Kawasaki Mule SX FI 4x4 In-Depth Review. Is this the best cheap UTV/Side-by-Side on the market?

[@adigaarmory]

What do you think... does the Mule SX make sense, or do you think the Pioneer 520 is worth the extra money?

[@Devildog-lt7ne]

Following

[@driftlesshunter9200]

My 2006 Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 isn't much different from today's machine, except for the fuel injection. It's been a workhorse for me, & I would be lost without it. It's not fast, but it sure is dependable. If something happened to my machine, I would buy the current SX FI 4X4, and I wouldn't even consider anything else. Plus, it fits on my small 4' x 8' trailer, too!

[@barry4fish]

Last time I checked, you cannot unlock the rear end on that Honda Pioneer -tires will last longer if unlocked, different handling, etc. I run mine in 2-wheel unlocked most of the time and also run ethanol free high octane. My biggest complaint is the battery, difficult to change out and finding a good battery that will fit right and with high enough CCA for winter reliability. Yes I agree not smooth shifting. It’s basically a golf cart with a lawn mower engine, but sure is a reliable workhorse. I like that you can run it on ATV trails due to its width and also it’s classified that way, so in Missouri doesn’t require registration, etc. I own a Pro MX too, that’s a smoother machine. One other disadvantage of the SX, only 10” rims so not many tire choices but the factory ones take a long time to wear out, especially if you are riding mainly on solid gravel,or dirt.

[@jeffscheurich3601]

Have the SX, its been great. Only drawbacks is that the ride is a little rough and could use some more clearance. Other than that its great.

[@whiterhinooutdoors4572]

Will be getting one don’t need it just want it

[@pegstock9764]

I'm 70 yo woman just bought this UTV about 6 months ago. I don't think it was, as you say, cheap. The things I know personally, no problems mechanically, but loud to me, the tail gate clips are hard to open/close along with the dump bed clip. Seems like they could use different fixtures for this, my hands are not as strong as they use to be. Also, a cell phone holder would be nice. Wish I had gotten extra lighting for night time. Overall I like it, does what I need it to do.

[@adigaarmory]

Cheap is always relative right? Financially speaking, it is one of the least expensive from the big brands. But it is not cheaply made by any means. It's a good little working UTV.

[@monikehawkes-frost6923]

Thanks this was very helpful, appreciate it

[@Synic08]

Hisun is one of the “cheap brands” that arent going anywhere… and i would LOVE to make a video comparing the sector to the mule…

[@driftlesshunter9200]

My neighbor has a Hisun machine, and he had the engine apart a couple times already. Blown head gaskets & other issues. I've had my 2006 Mule 610 4x4 for 17 years, & I haven't touched the engine or transmission outside of fluid/filter changes. Outside of fluids, filters, and batteries, I haven't had to buy any parts for my Mule. I use it pretty hard, too. I own 72 acres of woods & burn firewood. I can't get a pickup truck beyond my front yard. My property is rugged in the driftless region of Wisconsin.

[@andycotterill9551]

Great review thank you. Did you consider the Kubota RTV 520?

[@adigaarmory]

Have not seen one yet... it's a couple grand more, but seems like a very nice little SXS.

[@moose2367]

Got 5 of these, carby models though, at 1 place i work at, love them. Here at home we have a diesel mule fullsize, another place i work has 2 x canam defenders, also got polaris ranger diesels. Have a bit to do with all of them plus a John Deere Gator, out of all of them, i choose the 610 anyday and will be getting one, just wish they had power steering. Driving them 10hrs a day 3 days a week, with a 200l tank in the back spraying in rough terrain it would be the biggest improvement.

[@Gruuvin1]

What's the 610?

[@moose2367]

@@Gruuvin1 these buggies were the 610 xc and /or sx a couple of years ago, same thing. KAF400 is the other model name.

[@Gruuvin1]

@@moose2367 thanks!

[@silverback802]

Just curious. why do to prefer this vehicle over the larger ones you mentioned,

[@moose2367]

The canam's are just crap to work on and not very robust. Just replaced a thermostat in one this week, you would think it was a standard design on the engine, but it's in it's own housing right where the cab backwall is, can't replace just the thermostat ever, have to replace the whole housing, which we needed to as the seam of the mold had split. The new Polaris is ok, so far, we just got 1 2 weeks ago, diesel, very slow and loud, the older ones i have more experience with a very loud and have horrible vibrations, have just ordered a Mule SX, unfortunately no fuel injected models here in Aust, no dealers know if and when they are coming here. The biggest selling point for me is they are aircooled, so no radiator to get blocked, as i spray in long grass a lot, and they have a great storage area @@silverback802

[@s0g040]

How is the steering effort on one of these? Do you ever wish it had power steering? Our ranger crew is brutal to turn. Thanks!

