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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,224
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,224 |
Looking for a family of 5 friendly UTV, Arctic Cat/Textron is not spoken of very highly in my area, everyone says Ranger or RZR. I see the Kawasaki models online and I kinda like the looks and price but I don’t know anyone who owns one.
Don’t care to hear about Honda or Can Am cuz they more than likely aren’t in my price range.
Any other brands that have surprised some of you all?
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 409
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 409 |
The Mule 4010 Trans is a reliable little beater. faster and more capable than a golf cart. Cheaper than most other dual row machines like the Viking or Prowler Pro. If you want speed, this is not the machine for you. For farm use or cabin run around, it is great. For a family trail ride, it is better than a golf cart.
What does the family of 5 plan to do with this machine?
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,224
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,224 |
I Was looking more at the Pro MX models. Mostly looking for something to cruise backroads and forest trails near our campground. Maybe taking kids ice fishing in the winter.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,811
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,811 |
"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'"
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 216
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 216 |
The mule is a super reliable and powerful machine. THey are not quite as "sporty" as the other brands, but I can tell you that they will be in the shop WAY less than the others. I know 4-5 people that have various levels of the Pro FXT models and they love them. Mine is super quiet and easy to drive for me and the wife and kids.
I knwo at least 15 people with rangers and over 10 of them have been the shop multiple times with front end problems and seals going out. you couldn't give me a Ranger.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 |
I opted for built like a tank and slow. I went with a Kubota UTV 1120D and am satisfied with my choice. It’s a beast. I use it primarily for work.
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,223
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,223 |
The mule is a super reliable and powerful machine. THey are not quite as "sporty" as the other brands, but I can tell you that they will be in the shop WAY less than the others. I know 4-5 people that have various levels of the Pro FXT models and they love them. Mine is super quiet and easy to drive for me and the wife and kids.
I knwo at least 15 people with rangers and over 10 of them have been the shop multiple times with front end problems and seals going out. you couldn't give me a Ranger. I'm looking hard at getting one of those Pro FXT models in the near future, mainly for the room and comfort. I do hear pretty good things on durability. The Pioneer 1000-5 looks more fun and more powerful, but not as roomy when you have 4 people.
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 216
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 216 |
I'm looking hard at getting one of those Pro FXT models in the near future, mainly for the room and comfort. I do hear pretty good things on durability. The Pioneer 1000-5 looks more fun and more powerful, but not as roomy when you have 4 people. [/quote]
The Pioneer is a BAD machine......but I despise the back seat configuration on them....its probably the worst decision Honda ever made.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,475
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,475 |
I’ve got a little mule that’s been great. A good friend has a mule pro and absolutely loves it
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,165
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,165 |
I have a friend or friends that own every model you can think of and if I was buying tomorrow, the Mule Pro FXT would be at the top of my shopping list. If you only need 1 bench seat, the Honda Pioneer 700 that I own, has been bullet proof as expected, and the price is very competitive or better than most. But if you plan to routinely carry 5 people, I would strongly suggest a 2 row model like the Mule Pro FXT. It will be more expensive, but you will regret not having room for your whole family.....
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,956
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,956 |
I would not consider a mule a family fun vehicle. I have a 4010 mule and I love it but it is slow and uncomfortable. Its strictly for working around my property and does everything I want it to. They now have a very economical model but they seem underpowered.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 162
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 162 |
Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT is a different animal than the 4010 mule. Drive both of them and you'll see what I'm talking about.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,723
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,723 |
Don't be afraid of the Arctic Cat/Textron.....I have been running a 900 Stampede for 2 years in very ruff terrain of South East Ky ....... Our trails are steep and rocky and Muddy.....I Have replaced the battery that is it ....It has a very tight and smooth suspension and has loads of power...Would buy it again in a heart beat.......Before the Stampede I ran Polaris Rangers I had good luck with them....But prefer the Textron power train ........
“When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,223
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,223 |
Well I picked up a Mule Pro FXT this weekend and am looking forward to getting some good use out of it. The ride is cush, almost too cush, so I'll probably dial up the suspension setting a bit. Motor is quiet, steering is light, and it can seat 4 people and 2 dogs. Not a small machine, but also not the ultra-long wheelbase of a conventional crew cab. Also like the 3yr factory warranty. Power is adequate, but not generous, although I've not pushed it hard yet and won't until it has few miles on it. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/TEErH4Bl.jpg) This one is the Ranch edition, which is a bit jazzed up with the alloy wheels, factory roof, LED lighting, fancy paint and seats, and a Warn winch. It could sit up a little higher, so I may wind up installing a bracket lift to get the skidplates up a few more inches. Some good 8ply mud tires might also be in my future, as the ground is soft down here.
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,756
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,756 |
Well I picked up a Mule Pro FXT this weekend and am looking forward to getting some good use out of it. The ride is cush, almost too cush, so I'll probably dial up the suspension setting a bit. Motor is quiet, steering is light, and it can seat 4 people and 2 dogs. Not a small machine, but also not the ultra-long wheelbase of a conventional crew cab. Also like the 3yr factory warranty. Power is adequate, but not generous, although I've not pushed it hard yet and won't until it has few miles on it. This one is the Ranch edition, which is a bit jazzed up with the alloy wheels, factory roof, LED lighting, fancy paint and seats, and a Warn winch. It could sit up a little higher, so I may wind up installing a bracket lift to get the skidplates up a few more inches. Some good 8ply mud tires might also be in my future, as the ground is soft down here. Pimptastic!
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,223
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,223 |
They were all out of the purple ones with curb feelers, so that was as close as I could get. Does anybody make a Holstein seat cover for these things? 
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,224
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,224 |
I didn’t end up buying any of the 5-6 seat models. I looked really hard at the Arctic Cat and Tracker machines but couldn’t justify the payment for a brand new machine.
I found a well cared for 10 year old Polaris RZR 4 that fit into the budget much better. I ride with my dad and he has the same machine but his is a year newer. Between the 2 machines we get everybody out on our weekend rides and have been having a blast with them.
My only complaint is that mine doesn’t have power steering, I wouldn’t know any better but dads machine does have power steering. And I need a longer winch rope.
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 123
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 123 |
We had a Mule 3010 for about 10 years. They are great work machines but are not fast or especially comfortable. When we replaced it, I elected to go with a Kubota. Decision to change was primarily due to going with a Diesel engine and increased carrying capacity. As you might guess, ours are used primarily for work around the place. I’m too old to care about tearing around on the roads; however, I would recommend the Kubota as it is comfortable to drive and ride and can seat five.
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 771
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 771 |
I used a two seater diesel mule for years at work. It was abused and always did well. They are slower than a ranger or rzr.
“One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.” - James Russell Lowell
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,421
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,421 |
My budddy has a MULE and it rides like crap and is slow as a mule.
"It's not the arrow, it's the Indian."
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