Mule 610 4x4

[harvfire]

Thinking of getting a Kawa mule 610 anyone have any experience with this machine?Good or bad. Will mainly be used for hunting in southeast Ohio hills.
                                                       Thanks harvfire

[Lawdog]

For anyone that has any problems with their legs or back a utility vehicle is the way to go.  The Mule 510 is a good one.  You can drive it into the back of a standard bed pick-up and haul it around.  I've done it many times with my Polaris Ranger.  My oldest Daughter has a 610 and it is a great machine.  Hey add a solid roof, back and doors and the weather won't stop you.  You might shop around to see if you can get a good used one but a new isn't all the costly anyway.  Well worth what you pay and what you put into one.  Lawdog
 

[Bear Rider]

Lawman,

I have to disagree with you about the bad back. I ruptured a lower disk many years ago. Recently, for several months I test drove utility vehicles, getting in eight hours of driving time a day. It was a constant struggle to keep from hurting my back again.

At the same time, I spent my weekends on a 600 cc Grizzly, going over comparable terrain (for fun) at considerably higher speeds with no problem. The difference? On the Grizzly, I could stand up and let my knees absorb the shock when crossing difficult areas.

[PEPAW]

I love my friend's 4 WD Kawasaki mule, but you are correct they are not as smooth as silk.   I think those rock resistant tires are the main cause.  If my back was a real problem, I would take that 8-10,000 and find a good used Suzuki Samurai.    I used mine last weekend and it reminded me why I bought it.   Take the doors off and it is just as accessible as that Mule.   No kidding, the 78 year old rancher rode with me and said it was a more comfortable ride than his wife's new car.  

We put in ice chest and tools, and worked all day.   Very quiet and got within a few yards of several bucks.

pepaw

[Lawdog]

Bear Rider,

What I meant by "anyone that has any problems with their legs or back" is their inability to be able to grip with their legs while riding a ATV.  These people are also unable to stand to take the shocks with their knees.  These are the people I was referring too.  For these people a utility vehicle is the best way to go.  Lawdog
 

[markc]

the new Mule 610 is an excellent machine.  Keep in mind that it is a purpose built machine, designed for working all day without complaint. It is not the smoothest riding RUV out there.  It has smaller suspension travel 3" than other RUV's such as the sport oriented Yamaha Rhino over 7" of travel.  It also has a solid rear axle as oppossed to an independant suspension set up like the Rhino or Polaris Ranger.

From the folks on utilitoffroad.com who have a good number of hours on their Mule 610's in a variety of terraine, I would say that for the price, you will not find a better compact 4X4 RUV.  

Comparing it to a Suzuki Samarai doesn't make sense.  The width or the Sammy, not to mention the weight  and the need for a large trailer to get it to the locations where one can ride keep them from even being on the same page.  The 610 Mule fits in the bed of a full size pickup truck.  Try putting a Sammy there.  Yes you can drive you Suzuki Sammy on the road, but then you must have it insured, it must pass a state inspection, and the list goes on.    
Go for the Mule 610, and add the aftermarket options you want to make it better fit your needs.

[PEPAW]

Good info on that mule.   I love Mules and wish I had the big one with two bench seats.      
Lots of people trailer their Mules. Not too big of deal.  I see them all the time on the way to S. TX.    A jumpseat built in the back makes them a perfect hunting vehicle for 4.  
I leave my old Suzuki at the ranch.   No inspection, no license, no insurance.  

pepaw

[Lawdog]

Comparing it to a Suzuki Samarai doesn't make sense.

You got that right.  The Mule is a much better machine than the Suzuki Samurai.  My youngest Daughter bought a 1994 Samurai in 1997 and what a POS.  Kept my son welding the frame every time she took it off road.  By off road I mean the dirt/fire trails/roads that are around our area.  Give me an old, well used GI Jeep.  Lawdog
 

[markc]

I built some highrise seats (swivel boat seats) for the bed of my Mule and it makes a great hog setup.   I just back the Mule into the woods or brush, climb up in the seat and use the cab roof to rest the rifle on.   Seems the hogs don't pay any attention to it at all...   I've had friends with Suzuki Sammy's and loved them off road.   I always thought it would make a nice vehicle to leave at the ranch, but then bought the mule in 2000.  Looking to upgrade now to either the Mule Trans, or a Yamaha Rhino.

[PEPAW]

Quote:
Comparing it to a Suzuki Samarai doesn't make sense.


You got that right. The Mule is a much better machine than the Suzuki Samurai. My youngest Daughter bought a 1994 Samurai in 1997 and what a POS. Kept my son welding the frame every time she took it off road. By off road I mean the dirt/fire trails/roads that are around our area. Give me an old, well used GI Jeep. Lawdog

Thank goodness mine hasn't turned out to be a lemon.   It has carried us on some rocky, steep roads with a heavy load and never looked back.  Lots of the real "rock climbers" start with a Suzuki and start beefing them up.    
I wish I had a "new"  '47 Willys Jeep too!   But this is a close as I can get.   For less than $2000.     Check the price on a new Mule!

pepaw

[markc]

New Mule 3010 goes for around $7500, new Trans Mule goes for around $9200.  Comparing the cost of a new Mule to an 11 year old or older vehicle isn't a fair thing either.  I could buy an 11 year old Mule for alot less than a new one.  

So,, to be fair, go and price a brand new Chevrolet Tracker, which is what the Samarai became, and then compare that to the price of a new Kawasaki Mule.   Then we will compare the benefits of each vehicle..  In addition, I don't leave my Mule at the ranch, since I have two seperate properties that are seperated by nearly 300 miles.  The Mule goes with me and used to ride on a light weight 4x8 tilt bed trailer..   It does a fair amount of yard work as well as running my hog trap, and toting us to and from the areas we hunt.  I don't think the Sammy would fit in my yard very well, not to mention the extra 1000 + pounds would sink it up to the frame in my yard after a rain.  I couldn't drive it over my field lines either, but can with the Mule which weighs around 700#.

[PEPAW]

Hey, I am not arguing here.     I want a 4 WD mule bad. :lol:  I only mentioned prices because that is what I can afford!     My partner's Mule has been a great tool on our lease and his ranch.  


But I have a line on a newer Sammi! :grin:

pepaw

[markc]

The Suzuki Samurai hasn't been imported into the US in a good number of years now due to their tendency to roll over.  They are still made in a number of versioins including a long wheel base model, but they are not imported into the US anylonger, havent been for some time now..   You could pick up the newer version in either the GEO Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick, and find parts and accessories more easily.  I have used the Sidekick offroad and it does very well.  Good luck..

[Sandy Ridge]

I have a 610 4x4 and love it.  Not fast ,  but it will finish the race. ( rabbit and the hare).  Bought it new. Best $6,200.00 I ever spent.  Good luck with your choice.

[markc]

congrats on your new Mule Sandy.  I always liked that the smaller Mules could fit in the bed of a full size pickup truck.  hauled my old Mule 550 that way a few miles.  Enjoy your 610...