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The Kawasaki MULE (Multi-Use Light Equipment) is a series of lightweight Utility Task Vehicle that have been built by Kawasaki since 1988. Initially available with a twin-cylinder engine in the original MULE 1000 model, the range has grown and been gradually updated over the years, and now includes both petrol and diesel variants. ==History== In 1988, the first Kawasaki MULE was introduced in the form of the MULE 1000; it featured a water-cooled twin-cylinder engine, which was fitted to an open-cab utility vehicle chassis.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=MULE Museum )〕 The MULE 1000 also featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), independent suspension at the front and rear and a locking rear differential.〔 The MULE 2010 was introduced in 1989, and featured a larger engine, a high/low CVT transmission, selectable four-wheel-drive and a De Dion rear suspension.〔 1990 saw the introduction of three new MULEs; the 2020, which was designed for golf courses and used a fan-cooled single-cylinder engine, the 2030, which was designed for industrial work, and the compact 500 model with a single seat.〔 The MULE 2500 series was introduced in 1992 and featured a new V-twin engine with a fan cooled CVT.〔 The 2500 series also featured four wheel self-adjusting hydraulic brakes and introduced a high mounted air intake system for the engine and transmission that drew air through the rear cab frame tubes.〔Kawasaki MULE 2510/MULE 2520 Utility Vehicle Service Manual, third edition pp. 15-8〕 The two-seat compact model 550 followed in 1996 and a turf version of that model, known as the 520, followed in 1999.〔 The first diesel MULE with a three-cylinder engine was introduced in 1999 as part of the 2500 series.〔 The MULE 3000 series arrived the following year, combining the 2500 series' V-twin petrol engines with a new continuously variable transmission and featuring new "pick-up truck" styling incorporating a storage compartment under the hood; a diesel version followed in 2003.〔 2005 saw the introduction of a four-seat version of the 3000 series and the compact 600 series, which featured an upgraded suspension, a engine, and new "high volume" bodywork similar to the 3000 series.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Kawasaki Utility Vehicle History 1988–2012, Recreation Vehicle History 2008–2012 )〕 In 2009, the 4000 series followed, with both petrol and diesel versions being available.〔 In 2014, the new MULE PRO-FXT was introduced, featuring a fuel-injected straight-three engine, a CVT transmission, and a cab that could seat up to six people. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア(Wikipedia)』 ■ウィキペディアで「Kawasaki MULE」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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