2025 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD

Key Features

Features

Engine

The parallel twin-cylinder gasoline engine utilizes the same platform as that of the high-performance KERYX KRX 1000 models but is built specifically for the more work-oriented MULE application.  It still offers significant performance gains over the previous MULE PRO model engine, and this stronger performance also translates to a higher top speed - which means arriving at your destination quicker, and having more fun getting there.

• Lightweight cast pistons minimize reciprocating weight and contribute to overall performance.  Low-friction molybdenum coating on the skirts helps reduce mechanical loss.
• Innovative balancer weight layout contributes to the compact engine design.
• Compact oil pan helps reduce engine size.  Baffle plates in the pan ensure that the pump is fed with oil even at extreme driving angles.  Long-reach spark plugs have large contact area with the cooling jacket to help prevent engine knock.
• Snorkel intake routes air from an intake chamber at the front of the bed to an air filter that is 80% larger than that on previous MULE PRO Series models, contributing to superb dust collection performance.  A separate intake for the CVT uses a mesh cover to help filter out rocks and other unwanted particles.
• Large 20-liter intake manifold feeds ample air into the 38mm throttle body.
• Electronic throttle valve system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine.  Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and ideal engine output.  Single 38mm throttle body was selected to elicit smooth, driver-friendly response.
• The exhaust ports have D-shaped cross sections to efficiently expel spent gases and boost performance.
• Exhaust headers with D-shaped cross-sections match the exhaust ports and feed into the 2-into-1 style exhaust manifold.  The manifold connects to a long single 38mm diameter pipe soon after exiting the cylinder head - a design which promotes low-mid range torque and contributes to low-speed drivability.
• Dual-wall exhaust pipe with a sandwich-type Heat cover helps minimize heat build-up in the engine compartment.
• Generating more than 90 amps at 5,000 rpm, the MULE PRO-FX 1000HD can power a number of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories or personal devices.
• Large-capacity radiator is located behind the grille for maximum efficiency, yet positioned so it is protected by the frame for extra durability.
• The radiator fan covers directs hot air down and away from the passenger compartment, contributing to ride comfort.

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Fully automatic for ease of use.
• Keeps engine rpm in most efficient range for any selected vehicle speed, load, or terrain.
• CVT transmission has very smooth response, adding to ease of control.
• Tuned to provide engine braking when descending hills.
• N7-grade CVT belt increases to durability
• Aluminum CVT case and the CVT driven cam and shaft are both hard chrome plated for long-lasting durability.

Electrically Selectable 4WD & Rear Differential Lock

• Electrically Selectable 2WD/4WD and dual-mode rear differential system allow easy changes between drive systems to suit changing terrain and applications.
• Flipping the switches causes the systems to be engaged instantly, ensuring the driver has full control of 4WD or rear differential lock activation.
• Dual-mode rear differential provides maximum traction when in locked mode and minimizes ground disturbance when unlocked.

Chassis

Ideal Chassis Size & Dimensions

The MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD features chassis design that help provide a comfortable ride without compromising maneuverability or performance.

• Wide track contributes to a relatively tight turning radius, which makes it easier to maneuver in close confines.
• Combined with the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD's ground clearance, the wheelbase dimension also contributes to a more favorable breakover angle, which reduces the chance of bottoming out when cresting a ridge or driving over obstacles.
• High approach and departure angles also contribute to the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD's off-road performance.  Minimizing bodywork overhang (positioning the wheels as close to the bumpers as possible) reduces the chance of hitting the bumper or scraping the tail when negotiating steep terrain.

Frame Stiffness Balanced for Superb Handling

• The MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD's rugged frame construction offers great durability as well as superb handling.
• The frame features a ladder-type construction and is built from square tubes of high-quality steel.  The frame components are joined together using a combination of welds and bolts to achieve highly predictable chassis performance and high durability.
• High-load areas such as the suspension mounting plates are constructed of high-tensile steel.
• After undergoing extensive stiffness balance testing, the resulting frame offers a good balance between lateral and torsional stiffness.  This delivers high durability while allowing just the right amount of chassis flex to be able to handle variable terrain and provide a high level of ride comfort.

