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ALL-NEW MULE™ 610 4X4 AND MULE
600 BRING POWER, STYLE AND COMFORT TO COMPACT CLASS
OF OFF-ROAD UTILITY VEHICLES
Kawasaki
is replacing its MULE™ 550 off-road utility vehicle
with two all-new, leading-edge compact models that
will be popular for both work and recreation. The
MULE 610 4x4 – which is the first four-wheel drive
utility vehicle in its class – and its two-wheel
drive counterpart, the MULE 600, produce more power
and accelerate more authoritatively than their predecessor,
and feature all-new, rugged styling. And true to
form, both of these compact Kawasaki utility vehicles
can fit in the bed of a full-sized pickup truck.
The models feature a new single-cylinder
engine that is matched to an improved continuously
variable transmission, dual-mode differential, independent
front suspension, swing-frame rear suspension and
sealed hydraulic brakes.
The most visible difference between
the new 600 series and the out-going 550 is the
styling. By lengthening the chassis nearly four
inches, designers were able to create a more spacious
cab for the MULE 610 4x4 and MULE 600. The curved
body panels, redesigned bonnet and grille, and large-diameter
steel tube frame give them a clean, modern look,
while automotive-type controls and gear selectors
are now located on the newly styled dashboard. Luxury
features include two large cup holders, a passengerside
glove box and a passenger-side grab handle.
Other highlights include a 48-liter
storage space located beneath the bonnet, more storage
space under the bench seat, and a winch mount located
behind the grille. For many utility vehicle owners,
the larger engine is the most enticing feature of
the new MULE 610 4x4 and MULE 600. The air-cooled,
single-cylinder four-stroke engine displaces 401cc
and accelerates with more authority than its 286cc
predecessor, and it includes a cooling fan to help
it maintain an ideal operating temperature. Equally
important, the new engine is easier to start due
to a new enrichening system that opens the throttle
nearly 20 percent during starting, thereby eliminating
the need to apply the throttle. Both models feature
a 25 mph maximum speed governor.
To maximize the four-wheel drive
capability of the MULE 610 4x4, its engine includes
performance enhancements such as reshaped intake
and exhaust ports increased valve lift, larger exhaust
valves and a higher compression ratio.
Both models transfer their power
through a continuously variable transmission (CVT),
which features more durable materials in the converter
and a longer-lasting drive belt to match the engine’s
enhanced acceleration and hill-climbing performance.
With its high and low range forward gears, plus
reverse, the sturdy transmission can also be started
in any gear, provided the brakes are applied.
Both MULE 600 models utilize dependable,
low-maintenance shaft drive and feature a dual-mode
differential that can be locked to maximize traction
on adverse terrain. The MULE 610 4x4, however, includes
selectable four-wheel drive and includes a limited-slip
front differential.
The MULE 600s ride on MacPherson
strut front suspension, while rear suspension duties
are handled by a swing-frame rear suspension. Triple-sealed
hydraulic drum brakes at all four wheels provide
ample stopping power and both models ride on large
24-inch tires for improved off-road handling. Also,
a plastic front differential/axle guard and steel
rear differential guard are standard on both models,
helping to protect these important powertrain components.
To light the way on dark evenings,
the MULE 600s feature the same gourd-style, quadruple
40-watt headlights as the new Kawasaki BRUTE FORCE™
750 4x4i all-terrain vehicle. Kawasaki engineers
know that hauling and towing are the two most-common
tasks for any MULE utility vehicle, so they designed
the MULE 610 4x4 and MULE 600 to carry 400 pounds
in their tilting cargo beds. They also feature new
tailgate latches that are easy to fasten quickly
and securely. Plus, either model can tow up to 1,100
pounds with an optional towing hitch – 200 pounds
more than the previous model. A host of accessories
are available for the MULE 610 4x4 and MULE 600,
including headlight guards, a hard top for the cab,
windshield and various under guards for both two-
and four-wheel drive models. These Authentic Kawasaki
Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers
or they can be purchased on the Internet at
www.buykawasaki.com.
Information about Kawasaki’s complete
line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates
can be found on the Internet at
www.kawasaki.com.
2005 MULE™ 610 4x4 and MULE 600
Features and Benefits
At a glance…
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The best compact off-road utility vehicles
with the best luxury features
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The MULE 610 4x4 is the only model in its
class to offer selectable four-wheel drive
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Either model can be easily transported in
the back of a full-sized pickup truck
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With an optional towing hitch, either model
can tow up to 1,100 pounds – 200 pounds more
than the previous model
Cab
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Leading-edge styling is sturdy,
tough and modern
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Cab is more spacious and comfortable
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Luxury features include operator- and passenger-side
cup holders, passenger-side glove box, under-seat
storage and 48-liter under-hood storage
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Automotive-type controls are now located
on an all-new dash
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Gourd-style headlights – like those of the
new Kawasaki BRUTE FORCE™ 750 4x4i all-terrain
vehicle – are powerful and stylish
Powertrain
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Larger 401cc engine produces more power and
better acceleration than its predecessor
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New engine starts more easily with the assistance
of a new enrichening system
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Fan cooling helps the new engine maintain
an ideal operating temperature
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Improved continuously variable transmission
enhances the new engine’s stronger acceleration
and pulling power, and provides the operator
with two forward gear ranges plus reverse
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Engine can be started in any gear provided
the brakes are applied
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Dependable shaft drive is low maintenance
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Both models feature a dual-mode rear differential,
which can be locked to maximize traction
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MULE 610 4x4 includes limited-slip front
differential to provide extra pulling power
in mud and snow
Chassis
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MacPerson strut front suspension provides
a smooth ride
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Swing-frame rear suspension can handle heavy
loads, yet provides supple ride when the cargo
bed is empty
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Rack-and-pinion steering helps to keep steering
light and accurate, and makes maneuvering in
tight working quarters more easy
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Hydraulic drum brakes at all four wheels
provide ample stopping power and are triple-sealed
for protection against mud, dust and debris
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Front and rear differential guards come as
standard equipment to help protect under-side
mechanicals
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Larger 24-inch tires provide enhance traction
and ride quality
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Front grille includes space for mounting
a Warn 3000 winch or Super Winch 3000
2005 MULE™ 610 4X4 and MULE 600
SPECIFICATIONS*
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Engine: Four-stroke single-cylinder
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Displacement: 401cc
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Bore x stroke: TBD
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Carburetor: TBD
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Cooling: Fan assisted, air cooled
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Ignition: TBD
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Drive train: Continuously variable
transmission with high and low range plus reverse
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Final drive: Dual-mode rear differential
/ selectable four-wheel drive for 4x4 model
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Wheelbase: 70.3 in.
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Overall length: TBD
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Overall width: TBD
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Overall height: TBD
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Ground clearance: TBD
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Front and rear tires: Tubeless 24x9-10
and 24x11-10
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Front suspension: MacPherson strut
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Rear suspension: Swing-frame design
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Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drums,
triple-sealed
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Turning radius: TBD
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Load capacity: TBD
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Bed capacity: 400 lbs.
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Towing capacity: 1,100 lbs.
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Dry weight: TBD
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Fuel capacity: TBD
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Instruments/lighting: Oil temperature
meter, hour meter, (2) 30W headlights and (2)
5W headlights, taillight/stoplight
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Colors: Aztec Red, Woodsman Green
*Specifications are subject to change.
Please visit www.kawasaki.com for most current specifications.
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