Actually, the 45 degree slope just felt like it was vertical from the passenger seat as Pukekohe dealer Craig Brown turned the wheel and sent us over the edge. Unlike its passenger, the Mule didn't flinch, it just crawled calmly down to the bottom, never breaking traction or feeling like it was going to run away. Then we turned around and went straight up again, effortlessly, the torque pouring on from just above idle.
In a dry paddock such as we were in, this exercise was perfectly safe, the Mule demonstrating its stability and neutral balance. On a wet day, no vehicle would tackle the same slope without drama.
The 2012 Mule 610 4 x 4 XC (pictured) is the latest evolution of the well-proven Kawasaki Mule range, which still includes the larger 4010. Rural News first drove these vehicles when they launched a few years ago and at the time was impressed with their ability to go anywhere.
Our test Mule this time was the looker of range, in black with 26" Maxxis Bighorn II radial tyres and wider 12" wheels that contribute to the mountain goat ability but also enhance the sportier look of the XC.
A comfortable ride is delivered by independent MacPherson strut front suspension with 78mm of travel, and a unit swing axle at the rear with 78.7mm of travel. The 610's relatively small size, plus rack and pinion steering, make it manoeuvrable and nimble in tight spaces.
The engine is a 401cc, air cooled, 4-stroke, OHV, single cylinder thumper set high enough in the chassis to provide good ground clearance and in front of the rear axle for stability. Top speed is governed to 40km/h – a great safety feature if the vehicle is to be used by younger staff or family, and on the farm, 40km/h is plenty. This is not a racing machine, it's a work vehicle.
The transmission is a belt-driven automatic with a Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case, with a lo-range suitable for steep terrain and heavy loads. The 2WD/4WD is easy to use; you'll only need 2WD for much of the time. Once you're in 4WD and headed into the muck and mire, you'll have the limited-slip front differential aiding your progress with minimal steering effort, and still have the rear differential lock to call on if you get stuck.
The tipping deck, which lifts to reveal the engine, is a useful 1044 x 900mm and has cargo bed capacity of 181kg. The overall load capacity is 420kg. Towing capacity, including trailer, is 420kg. It also has a decent storage bin under the front 'bonnet'.
Capping it off is the roll-over protective structure, which meets all official safety standards and gives nervous passengers something to hold onto when going over 45 degree drops.
We needn't have worried; the Mule 610 XC is very stable with most of its 458kg weight kept low, and good balance side-to-side and front-to-back. You'd have to try pretty hard to tip it over. RRP is $15,575.
