Kawasaki Unveils New Mule Turf Model
IRVINE, Calif. - While unveiling the
new Mule™ 3000 and Mule 3010 utility vehicles at
the Farm Progress Show in Cantrall, Ill., on Sept.
27, 2000, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., also unveiled
the new Mule 3020 at its Irvine, Calif., headquarters.
Designed specifically for work on turf, the new
Mule 3020 replaces the Mule 2520 and is created
for work on sensitive terrain.
The
Mule 3020 utility vehicle rides on wide, turf-application
tires and is well-suited for golf course maintenance.
And like its new siblings, it features a steel,
tilting cargo bed, bench seat, fully-automatic transmission
and car-like controls.
The Mule 3020 features striking new body work
with fashionable pickup truck styling. A rugged
grille and rounded fenders add strength to the new
look, and body panels of the cab are made of durable
plastic that has molded-in color to help prevent
scuffing. The front hood of the Mule 3020 can be
lifted with the touch of a button to reveal a large
storage space, which also has convenient tie-down
loops to secure cargo. Located beneath the front
grille are winch-ready tabs, so mounting a winch
is made easy, and a passenger-side grab rail is
mounted on the cab frame. The cargo bed side rails
on the 3020 are taller than those on the Mule 2520
it replaces, and two-lever latches make opening
and closing the tailgate easier.
Controls on the Mule 3020 have also been changed
from those on the 2520. The forward-reverse shift
lever is conveniently located within easy reach
on the new dash. The coolant temperature warning
light is now easier to see, and a new push-button
control activates new 35-watt cat-eye headlights,
the same lights used on the Prairie® all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs). Other standard features include
an hour meter, fuel gauge and horn.
Power for the Mule 3020 is provided by an industrial
liquid-cooled four-stroke V-twin engine that features
several updates. A larger radiator and fan help
keep engine temperatures under control, even in
hot climates. A new digital electronic ignition
improves engine response and also helps to prevent
spark plug fouling. A double-barrel carburetor now
meters fuel and air flow more accurately for more
complete combustion. There is a new cyclone-type
air cleaner plus air restriction gauge to indicate
when the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
There is also a new auto-type fuse box, while the
oil dipstick and oil filler tube are now located
under the seat.
The Mule 3020 utilizes Kawasaki's highly-refined
continuously variable transmission (CVT) to create
a wide ratio of pulling power and quicker acceleration,
and tension for the CVT drivebelt is now adjustable.
Dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive transfers
power to a dual-mode differential that can be locked
to maximize traction or unlocked to minimize ground
disturbance when making tight turns.
The chassis of the Mule 3020 features stiffer
front springs for increased ground clearance and
a better ride, and the DeDion rear leaf spring suspension
is designed to carry heavy loads yet provides a
smooth, comfortable ride when the cargo bed is empty.
Self-adjusting hydraulic drum brakes at all four
wheels ensure progressive stopping power and have
extra flanges with upgraded seals to keep out mud
and water. New rear wheel bearings are also more
durable and have new seals for better protection
from water. To minimize ground disturbance, the
Mule 3020 rides on smooth-tread 20-inch tires.
Like the other full-sized Mule utility vehicles,
the Mule 3020 can carry 803 pounds in its steel
cargo bed and can tow 1,200 pounds. Available in
Hunter Green, it comes with a standard 12-month
warranty. Those who want to customize their Mule
3020 can choose from a vast array of accessories
available through Kawasaki Mule dealers, or they
can purchase accessories directly from Kawasaki
by logging onto the internet at
www.buykawasaki.com.
With its new look, convenient features and turf-sensitive
tires, the new Mule 3020 utility vehicle provides
those who work on turf and other delicate surfaces
with quiet, dependable operation combined with the
durability of a Kawasaki.
Specifications
Engine: 4-stroke, OHV, V-twin
Displacement: 617cc
Bore x Stroke: 76 x 68mm
Carburetor: Mikuni BW26-18
Cooling: Liquid
Ignition: Digital Electronic
Drive Train: Automatic torque converter;
forward, neutral, reverse
Final Drive: Shaft, Dual-mode rear differential
Wheelbase: 73.6 inches
Overall Length: 112.6 inches
Overall Height: 74.8 inches
Ground Clearance: 5.9 inches
Tires, front/rear: Tubeless, 23 x 11-10
Brakes, front/rear: 4-wheel hydraulic drum
Turning Radius: N/A
Load Capacity: 1,330 pounds
Bed Capacity: 803 pounds
Towing Capacity: 1,200 pounds
Dry Weight: 1,193 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Color: Hunter Green
Suggested Retail Price: $7,499
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