Kawasaki’s 2015 Mule Pro-FXT, with four-wheel IFS and the 812cc’s class-leading torque, is the fastest, smoothest and most powerful Mule ever.
I watched new Pro-FXTs being assembled at the company’s sprawling Lincoln, Nebraska, manufacturing complex, then drove the new models for a half-day at a ranch located just outside of town to see how they performed.
My conclusion: It’s a practical, efficient side-by-side for anyone running a company that needs a small, versatile, utility-type ATV to move men and equipment in tight confines or over rugged terrain.
Breaking it down
The Mule Pro-FXT is nimble when it comes to negotiating sharp turns and tight trails. That’s because it has a short overall length and wheelbase, along with the power steering system.
This new IFS chassis, with almost 10 inches of suspension travel, absorbs bumps and rough terrain.
The Mule features disc brakes on all four corners.
The new CVT is combined with an electrically selectable 2WD/4WD system that has a dual-mode rear differential, as well as dash-mounted switches, which allows the driver to instantly engage the systems giving full control over the 4WD and the locking rear differential.
The engine can handle the six-passenger SxS (the rear seat can be flipped up and the bed slid forward to make it a three-passenger setup).
As for work, the Mule Pro-FXT can haul 1,000 pounds in the bed and is rated to tow 2,000 pounds on the rear hitch.
The bed is a dump-model with optional hydraulic system to make it easy to dump and spread mulch, sand, gravel or other materials.
Kawasaki offers an enclosed cab, heater, dual batteries and LED lights, along with a Warn ProVantage Plow System.
All shapes and sizes
The Mule Pro-FXT comes in four models, each one featuring a variety of Kawasaki Strong features.
The Non-EPS model comes standard with steel wheels and two DC outlets in the cab. It is available in the Super Black finish.
The second variation in the Pro-FXT lineup is the EPS model. This comes standard with the same amenities as the Non-EPS but with the addition of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a tilt steering wheel.
This model is available in Timberline Green and Super Black with a contrasting graphic along the doors and cargo bed.
Next in the range is the EPS LE. This variation comes standard with additional upgrades over the EPS model, including LED headlights, aluminum wheels, a composite sun top and two additional DC outlets for rear-seat passengers.
Color options are Timberline Green and Dark Royal Red with a contrasting graphic along the doors and cargo bed.
The Mule Pro-FXT is available with Realtree Xtra Green Camo. The Camo model includes EPS and tilt steering function. In addition, LED headlights and four DC outlets round out the Camo package.
Business owners should be able to spec out their own Mule Pro-FXT online and take it to their local Kawasaki dealer to purchase the exact vehicle specification they designed.
The new Mules should be arriving at dealers by the end of July.
Additional Features
- 48 foot-pounds of torque from an 812cc three-cylinder fuel injected engine
- Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes, CVT, Electric Power Steering
- 92.3-inch wheelbase and 133.3-inch overall length
- Haul up to 1,000 pounds (where permitted by state law) in steel cargo bed
- Tow up to 2,000 pounds (where permitted by state law) with 2-inch receiver hitch (using optional draw bar)
- Trans Cab allows one person to convert from three- to six-seat capacity
- Cockpit features tilt steering (except non-EPS model), bench seat, multi-function LCD display and multiple 12V outlets powered by high-output alternator
- ROPS-certified Roll Over Protective Structure and full doors
- Non-EPS, EPS, EPS LE and Camo models available
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Editor’s Note: Bruce Smith is a Senior Editor at Randall-Reilly
