Introduction
The original transforming utility vehicle adds power steering
to its repertoire
Kawasaki introduced the diesel version of its successful MULE™
3010 Trans4x4® last year. This unit mated the extra power
and convenience of a diesel engine with a four-wheel drive off-road
utility vehicle that allows the user to transform it from a four-person
4x4 to a two-person with an extended cargo bed 4x4 in a few quick
steps. For 2008, Kawasaki upped the ante again - and added electric
power steering (EPS) to the versatile MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL.
The new EPS offers a more comfortable and controlled ride by
reducing steering effort at low speeds and harnessing its electric
motor's inertia to dampen out most of the bump steer and kickback
caused by impacts to the wheel. Electrically driven, the motor
is controlled by an ECU that uses input from a vehicle speed
sensor and torque sensor to determine the amount of assistance
provided. This system doesn't put a power drain on the engine
and works immediately - available as soon as the ignition key
is turned to the "ON" position.
This off-road work horse features a fully automatic transmission
with two or four-wheel drive options, and takes only a moment
to convert from a two to a four-person ride. While the cargo
payload expands from 400 to 800 pounds in the two-person configuration,
users have the ability to select between cargo and personnel
carrying needs, depending on the specific job-at-hand.
This versatility, coupled with the legendary reputation of Kawasaki's
liquid-cooled, three cylinder diesel engine makes the MULE 3010
Trans4x4 DIESEL an immediate winner. The overhead valve
design of the engine maximizes efficiency while the cast iron
block and head ensure extra durability in all types of usage.
Producing 38.3 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, this unit has low-end
pulling power to spare for the most rigorous of needs.
The Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS) is a continuously
variable transmission (CVT) that helps keep engine rpm in the
most efficient range for any selected="true"="true"="true"="true"
vehicle speed, load, or terrain. The CVT yields a wide drive
ratio spread for ample pulling power and quick acceleration.
Strength and durability are aided by large torque converters
which maximize belt engagement area, improving heat dissipation,
as well as the use of a thick, strong drive belt.
Tuned specifically to accommodate higher payloads, the KAPS also
features a high-flow cover that helps cool the CVT while providing
superb splash protection and water-proofing. Sheaves with high
silicon-type material add to this unit's increased durability,
and an adjustable belt deflection and open sided drive pulley
provides better cooling for longer belt life.
The MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL also features a torque converter
air filter that uses an efficient intake cooling fan to draw
sufficient air into the CVT. Wear is reduced by cooling the converter
with filtered air, courtesy of a special air cleaner that uses
an easily replaceable filter element.
The engine air cleaner is a cyclone-type Donaldson unit with
a replaceable paper element. This design is effective and needs
less frequent cleaning, even through repeated MULE utility vehicle
use in extremely dusty off-road conditions. The MULE is equipped
with a gauge that indicates when the filter should be changed.
Helping the filter stay clean and last longer-especially in the
rugged conditions for which this Kawasaki was built-the engine
air and converter cooling air are drawn from the top of the cab
frame, where there's less dust.
Among this MULE many attributes are a dual-mode differential,
limited slip front differential, two-speed transfer case for
the four-wheel drive, independent strut-type front suspension,
DeDion rear suspension, and four-wheel, self-adjusting sealed
hydraulic drum brakes.
An improved ride-in conditions that often times cry out for comfort-comes
courtesy of the 23-inch tires with stiff sidewalls, improving
both off-road function and providing added ground clearance.
The rear wheel bearings use two rollers in one large bearing,
providing added durability.
Kawasaki takes pride in the owner usability attached to all of
its products, and this MULE is no exception. The simple, easy
to operate controls for the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL are all
dash-mounted. In addition to the shift mechanism, they include
a new digital hour meter, a horn, a 12-volt DC outlet with 10-amp
capacity, and a speedometer. A parking brake and coolant temperature
warning light are in plain view, and the MULE has a sealed glove
box, and an open dashboard storage area.
Winch mounts are standard on the frame of this all-purpose UV,
and users will be able to find their way in all kinds of lighting
conditions by using the 35-watt, cat-eye headlights that are
activated by the push of a simple dash-mounted button.
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Features
Key Features
- New Electric Power Steering (EPS) system reduces steering effort
and improves the ride comfort and control
- Revolutionary transformable design
- Powerful diesel engine and a fully automatic transmission with
selectable 2- or 4-wheel drive
- Simple, convenient dash-mounted controls
- Legendary Kawasaki Mule durability and dependability
Four-Passenger, Off-Road, Four-Wheel Drive Utility Vehicle
with Transformable Cargo Bed
- Two rows of seats easily accommodate up to four persons
- Rear seat can be folded down and the cargo bed expanded to
carry larger payload (800 lbs. with two passengers, 400 lbs.
