MULE 610 4x4

Kawasaki is replacing the Mule™ 550 off-road utility vehicle with an all-new, leading-edge compact model that will be popular for both work and recreation.

The Mule 610 4x4 is the first four-wheel drive utility vehicle in its class. It produces more power and accelerates with more authority than its predecessor, and features all-new, rugged styling. And true to form, this compact Kawasaki utility vehicle can fit in the bed of a full-sized pickup truck.

The Mule 610 4x4 features 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 Mule 610 4x4 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. The curved body panels, redesigned hood and grille, and large-diameter steel tube frame give it 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 passenger-side glove box, passenger-side grab handle and storage space located beneath the hood.

For many utility vehicle owners, the larger engine is the most enticing feature of the new Mule 610 4x4. The air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine displaces 401cc and accelerates with more authority than its 286cc predecessor, and 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. It also features 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, and a higher compression ratio.

The Mule 610 4x4 transfers its 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.

The Mule 610 4x4 utilizes dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive and features a dual-mode differential that can be locked to maximize traction on adverse terrain. It also includes selectable four-wheel drive and features a limited-slip front differential.

The Mule 610 4x4 rides on MacPherson strut front suspension, while rear suspension duties are handled by a unit swing-axle rear suspension. Triple-sealed hydraulic drum brakes at all four wheels provide ample stopping power and it rides on large 24-inch tires for improved off-road handling. Also, a plastic front differential/axle guard and steel rear differential guard is standard, helping to protect important powertrain components.

To light the way on dark evenings, the Mule 610 4x4 features the same gourd-style 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 to carry 400 pounds in its tilting cargo bed. It also features new tailgate latches that are easy to fasten quickly and securely. Plus, it can tow up to 1,100 pounds with an optional towing hitch – 200 pounds more than the previous model.

Engine: Four-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement: 401cc
Bore x stroke: 82 x 76mm
Carburetor: Nikki 6C1026
Cooling: Fan assisted, air cooled
Ignition: Magneto and transistor
Drive train: Continuously variable transmission with high and low range plus reverse
Final drive: Shaft-driven selectable four-wheel drive, dual-mode rear differential
Wheelbase: 70.0 in.
Overall length: 107.1 in.
Overall width: 52.6 in.
Overall height: 70.9 in.
Ground clearance: 6.7 in.
Front and rear tires: Tubeless 24x9-10 and 24x11-10
Front suspension: MacPherson strut
Rear suspension: Unit swing-axle
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drums, triple-sealed
Turning radius: 10.8 ft.
Load capacity: 926 lbs.
Bed capacity: 400 lbs.
Towing capacity: 1,100 lbs.
Dry weight: 974.2 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Instruments/lighting: Oil temperature meter, hour meter, gourd-style headlights, taillight and stoplight
Colors: Aztec Red, Woodsman Green
* Price and specifications subject to change

At a glance…
- The best compact off-road utility vehicle with the best luxury features
- The Mule 610 4x4 is the only model in its class to offer selectable four-wheel drive
- It can be easily transported in the back of a full-sized pickup truck
- With an optional towing hitch, it can tow up to 1,100 pounds – 200 pounds more than the previous model
Cab
- Leading-edge styling is sturdy, tough and modern
- Cab is more spacious and comfortable
- Luxury features include operator- and passenger-side cup holders, passenger-side glove box and under-hood storage
- Automotive-type controls are now located on an all-new dash
- Gourd-style headlights – like those of the new Kawasaki BRUTE FORCE™ 750 4x4i all-terrain vehicle – are powerful and stylish
Powertrain
- Larger 401cc engine produces more power and better acceleration than its predecessor
- New engine starts more easily with the assistance of a new enrichening system
- Fan cooling helps the new engine maintain an ideal operating temperature
- 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
- Engine can be started in any gear provided the brakes are applied
- Dependable shaft drive is low maintenance
- Features a dual-mode rear differential, which can be locked to maximize traction
- Selectable four-wheel drive includes limited-slip front differential to provide extra pulling power in mud and snow
Chassis
- MacPerson strut front suspension provides a smooth ride
- Unit swing-axle rear suspension can handle heavy loads, yet provides supple ride when the cargo bed is empty
- Rack-and-pinion steering helps to keep steering light and accurate, and makes maneuvering in tight working quarters more easy
- Hydraulic drum brakes at all four wheels provide ample stopping power and are triple-sealed for protection against mud, dust and debris
- Front and rear differential guards come as standard equipment to help protect under-side mechanicals
- Larger 24-inch tires provide enhance traction and ride quality
- Front grille includes space for mounting a Warn 3000 winch or Super Winch 3000