You can’t talk about hard work without talking about the Kawasaki MULE. And if you’ve spent any amount of time on a farm or construction site, chances are you’ve seen one of these rugged machines in action.
MULE stands for Multi-Use Light Equipment. These diligent, hardworking UTVs have been in production since 1988. Much has changed over the years but the core culture of hard work and convenience has remained the same.
So how did the MULE become such a staple on job sites all over the country? And how did Kawasaki manage to roll out so many game-changing innovations while staying true to their industrial roots?
The origins of the UTV aren’t totally clear, but many credit the MULE with being the very first side-by-side (if you’re not counting the Lockley Wrangler or single-seater Honda Odyssey). And it all started on a cocktail napkin back in 1980.
According to Kawasaki, three employees had one simple concept in mind: “a vehicle with four wheels that could carry two people and heavier loads than an ATV.” They sketched out their vision on a napkin, calling it the Pony Truck and nicknaming it the “four-wheeled three wheeler.”
And the rest, as they say, was history.
Eight years after the initial concept was drawn up, the first Kawasaki MULE hit the market. The MULE 1000 was powered by a liquid-cooled 454cc twin-cylinder engine and featured a rear differential lock feature. Independent front and rear suspension and four all-terrain tires made it perfect for any work site. The MULE was an instant success, especially on farms and ranches.
After releasing the MULE 1000, Kawasaki quickly realized how much of a demand there was for this type of vehicle. As a result, they began developing and releasing even more models in response to workers’ needs. The vision they had for the MULE expanded as models became more capable and versatile.
Two years after the original, the Kawasaki MULE 2010 was born. It was similar to the 1000 in body style but came with selectable two- or four-wheel drive and a Hi/Lo transmission. The engine also got an upgrade, from 454cc to 535cc.
The next year brought three new MULE machines. The 2020, nicknamed the “Tenderfoot” MULE, was designed to be a turf-class vehicle. It had turf tires and easy-to-operate controls, making it more suitable for golf courses and landscaping. It left a smaller footprint than the MULEs that came before it.
The MULE 2030 was similar to the 2020 but had more of an industrial focus. Special fuel and electrical systems were put in place to meet industrial standards of the times. It also had a flat bed and hard-surface tires for driving on pavement. This made it popular in warehouses.
Also released in 1991 was the MULE 500. This compact, personal-sized utility vehicle was small enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck.
Never one to rest, Kawasaki was back at it again in 1993. This year the world was introduced to the MULE 2510. It had a larger and more powerful liquid-cooled 617cc V-Twin engine and four-wheel drive. A heavy-duty carrying capacity and tilting cargo bed meant it was quickly recognized as top of the line.
The second release of the year, the MULE 2520, featured a quiet-running, liquid-cooled engine in a sound-insulated box. That, coupled with turf tires, gave it a quieter and lighter footprint than most other utility vehicles.
Soon after, in 1995, Kawasaki released the MULE 2500. It had many of the same features as the 2510, aside from having two-wheel drive and being fully automatic.
The compact MULE family grew in 1997 with the addition of the 550 model. This machine boasted a brand-new design, fan-cooled engine, and proven four-wheel suspension. A bench seat made it the very first two-person compact model.
The new millennium brought about a new focus for Kawasaki. The MULE’s core value of rugged capability remained the same, but more emphasis was placed on style and comfort than ever before. This decade also saw the release of diesel and convertible bed models.
Kawasaki delivered better fuel economy and higher load capacity with the 2000 MULE 2510 Diesel. This heavy-duty model was a top choice in fields where diesel is the primary fuel type, like mining and agriculture.
The latest evolution in MULE technology arrived in the form of the two-wheel drive 3000, four-wheel drive 3010, and turf-model 3020. All three were powered by liquid-cooled 617cc V-Twin engines and featured all-new Continuously Variable Transmissions. With improved ergonomics and more focus on style, the 3000-series MULEs proved to be some of the hardest-working and most durable machines yet.
A stronger CVT belt, improved exhaust system, and new cylinder block are just a few of the upgrades that came with the 2003 MULE 3010 Diesel. This rig was powered by the same diesel engine as the MULE 2510, but dressed in the pickup truck-style of the 3000 models.
The MULE 3010 was also released in a camo edition in 2003. This was Kawasaki’s first step in catering more toward woodsmen and hunters.
Sales of the MULE 600 models commenced in 2005. These new models, dubbed the “Baby MULEs,” featured a 401cc engine, new high-volume bodywork, and a more rugged suspension. Both the 600 and the 610 4×4 remained compact enough to fit in a truck bed.