[@bruiser6479]

I own one of these. The steering effort is fine. Even at low speed I don’t find it too heavy. These are a slow, but very reliable machine. They are a very good little 4wd with no overhang to hook you up front or rear. They have good ground clearance and ramp over angle. Being narrow they go into tight spots well. They have very good fuel consumption. Overall I am very happy with mine. They are not, however, exciting to drive. They are a reliable workhorse.

[@s0g040]

@@bruiser6479 Thank you!

[@adigaarmory]

It takes effort, but it's not too bad... I added a clamp-on steering knob to the steering wheel for easier one handed operation. Bright side... it is one less system to require maintenance.

[@s0g040]

@@adigaarmory Good point. Thanks!

[@atomicsmith]

I’m between the P520 and the mule SX. Been looking for a video to compare them, and I think yours is the only one! I like the mechanical simplicity and ruggedness of the mule, but I think they could switch to disk brakes at least. Also I can’t believe they didn’t put a receiver on a work oriented sxs! Seems like both Honda and Kawasaki intentionally cripple these 50” units so they can drive people towards the bigger more expensive sxs. Personally, I think the size is right for my property, and I would pay a little more for a better machine. Hopefully, they see the light and give this segment a little more love. I hear you on turning digits in the bank into real Goods before our betters spend them into oblivion. Doing the same myself…

[@steeleaquain]

Do you know where i could buy a hydraulic dumpbed lift for this machine?

[@PaulRaines-ve5xj]

I love my 2019 mule sx xc fi not fastest but no issues & I can go lots trails hondas Yamahas Polaris etc can't go cause there to wide

[@adigaarmory]

Indeed... this one is still doing well after 140 hours. Though it has developed the all-too-common fuel gauge problems. Besides that... it really is a mule...

[@johnfrank4558]

Get a cheap led light bar instead of F'in with lights

[@adigaarmory]

Any recommended units or brands in the cheap category? I have had mixed results with cheap aux lighting.

[@johnfrank4558]

@@adigaarmory no I put one on my friend's mower with him, I'll see if he remembers what type

[@HeavyDuty2A]

Aren't these made by Kymco for Kawasaki?

[@adigaarmory]

Not sure, but could be.

[@moose2367]

No, that is the MX model, the mid range, 700cc

[@johnparris2704]

My mule Kick ass

[@tellittotherain7137]

But what?

[@shawnevans58]

First thing i did was take the seat belts off. Ive seen a guy turn one over over on the drivers side he had a seat belt on and he got broke up pretty bad

[@adigaarmory]

Yikes... I would not want to roll in this thing... With or without seatbelts. Nothing to keep your body parts covered and inside the vehicle. Another reason this is better suited for work than for play.

[@shawnevans58]

@@adigaarmory Thats why i bought mine in the first place is to work. But after pulling the thing off of him enough to get him out from under it i went and bought doors for mine. They have better locks on them the factory door locks.

[@Bulletproof_badger]

If you’re in south Florida, come see me at Broward Motorsports treasure coast! Let’s make a deal

[@Lauderdaleryder]

What’s the OTD price?

[@Synic08]

If your in PA/ OH near me, id let you use mine to compare

[@adigaarmory]

We appreciate the offer... we are pretty far away... well over 1k mi.

[@Malcomb35]

Man that looks tiny in the seating area

[@tomg6284]

I think the honda was the best choice.

[@doodlesthegoose7085]

My SX sucks. Period. There seems to be an ongoing issue with throttle sticking and now mine is dead in the backyard with 300 hours on it and plenty of maintenance. I HATE Kawasaki. And, BTW, I found that these issues that I'm experiencing are well documented in forums trying to troubleshoot their machines. This is a known, ongoing problem with design/manufacturing. Ask me if I'm pissed!

[@adigaarmory]

Very sorry to hear that... any ideas on what might be causing it? Electrical, or mechanical?... And do you have the fuel injected version or a carb?