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KAWASAKI FOLLOWS ITS OWN LEAD
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4™
DIESEL
Transformable two or four-person UV with massive
torque sure to find its own place in an expanding
market.
 A
year ago, Kawasaki introduced the first four-wheel
drive off-road utility vehicle giving users the
option of simply transforming it from a two-passenger
unit to one that will carry four people, plus cargo.
As successful as the MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4™ has been,
the company’s dealer network suggested that a diesel
version of this MULE model would quickly find a
home amongst both personal and work-related users
who needed the extra power and convenience of a
diesel engine. It would also satisfy the farm and
industrial situation where only diesel fuel is available.
The 2006 model year 3010 line-up answers those requests,
as Kawasaki brings a new flagship MULE to its growing
utility vehicle product stable—the all-new MULE
3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL.
Quickly responding
to the dealer recommendation, Kawasaki plans to
tap this part of the growing utility vehicle market,
which seeks the utility and convenience of an easily
transformable people and cargo carrier for both
work and play. This off-road dynamo that features
a fully automatic transmission with two or four-wheel
drive options, takes only a few minutes 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 continuously variable transmission (CVT) is
a highlight of the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive
System (KAPS), which helps keep engine rpm in the
most efficient range for any selected vehicle speed,
load, or terrain. 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.
Other features of
the KAPS are:
-
 Tuned
specifically to accommodate higher payloads.
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Open sided drive
pulley cools better for longer belt life.
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Adjustable belt
deflection.
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The CVT yields
a wide drive ratio spread for ample pulling
power and quick acceleration.
-
Sheaves with
high silicon-type material adding to this unit’s
increased durability.
-
A high-flow cover
helps cool the CVT while providing superb splash
protection and water-proofing.
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 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.
Keeping the filter
lasting longer—especially in the rugged conditions
for which this Kawasaki was built—engine air and
converter cooling air are drawn from the top of
the cab frame, where there’s less dust. This makes
for cleaner operating conditions, as well as a longer-lasting
filter.
This MULE also lists
among its many attributes a dual-mode differential,
limited slip front differential, two-speed transfer
case for the four-wheel drive, rack and pinion steering,
independent strut-type front suspension, DeDion
rear suspension, and four-wheel, self-adjusting
sealed hydraulic drum brakes.
An improved ride—in
conditions that oftentimes cry out for comfort—comes
courtesy of the 23-inch tires with stiff sidewalls,
improving both off-road travails and providing added
ground clearance. The rear wheel bearings use two
rollers in one large bearing, providing added durability.
 Kawasaki
takes pride in owner usability attached to all of
its products, and this newest MULE model 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 horn and 12-volt DC outlet with 10-amp
capacity, a speedometer, and hour meter. A parking
brake and coolant temperature warning light are
in plain view, and the MULE has a sealed glove box,
plus 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.
If the earlier versions
of Kawasaki’s MULE family have proven to be a huge
success for the company, there is little doubt that
this newest addition will also set a new bar for
an as-yet-untapped part of the ever-expanding market
for these vehicles. Kawasaki’s dealers collectively
drew the target for its development, and Kawasaki
seems to have scored a bulls-eye.
Kawasaki Motors Corp.,
U.S.A. (KMC) markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki
motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and utility
vehicles through a network of more than 1,500 independent
retailers, with an additional 8,400 retailers specializing
in power products and general purpose engines. KMC
and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in
the United States, with more than 350 of them located
at the Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline,
“Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide
and the brand is aggressively carrying its heritage
of leading-edge power, performance and exhilaration
into the 21st century. Information about Kawasaki’s
complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki
affiliates can be found on the Internet at
www.kawasaki.com.
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