This was also the year we were introduced to the world’s first convertible MULE. The 3010 Trans4x4 featured two rows of seats and looked pretty standard upon first glance. But an innovative convertible feature allowed you to fold the rear seat down and extend the bed, greatly increasing your cargo capacity.
The convertible feature was a hit, so Kawasaki decided it was here to stay. The MULE 3010 Trans4x4 Diesel was released in 2007 and featured a 953cc diesel engine. In addition to a powerful engine, this model rolled out new features like coil-reinforced shocks, DeDion axles, and a leaf-spring rear suspension for a high load capacity.
The following year, an Electronic Power Steering version of the same machine was released. The MULE 3010 Diesel (non-Trans model) received the same EPS upgrade.
The next step in Kawasaki innovation arrived in 2009. Sales of the MULE 4000 series began this year. These machines came in a “big truck-style” package, reflecting the power that the entire MULE line emulates. The 4000 models all came with fuel injection for easy starting and consistent power.
Another decade, another new focus for Kawasaki. Without leaving any of the original MULE ideals behind, they began to shine the spotlight on ride experience in 2010. For the first time in Kawasaki MULE history, the company started experimenting with industrial UTVs that mixed business with pleasure.
Larger 26” tires and 12” wheels earned this model the nickname of the “Bigfoot” MULE. The 610 4×4 came with a sporty design and more ground clearance than the average MULE, making it better suited for off-roading. It featured the same dependable performance of the MULE 610 4×4 that was born in 2005, but with more of a recreation focus.
The world had to wait five years for a new MULE model, but Kawasaki made it worth the wait. The PRO-FXT changed the market with its spacious bench seating that could fit either three or six passengers, thanks to Kawasaki’s Trans cab design. Being able to fit so many riders comfortably made the PRO-FXT an instant hit for both work and play.
Two new models were added to the MULE PRO family the following year. The new MULE PRO Diesel Series introduced two class-leading, work-focused UTVs. Both were powered by massive 933cc triple-cylinder engines.
The MULE SX quickly gained popularity as a compact and value-driven side-by-side. It had a classic new design that was modern yet reminiscent of the very first MULEs. The compact size made it good for maneuvering through tight spaces, and it could easily fit in the back of a pickup truck.
Side-by-side enthusiasts were expecting big things for the MULE’s 30th birthday, and Kawasaki delivered. Two new models were released this year, both offering the same premium style and powerful capability as the models before them. The MULE PRO-FXR was a compact UTV that plays as hard as it works and the 4000 Trans featured the company’s signature convertible cab design.
If you’ve ever owned a MULE, or if you know someone who does, you can attest to the capability of these hardworking machines.
We haven’t seen anything new from the MULE line in three years now, but we’re sure Kawasaki has something in the works. No matter what comes next, the fact remains that MULEs have withstood the test of time for the last 30+ years—and we don’t see that changing any time soon.
So what MULE are you driving? Whether you’re still getting things done in one of the original models or you’ve upgraded, SuperATV has plenty of parts to keep your MULE running strong for years to come.
33 Comments
Got MULE ! Pro Mx nick named it GUS , title of 1976 Disney movie!! It’s practically a family member!!!
That’s awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing! Go GUS!
2020 Mule 4×4 SX FI
90% happy with it .
But for 2020 FI modle could use a little more top speed .
A great duel purpose SXS if it just had some more top end .
Thanks for the feedback, Ron! We could all use a little bit more speed, am I right? 🤪
I have the 3010 in camo. With windshield and roof. Love it for hunting or plowing snow here in Wisconsin. Use it mostly on my brothers 400 Acre farm logging and hunting, love it.
Sounds like a nice ride! Thanks for sharing, Dick!
My parents have a 2000 model 550, I have a 1999 model 2510. We use them for everything from hauling feed to going camping. I can’t imagine running the farm without them anymore.
Thanks for sharing, Joshua! Mules are definitely perfect for the farm. We’re glad you’ve had so much success with them. Don’t forget about us if you find yourself needing a winch, new tires, and more. https://www.superatv.com/shop/kawasaki/mule We appreciate the support!
Bought a 4010 mile on 2009. Has 410 hrs now. Had in shop 4 months ago because when it would die, I have to wait 30 mins before it would start again
Cost me $800 to fix. Now its going the same again
So I went and bought a kabuto 900. Guess I will have trouble selling this junk
We’re sorry to hear about your bad experience. We hope the Kubota works out for you and appreciate you tuning in with us!
I purchased a new 2018 pro dx. I wanted reliable help on my ranch as I had just had a heart attack and everything I seem to need to work at repairing and irrigating seemed to be over there. As an elderly city lady my out of town son suggested looking at a mule dx. I have been amazed at how it has helped me with pulling things, hauling things,
Dumping things,. As time goes on I will outfit her with a winch and windows. My mule is just perfect for this nearing 80 yr young ranching lady.
