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 TECHNOLOGY


OVERVIEW

BIGFOOT = BIG FUN

When the MULE 610 4x4 (KAF400A) joined Kawasaki’s line of utility vehicles, the “little” MULE very capably met market needs for lightweight, compact utility vehicles capable of filling a variety of roles. Designed to be compact, comfortable, and classy, it borrowed some of the best technology from Kawasaki’s ATVs and larger MULEs, and wrapped it in elegant, high-volume bodywork.

Joining their ranks in 2010 is a third model. Nicknamed the “Bigfoot” MULE, the MULE 610 4x4 XC features enhanced off-road capability – care of larger, 26” tires and 12” wheels – complimented by a sporty design and graphics. Combined with the dependable performance of the KAF400A, this latest compact utility vehicle opens door to greater potential for leisure activities.

Recreation

The MULE 610 4x4 XC offers the following improvements over the KAF400A:

Increased Rough-road Performance – Larger wheels and tires better enable the “Bigfoot” MULE to overcome obstacles and traverse rough terrain, such as rock sections.

Wider Track – The larger wheels and tires also result in a wider track, enhancing ride stability.

Higher Ground Clearance – As another by-product of the larger wheels and tires, ground clearance also increased, further contributing to off-road potential.

Increased Ride Comfort – A new seat covered with a revised material offers greater comfort and holding performance.

Sportier Looks – The larger tires, a repositioned front bumper and an exclusive sporty graphics package give the MULE 610 4x4 XC the looks to match its wider range of performance.


BRAKES & WHEELS

INCREASED OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE

With its larger wheels and tires, the “Bigfoot” MULE 610 4x4 XC is better able to ride over obstacles, increasing its potential for leisure activities.

Big Feet
26” Maxxis Bighorn II radial tires contribute to superior off-road-handling. (KAF400A uses 24” bias tires.) The massive tires also add to the rugged, sporty image.

Newly designed wheels feature larger rims, increased from 10” to 12”.

Wider track offered by the larger tires contributes to riding stability.          


KAF400A     KAF400D
F:        1,051 mm     1,085 mm  
(34 mm wider)
R:          999 mm      1,050 mm  
(51 mm wider)

While the track is larger, the body size remains unchanged. The “Bigfoot” MULE can still be transported in the back of a pick-up truck.

Larger mud flaps offer increased mud protection.  

Brakes
Revised brake pedal lever ratio, stronger mount for the brake master cylinder and new brake shoes adopted to suit the larger wheels and tires.

Front and rear brake drum seals are triple-lipped for water and mud resistance.


SUSPENSION

Independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension allows each wheel to track over uneven ground for maximum traction with light steering effort. Minimal wheel camber change throughout the suspension stroke contributes to stable handling.

Longer-length suspension front and back (F: +28 mm; R: +40 mm) adds to the off-road performance


CHASIS

Chassis
Increased ground clearance (38 mm greater than KAF400A) due to the larger wheels and tires make it easier to clear obstacles.

Skid plates for the front differential, engine and rear differential are fitted as standard equipment. Centre skid plate greatly reduces the chance of getting stuck when driving over obstacles.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Storage and Carrying Capacity
Front bonnet opens to reveal a spacious 48-litre sealed storage area.

Passenger-side glove box provides additional sealed storage.

Right and left cup holders located on either side of the bonnet.

Tough cargo bed features a steel diamond-plate bottom and a load capacity of 181 kg (400 lb).

Special texture black paint used in the cargo bed is highly stain- and scratch-resistant, contributing to both looks and durability.

Tailgate has a simple release system (same as that of the Teryx) for easy opening and closing.

RUGGED, SPORTY STYLING

Bodywork
Sporty new graphics exclusive to the 610 4x4 XC distinguish it from its hard-working brothers.

Revised front bumper is positioned 30 mm further forward, ensuring adequate clearance for the larger tires and adding to the sporty image.

Sporty steering wheel from the Teryx contributes to appearance.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Ackerman rack-and-pinion steering provides precise, easy handling, and a tight turning radius while reducing tire wear.

15.5 litre fuel tank gives the fuel-efficient MULE 610 4x4 XC ample operating range.

Parking brake lever operates a mechanical internal expansion type brake for the rear wheels.

Dual headlights (12 V, 35 W) throw plenty of light for night-time exploring.

Optional trailer hitch has 1,100 lb towing capacity.

Optional winch mount accommodates Warn 3000 or Super Winch 3000.

Other optional parts include: under-seat storage compartment, electromagnetic speed sensor, speedometer, plastic hardtop, windshield, cabin, headrests, and numerous steel guards.


TRANSMISSION

Like the KAF400A, the MULE 610 4x4 XC features selectable 2WD/4WD. Belt-driven automatic transmission with a Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case offers excellent off-road riding capability. Two forward speeds to choose from lend flexibility when hill-climbing with a heavy load.

Limited-slip front differential also contributes to good handling over rough terrain, providing great traction with low steering effort.

