Introduction
The original transforming utility
vehicle takes on a truck-like visual appeal
Kawasaki has raised the styling bar for 2009, offering a modern,
rugged, truck-like body style for its versatile Mule™ 4010
Trans4x4® Diesel that quickly transforms from a four-person
4x4 to a two-person unit with an extended cargo bed. This new
look complements popular changes made the prior model year, which
saw the company add electric power steering (EPS) finesse to
the extra grunt and convenience of this off-road utility vehicle.
The new bodywork draws comparison to the styling of many modern
pick-up trucks that are often seen working alongside the Mule.
Its panels are durable, color-molded plastic that helps hide
scuffing and its rugged-looking front hood can be lifted with
the pull of a dash-mounted knob to reveal a now deeper storage
space. This compartment also has convenient D-rings to secure
cargo.
The EPS offers a more controlled ride by reducing steering effort
at low speeds and harnessing the electric motor's inertia to
dampen much of the bump steer and kickback caused by impacts
to the wheel. Electrically driven, the motor is controlled by
an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that uses input from a vehicle
speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the amount of assistance
provided by the system. The system works immediately after the
engine is started, yet doesn't create a power drain on the engine.
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 1,100 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 stalwart Kawasaki liquid-cooled,
three cylinder diesel engine makes the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel
an immediate winner. Its overhead valve design 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 953cc engine has low-end pulling power to spare for
the most rigorous of needs.
The diesel engine is matched to the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive
System (KAPS). It's a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
that features a high and low range, reverse, and helps keep engine
rpm in the most efficient range for any vehicle speed, load,
or terrain. It yields a wide drive ratio spread for ample pulling
power and quick acceleration. Large torque converters maximize
belt engagement area and improve heat dissipation, boost strength
and durability, and are aided by the use of a thick, strong drive
belt and sheaves with high silicon-type material.
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. This reliable system
uses a dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive to transmit power
to a dual-mode rear differential that can be locked to maximize
traction, or unlocked to minimize ground disturbance when making
tight turns. The operator can also select four-wheel drive for
extra pulling power in difficult conditions.
Wear is further reduced by cooling the torque converter with
filtered air, courtesy of a special air cleaner that uses an
easily replaceable filter element and an efficient intake cooling
fan to draw sufficient air into the CVT.
The engine air cleaner is a cyclone-type Donaldson unit with
a replaceable paper element. This efficient design needs less
frequent cleaning, even with repeated use in extremely dusty
off-road conditions. The Mule is equipped with a gauge indicating
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's many attributes are a dual-mode differential,
limited slip front differential, two-speed transfer case for
the four-wheel drive, independent MacPherson strut front suspension,
DeDion rear suspension, and four-wheel, self-adjusting sealed
hydraulic drum brakes.
Additional driver/passenger comfort is derived from the 23-inch
tires with stiff sidewalls that improve off-road function and
add ground clearance. The rear wheel bearings use two rollers
in one large bearing for more durability.
The Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel is equipped with several simple,
dash-mounted controls that include the shift mechanism, digital
hour meter, horn, speedometer, a 12-volt, 10-amp DC outlet and
a pushbutton switch for the 35-watt, cat-eye headlights. A parking
brake and coolant temperature warning light in plain view, and
dual sealed glove boxes round out the operator-friendly cockpit
of the Mule. The extendable cab is surrounded by the large-diameter
steel tube frame structure that meets federal Roll Over Protective
Structure (ROPS) requirements.
Convenience features on the new Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel aren't
just limited to easy-access latches or controls; they also extend
to owner-friendly features like the winch-ready tabs located
under the front grille, which greatly-simplify the winch mounting
process. The Trans4x4 Diesel can also tow up to 1,200 pounds
with an optional Kawasaki draw bar. To keep from draining the
battery, the EPS only operates when the engine is running. Other
popular accessories include an enclosed cab, cab heater, snow
plow, and soft or hard tops.