Thanks for sharing, Patrisha! We’re so glad your Mule has been such a help. Keep killing it out there! Also, let us know if you need any help finding a winch or windows. 🙂
Where can I find tires for mule 610 4×4 and rims,front tires 24×9-50.10 and the back tires 24×10.50.10
Hey Delano! Sorry about the delay in response. This comment must have slipped through the cracks. We unfortunately don’t offer anything in the size you’re after, but I would recommend reaching out to a local dealership to see what options they may have. Thanks for tuning in with us!
I recently purchased a Mule Pro-MX and with less than 100kms on the clock it started to cut out at anything over 30kmh. It was NOT A FUEL ISSUE, but an electronic one. Kawasaki Aust. Told the dealer that the warranty didn’t apply. The dealer was as disgusted as l was and took the thing back with a full refund.
Hey Rob, it sounds like you didn’t have the best of luck with your Mule. I’m glad the dealer was able to work with you. Wishing you the best of luck with your next ride!
Does the new 2022 Kawasaki Pro FXR come in red. I have been told they quit making this color?
Hey Deb! It looks like they are still showing availability in the red online. Check it out here: https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/shop/vehicle-accessories/side-x-side/kaf820knfnn/999693769/mule-pro-fxr-utility-package?cm_re=VDP-_-2022-mule-pro-fxr:ACCESSORIESMERCH-_-BUCKET Thanks for tuning in!
We have 2 Mules – both 4×4 diesel, used daily on our 8 acre lot in rural San Diego county. A 2510 D (about 2000 vintage) and an early 3010 D 4 seater. They are in use constantly and will climb anything in 4×4 mode. They are solid and pretty reliable, requiring minimal maintenance (oil and coolant). The diesel is a strong motor, have pulled some significant rocks with a chain and move trailers around with the tow hitch. We are in farm country so there are lots of JD Gators, Polaris and Kubotas around (the largest farm has a fleet of old 4×4 Suzuku Samurai’s) . I think the diesel Mules and Kubotas are the most rugged and least maintenance of the lot.
Thanks for the feedback, Ashley! We’re glad to hear the Mule has been a good machine for you over the years.
We’ve owned three JD Gators over the years. They were well built, but short on features. In 2012 we purchased a Polaris 800 xp Ranger. It was fast and fun, but with a big family, we soon out grew it. In 2016 we purchased a Pro fxt. We love the comfort and room. It could use more modern seats. I also think that for the size of the engine, it should have more power and speed. Overall we have been very happy with it.
That’s great to hear, Mike! It’s a good machine, for sure.
We have an original MULE and it has taught many a grandkid to drive! We love it and it still runs great!!!
This spring I bought a 1988 mule 1000, the original. We love it! Just putt around town and goof off. It’s got 7000 miles and still runs great
That’s awesome to hear! Thanks for tuning in.
Got a 1991 mule 500 use it almost every day
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing, Larry!
Just bought 4010 trans last December love it but I Notice there was no response to the people who had problems. Hope this isn’t the way y’all handle all complaints
Hey Terry, we appreciate the feedback. We try to respond to any and all comments, but do miss a few every now and then unfortunately. We don’t actually sell the machines, only the aftermarket parts and accessories. So if there are complaints about our products and/or SuperATV in general, you can stay rest assured that we’ll be ready to respond and help.
I have a 2018 sxxc, use it to plow and haul. Irreplaceable
That’s great to hear! Kawasaki is definitely doing something right with the Mule!
We are looking for a UTV that don’t empty our bank account to buy. I am 79 and my wife is 78. We would use it for hauling lawn tools around our place. We have about 4 acres. Then we would ride it in the country some as we have a place behind our home where we can ride.. what do you recommend. We don’t need fancy or all the bells . Just something that runs good.
Hey Sam! Thanks for tuning in with us. I would suggest an older model Kawasaki Mule, Polaris Ranger, or Honda Pioneer. You can typically find one of these for under $10k with nothing fancy, but a reliable machine. These are the perfect vehicles for daily chores and cruising. And if you ever feel like you want more with it, you can always add some upgrades to turn it into what you need. SuperATV can help you either way with parts to keep you warm so you can use it all year long like windshields, roofs, heaters, etc. And then if you find you need to be a little higher off the ground, we’ve got small and big lift kits, lights for riding in the dark, and more. Just give us a call at 855-743-3427 if you need help deciding what parts to get once you find your ride. Best of luck to you!