My latest project, yes it's a tractor

It's called an M4 High Speed Tractor, made by Allis Chalmers, and it was used during WW2 to pull the 105,155,and 240 MM guns, along with any other big trailer that needed to be lugged around.

Engine is a 817 cu.in. Waukeshaw six cylinder gas with two downdraft carbs. The engine is locked up but I do have another freshly overhauled engine ready to drop in when the time comes.

Powertrain consists of engine, clutch,a little short drive shaft that goes to a torque converter and at the end of the line is a transaxle with a four speed gear tranny. The engine sits mid-ship and the flywheel faces to the front because the front axle drives the track. In the rear there's a 30,000 lb winch. It does have a complete air brake system but it's only for trailers that have air brakes. The tractor itself just has the manual steering levers for brakes. There's a separate foot pedal for the air trailer brakes plus a hand brake. It's also set up for electric trailer brakes.

The vehicle looks a little intimidating but it's really kind of easy to work on. The biggest problem I've had is squeezing my 6'2" frame through the side doors.

When I started on it, none of the controls and levers would move but they freed up with a little gentle coaxing with a vise grip and some heat. The ammo box that sits in the back isn't there, but the owner does have his sights on one. I do have three shop manuals and one parts manual to go by so that's a big help but if some of you old military guys want to chime in on this, go ahead. The owner wants it done by next summer for our local threshing show cause they're featuring Allis. Jim

That machine is intimidating enough without a Howitzer dragging along behind!

Intimidating is right. Glad you"re taking that on and not us.

Kinda neat project.
So how fast was high speed?

35-40 MPH but I've gotta see it to believe it. Jim

136 cu in per cylinder, that's an impressive motor. Working hard I'll bet it's thirsty.

I don't have any knowledge of these machines except to say that during 1955-1958 when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base in California the 155 Howitzer Battalion had quite a few of these machines.They would about gag you when they roared by as you were on patrol along a road. The fumes from the exhaust made most of us feel sick. They could move fast and loud. Good thing they stayed far behind the front lines,the noise would let every enemy know what was coming.

Gotta love a challange! That looks like a fun project. How exactly does one find a M4 to buy???

I"m doing this for a buddy of mine, and he does have three of them - two for parts and one to restore. He"s been into military collecting for awhile and has the contacts. All three of these came from northern Iowa.

Oh yes, it"s WAUKESHA, not Waukeshaw. I"ll write it a hundred times on the blackboard when I get the chance.Jim

About 2 miles down the road is a group that call themselves a Military Preservation group. The main guy is 52 and is married to a woman from England. Her father runs a military musemum in England. They have shipped american vechilces from England back to here. He has a missile on a trailer in front of his house and many military vehicles around the building. He gives veterans rides during local parades. They will take about 10 different types of vehicles to these parades. If you have any questions, I could forward your name or phone number to him and he may be able to help you.
Steve

If the engine has the HP, 35-40 is very believable. An M1A1 tank will run 45mph. They will do 60 if the governor is overridden.

If that is the same engine that was used in Maxim pumper fire trucks, they can get a bit thirsty. If I remember right about 6 mpg with a tailwind going down a mountain coasting with the engine turned off, hehehehe!. ok 3-4 mpg might be closer! Dad and I used to do tune ups on those for two local township fire depts. They had twin carbs and twin ignition systems.