with four passengers)
- Retractable lap-belts
Engine
- Liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, diesel engine
- Overhead valve design maximizes efficiency
- Cast iron block and head ensure maximum durability
- Massive torque at low rpm: 38.3 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Meets emission standards
- Positive crankcase ventilation system sends blow-by gasses
to the intake tract to be burned in the engine
- Restriction gauge announces when the filter needs to be changed
- Cab frame air intake draws engine air and converter cooling
air from the top of the cab frame where there's less dust, so
the air filter lasts longer
- Heavy duty 52 amp-hour battery ensures positive starts while
the high-output, 40 amp alternator keeps the battery charged
Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS)
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) is fully automatic
- Keeps engine rpm in most efficient range for any selected="true"="true"="true"="true"
vehicle speed, load, or terrain
- Large drive and driven torque converters maximize belt engagement
area to improve heat dissipation and add durability
- Heavy duty drive belt ensures durability
- High-flow cover helps cool the CVT while providing superb splash
protection and water proofing
- Sheaves with high silicon type material for increased durability
- Tuned to accommodate higher loads
- The CVT yields a wide drive ratio spread for ample pulling
power and quick acceleration
- An open sided drive pulley cools better for longer belt life
- Belt deflection can be adjusted
Torque Converter Air Filter
- Efficient intake cooling fan draws plenty of air in to the
CVT
- Special air cleaner with easily replaceable filter element
cuts torque converter wear by cooling it with filtered air
Dual-Mode Differential
- Strong bevel gear set and rear axle for increased durability
- Locked mode for maximum traction, unlocked mode to minimize
ground disturbance
Limited-Slip Front Differential
- Allows great traction with little steering effort
Four-Wheel Drive with Two-Speed Transfer Case
- Shift to four-wheel drive and low range for maximum traction
under adverse conditions
- Shift to two-wheel drive and high range to cut running gear
wear and increase fuel economy
Rack and Pinion Steering
- EPS reduces low speed handling effort and dampens the bump
steer and kickback in rough terrain
- Provides responsive steering
- Tight turning radius for great maneuverability
Independent Strut-Type Front Suspension
- Stiffer springs prevent bottoming and increase ground clearance
- Comfortable ride and excellent load-carrying capability
DeDion Rear Suspension
- Overload-style leaf springs allow a good unladen ride and is
durable under maximum loads
- Semi-independent action
Four-Wheel, Self-Adjusting Sealed Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- The brake drums have an added flange and seal to keep out mud
and water
- Low maintenance and powerful
- Keep productivity up and operating costs down
Wheels and Tires
- The 23-inch tires have stiff sidewalls to improve the ride
and add ground clearance
- The rear wheel bearings use two rollers in one large bearing
for added durability
- The seals on all four wheels have three lips to better protect
the wheel bearings
Front Hood with Storage Tub
- Large storage tub under the hood with four D-rings to secure
the load
- ABS bodywork resists dents; color is molded in
Tilting Cargo Bed
- Thick tailgate panel reduces vibration, noise, and adds durability
- Tailgate locking pins reduce vibration, noise, and provide
a secure latch
- Adjustable bed latches
Simple Maintenance
- Cyclone-type engine air cleaner is effective and needs less
frequent cleaning even in extremely dusty conditions
- Air cleaner has meter to indicate when to replace the paper
element
- An automatic-style fuse box is convenient and uses blade-type
fuses
Simple Controls
- Horn and 12V DC outlet with 10-amp capacity
- Parking brake and coolant temperature warning lights are easy
to see
- Sealed glove box and open storage area in the dashboard- Push
button headlight switch activates 35-watt cat-eye headlights
- Winch-ready with mounts on the frame
- Standard equipment fuel gauge and digital hour meter
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 meets the FMVSS 216
Roof Crush resistance requirement
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, three-cylinder,
liquid-cooled, OHV, diesel
Displacement: 953cc
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 78.0mm
Compression ratio: 24.8:1
Carburetor: N/A
Air filter: Snorkel-type with cyclone-type two-stage dry replaceable
element
Oil filter: Automotive-type spin-on canister
Ignition: Compression with glow plugs for starting
Electrical: 12V DC, 52 amp-hour battery, 40 amp alternator
Transmission: Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS), with
reverse, dual range, 2WD/4WD
Final drive: Shaft, selectable four-wheel drive with dual-mode
rear differential
Exhaust: Muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor
Tires: Tubeless 23 x 11-10
Suspension, front: Independent, MacPherson strut / 3.9 in.
Suspension, rear: Semi-independent, DeDion axle with leaf springs
and shocks / 2.8 in.
Steering: Electric power steering assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drums, sealed
Fuel capacity: 6.4 gal.
Dry weight: 1669 lbs.
Overall length: 124.8 in.
Overall width: 57.5 in.
Overall height: 76.1 in.
Wheelbase: 85.2 in.
Ground clearance: 7.0 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. This structure also meets FMVSS 216 Roof Crush resistance
requirement
Cargo bed dimensions (LxWxH): 50.4 x 47.7 x 11.3 in. (2-person)
30.3 x 47.7 x 11.3 in. (4-person)
Load capacity: 1,632 lbs.
Cargo bed capacity: 400 lbs. (4-person mode) / 800 lbs. (2-person
mode)
Towing capacity: 1,200 lbs.
Turning radius: 12.8 ft.
Top speed: 25 mph, governed
Lights: (2) 35-watt sealed-beam headlight, (2) 5/21-watt taillight/brakelight
Instruments: Parking brake warning light, coolant temperature
warning light, horn, 12V DC outlet, speedometer
Color choices: Woodsman Green
Aztec Red
* Price and specifications subject to change
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