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Features
At a glance
- All-New Styling
- Electric power steering system (EPS)
- Diesel Performance and Economy
- Two or four seats with revolutionary transformable design
- Fully Automatic Transmission with Selectable 2- or 4-Wheel
Drive
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 (1,100 lbs. with two passengers, 400 lbs.
with four passengers)
- Retractable lap-belts
Engine
- Liquid-cooled, three-cylinder diesel engine produces incredible
torque: 38.3 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm and exceptional fuel economy
- Perfect for commercial job sites where diesel fuel is readily
available
- Exhaust pipe routing allows easy hydraulic lift kit installation
- Overhead valve design maximizes efficiency
- Cast iron block and head ensure extreme durability
Environmentally Friendly Emissions
- Positive crankcase ventilation system sends blow-by gasses
to the intake tract to be burned in the engine
- Muffler has a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor
Cyclone-Type Engine Air Cleaner
- Cyclone design is effective and needs less frequent cleaning
even in extremely dusty conditions
- Restriction gauge tells when to change the filter
- Donaldson® air cleaner has a replaceable paper element
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 filters last
longer
Heavy-Duty Battery and Alternator
- 52 amp-hour battery ensures positive starts while the high-output,
40 amp alternator keeps the battery charged
Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS)
- Fully automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) features
forward high and low and reverse, and helps keep the engine in
the right operating rpm for a variety of vehicle speeds, loads,
or terrain
- The CVT has a wide spread of drive ratios for quick acceleration
and ample pulling power
- Tuned to accommodate higher loads
- Large drive and driven torque converters maximize engagement
area of the thick and strong drive belt for improved heat dissipation
and add 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
- An open sided drive pulley cools better for longer belt life
- Offers adjustable belt deflection
Torque Converter Air Filter
- Efficient intake cooling fan draws plenty of air into 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
- Selectable four-wheel drive gives the operator traction options
- Shift to four-wheel drive and low range for maximum traction
in adverse conditions or select two-wheel drive and high range
to cut gear wear and increase fuel economy
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
- The EPS system reduces steering effort, especially at low speeds
when turning effort is greatest
- The electric motor's inertia significantly reduces bump steer
and kickback to the steering wheel caused by shocks to the wheels
for a more comfortable and controlled ride
- Input from vehicle speed and torque sensors determine the amount
of steering assistance required from the system's motor
- No power steering pump, so there is no power loss from the
engine
- EPS only operates when the engine is running to keep from draining
the battery
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
New Bodywork
- Hood, fenders, front guard, lights, cab frame and cargo bed
have modern pick-up truck styling for sharp appearance
- Dashboard comes with speedometer, hourmeter, fuel gauge and
oil pressure warning light standard
- Large storage tub under the hood with four D-rings to secure
the load
- Bodywork resists dents; color is molded in
Tilting Cargo Bed
- Steel cargo bed can carry up to 1,100 pounds and tilts for
quick unloading
- Thick tailgate panel and secure latching tailgate locking pins
reduces vibration and noise, and adds durability
Rugged and Capable
- Can tow up to 1,200 lbs with optional Kawasaki draw bar
- Meets federal Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) requirements
for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.4, and
7.5, and also meets FMVSS 216 roof crush resistance requirement
- Durable chassis includes winch-ready mounts to simplify winch
installation
Simple Maintenance
- An automatic-style fuse box is convenient and uses blade-type
fuses
- Crankcase oil level dipstick under the seat
- Automotive-type, spin-on oil filter
- Coolant, battery electrolyte level sight gauges
Cab Features
- 12V DC outlet with 10 amp capacity
- The 2WD / 4WD lever is mounted on the dash for easier access
- Relocated parking brake and coolant temperature warning lights
are easy to see
- Shift lever with Y-gate pattern eliminates need for Hi-Lo switch
lever
- Push-button headlight switch activates 35-watt cat-eye headlights
- Hour meter and a horn are standard equipment
Popular Accessory Items
- Soft or Hard Top
- Windshield
- Winch
- Enclosed Cab
- Cab Heater
- Snow Plow
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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
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.
Curb weight: 1737 lbs.
Overall length: 130.1 in.
Overall width: 58.5 in.
Overall height: 75.81 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) / 1,100 lbs. (2-person
mode)
Towing capacity: 1,200 lbs.
Turning radius: 12.5 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, Dark Royal Red
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