2009 Kawasaki Mule Utility SxS Line Up
- Updated: April 29, 2008
Info and photos by Kawasaki Motor Corp.
Reliable and powerful worker keeps productivity up and operating costs down
Easily finding a home in any farm, ranch or industrial environment, the two-wheel-drive Kawasaki Mule™ 600 utility vehicle is equally adept in a recreation role in the great outdoors. Two people can get the job done or enjoy the fun—at a price less than many ATVs. This unique versatility has popularized Kawasaki’s entry-level utility model while simplifying the transport of the Mule 600 with its ability to fit in the back of a full-size pickup truck.
The Mule 600 features a single-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a dual-mode rear differential, independent front suspension, unit swing-axle rear suspension and hydraulic brakes.
A spacious cab with curved body panels and a large-diameter steel tube frame structure—that meets ROPS requirements—presents a clean, modern look, with automotive-type controls and a gear selector within easy reach on the dashboard. Comfort features include two large cup holders, a passenger-side glove box and grab handle, and more storage space located beneath the hood.
As is the case for many utility vehicle owners, the engine is one of the enticing features of the Mule 600. The durable air-cooled, single-cylinder 401cc four-stroke engine utilizes a cooling fan to help maintain an ideal operating temperature. In this new 2009 model, the flap in the rear left tire housing was widened slightly to minimize mud entering the engine area.
The yardstick of rugged, off-road utility ability
One of the first compact class utility vehicles to provide a driver with selectable four-wheel drive, the Kawasaki Mule™ 610 4×4 expands upon the foundation of the Mule™ 600 utility vehicle. It is a truly versatile, go-anywhere worker—whether in the back of a full-size pickup truck or utilizing its rugged 4×4 off-road capability—able to haul people and equipment to almost any worksite. It offers an incredible bang for the buck at a lower price than many ATVs.
At the heart of the Mule 610 4×4 is a single-cylinder engine coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The model also features a dual-mode rear differential, independent front suspension, swing-frame rear suspension and sealed hydraulic drum brakes.
A spacious cab, curved body panels and a large-diameter steel tube frame structure—that meets ROPS requirements—present a clean, modern look, with automotive-type controls and the gear selector that are within easy reach on the Mule 610 4×4 dashboard. Comfort features include two large cup holders, a passenger-side glove box and grab handle, and more storage space located beneath the hood.
The Mule 610 4×4 utilizes a durable air-cooled, single-cylinder 401cc four-stroke engine with a cooling fan to help maintain an ideal operating temperature. For 2009, the flap in the rear left tire housing was widened slightly to minimize mud entering the engine area. Equally important, the sturdy engine can be started in any gear, provided the brakes are applied, and starting is easy thanks to an enrichening system that partially opens the throttle during starting.
2009 KAWASAKI MULE™ 610 4X4 (CAMO)
The rugged, off-road hunter’s utility vehicle of choice
With the application of the REALTREE™ Hardwoods Green® HD™ camouflage, the Kawasaki Mule™ 610 4×4 (Camo) adds another dimension to the versatile Mule™ 610 4×4. The compact utility vehicle and its selectable four-wheel drive make this the ideal tool for the adventurous hunter; able to haul people and equipment almost anywhere, regardless of how remote. Enhancing its flexibility is its size and the ability to transport it in the back of a full-size pickup truck.
At the heart of the Mule 610 4×4 is a single-cylinder engine coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The model also features a dual-mode rear differential, independent front suspension, swing-frame rear suspension and sealed hydraulic drum brakes.
A spacious cab, factory camouflage covered, curved body panels and a large-diameter steel tube frame structure—that meets ROPS requirements—present a clean, modern look, with automotive-type controls and the gear selector that are within easy reach on the Mule 610 4×4 dashboard. Comfort features include two large cup holders, a passenger-side glove box and grab handle, and more storage space located beneath the hood.
The Mule 610 4×4 utilizes a durable air-cooled, single-cylinder 401cc four-stroke engine with a cooling fan to help maintain an ideal operating temperature. For 2009, the flap in the rear left tire housing was widened slightly to minimize mud entering the engine area. Equally important, the sturdy engine can be started in any gear, provided the brakes are applied, and starting is easy thanks to an enrichening system that partially opens the throttle during starting.
Fuel-Injected Power and a New Rugged Look
The foundation of Kawasaki’s full-size industrial-grade utility vehicle line, the two-wheel drive Mule™ 4000 is a step up in cargo and towing capacity from the compact Mule 600 series, thanks to its full-size chassis and a more powerful engine, now equipped with digital fuel injection (DFI). The Mule 4000 also features a fully-automatic transmission, locking rear differential and a tilting cargo bed. For 2009, the new Mule 4000 is powered by a liquid-cooled 617cc four-stroke V-twin. Managed by a digital Electronic Control Unit (ECU), its DFI system compensates for variations in atmospheric pressure, engine and air temperature. This helps make engine starting smoother and more consistent, gives better throttle response and its improved fuel metering helps reduce fuel consumption. The system incorporates an automatic fast idle speed control, which activates when the engine is cold, eliminating the need for a manual choke. The system also regulates maximum engine speed, eliminating the need for a mechanical governor.
The Mule 4000 utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to provide quick acceleration and efficient pulling power. Dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive transfers power to a dual-mode differential that can be locked to maximize rear-wheel traction, or unlocked to improve handling and minimize ground disturbance when making tight turns.
