We recently received a 2022 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT Ranch Edition as a long term loaner from Kawasaki. We’re very excited to start testing this MULE as our ranch workhorse, especially since it’s the Ranch Edition (fitting name!). It didn’t take us long to get the machine pretty dirty, as you’ll see in this video.
MULE PRO-FXT Ranch Edition
The MULE PRO-FXT is a versatile side-by-side meant for work and play. It is powered by a 812cc 3-cylinder engine that sits under the rear seat, making 47hp and 48ft-lbs of torque. Inside you’ll find switches for a selectable 4WD mode, and a rear locker. One of the most unique features of this MULE is the cab configuration. The machine can be used in either a 3-person configuration with a long bed, or a 6-person configuration with a short bed, and that transformation is very easy and can be done alone in about a minute. The short bed is 22″ long and can carry 350lbs. Once converted to long bed mode the bed grows to 42.7″ long and can carry 1000lbs. Also, the MULE can tow up to 2,000lbs.
The Ranch Edition adds some premium features to the side-by-side, including a more aggressive front end with quad headlights, a Warn winch, a sunshade, premium contoured seats, electronic power steering, and aluminum cast wheels.
Andre’s Pit… Way Too Easy!
I started testing the MULE by taking it into our newly finished Andre’s Pit off-road course. First up was the holes course, which the MULE rolled straight up without lifting a tire. Next up was the logs course which is a traction test. I took it somewhat slowly to avoid destroying the course, and once again, it wasn’t much of a challenge for the machine.
Lastly, I ran it up the rocks course to test ground clearance. The MULE had more than enough clearance to make it up, but the MULE didn’t have enough power to climb up in 4WD-high. Once I switched into 4WD-low, I climbed up the rocks, with no problems.
The Pond Course
David has been working on our second (and more extreme) pond course for the past few weeks. It’s not quite finished yet, but I wanted to put the MULE up against some harder obstacles, so I took it back there anyway. To get to this area, I first had to drive through our swamp. Luckily the tires on the MULE are pretty knobby, so I wasn’t too worried about getting stuck. I did get splashed with some mud and was wishing I had a windshield, but Kawasaki does offer those as accessories, we just don’t have one installed.
Next up was a natural obstacle that we are calling the cliff, which is an extremely steep rocky incline. I put the MULE into low range but left the rear locker unlocked, hoping to make the climb more challenging. Even with the rear differential unlocked the MULE had zero issues. I really liked how easy it was to modulate the throttle in this machine compared to some of the competition. It was very predictable and smooth, which made me a lot more comfortable climbing a steep grade like this.
It’s Unstoppable!
There wasn’t one moment in this test where I needed to engage the rear locker. Currently this machine’s capability exceeds the difficulty of our obstacles, which I think is great. We’re using this MULE PRO-FXT as a support vehicle on the ranch. It’s job is to transport videographers and camera gear, tools, and materials around the ranch, specifically to the back half of the property where we are still working on building the off-road course. If this machine got stuck easily, we wouldn’t be able to use it as a support vehicle at all. So while I’m a bit bummed I couldn’t find anything harder to put it up against, I’m thrilled that this machine will be able to easily support our Ranch work for the next few months. Stay tuned to AllTFL.com for more coverage on the Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT Ranch Edition.
