Bigfoot comes up trumps
Call them what you will, but UTV’s, side by sides or ROV’s have certainly found a place in much of New Zealand’s rural sector.
The latest offering from the Japanese manufacturer, is the ‘farmer-focused’ Mule Pro-MZ – a mid-sized machine, falling between the three-seated PRO-FX and the compact SX.
Measuring 2795mm long x 1525mm wide with a wheelbase of 2005mm, the Pro-MX offers good mobility and manoeuvrability in tight areas – even more so with its 4.2m turning radius.
The frame is ladder-style construction in high-grade square section steel, and high stress areas such as suspension mounting points are braced with high tensile plates.
The construction follows the Japanese Shinari principles that allow a degree of elasticity, allowing objects to bend then return to their original position.
In practice, this means the Pro-MX has a good balance between lateral and torsional stiffness that in turn imparts good handling and rider comfort.
Power comes from a water-cooled, single-cylinder 700cc engine whose fuel injection helps achieve a modest 45hp and 58Nm torque. Working with a CVT transmission, speed increase is linear across the speed range, and good engine braking imparts confidence to riders of all abilities.
Electrically selectable 2WD/4WD and diff lock can be accessed easily for changing conditions.
Onfarm with a test machine, this reviewer’s first impressions were of boxiness, with a wheel planted at each corner and robust flat panels. It has a ROPS structure that is square, unlike other brands that taper as they rise. The manufacturer says this is designed to increase the size of the safety cell, hopefully to protect operators in the event of an accident.
Entry and exit are easy through ‘saloon’ doors that also keep the cockpit area clean, and these are at a height that allows users to ‘pull’ electric fence standards while remaining seated.
A comfortable bench-style seat offers good support, and a tilting steering column allows adjustment for differing body shapes.
Several stowage areas in the dash and bins under the seat and bonnet are a good nod to daily use onfarm; a 12V DC socket, cup holders and quad headlights are practical fitments.
A turn of the key brings the engine to life; it settles quickly and is exceptionally quiet, even through the rev range.
Other stand-out features are the slick, positive selection of the high, low or reverse positions and the finger-light electric power steering system – easy steering with no effort, allowing the operator to concentrate on the terrain ahead.
As one would expect, the double-A arm suspension set up at each corner, and twin-tube shocks, give a supple, comfortable ride.
And 270mm of ground clearance -- on alloy wheels shod with 25-inch tyres -- allow you to tackle the toughest terrain
A large load bed rated to carry 317kg has gas-assisted struts to aid tipping and a useful tie down rail around its top edge.
For towing trailers or sprayers, a well-built and accessible 2-inch receiver allows easy hook-ups; towing capacity is 630kg.