High Cargo & Towing Capacity

A single bench seat allows the cargo bed to be larger so it is the largest ever in the MULE Side x Side line-up and the largest in its class.

• New switch-operated hydraulic cargo bed lift kit comes standard for added convenience when raising and lowering the cargo bed.
• The bed is 4.5 feet long and nearly as wide, big enough to hold a standard pallet (40 x 48")
• Long, flat design makes it easy to load from three sides.
• Nearly 20 square feet of bed area.
• The cargo bed's flat bottom facilitates loading.  The highly durable bed is made of diamond-plate steel.
• Hydraulic tilting cargo bed with prop rod provides quick engine access.
• Cargo bed features a two-lever tailgate release system for easy opening and closing.  The tailgate's blow-molded design includes built-in cupholders that come in handy when the tailgate is down.
• The cargo bed walls are designed with slots that can accommodate cargo dividers, allowing cargo to be separated and stowed more securely.
• One-inch square tubing running along the top of the cargo bed side walls provides easy tie-down points for bungee hooks, and is compatible with accessory Tool Mount System brackets that allow toolbox or other items to be snap-mounted to the cargo bed rails.
• Standard two-inch tow hitch receiver is compatible with a wide range of accessory hitches and allows the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD to tow up to 2,000 pounds.

4-wheel Disc Brakes

• Front and rear disc brakes provide strong, sure stopping power.
• 212mm front discs are gripped by two-piston calipers with 27mm pistons.
• 212mm rear discs are slowed by single-piston calipers with 34mm pistons.
• Semi-metallic brake pads offer a balance between braking power and long life.

High-Grade Electric Power Steering

• The electric power steering system (EPS) reduces steering effort, especially at low speeds.  Input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor determine the amount of steering assistance required from the system's electric motor.  At slow speeds, or when stopped, assistance is greatest.  Assistance is reduced as vehicle speed increases.  It all adds up to superior handling.
• The EPS system also enhances ride comfort and control by acting as a damping system.  The inertia of the electric motor significantly reduces bump steer and kickback to the steering wheel often caused when encountering rocks or ruts.
• Since the system is electric, it works immediately, without the time lag sometimes associated with hydraulic systems that, when the engine is first started, require time to pump engine oil to the power steering system.
• Because the EPS system does not rely on oil pumped from the engine, there is no engine power loss.

Tilt Steering Wheel

• Steering wheel has a stepless range of approximately 40 degree, allowing drivers to set its position to suit their preference, as well as lift it out of the way to facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle.
• Thickly cushioned steering wheel contributes to comfort as well as the high-quality feel of the MULE PRO-MX.

Rugged Styling

• Designed to reflect its tough construction and strong performance, the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD features rugged, no-nonsense styling similar to that found on high-quality pickup trucks.
• Complementing its wide stance, the angular form of the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD adds to its imposing physique.
• Steel front bumper enhances the rugged looks.
• Door decals are color-matched to the bodywork, creating a design that flows continuously from the front to the rear.
• Clean dashboard design includes switches for the lamps, selectable 4WD, and rear differential lock.  Five spaces for additional accessory switches are provided.

Comfort & Convenience

Complementing the MULE PRO-FX's superb performance, there are also a number of comfort and convenience features to ensure that passengers are able to relax and enjoy the ride.

Standard Doors

• The MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD comes standard with doors to facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle.
• The doors also offer protection from the elements.
• Simple latch mechanism facilitates opening and closing the doors.

Roomy Interior

• The MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD's wide-body chassis creates a roomy interior space that offers the shoulder and legroom for three adults to comfortably sit side-by-side.
• Seat material has a superb elasticity, comfort, and slip resistance.  The material is also resistant to cold, allowing it to maintain its suppleness when temperatures drop and reducing the chance of tearing/ripping when exposed to cold temperatures.
• Grab handles integrated into the ROPS frame for the passengers contribute to comfort.
• Each seating position is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
• Should guards are integrated into the ROPS frame.