Rear differential lock allows rear wheels to be locked for maximum traction in mud or snow. Ground disturbance is minimized when unlocked. Oil seal improves water/mud resistance.

Torque converter air cleaner with easily replaceable filter element reduces torque converter wear by cooling it with filtered air taken in through the overhead frame (as per the engine intake).

Die-cast aluminium belt converter has high silicon content for compact size and light weight, while also offering excellent toughness and durability.

By changing the shim thickness of the adjuster bolt located on the outside of the driven belt converter, the space between the fixed and non-fixed sheaves can be changed to adjust the belt deflection.

For long wear and minimal maintenance, a tough, ATV-type double-cog belt is used.

Belt converter case is sealed to prevent entry of dust and water.

Belt converter air cleaner cover uses a clip-type clamping method (previously screw-type) to further facilitate maintenance.

Revised sealing method for the upper surface of the belt converter air cleaner filter element improves sealing performance.

Maintenance-free sealed bearing unit used between front and rear drive shafts.


ENGINE

HIGHLY RELIABLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Engine
Powering the MULE 610 4x4 XC is a 401cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air-cooled Single. Compact, lightweight and durable, the engine is extremely reliable.

Overhead valves designed for efficient running and good fuel economy are durable and operate quietly.

Highly efficient carburettor delivers excellent fuel economy.

Higher ground clearance results in a higher muffler location for increased flood resistance. Relocating the exhaust opening to the bottom of the muffler body increases drainage performance.

The engine’s air supply enters the air cleaner box via a snorkel intake routed through the tubing of the overhead frame, ensuring the engine is provided with a steady supply of clean air, even in dusty operating conditions.

Crankcase breathers fitted to route blow-by back to the intake pipe for cleaner exhaust emissions.

Oil temperature warning lamp linked to a sensor on the crankcase helps prevent overheating.

Engine can be started in gear if the brake pedal is depressed.

Vehicle speed restricted to 40 km/h (25 mph).


ERGONOMICS

New seat material has superb elasticity, offering increased comfort and holding performance. The material is also resistant to cold, allowing it to maintain its suppleness when temperatures drop and reducing the chance of tearing/ripping when exposed to cold temperatures.
New seat material has superb elasticity, offering increased comfort and holding performance. The material is also resistant to cold, allowing it to maintain its suppleness when temperatures drop and reducing the chance of tearing/ripping when exposed to cold temperatures.

Shift lever, 2WD/4WD selector and differential lock lever are all located within easy reach on the automotive-style dashboard.

Top-release seat belt sockets are user-friendly.

Sturdy passenger-side grab rail mounted on the cab frame provides additional passenger security in rough off-road conditions.


COLOURS

Super Black

SPECIFICATIONS


ENGINE

Type     Air-cooled, 4-stroke Single, OHV
Displacement     401 cc
Bore and Stroke     82 x 76mm
Compression ratio     8.6:1
Fuel System     Nikki 6C1026
Ignition     Magneto & transistor
Starting     Electric
Lubrication     Forced lubrication, wet sump

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission     Automatic, forward / reverse
Primary Drive     Belt convertor
Final Drive     Gear, Selectable 2WD/4WD, Dual-Mode differential
Primary reduction ratio     3.653 ~ 0.794 (belt converter)
Gear ratios: Forward (High)     3.464 (35/24 x 38/16)
Forward (Low)     5.125 (41/19 x 38/16)
Reverse (Low)     4.453 (30/16 x 38/16)
Final reduction ratio     4.000 (64/16)

FRAME

Type     Ladder type, tubular steel
Suspension: front     Independent, MacPherson strut
Rear     Unit swing
Wheel travel: front     78 mm
Rear     79 mm
Tires: front     AT26x9R-12 (Maxxis)
Rear     AT26x9R-12 (Maxxis)
Caster (rake)     8°
Trail     40 mm
Steering Angle (left, right)     35° (IN) / 29° (OUT), 37° (IN) / 33° (OUT)

BRAKES

Rear     Dual hydraulic drums
Parking brake     Dual hydraulic drums
Front     Mechanical drum

DIMENSIONS

Overall length     2,755 mm
Overall width     1,320 mm
Overall height     1,875 mm
Wheelbase     1,780 mm
Ground Clearance     205 mm
Seat Height     840 mm
Curb Mass     477 kg
Fuel Capacity     15.5 litres

PERFORMANCE

maximum power     9.9 kW {13.5 PS} / 4,000 rpm
Maximum torque     30.0 N·m {3.1 kgƒ·m} / 2,400 rpm
Minimum turning radius     3.6 m
Cargo bed load capacity     181 kg
Cargo box (inside) L x W x H     1,044 mm x 900 mm x 245 mm
Seating capacity     2
Maximum permissible load     420 kg
Towing capacity     500 kg

DETAILS

Colours         Super Black
Warranty     12 months
Good Times Protection Plan     12 or 24 month
MSRP         $9,949

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.