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Kawasaki Mule

Kawasaki Heavy Industries was founded in 1878. It became an industry leader in motorcycles, ATVs, side x side, watercraft, etc. This Japanese manufacturer is a pioneer in aerospace technology innovations, off-road vehicles, hydraulic machinery, and more. Mule 610 is an all-around utility vehicle manufactured by Kawasaki in a series of models.

Mule 610 is a 4x4 versatile vehicle that can easily handle rough terrains and carry people and equipment to remote places. It was initially built for agricultural purposes. But it is used by adventurers, medics, and many others who travel through the off-beat path with loaded items.

From a powerful engine to sealed hydraulic drum brakes and super reliable suspension, Kawasaki Mule has a lot to offer. Let’s read to find out more.

All You Need to Know About Kawasaki Mule 610

Mule is short for Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment, though it is not less hard working than the mule (animal). Kawasaki manufactured the Mule from 2005 to 2016. However, the first Mule was released in 1988. It went through various upgrades before being released as Mule 610 in 2005. Since then, it has been a no looking back journey.

The 401cc double air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine can power you through rocky and hilly roads with a flourish. The fan keeps the engine cool and maintains the ideal temperature. The fuel tank has a capacity of gallons and is conveniently located under the rear seat. This ensures that the fuel tank is not affected by water when the weather turns worse.

The four-wheel-drive truck has a MacPherson strut front suspension and aluminum swingarm rear suspension. Together, they absorb the bumps of the ride and reduce the impact on the passengers. The ground clearance of 6.7 inches is another plus.

The most important benefit is that you can switch between a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive as required. This enhances the driving experience even in tough conditions.

Kawasaki Mule 610 Models and Variants

Kawasaki Mule 610 had a few trims and changes from 2005 to 2016. The manufacturer released more than thirty models. Mule 610 has twelve base models, twelve camouflage models (C series), seven XC models, and three Special Edition trims (released in 2015 and 2016).

Kawasaki replaced the Mule 610 with the Mule SX in 2017 by making a few changes to the material of the cabin divider and trim colors. The vehicle comes in different colors like black, moss green, red, blue, and bright white (only in the 2015 Special Edition).

All models can be started in any gear as long as you have your foot on the brake pedal. They can tow up to 1,100 lbs using the drawbar sold by the manufacturer.

Specifications of Kawasaki Mule 610

The components, the interiors, and the exteriors determine the success and usability of a vehicle. Let’s find out the specifications of Mule 610 in detail.

Dimensions

Mule 610 has overall dimensions of 108.8 * 52.6 * 70.9 inches (LWH). The cargo dimensions are 41.10 * 35.43 * 9.65 inches and can hold a considerable amount of load.

The curb weight changes based on the variant (base models or Camo models) but ranges between 1,017 and 1,034 lbs. The weight also varies depending on where the Mule is manufactured and released (Europe or US).

The front tread is 41.38 inches, and the rear tread is 39.33 inches. The seat height is 30.7 inches. Mule 610 has a ground clearance of 6.7 inches (8.1 inches in Mule XC), with a wheelbase of 70 inches.

Engine and Chassis

Kawasaki Mule 610 has a double air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder OHV engine. It is a lightweight engine with an overhead valve design and noteworthy fuel economy. The cooling fan is a great addition as it prevents the engine from overheating. The CVT is lightweight and dully automated. It manages the driving speed and engine’s performance based on the road and weather conditions.

Suspension

The MacPherson strut independent front suspension is 3.07 inches long and comes in an A-arm design in Mule 610. The rear suspension is a swingarm unit that isolates vibrations and balances huge loads in the vehicle. The suspension system ensures a smooth ride irrespective of whether the vehicle is loaded or empty.

Brakes

The four hydraulic drum brakes come with dual-piston calipers. The brake pedal ratio gives you good control over the vehicle and minimizes the risk of accidents. The parking brake is beside the driver’s seat (on the left side).

Ignition

Kawasaki has an electric starter system with a magneto and transistor ignition. In any gear, you can start the vehicle with your foot on the brake pedal. The ignition unit also has a DC power outlet to provide electric current for charging accessories like mobile phones, etc.

Speed and Other Features

Kawasaki Mule 610 has a top speed of 25 mph. It is smaller in size compared to other trucks, and this works to its advantage. The compact shape, size, and design make it easy to drive Mule 610 through small and narrow roads.

Tires and Roads

Mule 610 has 24 inches tires, and 610 XC has 26 inches tires. Furthermore, XC has a total of 8.1 inches of ground clearance. This has been done to accommodate the front suspension (which is 1.1 inches longer than the one in the base model) and the rear suspension (1.5 inches longer).

Even the bumper design has been adjusted and pushed forward by 1.2 inches to fit the larger and more capable tires. If Mule 610 was top class, Mule XC is top-top-class with its upgraded and powerful fittings.

The tread pattern on the tires provides a sturdy grip on the rough and uneven roads. Mules are highly reliable, which means there is no risk of slipping or losing control when driving a Mule (of course, it also depends on your driving abilities). What’s more, you can transport Mule 610 and XC to the location by carrying them in a full-sized truck.

Interiors and Comfort

The interiors have been designed for passengers to be comfortable during long drives in the middle of nowhere. The bench seat allows two people to sit freely. The dual cup holders are conveniently placed for you to access them from the driver’s seat.

The glove box is big and spacious enough to store important items and documents. There are two seat belts for the front seats (driver and passenger).

Just pop up the front hood, and you’ll get a storage space of twelve gallons. Travelling alone with a huge load or taking a trip with fellow passengers? The Mule is capable of handling it all.

Other Accessories

For the Mule, you can choose between a soft or hard top, depending on your taste and requirements. The snow plow is popular with Mule users as it makes the truck winter-friendly and reliable in snowy conditions. Mule XC has a sporty steering wheel similar to Teryx RUV. You can better control the vehicle with it.

Exteriors

Mule XC also has scratch and stain-resistant paint to ensure that the exterior looks great even when the vehicle has been through nasty roads. All models of Mule 610 have a rounded front except Mule XC. This one has a geometric drop nose design for a stylish appearance. This also increases the durability and appearance of the Mule XC and makes it a dominant truck in the market.

The Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) is designed according to federal laws and comes in the exact color as the rest of the body. Only the 2011 Mule 610 model has silver ROPS.

Load Capacity

The Mule can carry a total weight of 917 to 926 lbs. The front load capacity is a maximum of 450 lbs, while the rear capacity is around 569 to 584 lbs. It is possible to load 400 lbs into the cargo bed. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Final Words

Kawasaki Mule 610 is a super cool truck with wonderful performance despite the compact size. The vehicle is easy to maintain and requires basic checks before you take it out for a drive on the rough roads. That said, see that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions about servicing to increase the longevity of Mule 610.

This powerful and versatile 4WD is a perfect choice for adventurers, travelers, and anyone on off-beaten routes. The Mule 610 is undoubtedly one of the best off-road vehicles.