2WS vs 4WS

[WPVT]

I recently purchased an M274-A5 for use in getting around and hauling tools on my property. It has 4 wheel steering, that was likely a conversion, since there is no provision currently to switch to 2 wheel steering. Are there any advantages to 2 wheel steering over 4, other than when used on pavement ?

[Chuck W.]

It was absolutely converted to 4WS, as all A5's left the factory as 2WS machines. John Emery sells two different brackets to lock the rear steering linkage into 2WS, one that bolts on and one that welds onto the right frame tube.
My experience has been that the 4WS mules are more unstable at higher speeds, but saying that, my A2 stays in 4WS all the time.

[WPVT]

Thanks. That's what I figured. I doubt that installing the bracket would be worth the trouble, as most of my use will be on fields and dirt roads. (Not much high speed highway driving.) Although I may just do it in order to have the option available.
Although it is interesting that the final version, the A-5, only had two wheel steering. I wonder why they made that decision?

[nickd]

My first of 5 mules acquired over the years (now currently 4) was a running A5, I changed the fluids, filters seals and boots. Two wheel steering was not to my liking. I converted it to 4ws and never looked back. Turning radius and maneuverability was a big improvement.
If you’re looking for a racing machine, skip the mule and buy a side by side or 4 seater. The mule was designed as a slow speed rough terrain hauling platform designed many years ago.Using it as designed the mule will perform reliably with minimal maintenance. Those newer machines have great suspensions better seats and tires along with power packs to reach speeds of over 50 mph.

[WPVT]

Thanks. I'm glad to read your comments. I have 4 wheel steer on another farm vehicle and I like it for the maneuverability. I bought the mule because I need the durability and practical transport, not to go fast. Often sections of our fields are wet and soft, and the low ground pressure of the mule won't leave ruts.

[WPVT]

Today I mounted the frame tube bracket that enables switching to 2WS from 4WS on my A5, and I thought I'd share a few comments. The bracket, by Emery Mule Parts, fits perfectly.
Two wheeled steering has quite a large turning radius. It's pretty unusual for a vehicle that small to require so much room to turn.
Does anyone know why the final iteration of the mule, the A5, had only 2 wheel steering ? There must have been some logic to that decision, but it seems counter-intuitive. This wasn't a highway vehicle.

[crankshaft45]

It was due to the high number of roll over accidents with 4 wheel steer.

[major519]

And to add to that note….
The Mule does not discern, it is a work horse. When it is in gear it will keep going. That means it must be respected.
It will continue to roll along, unobstructed until you disengage the clutch and put it into neutral.
It takes some wariness to operate one in a safe manner. They are not toys for a 10 year old. It would be easy enough to be thrown off only to end up being dragged through the bush until you ended up dismembered.
One of the warnings that Inhave heard was regarding starting procedures (original pull start).
If left in gear and started, the mule will lurch forward toward the OP and now you down or crush you in between it and whatever is in front of it.
Enough with the doom and gloom, but simply some safety consideration to think about. Enjoy, have fun and be safe

[Chuck W.]

And it also had a lot to do with price. Eliminating the 4-wheel steer and going to aluminum instead of magnesium did a lot to reduce the cost per unit. The M274 was already on the chopping block as it was no longer able to fill it's primary infantry support roll: https://whiteworks.us/TheMule/manuals/M ... ssment.pdf