The side-by-side utility market offers farmers plenty of choices. These handy tools have become popular, often replacing the pickup for get-around-the-farm chores and Kawasaki was one of the original players in the market. This year they're upping the ante with the new Mule SX series designed for both the value-focused customer and the recreational buyer.

And the new Mule SX will fill a range of market needs. The four-wheeled machines are small enough to move through a dairy barn or around the cattle ranch, yet narrow enough to fit between the wheel wells of a full-size pickup bed. In fact the new machine is 2-inches shorter than its predecessor yet offers a range of new features.

READY TO WORK: The new Mule SX series from Kawasaki builds on the line's long-standing position in the side-by-side market and adds a range of new features.

The bed is steel-lined and comes with rails for optional storage bins or to securely fasten a load of whatever needs to be hauled. Available in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive and a variety of colors, the Mule SX Series also features headlights, a sun top with the option of a windshield, and enclosed storage up front and under the seat.

There are also two basic trim levels, the SX and the SX XC lineup with the top of the line being the SX 4x4 XC SE for Special Edition tricked out with alloy wheels and four LED headlamps and special paint.

New to the 2017 line-up includes updated styling features and a tilt steering wheel with 29 degrees of adjustability to make access to the driver’s seat more convenient. The large and easy-to-use controls can be easily accessed and used while wearing gloves.

There are even new cup holders with a deeper design and cut-out section to fit a variety of beverage containers.

OPERATOR IN MIND: The new operator station in the Mule SX series has clean lines, tilt steering and even improved cup holders.

The SX Series offers a 401cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Four-wheel-drive models offer a two-speed CVT transmission with high and low gearing while the 2WD models offer only the high gear option.

Also new to this year’s model is an increase in the fuel tank size – now 4.2 gallons with an easier-to-fill spout. Suspension in the spring and damper rates has also been changed to improve handling and ride comfort.

Kawasaki offers several packages for the Mule to include a hard cab configuration with sliding windows and a windshield that tilts open for increased airflow through the cabin, a hunting package with camouflage paint schemes, a soft top cabin with water resistant material a recreation package and a work/utility package.

You can learn more about the line at Kawasaki.com.

- Fitchette writes for Western Farm Press, a Penton Agriculture publication