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2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
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2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
– 2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC Review
This Aggressive Mule Takes You Farther Afield
With its more dirt-worthy design, the 2012 Mule™ 610 4×4 XC is meant for those who like to venture a bit farther from the jobsite. If the XC designation makes you think ‘cross country,’ well, you’d be right on target, for this Mule looks like it’s had a serious dose of Kawasaki Teryx™ off-road DNA injected into its flanks.
What happens when a Mule™ 610 4×4 is crossed with a Teryx™? A Mule 610 4×4 XC is born. With its dirt-worthy design, it will transport those who seek to go slightly father afield from the job site. And with an XC designation revealing its off-road motives, the Mule 610 4×4 XC is loaded with great features designed to hold up better to the rigors of off-road riding.
The Mule XC’s off-road ability is enhanced by its aggressive, 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires, each of which is mounted on a 12-inch wheel. A load of features, including a slightly wider track and ground clearance, complement the XC’s bold nature, infusing it with a healthy dose of what can only be described as cool factor.
The standard Mule 610 4×4 can go just about anywhere, but the new 4×4 XC takes that functionality quite a few steps further. Not only do those burly 26-inch Maxxis tires provide loads more traction, their extra width increases the Mule’s track by 1.3 inches. Their greater height also gives this Mule a full 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Combined with longer front and rear suspension, this helps the Mule climb over larger obstacles, while standard skid plates protect vital systems.
When designing the XC, Kawasaki engineers made room for those large tires by kicking the Mule’s front bumper forward 1.2 inches. And while they were at it, the team added sporty graphics, a comfortable seat covered in a pliable material and a small-diameter sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Kawasaki Teryx.
In spite of its wide-ranging capabilities and radical design, you can be sure of the XC’s reliable and economical drivetrain. A durable, 401cc fan-cooled overhead-valve engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds power to all four wheels as needed, and simple automotive controls mean it couldn’t be much easier to operate. An enrichening system partially opens the throttle for easy engine starts, hot or cold, and the Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse gear, provided the brake pedal is applied. Select 2WD or 4WD and away you go.
MacPherson strut front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering combine great bump absorption with light handling, while the Mule’s mid-engine layout and swingarm rear suspension provide plentiful traction in back. A powerful braking system brings it all to a reliable halt.
As fun as it looks, the XC is all about hard work. A special black-texture paint applied to its 400-pound-capacity all-steel tilting cargo bed allows even greater aesthetics and durability, while a 1,100-pound towing capacity means you can haul whatever gear you need. Dual cup holders help keep riders hydrated while on the clock, a capacious glove box can carry more than just gloves, and the front hood pops open to reveal more than 12 gallons worth of storage. Popular accessories include an enclosed cab, snow plow, winch and soft or hard tops, all available through Kawasaki dealers.
2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC Features and Benefits:
At A Glance
– Extra-large 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires mounted on 12-inch wheels offer substantial off-road capability
– Despite its 1.3-inch wider track than standard Mule 610, the XC still fits in a full-size pickup.
– Large tires offer extra ground clearance – now 8.1 inches – for excellent rough-terrain capabilities
– Standard skid plates for the front differential, engine and rear diff add protection and greatly reduce the chances of getting hung up on obstacles
– All-weather seat cover provides a secure perch for the driver and passenger
– Sporty graphics give the XC a bold look to match its mission
– A sport steering wheel from the Teryx RUV enhances control and appearance
– Long front and rear suspension arms provide superb off-road performance
– Optimum brake pedal ratio, strong master-cylinder mount and high-performance brake shoes provide substantial braking performance
– Stain
– and scratch-resistant special black-texture paint in the cargo bed enhances the XC’s looks and durability
– Tailgate has a simple release for easy opening and closing
Fan-Cooled, Single-Cylinder Engine
– The Mule’s simple and lightweight 401cc four-stroke single is compact, lightweight and extremely durable
– Overhead valve design provides maximum efficiency, while the XC’s carburetor helps provide excellent fuel economy
– Fan cooling helps the engine maintain an ideal operating temperature
– Cab frame air intake draws clean, uncontaminated air for the engine from the top of the cab
– High-mount exhaust design keeps the system dry and out of harm’s way
– An oil-temperature warning lamp linked to a crankcase sensor help prevent overheating
Easy Starting – The choke opens the throttle during starting so the accelerator pedal does not need to be depressed
– Stepping on the brake pedal allows the engine to be started in gear
Gear Driven Engine Balancer – A rotating balance weight moves opposite the piston, dramatically reducing vibration and minimizing noise and wear for increased comfort and reduced fatigue
Environmentally Friendly Emissions
– Carburetor settings reduce exhaust emissions, a good thing for the environment
