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Cleveland Tractor

M2 High-Speed Tractor

The CAF Ground Forces Detachment is restoring this WWII-era M2 High-Speed Tractor.


Built exclusively for the U.S. Army as an aircraft tug and served in both combat theaters. 


The M2, also called a “Bomber Nurse" during WWII, was for moving aircraft and heavy trailers, especially if they were bogged down in mud or sand.  

Specifications

8,510 manufactured

Length 166 in  (4.22 m)

Width 70 in  (1.78 m)

Height 68 in  (1.73 m)

Weight 13,800 lb  (6,260 kg)

Crew Size 3

Engine Hercules, 6-cylinder, 150 hp (112 kW)

Range 100 mi  (160 km)

Maximum Speed 22 mph (35 km/h)

Drawbar Tow 7,000  lb (3,175 kg)

Winch Capacity 10,000 lb (4,500 kg)

Generator 3KW, 110 Volts, DC

Air Compressor 3 stage, 16.7 CFPM, 2.000 PSI

Black and white image of an M2 copied from the cover of an original wartime technical manual

Found in Belgium & Moved to Texas

    Thank You

    Moving the Cletrac from Europe

    Moving the Cletrac from Europe

    Moving the Cletrac from Europe

    H.O. Wildenberg of Rhenen, NL, (European expert for WWII vehilce parts) was instrumental in securing the Cletrac from her Belgium home and arranging for shipping to the USA.

    Wildenberg Parts

    Import and Processing

    Moving the Cletrac from Europe

    Moving the Cletrac from Europe

    The team at Midwest Military not only has jeep, Dodge, and other parts, they helped us import the Cletrac and process through customs upon arrival in the USA then work with hauling her journey's final leg to Texas.

    midwest military

    Video

    First engine run in 40+ years

    Once the Cletrac made it to Texas, the head was installed and basic engine pieces put together. Here's the first run!

    It's just not running right...

    Take a listen and you'll hear it missing and some clicks. Time to dig into the engine and see what's wrong.

    After the rebuild, she sounds much better

    You can hear the difference in the engine. She's running much better now after a extensive engine shop work.

    Restoration Photos

      WWII M2 Cletrac Towing B-29 "FiFi"

      This video was taken on 27 October 2018 at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD) and is believed the first time since B-29s were retired from the USAF that one was towed by a Cletrac. 

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