– with a higher amp/hour rating and a programmable charger that extends runtime.
– with twice the tow capacity, and nearly 20% more cargo area.
– with a heavy-duty front bumpers and a host of operator comfort features.
(These are just a few of the differences, Click here to see more)
| Feature | Pack Mule | Columbia | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity | 1,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs.* | Pack Mule provides greater cargo capacity for greater productivity. Columbia’s 1,000 lb. capacity is reduced by the weight of the driver as well as any options or accessories. |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs. | 1,000 lbs. Tow package upgrade available to 6,000 lbs. | Pack Mule’s standard tow capacity is twice Columbia’s—and for really heavy towing, Pack Mule provides options that will handle it. |
Deck Size Capacity | 31.5” x 48" (1512 sq. in.) standard with six optional sizes | 29.5” x 43” (1268.5 sq. in) | Pack Mule provides nearly 20% more deck space—and if you still need more, there are six optional sizes. |
Battery | 245 amp/hour | 232 amp/hour. Upgrade available. | Pack Mule’s greater amps per hour plus it’s better energy management system means more runtime between charges and greater productivity. |
Steering | Precision rack and pinion steering with a heavy-duty 1” steering pivot shaft. Front axle with tapered bearings. | 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. |
Ergonomic Accelerator Pedal | Standard | Not Available | Pack Mule’s pedal design makes it easy to drive. Columbia’s is set at twice the angle of Pack Mules, 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. |
Steps on Back of Operator Area | Standard | Not Available | Pack Mule’s standard backrest steps make it easy for the operator to get to hard-to-reach areas, reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity. |
Instrumentation Hour Meter | Standard | Available as an upgrade ($59) | 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 programmable, high-frequency charger uses temperature compensation and automatic cell equalization to extend runtime and battery life, lowering the lifecycle cost of the vehicle. |
Operator Friendly Ergonomic Matting | Standard | Not Available | Sometimes small things mean a lot. The ergonomic matting increases the operators comfort and reduces fatigue. That means increased productivity and safety. |
Fully-enclosed Operator Foot Area | Standard | Not Available | Fully enclosing the operator foot area increases operator safety and comfort as well as protecting the internal workings of the vehicle. |
Adjustable Backrest | Standard | Not Available | With Pack Mule the backrest can fit the operator rather than vice-versa, significantly increasing operator comfort, productivity, and safety. |
Construction | Heavy-duty 14-gauge genuine diamond plate steel over a 10-gauge unibody frame. | 14-gauge smooth plate steel. | Pack Mule’s more rugged construction means that it will hold up in high volume, heavy use applications. It’s the same heavy-duty construction we’ve been using for thirty years. |
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 | One-year Warranty | Pack Mule’s confidence in its quality allowed it to introduce the industry’s first (and only) three-year warranty. |
*According to Columbia’s published specifications, this isn’t 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:
