Specifications

Engine:	Hercules WXL C3, 404 cubic inch, 6 cylinder
Horsepower:	150 hp at 3,000 RPM
Torque:	312 ft-lb at 1,200 RPM
Turning Radius:	10.5 feet
Max Speed:	22 mph
Weight:	13,500 lbs
Length:	166 inches
Width	70 inches
Contact Length	63 inches
Fording Depth:	32 inches
Fuel Capacity:	33 Gallons
Winch:	Gar-Wood 7,500 lbs
Max. Drawbar Pull:	7,500 lbs
Status:	Static Display
Owner:	Estrella Warbird Museum

History

The M2 High-Speed Tractor (HST) was manufactured by the Cleveland Tractor Company for the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. Termed an MG-1+ by Cletrac, 8,510 were manufactured during World War II, primarily for use on airfields as a tow tractor and maintenance vehicle.

Powered by a 404cid Hercules WXLC3 engine driving a 4-speed transmission, the vehicle is capable of attaining speeds up to 22mph when the high rpm range is unlocked on the governor, allowing the engine to achieve 3,250 rpm. With the governor set at 2,500rpm, speeds up to 15 mph can be attained. Steering is accomplished through a Cletrac controlled differential that uses planetary gearsets to “downshift” one track when the corresponding steering lever is pulled. In this way, power is always being transmitted to both tracks making the steering action smoother and improving safety on steep slopes. Compared to the traditional “clutch and brake” steering found on most other crawlers of this vintage, the Cletrac differential has the disadvantage that it is not possible to lock one track and spot-turn around the braked track. Instead, the minimum turning radius is 10.5 ft. While this was a disadvantage for bulldozers, the controlled differential did prevent the tractor from tearing up pavement and turf, keeping the surface smooth for aircraft operations.

The M2 is equipped with a swinging drawbar designed for use in towing aircraft, as well as a second, swiveling pintle hook for towing ammunition, maintenance, & other types of trailers. Some testing was done to determine the suitability of the M2 as a gun-towing tractor, but it was quickly determined that it lacked the space to support the gun crews and carriage of ammunition and, as a 7-ton class machine, it was too light to pull the heavier howitzers and was eclipsed in this role by the M4 13-ton HST, M5 18-ton HST, and the M6 38-ton HST. However, with rubber tracks that were suitable for use on paved surfaces as well as grass and mud, the tractor performed well on the primitive airfields that were common in forward areas during the war.