Mechanical Mule - M274

[Wpns 421]

Actually there were trials done on the Mule in Australia in the early 60's, I found an interesting article on these trials. Basically the Mule was well liked, but the trial authorities gave it a bad report because of the tip over problem. It was found that at high speeds the vehicle had a tendency to flip over while pulling a sharp turn especially to the left where the driver sat especially loaded with a high center of gravity. During the trials a driver was killed when the vehicle flipped over. If you receive the MVPA magazines there was an article on the Mule last year in the Military Vehicle magazine and it talked about the trials.
Also Mules were used by the Aussies in Vietnam.

[captw]

Hi Charlie...Brian Asbury has at least one...also, I bought a 1966 M274A2 last year and have since sold it to Greg Anderson in Bancroft...Wilf

[charlie fitton]

Thanks Guys,

I have not been able to get on MLU for a while - a site saying the domain name is for sale keeps popping up. I've re-bookmarked it so hopefully all is well.

I've talked to Bryan and may get to see one soon.

Who knows - maybe one is out there for me too.

f

[captw]

Barry Churcher and I will soon be headed south to pick up his M1010 and while there I may attempt to purchase a mule that's all in one piece....we'll see what we can find.....oh yes, I forgot to mention that I believe Brock Jolliffe has at least one mule also...W

[chris vickery]

Wilf, PM sent...

[Wpns 421]

Wilf If you go looking for a mule you better bring cash and a trailer. Also when you look at the Mule if it is not a A5 which is made of aluminum really check it for corrosion. I bought mine from David Kelone who deals in Mules and he has all the parts, when I went looking I saw prices from $2200 to $14000. I know David Kelone has project Mules starting at $2200.
Just to tell you how useful they are, this week we had a dead M1009(Full size Chev Blazer, we hooked up the Mule to it aand with a little coaxing it moved the Blazer into the garage. The Blazer weight almost 4 times what the Mule does. My wife has threatened me with a slow death if I even think about selling the Mule. They are a great vehicle and as someone state they are the most expensive MV lb for lb but worth every cent. Gilles

[chris vickery]

When you consider what a new ATV is worth I think a mule is a far better value, pound for pound...
My Bombardier was over $12,500 new and I am sure a Mule would outdo it anytime.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Wpns 421

They are a great vehicle and as someone state they are the most expensive MV lb for lb but worth every cent. Gilles

I think that prize would have to go to the BSA folding bicycle. In second place would be the welbike. The mule might take first place in the 4 wheel category.

[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

[chris vickery]

You will not get a 106rr into Canada, good luck finding one here.
Depending on the level of restoration done, it is not hard to get up to those numbers.
I imagine when mine is done it will be in the $10,000 range but it will be a total overhaul with all NOS parts.

[The_Stainless_Steel_Rat]

As of right now mine is doing ok, it has about 10 hours on it since being completely overhauled, has one small leak in the PS front Knuckle
but otherwise all is well and working good, it is a M274 a5 with 4 wheel Steer, and pull start, regular tires and a army paint scheme.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...2/DSCN0576.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...2/DSCN0572.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...2/DSCN0574.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...2/DSCN0544.jpg

hope you can see those by clicking on them, should give you a Idea.
Has new Jugs Pistons, all gears checked and new or good parts, New Engine Guard and gas tank, all primed and painted etc. (details can
be given and show on photos if needed for those interested), lots more done but not listed.

They are a great piece of kit, and when I drive it I tend to smile a lot, so does my son who has now learned to shift because of it.

[Wpns 421]

Carolle and I will be bringing our Mule to Coe Hill this weekend, we will bring it up in the back of our M1009. Rides will be offered. We installed a second seat on the Mule, beside the driver to give rides and to park my butt while Carolle drives.
We took the rear seat from an Iltis welded it to a piece of flat stock and the flat stock is bolted to the side rails using existing holes. It can be removed in a minute, the side rail also doubles as a panic hold bar.
Gilles

[The_Stainless_Steel_Rat]

here is the photos for those interested...






any questions let me know, I will have a rubber (Stall Matting) Mat covering
the deck at future events to make it a little easier to protect the deck surface.