Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

M274 Mechanical Mule Knowledge Base
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Chuck W.
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Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

Post by Chuck W. » Mon Feb 23, 2015 8:12 am

Thanks to Chris and Tom for the following information. Please feel free to add additional photos, drawings, etc. We'd also like to see photos of your finished product.

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Last edited by Chuck W. on Thu Feb 26, 2015 11:21 am, edited 2 times in total.


GUNNUT in Iowa
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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions

Post by GUNNUT in Iowa » Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:05 pm

Sorry, I guess I am too late. :cry:

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1968 M274 A5 Mule
1945 Willys MB

Chuck W.
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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions

Post by Chuck W. » Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:22 pm

I don't think we can have too much information, thanks!

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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions

Post by Chuck W. » Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:27 pm

With all the talk about tow bars, I thought it might be helpful to post the towing instructions from the Operator's Manual. TM 9-2320-246-10
There are a couple of things you MUS do before you tow your mule: Steering should be locked into 2-wheel steer, the steering arm on the steering box must be disengaged by pulling and turning the T handle locking pin, and both the transmission and transfer gears must be in neutral. From my personal experience, I'd add, don't try to back up!

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rtadams89
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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

Post by rtadams89 » Thu Feb 25, 2021 7:52 am

Thanks for the diagrams; I was able to build a tow bar this last week using this information. Mine probably isn't a perfect copy of an original one, but it looks close enough and is functional.

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OD fire
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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

Post by OD fire » Sat Nov 12, 2022 4:57 pm

Also before towing,
Make sure the bushing on the bellcrank is tight, not worn out & no play in it.
Otherwise the towed mule will fishtail and possibly overturn.
Thanks
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WPVT
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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

Post by WPVT » Thu May 04, 2023 3:48 pm

Pardon my reviving an old post...
The instruction manual calls for towing in 2 wheel steer mode. My M274 only has 4 wheel steer. Should I consider towing to be unwise ?

PS The above may be a foolish question. I am now envisoning the tow vehicle making a long sweeping turn while the 4 wheel steer mule does its own thing behind. Not pretty.

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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

Post by Chuck W. » Fri May 05, 2023 7:41 am

I have towed mine several times in 4WS, just don't try to back up.

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Re: Tow Bar Dimensions and Proper Use

Post by WPVT » Fri May 05, 2023 8:50 am

Chuck W. wrote:
Fri May 05, 2023 7:41 am
I have towed mine several times in 4WS, just don't try to back up.
Thanks. Can't beat experience.


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