1943 M2 High-Speed Tractor

This rare machine has been fully restored and comes with a special history: it featured in the iconic film Memphis Belle. A piece of film history on tracks, in top condition and ready to show off next to a Flying Fortress or other WWII bomber.

Do you want to tow your WWII warbird out of the hanger and towards the apron or taxiway in style? This is the vehicle you want and need.

Location

Sidlesham, United Kingdom

Year of construction

1943

Country of origin

United States of America

Manufacturer

Cleveland Tractor Company

Type

Condition

Fully restored and in good running condition

Details

Condition

This M2 High Speed Tractor has been fully restored by Whitedell Engineering between 2022-2023 with no expense spared. The complete restoration has been extensively documented with photographs.

The Cletrac has no road registration. But a British road registration can be arranged by the current owner. We recommend contacting Track & Trade before bidding to discuss available options and any potential costs involved.

Specifications

Technical details

Manufacturer: Cleveland Tractor Company
Model: M2
Manufacturing date: 1943
Serial number: 153A348
Length: 13 fr 10 in (4,2 m)
Width: 5 ft 10 in (1,8 m)
Height: 5 ft 8 in (1,7 m)
Weight: 14,700 lb. (6.700 kg)
Max. speed: 22 mph (35 km/h)
Engine: Hercules WXL C3, 404 cubic inch, 150 hp, 6 cylinder
Crew: 3 (1 driver + 2 crew)
Winch capacity: Gar-Wood 10.000 lb. (4,5 ton) with 300 ft (91 m) of 3/8 in (9.5 mm) cable
Maximum drawbar pull: 7.500 lb. (3,4 ton)
Production numbers: 8.510
Road registration: No

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.

Design

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.

Cletrac made about 8300 of them but there are approx. fifteen M2 High-Speed tractors in running condition left.