I thought we were getting along...
Like I said, really like the 05 Ranger, but here now, I check out the Kawasaki site frequently and visit a local Mule dealer in Houston, There is not a Ranger on the Kawasaki web site anywhere. Thats just nonesense. If you think that the Mule is DONE, then lizzard think again. If they were done then why did they jsut come out with 2 new models? Not to mention the rumored 06 sport model. Please post the picture of the Kawasaki web site with a Polaris Ranger wearing a Kawasaki badge. I believe Suzuki and Kawasaki have entered a partnership including a rebadged Mule wearing a Suzuki badge and colors. They did the same to some of their atv's.
Whats wrong with plastic? Hmm, nothing unless you don't like the softness when it is baked in the hot summer sun. Why hasn't the automotive industry gone to plastic beds I wonder???
I've not read many complaints about rusting Mule beds over the years, and they have had steel beds since what 1988? Polaris had a steel bed, not too long ago right? I have a plastic frame handgun, but it doesn't take the abuse in the woods the bed of my little Mule does. They may be really good, haven't tested one out personally, but a plastic bed, and so much plastic on the floor boards, etc..
Can't see it holding up. not that many hunters are mixing chemicals and batteries in the bed of the utility vehicles are they? There are a good # of chemicals that will melt that plastic faster than it will rust a steel bed. It's personal preference I'm sure, but please don't try to convince me that a wide but not deep plastic bed is better than a deepre, but not as wide steel one that hs proven itself for around 16 years now.
Not to mention again that made in the USA Polaris Ranger has a made in Japan motor. A good motor to be sure, but just as Japaneese as the one Kawasaki makes. Fuji/Robbins, not USA my friend. Lets see the Mule is built in the USA, from impored parts. Not too different than Polaris.
Again, I like the Ranger, but maybe due to it's size and a couple of other things, it isn't putting Kawasaki out of business. Now, be sure before putting that Rhino in the bed of the Ranger that it has had sufficient time to cool off so the Ranger bed doesn't melt. LOL
Late dudes.