ATV question

[buckchaser]

Hello all.

I use my dad's vintage 1994 Yamaha Big Bear to access some of my more remote hunting spots.

One of the trails I ride has large deep ruts/puddles (they're probably about bumper deep on the ATV) from off road club activity. When temperatures are not below freezing the ATV rolls through them no problem. With late bow/muzzleloader season comes cold temperatures and I'm concerned that riding the machine through these puddles could cause the ice I break off to damage the machine.

Do I need to have any concern about the edges of the ice/broken ice chunks and ATV boots, etc.? I apologize if this is a "dumb question" - but my ATV knowledge is limited.

Thanks in advance.

[Smokinyotes]

I think by now most ruts should be froze enough for most quads.

[ClutchCanadian4]

I would assume that the ruts are either filled and frozen or still empty considering the mild weather we have. I would use discretion. So long as the chunks aren't huge, I'd blast right through them without thinking. I mean big branches and such under the water in the summer are just as big of a hazard IMO.

[58thecat]

I have never had an issue with ice damaging the boots on my Honda’s but they are protected by a hard thick plastic shield.

Not sure what the old yamies have regarding skid plates etc though.