Introduction
Newest Mule Offers Expanded Off-Road
Capabilities
After more than 20 years of service, the Mule name has come to
define a whole category of hardworking utility vehicles. For
2010, here's an entirely new take on everyone's favorite beast
of burden: The Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 XC appears to have
been crossbred with Kawasaki's Teryx RUV. Aggressive 26
inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires mounted on 12-inch wheels
give it newfound off-road ability-and a slew of upgrades designed
to complement its suddenly more aggressive nature, infuse the
new Mule XC with something it's never really been known for:
This Mule is cool.
The standard Mule 610 4x4 was nearly unstoppable, but the new
4x4 XC takes that a giant step further. Not only do those burly
26 inch Maxxis tires provide a bunch more traction, their greater
width increases the Mule's track by 1.3 inches and their greater
height gives the new Mule a full 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
To accommodate that new capability, new 1.1 inch longer front
and 1.5 inch longer rear suspension help the Mule climb over
larger obstacles than ever, while standard skid plates protect
vital systems.
To make room for those new tires, the new Mule's front bumper's
been kicked forward about 1.2 inches, and while they were at
it the Mule team added sporty new graphics-also a new, more comfortable
seat covered in a more pliable material, and a smaller-diameter
sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Kawasaki Teryx.
In spite of its new capabilities and the fact the XC looks like
an entirely new vehicle on the outside, you can rest assured
that its legendarily reliable and economical drivetrain remains
intact on the inside. A durable, 401cc fan-cooled overhead-valve
engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds
power to all four wheels as needed, and simple, automotive controls
mean it couldn't be much easier to operate. An enrichening system
partially opens the throttle for easy engine starts, hot or cold,
and the Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse
gear, provided the brake pedal is applied. Select 2WD or 4WD,
and away you go.
MacPherson strut front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering
combine great bump absorption with light handling, and the Mule's
mid-engine layout and swingarm rear suspension provide great
traction at the rear. An upgraded braking system brings it all
to a reliable halt.
Fun as it looks, the XC is all about hard work, with a new special
black texture paint applied to its 400-pound capacity tilting
bed for even greater long-lasting looks and durability, and 1,100-pound
towing capacity that means you can bring whatever you need. Dual
cup holders keep thirst at bay when you're on the clock, a capacious
glove box can carry more than just gloves, and the front hood
pops open to reveal more than 12 gallons-worth of storage. Popular
accessories include an enclosed cab, snow plow, winch, and soft
or hard tops.
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Features
A New Mule for 2010:
- New, extra large 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires mounted
on 12-inch wheels give this Mule utility vehicle newfound off-road
skills.
- Along with bigger tires comes a 1.3 inch wider track. But this
Mule still fits in a full-size pickup truck.
- Larger tires also result in 1.5 inches more ground clearance-now
8.1 inches-for improved rough terrain capabilities.
- Standard skid plates for the front differential, engine and
rear diff add protection and greatly reduce the chances of getting
hung up on obstacles.
- A new seat, covered in new material for more all-weather comfort,
provides a better, more secure perch for the driver and passenger.
- A repositioned front bumper and exclusive sporty graphics give
the XC a bold new look to match its new mission.
- A sport steering wheel, lifted from the Teryx RUV, enhances
control and appearance.
- Longer front and rear suspension arms provide greater off-road
performance.
- A revised brake pedal ratio, stronger master-cylinder mount
and new brake shoes provide increased braking performance.
- Stain and scratch-resistant special black texture paint in
the cargo bed enhances the whole vehicle's looks and durability.
- Teryx-style tailgate has a simplified release for easy opening
and closing.
Fan-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine
- The Mule's simple, lightweight 401cc four-stroke single is
compact, lightweight and extremely durable.
- Overhead valve design provides maximum efficiency, and the
Mule's highly evolved carburetor helps provide excellent fuel
economy.
- Fan cooling helps the engine maintain an ideal operating temperature.
- Cab frame air intake draws clean, uncontaminated air for the
engine from the top of the cab.
- Raising the exhaust system keeps it high, dry and out of harm's
way.
- An oil temperature warning lamp linked to a crankcase sensor
helps prevent overheating.
Easy Starting
- The choke opens the throttle during starting, so the accelerator
pedal does not need to be depressed.
- Stepping on the brake pedal allows the engine to be started
in gear.
Gear Driven Engine Balancer
- A rotating balance weight moves opposite to the piston, dramatically
reducing vibration and minimizing noise and wear for increased
comfort and reduced fatigue.
Environmentally Friendly Emissions
- Carburetor settings reduce exhaust emissions, a good thing
for the environment.
- Positive crankcase ventilation system recycles blow-by gasses
to the intake tract, where they're burned in the engine.
- A USFS-approved spark arrestor in the muffler greatly reduces
fire hazard.
- California models have a check valve on the fuel tank-to charcoal
canister connector hose to prevent gasoline from entering the
canister when operating on inclines or over rough terrain.
Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS)
- A simple and lightweight CVT (continuously variable transmission)
is fully automatic and keeps engine speed in the most efficient
range for any selected vehicle speed, load, or terrain
- Fully automatic transmission features selectable 2- or 4-wheel
drive.
- An open-sided drive pulley cools better for longer belt life.
- Belt deflection can easily be adjusted by changing shim thickness
of the adjuster bolt located on the outside of the driven converter.
- A die-cast aluminum belt converter has high silicon content
for compactness and light weight, and offers excellent toughness
and durability.
- The belt converter case is sealed to keep out contaminants.
- A long-wearing ATV-style double cog CVT belt provides long
wear and minimal maintenance.
- The belt converter's air cleaner cover uses a clip-type clamp
for easier maintenance, and a revised sealing method provides
an improved seal.
- A maintenance-free sealed bearing unit is used between the
front and rear driveshafts.
Dual-Mode Differential
- Locked mode provides maximum traction in difficult conditions.
- Unlocked mode decreases turning radius and minimizes ground
disturbance - great for use on grass.
Rack and Pinion Steering
- Ackerman rack-and-pinion steering provides precise, accurate
handling and a small turning radius that facilitates working
in tight quarters.
- Rack and pinion system is durable, simple, easy to maintain
and helps reduce tire wear.
MacPherson Strut Independent Front Suspension
- Long-travel front suspension serves up a comfortable ride,
excellent load-carrying capability and excellent terrainability.
- Simple, rugged single A-arm design provides a tight turning
radius for extra maneuverability.
Unit Swingarm Rear Suspension
- Unique design places engine and rear wheels on a sub-frame
with a mid-point pivot which isolates vibration for a smooth
ride.
- Mule 610 4x4 XC's long-travel rear end can handle heavy loads,
yet provides a comfortable ride with an empty cargo bed.
Chassis
- The front grille includes space for mounting a 3000-pound capacity
winch
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to transport to the job, the
Mule fits in the bed of a full-sized pickup.
- Durable plastic body panels resist dents, and the Mule 610
4x4 XC's Super Black finish is molded in for long lasting good
looks.
Safety Equipment
- Fully meets SAE Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) requirements
for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.4, and
7.5, and FMVSS 216.
- Two seat belts enhance safety.
- Speed limited to 25 mph keeps the Mule well within its performance
envelope.
Ample Storage
- The front hood opens up to reveal 12.6 gallons of sealed storage
space.
- A passenger side glove box is perfect for small item storage.
- Cup holders located at each side of the front hood by the dash
keep hydration close at hand.
Tilting Cargo Bed
- A steel cargo bed covered in non-slip paint can carry up to
400 pounds, and tilts for maintenance and cleaning.
- A Teryx-style tailgate with simplified release mechanisms makes
loading and unloading easy.
Simple Maintenance
- A crankcase oil level dipstick and dual-element air cleaner
make maintaining the Mule quick and convenient.
Cab Features
- An automotive style dash features easy-reach controls.
- A standard-equipment hour meter makes maintenance intervals
easy to track.
- Fuel gauge and an oil temperature warning light keep track
of essential fluids.
- Gear selector for High, Low, Neutral, and Reverse couldn't
be simpler really.
- A differential locking lever and convenient parking brake are
simple to find and operate.
- Powerful and stylish 35w headlights let the work day continue
after dark.
Popular Accessory Items:
- Under seat storage compartment
- Speedometer
- Plastic Hard Top
- Windshield
- Headrests
- Winch
- Snow Plow
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, fan-cooled
single, OHV
Displacement: 401cc
Bore x stroke: 82 x 76mm
Compression ratio: 8.6:1
Carburetor: Nikki 6C1026
Air filter: Snorkel-type with two-stage dry replaceable element
Oil filter: Automotive-type spin-on canister
Ignition: Magneto and transistor
Electrical: 12V DC, 14 amp-hour battery, alternator
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission with high and
low range, plus reverse
Final drive: Shaft-driven selectable four-wheel drive, dual-mode
rear differential
Exhaust: Muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor
Front tires: AT26 x 9R -12 Maxxis tubeless
Rear tires: AT26 x 9R -12 Maxxis tubeless
Front suspension / wheel travel: MacPherson strut / 3.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Unit swing axle, adjustable shocks
/ 3.1 in.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drums, triple sealed
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Curb weight: 1,051 lbs.
Overall length: 108.5 in.
Overall width: 52.0 in.
Overall height: 73.8 in.
Wheelbase: 70.1 in.
Ground clearance: 8.1 in.
Roll over protective structure (ROPS): This structure meets ROPS
requirements for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2,
and 7.5 and also meets FMVSS 216 Roof Crush resistance requirement
Cargo bed dimensions (LxWxH): 41.1 x 35.4 x 9.6 in. / 10.9 cu.
ft.
Load capacity: 926 lbs.
Cargo bed capacity: 400 lbs.
Towing capacity: 1,100 lbs.
Turning radius: 11.8 ft. (differential unlocked)
Top speed: 25 mph, governed
Instruments: Oil temperature meter, hour meter, 35w headlights,
taillight and stoplight
Color choices: Super Black
MSRP: $7,799
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