– with an A/C power system, batteries with a nearly 25% higher amp/hour rating and the industry’s most advanced controller.
– with a 60% greater load capacity, and a 36% larger cargo area.
– with a heavy-duty 6-ply tires and 14-gauge diamond plated body.
(These are just a few of the differences, Click here to see more)
| Feature | Pack Mule | Columbia | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
Tow Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs. | Pack Mule pulls twice the weight, which means that you get more work done with each trip, increasing productivity and decreasing vehicle wear. |
Cargo Capacity | 1,000 lbs. | 1,200 lbs.* | Pack Mule’s “cargo capacity” means just that. Columbia’s means “personnel, cargo, options, and accessories,” which would reduce the real cargo capacity substantially. |
Deck Size Capacity | 31.5" x 48” (1512 sq. in.) standard with six optional sizes | 29.5" x 43” (1249 sq. in.) | Pack Mule gives you more than 20% more cargo deck, making loading easier and safer. |
motor | A/C Motor 9.2 hp (24 V), 13.2 hp (36 V), 17.7 hp (48 V) | Separately excited DC motor 5.2 hp (24 V), 15.5 hp (48 V) | The Pack Mule NXG’s more powerful A/C motor lets you get more work done, especially coupled with the controller that increases power when you need it and reduces it when you don’t. |
Battery | 245 amp/hour | 232 amp/hour. | Higher amps per hour increase runtime and battery life. Pack Mule’s standard batter gives you more amp hours. |
Steering | Precision Rack and Pinion Heavy Duty 1” steering pivot shaft. Front axle with tapered bearings and center support between front tires. | ¾” steering pivot shaft and ¾” front axle with smaller bearings. | Ease and precision of steering not only affect driver performance, but also safety, especially in close areas. Additionally, the more robust steering greatly reduces downtime. |
Throttle Control | Dual Hall Effect Throttle Control | Spring-connected Throttle Control | The Pack Mule NXG’s Dual Hall Effect throttle control substantially increases safety for both the operator and the load by significantly reducing the chance of loss of throttle control, resulting in a “runaway” vehicle. |
Ergonomic Accelerator Pedal | Standard | Not Available (see note below) | Pack Mule’s pedal design makes it easy to drive. Columbia’s is set at twice the angle of Pack Mule’s, putting stress on the operator’s ankle, and the accelerator requires more than three times the effort. |
Cargo Deck Material | Melomine Laminated Decking | Painted Plywood Decking | Melomine lamination provides longer life and prevents early failure due to warping or splitting. |
Hour Meter | Standard | Not Available | Provides management and maintenance to accurately track vehicle usage so that preventative maintenance can be performed properly, decreasing machine failures. |
Programmable high-frequency charger | Standard | Not Available | Pack Mule’s high-frequency charger uses temperature compensation and automatic cell equalization to optimize run time and extends battery life. |
Operator Friendly Ergonomic Matting | Standard | Not Available | The ergonomic matting increases operator comfort and reduces fatigue, increasing productivity and safety. |
Fully-enclosed Operator Foot Area | Standard | Not Available | The fully enclosed operator foot area increases operator safety and comfort as well as protecting the internal workings of the vehicle. |
Adjustable Backrest | Standard | Not Available | The adjustable backrest allows the operator to set it to the most comfortable position, increasing operator comfort, productivity, and safety. |
Steps on Back Rest | Standard | Not Available | Let’s the operator move quickly and easily to hard-to-reach places, saving time and reducing operator fatigue. |
Hitch Plate | Multi-position hitch plate | Single position hitch plate. No upgrade. | Multi-position hitch plate allows hitch height to be adjusted to meet the specific application. |
Warranty | Three-year Warranty | Two-year Warranty | Pack Mule’s confidence in its quality allowed it to introduce the industry’s first (and only) three-year warranty. |
*This is “load capacity,” not cargo capacity. It includes “personnel, cargo, options, and accessories.”
We go to great lengths to make sure that our comparisons between Pack Mule vehicles and others are as fair and accurate as possible. It doesn’t serve anyone’s interests for those depending on the comparisons to be disappointed. Basically, here’s how we do them:
