UTV Review: 2020 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT with Curtis Cab Overview
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- čas přidán 22. 01. 2020
- Industry Leading 3 year warranty
Curtis Cab and Heater system available directly through Kawasaki
Versatile Trans Cab System
Reputation for extreme durability
Ability to haul up to 6 passengers
Farmers, ranchers, and outdoorsman have long known the value, quality, capability, and durability of Kawasaki’s line of Mule UTV’s. We recently spent some quality time behind the wheel of the 2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT EPS outfitted with an optional Curtis Cab and AS1 glass windshield, which is now available as an option directly through your Kawasaki dealer. Getting the opportunity to check this machine out during the winter months in Pennsylvania was a perfect opportunity to test out the capability in some wet, cold, blustery winter operating conditions.
Engine:
Powering the Mule PRO-FXT is an 812cc inline triple cylinder four-stroke engine, which is capable of churning out 48 ft lb of torque. This powerplant is built for low-end torque and efficiency, with smooth, quiet power delivery. The engine is especially good at the low to mid RPM range. While not necessarily a speed demon compared to models like the new Kawasaki KRX1000, this engine has plenty of grunt for those folks putting it to work. A gigantic alternator that can output up to 75 amps provides enough charging power to customize the Mule with just about whatever electronic accessories your little heart desires!
Transmission/Drivetrain:
Power is delivered to the ground via a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), making the machine very easy to drive. The Mule transmission has High, Low, Neutral, and Reverse, and utilizes a parking brake rather than a “park in gear” option. Also, unlike Kawasaki’s sporty UTV’s like the KRX 1000 and Teryx vehicles, no centrifugal clutch is used in the Mule’s transmission. A rear locking/unlocking differential gives the Mule the capability to make sharp turns without tearing up the grass, and can easily be locked for maximum traction. Four-wheel drive is easily engaged with a dash-mounted toggle switch, but no locking front differential is available.
2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO w/Curtis Cab Review
Suspension:
The suspension on the Mule PRO-FXT is super plush, giving it one of the smoothest rides you’ll ever experience in an off-road vehicle! With approximately 8.5” inches of travel on the bow and stern and a tick over 10” of ground clearance, the Mule is designed to work hard, while also keeping the occupants comfortable.
Tires/Wheels/Brakes:
26” tires on 12” steel wheels help keep the price of this machine down, while also providing a durable, puncture resistant tire with good all-around traction. Both front and rear brakes are hydraulic discs. The front features twin piston calipers with the rear utilizing a single piston.
Curtis Cab:
The fully enclosed Curtis Cab offers operators and passengers protection from the elements, no matter the conditions. The door frames and skins are steel, and they’re outfitted with glass windows that are easily installed/removed without tools. The windows are also designed to slide open/closed. The front windshield features a windshield wiper and washer, and operates with hinges that allow it to easily be opened from the bottom for ventilation. The rear roof is designed to tilt upward via a hinge, and the rear window section slides forward with the front of the factory bed section, allowing full usage of Kawasaki’s unique Trans Cab system. This allows the Mule PRO-FXT’s rear passenger compartment to transform from a 6 seater to a larger, tilting bed option, all while the Curtis Cab is still intact. Our test unit also featured the optional Curtis Cab heater, which made operating it when the temperatures were in the teens much more enjoyable!
Ride Time:
The Mule is certainly one of the smoothest full size work-oriented UTV’s you can buy. We tested the Mule with just a driver, as well as with 6 occupants in the machine. While we could certainly feel the difference with the added weight of all six passengers, the Mule PRO FXT barreled its way through every obstacle we threw at it regardless of the amount of people inside.
The Curtis Cab and heater made operating the Mule in bad weather much more pleasurable. While passengers stay warm and dry inside, sound levels certainly increase due to the fact that the engine is essentially underneath the rear floor section inside the cab. At slower speeds, you barely notice. With your foot firmly planted in the throttle, you’ll notice the increase in cabin noise.
At the end of the day, if your main purpose for buying a new UTV is to move people, tow implements, and haul material with as little cost, drama, and downtime as possible, you and the 2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT will likely be a match made in heaven! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Dude- I have the same model and cab(except for cab heater) this is SO cool! Thank you for showing me the window removal trick!
That’s awesome...glad we could help out!
Awesome video! Love the mule FXT I have a 16. Best machine out there.
They are REALLY tough! I was in the factory where they're built in Lincoln, Nebraska and that process is nothing short of amazing! One of the things I forgot to mention was the 3 year warranty. They're the only ones in the industry offering it. Please remember to subscribe if you haven't yet!
Good review, I'm getting a Mule in 2 weeks and considering a cab. This one looks like a good option.
These cabs are built like a tank!
Id think it would be an easy cab to insulate looking at doors a fĺat foam insulation the nice leather door panels over top... king ranch 😆
Thank you. Finally a quality review of this cab. I have confidence buying 1 now. Do you know of any small canopy toppers for the rear cargo area? I can find them for rangers but not mules.
Sorry...I do not.
I just purchased a 2020 Polaris Northstar - but now I saw this review and thinking I may want this instead. So many features I enjoy. I do 100% road riding - is it quieter than the Northstar going down the road?
I can't say that for sure, but the cab on this Mule isn't very quiet inside.
You made mistake buying Polaris once a Mule always a Mule
No you definitely made the right decision with Polaris Northstar with factory installed cab and heat and air. I love my Mule Pro Fxt but want to trade it in for Can Am Defender Limited with heat and air. I know the Mule Pros are quieter than the older Polaris Rangers because they utilize a 3 cylinder engine vs a 1 cylinder engine but I don't know about newer Rangers.
Can anyone who actually has the Curtis cab on a Mule PRO FXT, provide a pic of the installed washer bottle apparatus, the OEM and P/N for a compatible WINDSHIELD WASHER KIT)? I called Curtis and they told me they (only) made the Wiper Kit as an accessory and did (not) make a washer kit. I called Hesters and they told me they have NEVER installed a washer bottle on a Curtis Cab on the Mule PRO FXT. Appears this Mule PRO FXT has one installed on it. The Kawasaki washer kit is a bladder system and I cannot find any data suggesting it is compatible.
Where did you get that steering column protector? To keep the breeze out!
This was a demo machine so I'm unsure where that would have come from.
Does Curtis make brackets to put the original half doors on for the summer?
I'm not at all sure about that. You'd have to contact Curtis to be sure.
Great question! Unfortunately, there currently is no way of putting the half doors back on with the cab installed.
how much is the cab ?
I'm pretty sure this cab was north of $8k.