High-Level Ride Comfort

• Low vibration, excellent bump absorption over varying terrain and quiet-running engine help increase the comfort level.
• In addition to a fully rubber mounted for the engine, a thorough analysis of the rubber mount responsiveness was conducted to ensure engine vibration is kept to a minimum.
• Torque rod helps minimize the tendency of the engine and rear gear case to roll when torque is generated by the engine.
• Deflector shield behind the radiator and dual-wall exhaust pipe with a sandwich-type heat cover help keep heat away from the passenger compartment.
• Dual-wall construction of the muffler also helps keep exhaust noise to a minimum so that passengers are able to converse in the cabin while riding.

Self-Leveling Suspension

Kawasaki's first self-levelling suspension helps keep the chassis at the intended ride height, even when a heavy load is applied to the cargo bed.  When a load compresses the rear suspension, a built-in mechanical pump system automatically pumps up the suspension as the vehicle moves to return the rear of the vehicle to its optimum level.  Spreading the weight more evenly benefits both handling and braking performance.

• Sachs Nivomat rear suspension features a built-in pump system that uses shock oil stored in a reservoir to increase the shock length until the rear ride height reaches the optimum level.
• The system uses the mechanical energy of the shock action to pump the oil as the vehicle is moving.  It's an automatic system that doesn't require any electronics or a compressor; normal suspension movement over the terrain provides sufficient pumping action to level the vehicle.
• When the loaded suspension reaches the optimum rear ride height, a bypass system is exposed, disengaging the pump function and the suspension provides conventional damping performance.
• When the load is removed and the unladen shock extends and increases rear ride height above the optimum level, a release circuit is exposed that allows the oil to return to the reservoir and the ride height to slowly decrease to its optimum level, which closes the release circuit.
• Four-wheel independent, double-wishbone suspension allows each of the wheels to drive over certain obstacles with minimum effect of the chassis.  Suspension travel has been increased just over two inches in the front and 1.5 inches in the rear for a more comfortable ride and more ground clearance.
• Twin-tube shock absorbers provide excellent bump absorption and rough road handling performance.
• Suspension setting help minimize chassis body roll.

Storage

• Passenger-side glove box provides enclosed storage for small items.
• Three dashboard pockets provide a handy place to put small items.  The center pocket is large enough to accommodate the accessory audio system.
• Two drink holders are built into the bodywork in front of the dashboard.

DC Sockets

• Two DC sockets integrated into the dashboard provide a power supply (up to 120W) for accessory items or personal devices

Parking Brake

• Parking brake lever is conveniently located on the dash to the left of the steering wheel.
• ECU features a fuel injection control the limits engine speed should the driver attempt to drive away with the parking brake still engaged.

Easy Maintenance Access

• Front hood allows quick access to key electrical components like the ECU and fuse case, as well as easy access to the radiator cap.
• Quick-release maintenance cover allows easy access to check the oil level and air cleaner.
• Engine is easily accessed by lifting the cargo bed.
• CVT belt can be accessed without lifting the cargo bed, and may be changed without removing the rear suspension.

Digital Instrumentation

• Multi-function display built into the dash features digital speedometer, digital fuel gauge, odometer, hour meter, clock, dual trip meters, 2WD/4DW indicator, parking indicator, water temperature warning indicator, fuel injection warning indicator, CVT warning indicator, EPS warning indicator, neutral indicator light, reverse indicator light and oil pressure warning light.

Durability

Kawasaki MULE side by side vehicles are famous for their strength and the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD is no exception

Built Tough

• In addition to its tough engine and rugged frame construction, numerous features add to the MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD's strong build.
• Water-resistant engine backing plate, spark plug cover, CVT duct layout, and differential breather layout were all designed to prevent water intrusion.  Additionally, electrical components like the ECU and fuse box are located high on the vehicle in an enclosed container (under the hood) to keep them far from water and dust.
• Front and rear wheel housings help keep mud, dirt and water from getting into the engine compartment and away from essential components.
• Efficient air cleaner design features a labyrinth layout, rubber seal and paper filter element to help keep the engine free from dust.
• Exhaust system is made of high-quality stainless steel.
• Drive shaft uses a flanged oil seal and in enclosed in metal plating for added durability.
• Large-gauge mounting bolts used at the A-arm pivots and suspension upper and lower mounts were chosen specifically for their contribution to suspension durability.
• The fuel tank is positioned well away from the wheels to help prevent it from being hit by flying debris, and features a guard for additional protection.

Specifications