The Kawasaki MULE (Multi-Use Light Equipment) is a series of lightweight Utility Task Vehicle that have been built by Kawasaki since 1988. Initially available with a 454 cc (27.70 cu in) twin-cylinder engine in the original MULE 1000 model, the range has grown and been gradually updated over the years, and now includes both petrol and diesel variants.
| Kawasaki MULE | |
|---|---|
 Kawasaki MULE 3010 Diesel | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine |
| Production | 1988–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | UTV |
| Body style | Open cab utility vehicle |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | Continuously variable transmission |
History
editIn 1988, the first Kawasaki MULE was introduced in the form of the MULE 1000; it featured a water-cooled 454 cc (27.70 cu in) twin-cylinder engine, which was fitted to an open-cab utility vehicle chassis.[1] The MULE 1000 also featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), independent suspension at the front and rear and a locking rear differential.[1]
The MULE 2010 was introduced in 1989, and featured a larger 535 cc (32.65 cu in) engine, a high/low CVT transmission, selectable four-wheel-drive and a De Dion rear suspension.[1] 1990 saw the introduction of three new MULEs; the 2020, which was designed for golf courses and used a fan-cooled single-cylinder engine, the 2030, which was designed for industrial work, and the compact 500 model with a single seat.[1]
- MULE 2500
The MULE 2500 series was introduced in 1992 and featured a new 617 cc (37.65 cu in) V-twin engine with a fan cooled CVT.[1] The 2500 series also featured four wheel self-adjusting hydraulic brakes and introduced a high mounted air intake system for the engine and transmission that drew air through the rear cab frame tubes.[2] The two-seat compact model 550 followed in 1996 and a turf version of that model, known as the 520, followed in 1999.[1] The first diesel MULE with a 953 cc (58.2 cu in) three-cylinder engine was introduced in 1999 as part of the 2500 series.[1]
- MULE 3000
The MULE 3000 series arrived the following year, combining the 2500 series' V-twin petrol engines with a new continuously variable transmission and featuring new "pick-up truck" styling incorporating a storage compartment under the hood; a diesel version followed in 2003.[1] 2005 saw the introduction of a four-seat version of the 3000 series and the compact 600 series, which featured an upgraded suspension, a 401 cc (24.47 cu in) engine, and new "high volume" bodywork similar to the 3000 series.[3]
In 2009, the 4000 series followed, with both petrol and diesel versions being available.[3] In 2014, the new MULE PRO-FXT was introduced, featuring a fuel-injected 812 cc (49.55 cu in) straight-three engine, a CVT transmission, and a cab that could seat up to six people.[4]
References
edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h "MULE Museum". Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
- ^ Kawasaki MULE 2510/MULE 2520 Utility Vehicle Service Manual, third edition pp. 15-8
- ^ a b "Kawasaki Utility Vehicle History 1988–2012, Recreation Vehicle History 2008–2012" (PDF). Kawasaki. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
- ^ Sosebee, Rick. "UTV Review: 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT". Outdoor Life. Retrieved 27 December 2014.