur of the moment thing. It was nighttime anyway. I was considering after pictures (right before I washed it) but thought it best to just dispense with the evidence as quickly as possible before the boss saw what we were up to.