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 selected 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.
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