Bigfoot comes up trumps
Call them what you will, but UTV’s, side by sides or ROV’s have certainly found a place in much of New Zealand’s rural sector.
While there are many brands, the Mule manufactured by Kawasaki has cornered the generic name for this type of vehicle.
First launched in 1988, the Mule 1000 had a 454cc petrol engine and 2WD, rapidly established itself as a must-have and evolved over the years with bigger engines, 4WD, hi-low transmissions and CVT technology. The Mule of today has similar layout to the first examples but that is where the similarities end.
Ideally suited to agriculture and industrial use, the Pro series machines of today are available in DX or FX variants, signifying diesel or petrol engines, the former suited to work where a high torque engine delivers performance and the convenience of on-site fuel compatibility, particularly on farms.
A ladder construction, wide body chassis combines with a 2345mm wheelbase to offer stability and operator comfort, as well as manoeuvrability with a tight 4.8m turning radius. Ground clearance at 265mm, combined with 26 inch diameter wheels and fully independent suspension with double wishbones front and rear soak up imperfections and allow steady progress.
When the going gets seriously tough 2 or 4WD can be engaged on the fly and combines with a fully locking rear differential to maximise traction. For sensitive areas the diff can be unlocked to minimise ground damage such as in parks and gardens, while the front runs a limited slip set-up.
The Pro-DX has an all-new 3-cylinder, in-line engine supplied by Yanmar, with liquid cooling, just shy of 1L capacity, a power output of 18kW and 52Nm torque and meets current Tier 4 emission regulations. With high torque at low rpm, the engine responds quickly to changing loads and combines well with the CVT to get up and go and quickly achieve the top speed of 55km/h, compared to the 40km/h of the old model. A choice of high or low ratio is selected by the dash mounted shift lever, and the transmission has an engine braking system that keeps things under control on downhill sections. Bringing things to a stop is the job of the hydraulic disc set-ups in each corner.
Of course the most important feature of a UTV is the ability to carry and tow, and operators will not find the Mule Pro lacking in this respect. Offering the largest cargo bed in its class at 1375 x 1355mm, carrying capacity is quoted at 453kg.
Practicalities are taken care of with a full sized checker plate floor, gas strut assisted tipping provision for cargo dividers and a useful 1 inch square tie-down rail around the upper edge to allow bungees or tie-down strops to be used to keep the load in place. Down below a 50mm ball receiver hitch is rated at 907kg.
Operator comfort is provided by a full width, bench style seat for three adults, each provided with seatbelts and handgrips on the ROPS protective frame. Standard specification sees half doors offering mud protection, easy mount and dismount, while bullbars protect bodywork from the rough and tumble often experienced.
Controls are laid out logically, with drive functions, hi/lo/reverse selection and digital readouts to the right of the steering wheel and park brake with audible warning situated to the left. Direction is controlled by a speed sensitive power steering system that offers more assistance at slow speeds or while stationary, and less as speeds increase.
Throughout the passenger area lots of storage is available with three recesses forward, a glovebox to the right, two drink holders and the ability to fit an optional large capacity bin under the bench seat arrangement.
For those looking for a more spirited ride, the PRO-FX variant has a 812cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine with four valves per cylinder and figures of 35kW and 65Nm torque. The fuel injected unit is highly responsive, and quickly takes the machine to a maximum speed of 75km/h, while still offering all the key attributes of the DX model.
Still a bit of fun
While the Mule is undoubtedly a workhorse, for those looking for a little bit more recreation and a vehicle for taking on the toughest terrain, it would be difficult to go past the Kawasaki Teryx 800 EPS.
Power comes from a 90 degree V twin, 800cc motor pushing out 58hp, and coupled to a variable transmission with hi-lo ratios; the engine sits mid-mount offering near 50:50 weight distribution, said to be a pre-requisite for sport riding.
Acceleration is brisk to say the least, but very fluid and smooth. Braking is via external discs with twin-pot callipers to the front and an internal disc next to the fixed differential at the rear.
Operator comfort takes the form of seating for two in brightly upholstered rally-style bucket seats which are very supportive and combine with the three point seatbelts to keep the driver in place over the rough stuff. Safety is taken care of with the full ROPS cage and half doors to keep legs in and mud out.
While it has a smaller tray than the Mule, carrying capacity is rated 272kg; the tow-ball is rated 600kg and the cabin layout sees two deep storage bins located behind the seats.
Construction can be described as oversized: large dimensioned A-arms; large diameter drive shafts; heavy duty, long travel FOX suspension; and 26 inch diameter wheels.
