About the Real Vehicle:

The Mechanical Mule is a small, 1/2-ton, platform truck. The US Army equipped the infantry with this truck for transporting personnel, weapons, ammunition, and basically any kind of general cargo. The Mechanical Mule could traverse all types of terrain and conditions. Mechanically simple, and lightweight, the Mule is air transportable. It wasn't designed to be fast, as it was primarily used to keep pace with foot soldiers. It could be driven from the seated position, or the steering gear could be swung-out to a position that would let a soldier drive the truck while walking alongside. The seat would thus be stowed underneath the right side of the platform.

Models M274, A1, A2, A3, and A4 had magnesium wheels and platform. The M274A5 variant had aluminum wheels and platform. Mechanical Mules had four-cylinder, air-cooled, gasoline engines. The engine was slung under the rear of the platform, and protected by a cage which varied from model to model. Mechanical Mules had two and four wheel steering, differing from model to model too.

Early models of the Mechanical Mule had side rails that were bolted to the platform, with later models had removable rails. These also had hand holds for easier loading and unloading when the trucks were shipped.

The Mechanical Mule could carry about as much as it weighed - 1,000 pounds. It could be driven on three wheels, if necessary. They were not equipped with electrical or lighting systems. Starting the engine was accomplished with a pull rope - like a lawn mower. The M274A5 was equipped with an electric starter, however. At the rear, there is an engine hour meter to record operation times for proper service and maintenance. Most modelers mistake this as a reflector.

M274 Above & Below: The first Mechanical Mule model had no mesh in the Driver's Foot Box. It was equipped with dual mufflers, oil bath air cleaner, solid cargo rails, and drop gears on the ends of the axle housings which reduced the silhouette of the truck. The model was built out of magnesium, and utilized four-wheel steering. In this photo, the steering column has been folded down to accommodate an operator walking alongside - on his knees. Between the spokes of the steering wheel can be seen the handle of the pull rope to start the engine. Four data panels are located above the front left wheel on the side of the platform. The photo below shows the steering column in the normal position. Note the dual rear mufflers to either side of the engine - under the rear of the platform, and the engine guard cage.

M274A1: This variant has the same characteristics of the original model. It received an improved brake system. The cargo rails were removable, hand holds added, and the engine hour meter location relocated. The four-cycle engine remained, with some improvements, and the engine guard cage was modified.

M274A2 Below: Basic characteristics remained the same in this variant too. It had larger drop gears on the ends of the axles, with some minor transmission upgrades. The engine guard cage was modified - this was the same as used for the A5 variant too.

Note the lift rings added to the hubs of this M274A2. To the front right of the seat is a hand hold added to the platform floor. Data Panels are in the same location above the front left tire.

M274A3: This is an upgraded M274 model. Updated steering and brake systems were added. The four cylinder engine was replaced by a two cylinder model. The engine guard cage was thus modified too. The Publications Bag common to the earlier variants and mounted on the rear of the seat back was deleted.

M274A4: This is an upgraded M274A1 truck. The engine was replaced by a two cylinder model, with changes to the engine guard cage too. Improved transmission and larger gears and housings were added to the axle ends.

M274A5 Below: The final Mechanical Mule variant was actually a new model altogether. The platform would be made of aluminum instead of magnesium, as were the wheel hubs. This variant used only two-wheel steering. It had the capability of being fitted with larger Terra Tires and extended fenders when needed. A TOW Missile kit was designed for this variant. It was also the only model to have an electric starter.

Note the single muffler on the rear left side and revised engine guard cage of the M274A5 variant. This version has the left rings on the tire hubs, as added in the A2 models. On the rear right-side bracket for the rails is the engine hour meter - commonly mistaken as a reflector by modelers.

The above photo is a TOW Mule, equipped with Terra Tires and fenders. The fenders are eight inches wide. This TOW Mule also has a headlight, which would be powered by the A5's 24-volt electrical system. Most of the later use of the Mechanical Mule by the US Army and US Marine Corps would be in TOW Missile operations.