M1 light tractor


Prior to and during World War II the United States Army called several tractors M1 light tractor. Under the Ordnance Corps these commercial off-the-shelf tractors were meant to tow artillery pieces so were not equipped with blades like their Engineer counterparts. Eventually these were replaced by purpose-built high-speed tractors. Some tractors were equipped with crane attachments for ammunition, and material handling.

Variants

  • G015 M1 light ordnance tractor
  • G036 light tractor, 3.5-ton, Cletrac 20c
  • Light tractor Caterpillar R-4
  • G151 light tractor Caterpillar D-4
  • G099 light tractor IH TD-9

    Detailed information on Caterpillar D4

TB 5-9720-11 gives the following detailed information:
TRACTOR, CRAWLER, DIESEL, 35 TO 40-DBHP,
STANDARD, CATERPILLAR, D4
Manufacturer: Caterpillar Tractor Co. Stock No.: 78-8138.0-44
Peoria, Illinois
Model: D4
1. General. — The D4 is designed for towing and all types of general
construction work. Accurately located frame-holes are provided
for attaching varied tractor equipment to adapt it for use in
earth moving, road clearance, and airport construction work.
2. References. — For further information regarding this equipment,
refer to: TM 5-3110; ASF Catalog, Section ENG 7-T31, ENG
8-T31.
3. Engine. — Make: Caterpillar. Model: D4. Fuel: Diesel commercial. Cylinders: 4. Bore and Stroke: 4

Military service

An iconic vehicle used by the Seabees during Seabee. Often seen with the term "Natasha", the name of the bulldozer in the John Wayne movie "The Fighting Seabees"The Fighting Seabees. It was equipped with a plow and shipped off to islands in the Pacific to help build a variety of items, including airstrips, supply depots, and roads.