Mechanical Mule - M274

[captw]

thanks Gilles.....yes, I know that the A5 is the only one that has both the bed and the axles made of aluminum, with the earlier versions either magnesium construction for both, or a magnesium bed with aluminum axle housings, depending on the model...I'm leaning toward the A5, as the 4WS models seem to command a little higher premium....I've corresponded with D. Kelone, and we have a mutual friend, so I'm hoping that when I see him next weekend he will have something decent for me....he left his home in Peoria, IL on Sunday, headed for the Knob Creek shoot, and then he'll be in NJ for the MTAofNJ show, before heading to Aberdeen, MD for the swap meet there...I've spent time on my friend's A5, and think it is a great machine...I don't expect it to keep up with ATV's on the trail, due to a lack of suspension, but it certainly will be ideal for what I intend to use it for, which is back in the bush at my place or as transportation for parts, etc. at the swap meets....I'll keep the group posted as to what I come home with, if anything...Gilles, does your A5 have a cover in the deck beside the operator, so you can reach down through the deck and change from 4WS to 2WS?...I just wondered, seeing as it would be a modification, as the A5's were all 2WS....W

[Wpns 421]

There is a cover beside the drive and it is to used to mount various weapons as well you can get to the steering linkage. Now Mules are either 2WS or 4WS and you cannot switch 4WS on and off. You have it or you don't. According to David Kelone converting to 4WS is relatively simple.
Also a very important point, make sure you get the access panels for the engine and the round front panel, these panel are very hard to find and worth gold, at shows David told me that if I leave the Mule unattended remove the covers or chain them and always remove them during transport. I usually tie wrap them in place when the Mule is in the yard.

[captw]

Hi Gilles....all M274's except the A5 models were both 2 wheel and 4 wheel steer....the rectangular access panel beside the operator, on all models except the 2WS A5, could be removed to access the lock pin and lock stop on the front axle housing.....with the lock pin removed from the rear steering shaft, the mule would steer both front and rear axles, with the rear steer shaft pinned to the lock stop on the front axle, only the front axle would steer, as referenced in the 1967 dated mule operator's manual....if you go onto the G503 site and go to the M274 area, one of the first topics covered is installing a rear steer kit onto an A5 and at the end of the article it's mention that a stop was still to be fitted to lock out the rear steer shaft.....Wilf

[Wpns 421]

Did he buy a M1010 or is he going to look at one. We are putting up our M1010 ambulance for sale. It is complete all repainted, excellent tires safetied and licenced for the road. Gilles

[captw]

Gilles, he bought it when we went down a few weeks ago to look at it....do you have any pictures of cab interior and ambulance body interior?....also, what is the price?....was it in service here or in U.S.?.....W

[Wpns 421]

I dod not have a picture of the inside but for exterior pictures go to the threat on hoarding and collecting and go to thread 38, Stuart Hadek took pictures of the ambulance at the Winchester Legion parade. We are asking
$5900 for the M1010. The vehicle was used by the US military and then sold to the Philadelphia police department and it was used as a ambulance or a SWAT vehicle. The truck was maintained by the PD as as a result is in excellent condition. The only thing we noticed was one of the back door has a slight bend, where someone backed into something but the door opens and closes. I will get pictures of the inside today if I have time. Gilles