Kawasaki mule, any good?

[pastorp]

I've been looking at SxS's. I like the Kabota but don't think my wife could drive one so am considering a mule. The 610. It 4wd and looks easy enough to operate. I'm living on flat land now so the only thing rough is a little Florida mud. Do you guys think the mule might work for me?

Regards,

[fatercat]

had the mule. i've now got a gator. get the gator. twice as good as the mule.

[Graybeard]

The Mule is a fine machine. Should do what you need.

Like fatercat I have a Gator.

[pastorp]

I looked at the Gators. They were quite a bit larger than the small mule. We have quite a bit of tight cover here on the ranch. So I wanted something narrow enough to get through them.   

Anyway I bought it yesterday. I'll let you guys know how it works out.

[pastorp]

Well I took a ride on my mule yesterday evening around the ranches fence line. The little mule did a fine job. Even in the tight places I was able to get through. Several places where my pickup won't fit the mule slid on through.  I'm happy with it so far.

It's pretty quiet too. Slipped up on a flock of turkeys. Get pretty close before they ran. 

Regards,

[Old Syko]

I think you've hit on the key attractant of the little mule.  Size is where it's at and bigger isn't always better.  Although bigger than a big 4 wheeler the mule is of a manageable size in close quarters.  Too many of the side x sides have gone over the deep end in both size and price.  Before I spent the money commanded for some of the larger side x sides I'd invest in something like a Suzuki Samurai.  The mule being one of the first side x sides is a proven design and very dependable.  It should serve you well.

[pastorp]

Thanks Old Syko, I believe I'm going to like it. I was riding it today and it gets around real good. 

Regards,

[Graybeard]

John Deere does have a smaller Gator that is pretty much identical in size to the Mule. I test drove one and kinda liked it but wanted the full size Gator for the bed on it.

In my case I have no where to drive mine other than around my small property here so size just wasn't a concern for me. I can see where it is for a lot of folks tho. Mine can go anywhere here I've tried so far, well except for the path between the two rock walls separating a couple of our flower garden. It was just too wide to fit. I guess I shoulda known it wouldn't since the JD 54" mower won't either.

[pastorp]

As far as the wife is concerned Bill, the Gator wasn't even in the running. Wrong color. The mule can be bough in red, her favorite color.   

Regards,

[Old Syko]

Happy wife.  Happy life.      

[Graybeard]

Red is a popluar color for sure with a lot of folks and I reckon being able to get your favorite color is a definite plus. I was torn between camo and JD green/yellow but in the end green/yellow won out since it won't be a hunting vehicle for me.

Besides it had to match my little grandson Wyatt's gator. He likes for him and papa Bill to have things that look alike.

[pastorp]

Dealer called yesterday & said my hard top is in.  I think that & a gun rack of some king are the only accessories I will need. Maybe some kind of additional light on top. The little headlights are not bright enough for me to see well. Old eyes I guess. We can & do shoot hogs at night.

Yeah Bill, I think if I bought a Gator it would need to be "Green/yellow" that's been JD colors for most of their production. Big Green just must be green.

Regards,

[pastorp]

I ended up putting the hard top on the mule & a trailer hitch. Haven't found the right gun rack yet. I did find a section of fence too tight to get through yesterday afternoon. Had to step through a narrow opening between the state land fence & our property fence. I walked back through the palmetto & gum trees to a cypress head about half covered with water. I was standing there looking for a good tree for a stand when one by one about 10 turkeys flew through the trees over my head. Deer & hog crossings were all along the fence line. About the best place I've found so far for a stand.

It's tight cover but I think it's where the big boy that is seen occasionally lives. 

Regards,

[pastorp]

As a update on the mule I purchased in November. I now have over 90 hours on it. No problems of any kind so far. I put the hard top on it and a trailer hitch. We have a light aluminum trailer about 7x7 with ramps on each side that I pull with it to bring in wood. And I mounted a gun rack. The kids gave me a spotlight for Christmas that the mules amperage rating will handle. So it's all set up to do everything I want.

The wife can drive it out to the mailbox and the Grandkids even drives it. It's perfect so far for our needs. And has been utterly reliable.   

Regards,

[Old Syko]

Glad to hear it.  All things Kawasaki have been reliable, for me at least.  I'm not brand loyal to anyone. I just use what works well.  Kawasaki now powers my ATV, motorcycle, lawn mower and power generator.  I didn't buy any of them because of the name.  I bought them because of performance and reliability.


Now that the grand kids are driving the thing, the only time you'll get to drive is when you're alone.  Guess how I know!     

[markc]

Glad to read that you are pleased with your Mule. I have fond memories of mine.  Post some pictures if you can.

[Drilling Man]

As a update on the mule I purchased in November. I now have over 90 hours on it. No problems of any kind so far. I put the hard top on it and a trailer hitch. We have a light aluminum trailer about 7x7 with ramps on each side that I pull with it to bring in wood. And I mounted a gun rack. The kids gave me a spotlight for Christmas that the mules amperage rating will handle. So it's all set up to do everything I want.

The wife can drive it out to the mailbox and the Grandkids even drives it. It's perfect so far for our needs. And has been utterly reliable. 

Regards,

  NOW, aren't you glad you didn't buy one of those goof carts???  lol
 
  DM

[pastorp]

Actually DM I am.  I looked at the carts but after ridding the Walmart handicap electric carts a few times and riding it out & walking back.    I decided I didn't want electric.

Yes I'm very pleased with what I bought. 


Regards,