Type Artillery tractor Designed 1942 | Place of origin United States | |
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Used by US ArmyBelgian ArmyJapan Self-Defense ForcesAustrian Armed ForcesYugoslav People's ArmyLebanese ArmyPakistan Army Wars World War IIKorean WarLebanese Civil War Manufacturer International Harvester Similar International XT, International Newport series, Cub Cadet | ||
The M5 High-Speed Tractor is an artillery tractor that was used by the US Army from 1942.
Contents
Construction
The M5 is a fully track vehicle designed to tow the 105 mm Howitzer M2, and the 155 mm Long Tom field artillery, and carry the gun crew and ammunition. A winch and roller system allows the M5 to pull vehicles to the front or rear. Armament is a single anti-aircraft M2 Browning machine gun.
History
The M5 was standardized in October 1942 from the T21, a vehicle based on the tracks and suspension of the Stuart tank. International Harvester started production in 1942. Use of the M5 in the US Army ended shortly after World War II, but continued in Japan, Austria, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Pakistan continued to use it.
Variants
Surviving artifacts
Many M5 Tractors were used in British Columbia, Canada, as carriers for rock drills. The Chapman "Drilmobile", manufactured by Chapman Motor & Machine Shop of Delta, BC was designed specifically for logging road construction, and was quite popular.