It seems like every property owner and groundskeeper cruises around on either a Kawasaki Mule or a John Deere Gator. They’re both tuned for work and have a lot to offer day-in, day-out workers like you.
Whether you’ve got a big property to manage or need a fleet for a campus or office complex, these two machines will deliver. But when it comes to the John Deere Gator XUV vs. the Kawasaki Mule Pro, which one checks all your boxes?
For machines like the Gator XUV and the Kawasaki Mule Pro, engine power is best used for low-end torque. It’s all about grunt, and both machines deliver.
We don’t know the Mule’s official horsepower or the Gator’s official torque, but we do know that their power delivery is very similar. They’re both tuned for torque at low speed rather than high speed and high RPM.
That low-RPM torque is what you want out of work-focused UTVs, and they both excel here.
Now we’re getting to the real heart of what makes a working UTV awesome. You want to be able to carry a bunch of gear and tow whatever you need. So let’s take a look at the Kawasaki Mule Pro-FX and the John Deere Gator 835E towing and payload capacities.
They’re in the same ballpark, but there are two key differences:
So, the Gator has a significantly higher towing capacity. 2,000 pounds is no joke. If you need to pull a trailer and mower around, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more capable UTV.
On the other hand, the Mule’s extra-long bed is incredibly convenient. It’s 11” longer than the Gator and easy to toss tons of gear into. Fill it with gardening tools and mulch, fence posts and shovels, or anything else you need. Regardless of the capacity, you’ll just be able to fit more.
Taking a look at dimensions makes the Mule Pro-FX and Gator XUV look even more different.
Once again, their different specs tend to paint pictures for different use cases.
The John Deere Gator XUV 835E’s wheelbase is five inches shorter, and a shorter wheelbase generally means a more nimble machine with a tighter turning radius—and a tight turn radius makes your life so much easier when you’re trying to maneuver with a trailer.
The Mule Pro-FX 820 goes in a different direction. Its longer wheelbase gives it the extra stability it needs because of its longer bed. So it’s less suitable for towing (but still very capable), but great at hauling gear in its bed.
Sooner or later, you’re gonna need parts for your UTV. Whether that’s from normal wear and tear or a major failure, in-stock, affordable parts that can keep you moving are an important consideration.
And don’t forget about practical upgrades like roofs and windshields.
We’ve got lots of parts and accessories for both machines at SuperATV.com.
We have windshields, heaters, axles, cargo accessories, and replacement parts for both machines.
But the Mule Pro has many more options, including oil change kits, radiators, fuel pumps, and more. Plus, we’ve got bigger upgrades like lift kits, bumpers, A-arms, fender flares, and tons of other stuff. Just go check out our Kawasaki Mule Pro parts and accessories yourself.
Check out our John Deere Gator parts and accessories too!
If you’re looking for a general-use work machine, you’ll probably be happy with either machine.
The main decision comes down to how you plan to haul your gear. If you’re going to load up a trailer with more than 2,000 pounds of cargo, you need a Gator XUV 835. Just keep in mind that while there is still decent aftermarket support, it’s more limited than other options.
If you have more modest plans for your trailer and want the convenience of a massive bed, the Mule Pro is perfect for you. Plus, it has better aftermarket support.
Whatever you choose, be sure to come to SuperATV.com when you need help with your first upgrade.
