Tractor May Be Used By Us Army?

serge · #1 17-01-08, 06:47

Hi
the owner of this small tractor claims that is has been used during the D-Day Overlord operations in Normandy. Many of its components are identical to those of the Weasel M29. Does anyone know if this kind of vehicule has really been used by the US army ? Dash bord, and specially the suspension system seems to be the same as these used on the M29 WEASEL.

Regards Serge

serge · #2 17-01-08, 06:49

Here , a pic of the front view of the tractor. Only 1,2 meters

serge · #3 17-01-08, 06:51

The dash bord owns military parts : ignition switch, panel light, circular instruments

serge · #4 17-01-08, 06:54

The engine use the same fuel pump as these use on DODGE T214 (6 valves) and electical parts ares made by AUTOLITE. Nevertheless the engine is shorter than the DODGE T214
I join the right side view of the engine.

Alex van de Wetering · #5 17-01-08, 09:32

Serge,

The dash and, small lid underneath it and the controls on the floor, as well as the seat, also seem to have come from an M29 Weasel. The tracks and sprocket look a little unusual though.

I recon the engine will also be from a Weasel, a Studebaker "6-170 Champion" 6 cilinder, indeed slightly smaller than a Dodge engine.

Don't know if the tractor is original US army, or a post-war conversion based on M29 parts.

Alex

gordon · #6 17-01-08, 10:44

I think it IS a Weasel.

It has had all the upper bodywork removed, the controls and panel relocated, and the tracks and drive sprocket have been altered. I'd guess the body alterations were done first, and the tracks and drive have been changed over the years when the originals gave up.

The bottom of the hull, engine, drivetrain (presumably) four sets of bogie suspension, all look to be just cut down Weasel.

A sort of French version of the Strickland Bren Tractor, really.

serge · #7 17-01-08, 14:48

Gordon

You are right. I think it is a tractor for civilian use which was builded by a french firm using M29 WEASEL parts . I remenber , now, to have seen a similar vehicle in "LE PAS DE CALAIS LIBERE" meeting in 1996 at the town of NEUD LES MINES.
I am looking for pictures of these last tractor.
Regards Serge