Kawasaki Mule rebuild!

Harley Jim · Jan 31, 2025

I purchased a kawasaki mule a few days ago, I looked it over and have decided to do a rebuild of sorts. I can't do a stock restoration on anything, it's just not in me to do that, I have to do it my way!

For reference, This is my 2000 JD LT133 it's on its third hood, y'all know how bad these hood are so I cut down a Massey Ferguson TO35 hood and fixed it, it will never crack again.

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So this is the Mule. It's rough but it starts and shifts, it has trouble idling!

I did a bit of an inspection, R. front was locked up, I pulled the hub and found the lining of one shoe rusted to the drum, I peeled it off and put the wheel back on for now,

The fender/cowel supports are rotted.

I cut them off and sent pics and measurements to Alex,he will bend a new set and bring them down tomorrow, he is coming here anyway so it will save me a trip.
The roll bar unbolts so it came off for now also.

I've sprayed everything down with PB Blaster a couple of times today, next week I'll pressure washed everything. I have made a short list and ordered some parts.
More to come. Please tell me what you think about the process, I love constructive criticism, I like opinions, I don't always take them or may alter them but I always discuss them. Thank you all, Jim

EddieWalker · Feb 1, 2025

What year is it? I have a 2011 Transmule this has become difficult to start, but otherwise, still runs fine. I think that they used lawn mower engines in them, and that led to a lot of issues in the Mule's because people drive different then they mow.

mrmikey · Feb 1, 2025

I wish I could find something like that, I enjoy fixing up old, neglected machines. Usually it's not financially sensible but mehhhh, what the heck LOL. There's a young fella on Youtube, 2vintage , he gets some good deals and fixes them up. Seems like a pretty smart fella, usually he comes out the better.

Harley Jim · Feb 2, 2025

EddieWalker said:
What year is it? I have a 2011 Transmule this has become difficult to start, but otherwise, still runs fine. I think that they used lawn mower engines in them, and that led to a lot of issues in the Mule's because people drive different then they mow.

I'm not completely positive yet but I'm thinking 2004 from what I see to compare it with. I should look for a tag!

Harley Jim · Feb 2, 2025

mrmikey said:
I wish I could find something like that, I enjoy fixing up old, neglected machines. Usually it's not financially sensible but mehhhh, what the heck LOL. There's a young fella on Youtube, 2vintage , he gets some good deals and fixes them up. Seems like a pretty smart fella, usually he comes out the better.

I looked for a long time, I should say I'm always looking for them.
The red one is a 2005 yerf dog scout, I got it for 700 and have put maybe 300 into it, they are selling around here for 2000-2400 so I should make a little on it. The Mule I got for 600, I anticipate putting about 600 into it, it's going to need a full set of tires and wheels, they are in very bad shape, a rough Mule here is going for 3000 so I'll be ok with it also. I won't sell the scout until the Mule is done because Im somewhat disabled and use it a bunch around my neighborhood, I use it daily to go to the neighbors we build custom trikes at his shop and it's easier than loading a truck.