Larger Tires for Kawasaki Mule

[john_bud]

Hi,

I have a 2003 Mule 3010 4x4 and it really needs better mud and snow tires. It gets stopped in any snow over 8 or so inches and mud holes make you look for a winch tree before you get near.

So, has anybody put larger tires with better tread pattern for slippery stuff on a mule? Did you need a lift kit? What size/brand/tread pattern tires? Would you buy them again? What would you do differently?

Sorry for the many questions, but money is very tight and I can't afford mistakes!

Thanks,
John Bud

 

[bczoom]

Hey John,

I don't have a Mule but have a couple thoughts and questions.

Questions:
What size and kind (turf, ATV...) of tires do you have now? If 23x11-10, those will be a little harder to find than the more common sizes.

How much clearance is there between the top of the tire and the fender?

Besides mud and snow, in what other areas do you ride (e.g. If you ride on the lawn you won't want something too aggressive).

When riding in deeper snow, is the issue traction on the tires or is the snow building under the undercarriage and the Mule is going "belly up"?

Thoughts
Do a search for "Bighorns" on the ATV section of the forum. It's just a good search string but it'll provide a lot of info on good tires. The 589's are a great tire but very aggressive. The Bighorns aren't as aggressive but a good all around tire. Mud Lites or 489's may work well for you as well.

As for purchasing, there are several places. The 589's and Bighorns will sell for about $350 delivered, Mud Lites for $290 delivered. (prices are for a 25x10x12 or so size).

Brian

 

[jinman]

Try this link and these folks. They sell lots of Mule parts and every kind of tire design you can imagine.

Essex Manufacturing in Southlake, TX

 

[Big_Lug]

John,
I have the same model Mule and have been thinking of changing the tires too, but I still want to keep the factory wheels, b/c I don't want to spend the extra money for wheels. I also want to go with something pretty aggressive, but have had a problem with matching the 10" wheels. Most of the new tires are 12" now. Please let me know if and what type of tires you go with. Thanks Big Lug

 

[RIPOIL]

John,
I'll second what Jinman said. I have the 2" suspension lift and 27" Kevlar-belted, run-flat tires from Essex on my '04 Mule 3010 Diesel and it completely transformed that machine for off-road use. I gained almost 4" in ground clearance and no longer have to worry about anything taking out a tire. On my land in the Texas Hill Country my machine was close to useless without these mods.

Call Essex.