XM443E1
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- G-Lieutenant General
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XM443E1
A while back, we discussed the "Super Mules". I have been contacted by a new board member who actually owns one of these extremely rare vehicles.
From "U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles", by Fred W. Crismon (page 245): "The mechanical details of all the XM443 and XM443E1 models were essentially the same: a 164 cubic inch opposed-piston, air-cooled four cycle engine which developed 72 horespower was mounted just ahead of the rear axle, and it drove all four wheels through a three-speed transmission and two-speed transfer case. The body was aluminum, while the frame assembly was steel. Unlike the unsprung M274 Mule, the XM443E1 used coil springs and independently suspended axles all around." "Two XM443E1 prototypes were built but development was stopped after extensive testing by both the Army and Marines disclosed numerous maintenance problems."
Here are a couple of photos of the manual for the "Super Mule", and Joe will post photos of the actual machine once he gets it out of storage. I've also asked him to tell us about the machine and his involvement.
From "U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles", by Fred W. Crismon (page 245): "The mechanical details of all the XM443 and XM443E1 models were essentially the same: a 164 cubic inch opposed-piston, air-cooled four cycle engine which developed 72 horespower was mounted just ahead of the rear axle, and it drove all four wheels through a three-speed transmission and two-speed transfer case. The body was aluminum, while the frame assembly was steel. Unlike the unsprung M274 Mule, the XM443E1 used coil springs and independently suspended axles all around." "Two XM443E1 prototypes were built but development was stopped after extensive testing by both the Army and Marines disclosed numerous maintenance problems."
Here are a couple of photos of the manual for the "Super Mule", and Joe will post photos of the actual machine once he gets it out of storage. I've also asked him to tell us about the machine and his involvement.
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- G-Lieutenant Colonel
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Re: XM443E1
Interesting Chuck, it looks like some of the electric utility carts you would see at schools, work sites, and colleges around the country.
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- G-Captain
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Re: XM443E1
I think I remember seeing Willys built platform vehicles very similar for export during the 50's. They were not 4 wheel drive if I remember correctly. I spent some time in South America in the 60's and remember seeing some of these similar looking vehicles. Anybody else remember seeing these civilian platform vehicles?
1943 GPW 103951
1951 M38 27714
1952 M38a1 28888
1969 M274A5
1972 M151A2
1943 MBT
1951 M100
1979 M416
1962 M37B1
1951 M38 27714
1952 M38a1 28888
1969 M274A5
1972 M151A2
1943 MBT
1951 M100
1979 M416
1962 M37B1
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- G-Lieutenant General
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Re: XM443E1
Just a FYI, my mom has had another setback with her cancer and is back in the hospital, so I am sitting with her and it will probably b e a while before I can follow up on this post. Thanks.
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- G-Lieutenant Colonel
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Re: XM443E1
Sorry to hear that Chuck, you guys are in our hearts and our prayers.
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- G-Second Lieutenant
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Re: XM443E1
So sorry to hear about your mom Chuck!
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- G-Lieutenant Colonel
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Re: XM443E1
I had to laugh when I noticed the hubcaps (identified in the drawing) on this vehicle. With hubcaps and street tread tires, I doubt if this would be an off road mule variant.
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- G-Private
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Re: XM443E1
I seem to can't figure out how to post photos on this form I have started cleaning the garage a little bit I'm trying to figure out carburetor situation I figured out the tires the split rims so they can hold air I'm going to go out and buy six volt battery soon. My involvement with this machine is my dad bought it back in 1982 he was on his way home from work 1981 and seeing the military ambulance sitting at a wholesale lot took him a week to decide to buy it when he bought it sing the super mule sitting in the mud and that wholesale lot a year later the owner of the lot decided to contact my dad and told him that he was ready to sell it my dad has did some fabrication to it and cleaned it all up and it's been sitting in the garage for the last Thirty plus years until I started messing with it
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- G-Lieutenant Colonel
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Re: XM443E1
PLEASE send your pictures to Chuck so he can post them! I'm VERY interested is seeing one and I am sure most people here are as well.
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- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Re: XM443E1
Thanks for sharing - look forward to seeing the pictures.
I have a very extensive manual collection, including this:
Regards, Patrick
I have a very extensive manual collection, including this:
Regards, Patrick
Patrick
1943 Willys MB
1969 M274A2 Mule
Peoples Republic of New Jersey
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PortrayalPress
1943 Willys MB
1969 M274A2 Mule
Peoples Republic of New Jersey
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PortrayalPress
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