as an owner of a kaw 3010, an updated 610, i can say it is not junk!!!!! it is very dependable. that said, there are some compromises with a mule. here are its shortcomings: first, the centrifugal clutch (cvt) is not the best for pulling. i have pulled some 10in dia, 15ft sections of trees and felt as though i was overloading the machine. a transmission that would allow the driver to select the gear would be a great addition. that said, i have never had a second of trouble from the drive belt or clutch. second, the ground speed is only about 22mph (GPS) whereas some of the others are capable of 40mph. third, the mule is not as good as a 4 wheeler in the mud. it needs taller and more aggressive tires, and don't buy one without a winch!!!!!!!! fourth, the undercarriage is exposed and has a good many wires which get snagged. if these get pulled apart the 4wd and locking differential will not work. if you plan to use your mule in the wood i would head to home cheapo and p/u a pack of cable wraps. it is obvious that kaw should have addressed this with a belly pan. this will be corrected on my machine, soon. there are also many connections there that can be flooded causing shorts. i have tried to ford 20in of water and have had it shut down b/c of water in the connections. finally, the handling is not the sportiest among the utility vehicles. think of it as more of a dodge ram 3500 than a porsche. but, when it comes to hauling a load, it would be tough to top. it is rated to carry 800lbs in the bed, however, i have carried as much as 150 gal of water many times with no ill effects.
on the plus side is the feeling that this machine is absolutely rock solid. it has the capability to carry three, assuming you are close friends and none of you like the all-you-can eat pizza buffet too much. most of the competition only has two seats. it can haul a huge load, especially compared to a 4 wheeler and the motors on these machines are indestructible.
all in all, i would recommend a mule in a second. realize it has its limitations and work the heck out of it.