– Positive crankcase ventilation system recycles blow-by gases to the intake tract where they’re burned in the engine
– A USFS-approved spark arrestor in the muffler greatly reduces fire hazard
– California models have a check valve on the fuel tank/charcoal canister connector hose to prevent gasoline from entering the canister when operating on inclines or over rough terrain
Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS)
– A simple and lightweight CVT (continuously variable transmission) is fully automatic and keeps engine speed in the most efficient range for any selected vehicle speed, load or terrain
– Fully automatic transmission features selectable 2
– or 4-wheel drive
– An open-sided drive pulley cools better for longer belt life
– Belt deflection can be easily adjusted by changing the shim thickness of the adjuster bolt located on the outside of the driven converter
– A die-cast aluminum belt converter has high silicon content for compactness and light weight, and offers excellent toughness and durability
– The belt converter case is sealed to keep out contaminants
– A long-wearing ATV-style double cog CVT belt provides long wear and minimal maintenance
– The belt converter’s air cleaner cover uses a clip-type clamp for easier maintenance, and a revised sealing method provides an improved seal
– A maintenance-free sealed bearing unit is used between the front and rear driveshafts
Dual-mode Differentia
l – Locked mode provides maximum traction in difficult conditions
– Unlocked mode decreases turning radius and minimizes ground disturbance – great for use on grass
Rack-and-Pinion Steering
– Ackerman rack-and-pinion steering provides precise, accurate handling and a small turning radius that facilitates working in tight quarters
– Rack-and-pinion system is durable, simple, easy to maintain and helps reduce tire wear
MacPherson Strut Independent Front Suspension
– Long-travel front suspension serves up a comfortable ride, excellent load-carrying capability and excellent terrain ability
– Simple, rugged single A-arm design provides a tight turning radius for extra maneuverability
Unit Swingarm Rear Suspension
– Unique design places engine and rear wheels on a sub-frame with a mid-point pivot that isolates vibration for a smooth ride
– Mule 610 4×4 XC’s long-travel rear end can handle heavy loads, yet provides a comfortable ride even with an empty cargo bed
Chassis
– The front grille includes space for mounting a 3,000-pound capacity winch
– Compact, lightweight and easy to transport to the job, the Mule fits in the bed of a full-sized pickup
– Durable plastic body panels resist dents, and the Mule 610 4×4 XC’s Super Black finish is molded in for long-lasting good looks
Safety Equipment
– Fully meets SAE Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) requirements for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, 7.4, and 7.5, and FMVSS 216
– Two seat belts enhance safety
– Speed limited to 25 mph keeps the Mule well within its performance envelope
Ample Storage
– The front hood opens up to reveal 12.6 gallons of sealed storage space
– A passenger side glove box is perfect for small item storage
– Cup holders located at each side of the front hood by the dash keep hydration close at hand
Tilting Cargo Bed
– A steel cargo bed covered in non-slip paint can carry up to 400 pounds, and tilts for maintenance and cleaning.
– A Teryx-style tailgate with simple release mechanisms makes loading and unloading easy.
Simple Maintenance
– A crankcase oil-level dipstick and dual-element air cleaner make maintaining the Mule quick and convenient
Cab Features
– An automotive-style dash features easy-reach controls
– A standard-equipment hour meter makes maintenance intervals easy to track
– Fuel gauge and oil temperature warning light keep track of essential fluids
– Gear selector for High, Low, Neutral and Reverse couldn’t be simpler
– A differential locking lever and convenient parking brake are simple to find and operate
– Powerful and stylish 35w headlights let the work day continue after dark
Popular Accessory Items
– Under seat storage compartment
– Speedometer
– Plastic Hard Top
– Windshield
– Headrests
– Winch
– Snow Plow
2012 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC – Specifications and Technical Details
US MSRP*: $7,799 USD
Canadian MSRP*: $TBA CDN
Engine Four-stroke, fan-cooled single, OHV
Displacement 401cc
Bore x Stroke 82 x 76mm
Compression ratio 8.6:1
Carburetor Nikki 6C1026
Air filter Snorkel-type with two-stage dry replaceable element
Oil filter Automotive-type spin-on canister
Ignition Magneto and transistor
Electrical 12V DC, 14 amp-hour battery, alternator
Transmission Continuously variable transmission with high and low range, plus reverse
Final drive Shaft-driven selectable four-wheel drive, dual-mode rear differential
Exhaust Muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor
Front Tire Size AT26 x 9R -12 Maxxis tubeless
Rear Tire Size AT26 x 9R -12 Maxxis tubeless
Front suspension / wheel travel Independent, MacPherson strut / 3.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel Unit swing axle, adjustable shocks / 3.1 in.
Steering Rack and pinion
Brakes Four-wheel hydraulic drums, triple sealed
Fuel capacity 4.1 gal.
Curb weight 1,052 lbs.
Overall length 108.5 in.
Overall width 52.0 in.
Overall height 73.8 in.
Wheelbase 70.1 in.
Ground clearance 8.1 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) 41.1 x 35.4 x 9.6 in. / 8.08 cu. ft.
Load capacity 926 lbs.
Cargo Bed Capacity 400 lbs.
Towing capacity 1,100 lbs.
Turning radius 11.8 ft. (differential unlocked)
Top speed 25 mph, governed
Instruments Oil temperature meter, hour meter, 35w headlights, taillight and stoplight
Color Choices Super Black
Warranty 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12 or 24 months
*Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.
