[maple_leaf_eh]

I think you answered both of your own questions.

To my knowledge, the only German half-tracks in widespread use after 1945 were the Czech production OT-810(?), which was not strictly a German model.

I vaguely recall seeing stories and rare snapshots of German machines used in forestry and logging operations after the war. One was a crane base. Without a doubt, it would have been hard to keep them running, but beggars can't be chosers. And, you are right about US pattern equipment being reserved for active service, leaving the leftovers for repurposing.