Kawasaki MULE 4000: Specs, Features and Model History

The Kawasaki MULE 4000 is a two-passenger, two-wheel-drive utility UTV built around simplicity, durability and useful cargo capacity. Introduced as part of the MULE 4000 Series for the 2009 model year, it replaced the earlier MULE 3000 as the entry point into Kawasaki’s larger industrial-grade utility vehicle family.

Although the MULE 4000 lacks the four-wheel drive of the closely related Kawasaki MULE 4010 4×4, it uses the same proven 617cc V-twin engine and offers an 800-pound cargo-bed rating and 1,200-pound towing capacity. That combination makes it a practical choice for farms, ranches, facilities and properties where traction demands are moderate.

Kawasaki MULE 4000 Overview

The MULE 4000 occupies an unusual place in the utility side-by-side market. It has the load-carrying ability and wide cargo bed associated with larger work UTVs, but its two-wheel-drive system keeps the drivetrain straightforward and the purchase price below comparable four-wheel-drive models.

Kawasaki powers the machine with a liquid-cooled 617cc overhead-valve V-twin. Digital fuel injection automatically compensates for changes in temperature, elevation and operating conditions while eliminating the manual choke found on older carbureted utility vehicles.

An automatic fast-idle system assists with cold starts, while the engine control unit regulates maximum engine speed electronically. Power reaches the rear wheels through a continuously variable transmission and low-maintenance shaft drive.

Two-Wheel Drive with a Locking Differential

The MULE 4000 is strictly a two-wheel-drive vehicle, which is the most important distinction between it and the MULE 4010. Its dual-mode rear differential can be locked when additional traction is needed or unlocked for tighter turns and reduced turf damage.

Owners who regularly encounter deep mud, snow, steep trails or loose terrain will generally be better served by the four-wheel-drive MULE 4010. For maintained roads, farm lanes, warehouses, large properties and relatively level worksites, the simpler MULE 4000 can perform the same hauling duties without the additional four-wheel-drive hardware.

Cargo and Towing Capability

A steel cargo bed gives the MULE 4000 an 800-pound cargo capacity. The bed measures approximately 46.3 inches long, 51.6 inches wide and 11.3 inches deep, providing enough space for tools, feed, landscaping materials and other work supplies.

The bed tilts to simplify unloading, while two tailgate levers make the tailgate easy to open and secure. With the appropriate drawbar installed, the MULE 4000 can tow as much as 1,200 pounds.

• Cargo-bed capacity: 800 pounds
• Towing capacity: 1,200 pounds
• Total load capacity: Approximately 1,330 pounds for the 2011 model
• Seating capacity: Two occupants

Work-Focused Chassis and Suspension

Independent MacPherson struts provide 3.9 inches of front-wheel travel. At the rear, Kawasaki uses a De Dion axle with leaf springs and shocks, providing 2.8 inches of travel. The rear design emphasizes stability and the ability to support a loaded cargo bed rather than recreational trail comfort.

Sealed, self-adjusting hydraulic drum brakes are fitted at all four wheels. The MULE rides on 23×11-10 tires and offers 7.5 inches of ground clearance. Rack-and-pinion steering and an 11-foot turning radius help the vehicle maneuver around barns, equipment and other tight work areas.

Cab and Maintenance Features

The bench seat accommodates two occupants, while the dash-mounted gear selector keeps the controls simple. Instrumentation includes an hour meter, fuel gauge, parking-brake warning light and coolant-temperature warning light.

An air-restriction gauge alerts the owner when the air filter requires attention. The fuse box and oil dipstick are positioned beneath the seat for convenient access, while the front hood opens using a dash-mounted release and provides access to a storage compartment with tie-down points.

Kawasaki also incorporated winch-mounting tabs beneath the front grille. Available accessories included hard and soft tops, cab enclosures, heaters, winches and snowplows, allowing the machine to be configured for year-round property maintenance.

2011 Kawasaki MULE 4000 Specifications

MULE 4000 Model History

The MULE 4000 Series arrived for 2009 with pickup-inspired bodywork and fuel injection for Kawasaki’s gasoline-powered full-size work models. The launch represented the next step beyond the MULE 3000 Series and established a basic formula Kawasaki would retain for many years: a 617cc V-twin, automatic transmission, shaft drive and a work-ready steel cargo bed.

The MULE 4000’s long production life is less about rapid technological change and more about a proven design remaining useful. Kawasaki has updated colors, instrumentation and individual specifications over time, but the model’s fundamental purpose has remained consistent.

See our history of the Kawasaki MULE for the complete timeline, or compare the MULE 4000 with newer utility models in the Kawasaki MULE lineup guide. The latest versions are also covered in our 2027 Kawasaki MULE 4000 and 4010 overview.

Is the Kawasaki MULE 4000 a Good Used Work UTV?

A used MULE 4000 can be a sensible choice for buyers who prioritize cargo capacity, simple controls and low-speed work over recreational performance. Before purchasing one, inspect the CVT operation, rear differential lock, brakes, steering components, cargo-bed condition and signs of corrosion or overloading. Maintenance history is especially important on machines that accumulated extensive commercial or agricultural use.

The MULE 4000 is not designed for high-speed trail riding. Its limited suspension travel, 25-mph governed speed and two-wheel-drive layout make its intended role clear: dependable hauling and towing around a worksite or property.

For current model information, visit the official Kawasaki MULE 4000 page.