Last fall, members of the media were lured to the Estancia Ranch at Thunder Valley just outside of San Antonio, TX, by Kawasaki officials under the pretense that we would be able to ride the new Pro Series Mules.
Turns out, what they really had in mind was to put us all to work and it started when we received our chore list. If you ask Kawasaki, these were just “stations” that had been designed to showcase what these new Mules could do on a real working Texas ranch. It looked like a chore list to us—as well as free labor—but the food was good as well as the hospitality and we’re strong believers in earning our keep so we grabbed our Fly Racing gear and gladly went to work.
The Pro Series is the next level of Mule side-by-sides. The Mule Pro-DX and Mule Pro-DXT are built on the same characteristics that past Mules from Kawasaki are known for, including independent suspension, effortless electronic power steering (EPS) and a comfortable and ergonomic cabin.
When the engineers at Kawasaki decided to create the Mule Pro Series they approached it with the attitude to do what they already do, but make it better.
Chore No. 1
Using the Mule Pro-DX, the first “station” was to load the bed like a farmer would. The 20-square-foot cargo bed can carry up to 1,000 lbs. and then the task was to go hit the trails and see how it handles. In our defense, we didn’t have to actually do any of the loading or heavy lifting, but it was fun to dump the 800 lbs. that we did have in the back on the ground after using the dump assist cylinder with just a simple motion (an optional hydraulic dump cylinder is available). Most people think of Texas as being flat, but this ranch had plenty of hills and curves to her. As we crossed over some rough terrain with approximately 800 lbs. in the back, the Mule absorbed everything we threw at her.
The other part of the first task was to show the versatility of the Mule Pro-DXT by transforming it from the cargo hauler to a people mover. In less than a minute you can easily transform the back into theater-style seating to accommodate another three passengers. More room for extra help is always appreciated.
Our takeaway from the first station was the versatility, the massive cargo bed, comfort (even when fully loaded) and a long 92.3-inch wheelbase for complete control.
Chore No. 2
Next up on our checklist was to showcase the Mule’s 2,000-pound towing capacity using its 2-inch hitch receiver. The low speed torque—around 2400 rpms with a variable load—was put to the test with a hay trailer hooked behind the Mule DXT LE.
In 2013, production of the diesel version stopped to comply with the new emission requirements. The new Pro Diesel Series is 30 to 35 lbs. heavier than the gas version and while it won’t go as fast, it does have better quality torque and is more fuel efficient—10 to 20 percent better than gas. The 993cc Inline 3-cylinder diesel engine offers 38 ft/lbs. of engine torque at 2400 rpm and it holds that peak torque longer.
Also as part of this station, a second Mule DXT LE was hooked up to a thick railroad tie and dragged behind so we could feel the pulling power as we leveled the dirt inside the horse corral.
Takeaways from the second station include effective descent control with the four-wheel disc brakes, low- and mid-speed torque and dependable engine braking as well as responsive and controlled acceleration. Even when backing the trailer you can feel the smooth control with no jerking or sudden bursts.
Chore No. 3
We took a quick break for lunch with a great barbeque feast, but then it was back to our chores, ahem, I mean back to our “real world experience.” The third station was easily one of our favorites. The Mule Pro-DX was equipped with an optional Warn winch with a 72-inch consumer-grade blade. Snow is something we deal with in our area for what feels like 10 months out of the year, but in Texas the white stuff is a little harder to find.
Using woodchips, our next chore was to clear a path on this ranch. The convenient inline shifting, effective four-wheel drive and switchable rear differential lock were perfectly on display as you could feel the power of the Mule, even at just five miles per hour.
The takeaways following this station include effective traction, responsive control as well as a very impressive low range torque.
Chore No. 4
While we had favorites, this station turned out to be the most popular with all of the media journalists. It was called the Comfort Station, which meant they turned us loose on a long course. With acres of different terrain available to explore, we felt like real ranch hands with time left in the day to play following our chores. It wasn’t until we got high up on the hill and on our way down when we could truly appreciate the control. You have to slightly push the gas pedal a little to engage the belt, which holds the engine back on the steep hills to slow you down. It takes a little getting used to, but it really is a great feature—especially with a load. The key is just to keep the belt engaged at all times as you’re creeping down a steep hill.
A plush front bench seat that comfortably fits three across, with room to expand to a second row with theater seating for three more passengers, is as inviting as it looks. The ergonomically-placed controls and a four-point soft tilt steering wheel allow the driver to truly be comfortable. The four-wheel independent suspension is also a big deal, with twin tube shocks that provide 8.7 inches of travel.
At the top of one of the mountains on this ranch was a skeet shooting range. Jon Rall and Tom McGovern from Kawasaki arranged to have reps from Benelli on hand so we could try out the latest shotguns from one of the top gun manufacturers in the industry.
We had a shooting competition to end our day of chores then headed back down the hill. The takeaways from the final station include ideal comfort in all terrain, superior steering performance and a spacious cabin that can easily fit three to six people.
Final Thoughts
In 1988 the first side-by-side in the industry was released by Kawasaki and its latest products clearly show what nearly 30 years of refining a product are all about. Plus this line provides a lot of U.S. jobs as well.
“The Mules are assembled in America on a deep level with a lot of American content,” said Kevin Mann. “The reason is 90 percent or greater of side-by-sides are for the U.S.”
With the largest cargo bed in its class (it can hold a 40- by 48-inch standard pallet), auxiliary LED headlights to enhance productivity at night, plus exclusive theater-style rear seating, it’s clear the Mule Pro Series has successfully improved on an already great product line. And with the 36-month warranty, which in some cases is six times longer than some of its competitors, it only proves the confidence Kawasaki has in its Mule line.
Our successful day of working on the Texas ranch while surrounded by horses, longhorns and other cattle came to an end while showcasing the durability of the new Mules. In some cases the Kawasaki Mules outlasted members of the media who weren’t used to getting their office hands dirty. It was truly a great experience that we won’t soon forget.
For More Information
Information on Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products including its new Mule Pro-DX and Pro-DXT lines can be found at www.kawasaki.com. For information on Fly Racing gear, visit www.flyracing.com.
