m35a2

Jon Skagfeld · #1 30-04-12, 01:15

Interesting input here, especially WRT the "deuce-and-a-half" type vehicles.

I have been driving, instructing and testing students on the MLVW since it was introduced c.1982, both in the military and, now, as a contract employee.

I don't have a Z endorsement on my provincial license, yet the official MTO air brake manual states that "You must have an air brake endorsement on your driver's licence to drive a vehicle with air-over-hydraulic brakes in Ontario". So it seems that the Z requirement was ignored in this case.

I do have the air brake certificate from the military, but that isn't recognized by the MTO, yet the $300.00 civilian course is recognized by the military.

On our own time, a few of us instructors started the MSVS conversion course, with air brake endorsement on my 404s. Part way through the course, with road time in already, we were told that without DZ on our civvie licence, we could not proceed. So here it seems that the Z requirement was enforced.

If you can muddle your way through all of the above, you'll perhaps realize why I'm asking a great big ... WTF?

Grant Bowker · #2 30-04-12, 02:16

As I understand it, you are allowed to drive DND vehicles on Ontario raods provided you have your 404 and the vehicle is of a type annotated on your 404, regardless of whether you have a civilian licence.
IF this is correct and IF your 404 is annotated for the MLVW, presumably you can drive the MLVW on Ontario roads regardless of the statement in the Air Brake Handbook.
It sounds to me as if you met someone who had read one paragraph of the rule book and failed to read the surrounding chapter(s). The phrase about a little knowledge being dangerous comes to mind.

XJSKINS · #3 30-04-12, 21:36

Chris, I was under the impression that as a private Canadian, you could not import a M35 from the US unless you went through a person/company that had an export license or something to that effect due to something about state department military equipment or some other non-sense.

Are you saying that if I had a brother-in-law that was a US resident that he could purchase from GL, I in turn could purchase from him and import as described above?

My apologies for the high jack, but I feel this pertains to the theme of the thread.

Cheers

Rick

Robin Craig · #4 01-05-12, 00:49

Gents,

I would like comment on some of your thoughts.

We have in the collection two Bedford MJ trucks. Very similar to a "deuce" except number of axles.

They are both air over hydraulic. Z endorsement is required. Dependant on whether empty or not is a grey area on the G vs D licence according to some, in my understanding empty is a G loaded is a D. Frankly I would say a D minimum.

As I hold an A Z I dont have an issue.

The trucks are heavy enough that they require plating under the commercial rating and hence need an annual safety and emmissions in perpetuity.

As the trucks are in that weight category they require be driven under the terms of a CVOR. One does not have to have a CVOR personally but a letter carried in the vehicle stating that the vehicle is leased to the CVOR holder and the vehicle is under their care and control. Having that letter lodged with MTO is a good idea also.

Hence my employer owns the trucks but his company has the CVOR and leases the trucks and they run under the company CVOR.

Each truck is required to be daily checked and a record kept, that is your driver trip inspection book. $390 fine for failure to do so. Period.

If you are looking for an M series truck the collection has a M109A3 for sale, POA.

R

captw · #5 01-05-12, 03:06

if you wish to purchase a former US military vehicle from Government Liquidations, or some vehicles sold by GSA, most will have an End User Certificate, which means only US citizens living in the USA, not relatives of USA residents, etc., can purchase these vehicles directly from the above sellers, and only after having applied for the EUC, and being granted one for each vehicle purchased, and then you pay again to get a SF-97(transfer of title form)....the only legal way for a foreign national(Canadian) to get one of these EUC marked vehicles is to buy one from a dealer authorized to sell internationally...in my point of view, strictly a cash grab all the way around...good luck!...W

rob love · #6 01-05-12, 03:13

The old duece, as well as the MLVW (and the US M35) only use the air as an assist. You will still have brakes despite the loss of air. That is why you do not need an air brake license to operate them. However, hook up the 1-1/2 ton trailer and you now need the air brake license. If you lose the air system, you will not have any braking on the trailers.

At least that's how I have always understood it.

Stan Leschert · #7 02-05-12, 07:42

If your DND 404s have the endorcement for MLVW, you may operate any Gov't owned ML. The second that you want to drive a privately owned rig, things get more complex, depending on province, and the pissiness of the Motor Vehicle Inspector, who has just pulled you over, and has no idea of how to properly vent his wrath upon you.

The best way to avoid problems, if you get one, is to get a Class 3 (BC. other provinces have different term for 3 axle ...) and an Air endorsement.

There are a few nice Multi Fuel M35A2 in your area, or contact a reputable dealer like Eastern Surpluss, that has an export liscence, and will sell you a good road ready truck.

The manuals for most trucks of that series are available for free download on steelsoldiers.com

Most private USA truck owners won't sell to you, just go to a proper dealer as noted above.

Read, learn, then decide which big green toy is either going to annoy the fellow next door, or is going to be the hit of the Remembrance Day Parade.