2012 Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® Diesel

2012 Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® Diesel

With a high-torque diesel engine, amazing durability, and ability to easily transform from a two-person gear hauler to a four-person transport, the 2012 Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® Diesel is easily the most versatile utility vehicle in its class.

The Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel is the ultimate tool in your productivity arsenal. Key to this productivity is the Trans4x4’s convertible design, going from a two-person long-bed cargo hauler into a four-person transport in just a few simple steps. Plus there’s the peace of mind that comes from having a diesel engine, a design renowned for its long-haul durability and reliability. This powerful and torquey three-cylinder engine teams up with selectable four-wheel drive, electric power steering (EPS) system, a fully automatic transmission and locking rear differential to make the Trans4x4 Diesel an outstanding choice for practically any utility vehicle role. Producing 38.3 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, this 953cc engine has enough low-end pulling power to tackle the heaviest workloads.

This diesel engine is matched to the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS), a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that features high and low range ratios, plus reverse. The KAPS system offers the ability to keep engine rpm in the most efficient range across a broad spectrum of vehicle speed, load, and terrain, and facilitates ample pulling power and quick acceleration.

Large torque converters maximize the CVT’s belt engagement area for optimal heat dissipation, strength and durability. Wear is minimized through the use of a thick, strong drive belt and sheaves with high silicon-type material. Tuned specifically to accommodate higher payloads, the KAPS’ durability is further aided by cooling the torque converter with filtered air from a special air cleaner featuring an easily replaceable element and an efficient fan that moves a large volume of cooling air through the CVT. A high-flow cover also helps lower CVT temperatures while providing superb splash protection and resistance to water intrusion.

This reliable system transmits power to a dual-mode locking rear differential through a dependable, low-maintenance shaft drive. The Trans4x4 Diesel also sports a limited slip front differential and two-speed transfer case for the four-wheel drive system, allowing the operator to engage four-wheel drive for extra traction and pulling power in difficult conditions. A cyclone-type Donaldson® air filter system with a replaceable paper element supplies the engine with clean air. This efficient design needs less frequent cleaning, even with repeated use in extremely dusty off-road conditions. To help the filter stay clean and last longer – especially in the rugged conditions for which this Kawasaki was built – Kawasaki engineers the system so that engine and converter cooling air are both drawn from the top of the cab frame, where there’s less dust.

The wheelbase of the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel may be 85.2 inches, but it still offers a tight turning radius and excellent rough terrain capabilities. Electric power steering (EPS) helps make the low-effort rack-and-pinion steering system easy to turn. The EPS reduces steering effort by up to 30 percent, and is a significant boost at low speeds in four-wheel drive. It uses input from vehicle speed and torque sensors to determine how much assistance is provided by the system’s electric motor and also harnesses the electric motor’s inertia to dampen much of the bump steer and kickback associated with front wheel impacts. The system works immediately after the engine is started, but doesn’t create a power drain on the engine.