2024 Mule Pro 1000 Series
CHASSIS
The chassis found on the 2024 MULE PRO 1000 models feature rugged frame construction that benefits from durability as well as handling and ride comfort. The frame features a ladder-type construction and is built from high-quality steel square tubes. The frame components are joined together using a combination of welds and bolts to achieve highly predictable chassis performance and excellent durability. High load areas such as the suspension mounting plates utilize high-tensile steel for increased strength. Extensive stiffness balance testing was done, helping achieve the optimal balance between lateral and torsional stiffness. Chassis tuning was designed to deliver durability while allowing the ideal amount of chassis flex in order to handle the absorption of off-highway riding, ensuring ride comfort. Full rubber mounting of the engine helps keep engine vibration to a minimum.
A wide-body chassis design and relatively short wheelbase contributes to a composed handling character and riding comfort, while benefitting manueverability when on tight trails in the woods. The wide track contributes to vehicle stability and the highly composed chassis is complemented by front and rear independent suspension that adds to ride comfort.
The MULE PRO-FX 1000 and MULE PRO-FXT 1000 models feature a wheelbase of 92.3-inches, while the MULE PRO-FXR 1000 has a wheelbase of 79.7-inches. Combined with the higher ground clearance, the short wheelbase contributes to improved breakover angle, which reduces the chance of bottoming out when riding over obstacles. Ground clearance for the MULE PRO-FXT 1000 models ranges from 11.6 inches to 12.5-inches, 11.8 to 11.9-inches on the MULE PRO-FX 1000, and 12.2 to 13.2-inches on MULE PRO-FXR 1000 models. High approach and departure angles also contribute to the off-highway performance of these models. Minimal bodywork overhang reduces the chance of hitting the bumper or scraping the tail when going up or coming down steep slopes.
SUSPENSION
Long-travel double-wishbone suspension is used for both front and rear to enable each of the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis. Complementing the flex of the chasis are twin-tube shock absorbers that provide excellent bump absorption. Long wheel travel consisting of 10.9-inches on the front and 10.0-inches on the rear contributes to increased ground clearance and ride comfort.
Suspension settings were carefully selected to help minimize chassis body roll, providing a more composed ride for passengers. Large-gauge mounting bolts were used at the A-arm pivots and suspension upper and lower mounts were chosen specifically for their contribution to suspension durability.
The MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD, MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE Ranch Edition, and MULE PRO-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition models feature Kawasaki’s first self-levelling suspension that helps keep the vehicle level when carrying a heavy load. This allows the weight to be spread more evenly and benefits both handling and braking performance. The system uses the mechanical energy of the shock action to pump the oil as the vehicle is moving. The system is automatic and does not require any electronic systems or a compressor and the normal suspension movement over a regular road surface provides sufficient pumping action to level the vehicle. When the load is removed and the shocks extend above the optimum level, a release circuit is exposed, allowing the oil to return to the reservoir and the ride height to slowly decrease to its optimum level.