2009 KAWASAKI MULE™ 4010 4X4 DIESEL
Diesel power, Mule ruggedness and power steering smoothness with a bold new look
Already a proven performer with its reliable and robust diesel engine, automatic transmission, tilting cargo bed, and selectable four-wheel drive, the Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 4×4 Diesel utility vehicle now mates its muscular yet agile workhorse capabilities with an all-new rugged appearance. The truck-like look of this off-road performer belies the ease of handling made possible by its electric power steering (EPS). The EPS offers a more controlled ride by reducing steering effort at low speeds and harnessing its electric motor’s inertia to dampen much of the bump steer and kickback caused by impacts to the wheel. Electrically driven, the motor is controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that uses input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the amount of assistance provided by the system. This system works immediately after the engine is started, yet doesn’t create a power drain on the engine. The new bodywork on the Mule 4010 4×4 Diesel utility vehicle is similar in style to many modern pick-up trucks that are often working alongside the Mule. The body panels are durable, color-molded plastic that helps hide scuffing. The front hood of the Mule 4010 Diesel can be lifted with the pull of a dash-mounted knob to reveal a now deeper storage space, which also has convenient D-rings to secure cargo. Located beneath the front bumper are winch-ready tabs for an easy winch installation.
2009 KAWASAKI MULE™ 4010 TRANS4X4®
The original transforming utility vehicle adds digital fuel injection and electric power steering to its repertoire
A real two-for-one deal, the Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® is a one of a kind utility vehicle, with the ability to transform from a short bed four-passenger 4×4 into an extended bed two-passenger 4×4 in a few quick steps. Trans4x4 users can fold down the rear bench seat and extend the cargo bed forward into the cab for increased cargo capacity. When more than two seats are needed, the Trans4x4 can be quickly converted back to four-passenger mode by reversing those same easy steps.
The wheelbase of the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 is 11.6 inches longer than a standard 4010, yet still offers a tight turning radius and excellent rough terrain capabilities. New digital fuel injection (DFI) and electric power steering (EPS) systems work in conjunction with selectable four-wheel drive, a fully-automatic transmission and a locking rear differential to make the versatile Mule 4010 Trans4x4 an outstanding choice for just about any utility vehicle need. Bold new truck-like styling is complimented by smooth car-like controls, a revised dashboard layout and a tilting cargo bed.
The new 2009 Mule 4010 Trans4x4 is powered by a liquid-cooled 617cc four-stroke V-twin engine with DFI. Managed by a digital Electronic Control Unit (ECU), its DFI system compensates for variations in atmospheric pressure, engine and air temperature. This promotes easy starting and gives the engine more precise and consistent fuel metering for better throttle response and reduced fuel consumption. The system incorporates an automatic fast idle speed control which activates when the engine is cold, eliminating the need for a manual choke. The system also regulates maximum engine speed, eliminating the need for a mechanical governor.
2009 KAWASAKI MULE™ 4010 TRANS4X4® (CAMO)
REALTREE™ Hardwoods Green® HD™ camouflage transforms this versatile utility vehicle into a hunter’s dream
A real two-for-one deal, the Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® (Camo) is a one of a kind utility vehicle, with the ability to transform from a short bed four-passenger 4×4 into an extended bed two-passenger 4×4 in a few quick steps. Trans4x4 users can fold down the rear bench seat and extend the cargo bed forward into the cab for increased cargo capacity. When more than two seats are needed, the Trans4x4 can be quickly converted back to four-passenger mode by reversing those same easy steps. Featuring REALTREE™ Hardwoods Green® HD™ camouflage body panels, the rugged new Mule 3010 Trans4x4 (Camo) offers maximum flexibility with hunter-friendly stealth.
The wheelbase of the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 is 11.6 inches longer than a standard 4010, yet still offers a tight turning radius and excellent rough terrain capabilities. New digital fuel injection (DFI) and electric power steering (EPS) systems work in conjunction with selectable four-wheel drive, a fully-automatic transmission and a locking rear differential to make the versatile Mule 4010 Trans4x4 an outstanding choice for just about any utility vehicle need. Bold new truck-like styling is complimented by smooth car-like controls, a revised dashboard layout and a tilting cargo bed.
2009 KAWASAKI MULE™ 4010 TRANS4x4® DIESEL
The original transforming utility vehicle takes on a truck-like visual appeal
Kawasaki has raised the styling bar for 2009, offering a modern, rugged, truck-like body style for its versatile Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® Diesel that quickly transforms from a four-person 4×4 to a two-person unit with an extended cargo bed. This new look complements popular changes made the prior model year, which saw the company add electric power steering (EPS) finesse to the extra grunt and convenience of this off-road utility vehicle.
The new bodywork draws comparison to the styling of many modern pick-up trucks that are often seen working alongside the Mule. Its panels are durable, color-molded plastic that helps hide scuffing and its rugged-looking front hood can be lifted with the pull of a dash-mounted knob to reveal a now deeper storage space. This compartment also has convenient D-rings to secure cargo.
The EPS offers a more controlled ride by reducing steering effort at low speeds and harnessing the electric motor’s inertia to dampen much of the bump steer and kickback caused by impacts to the wheel. Electrically driven, the motor is controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that uses input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the amount of assistance provided by the system. The system works immediately after the engine is started, yet doesn’t create a power drain on the engine.