Brief Description.
The 5-ton artillery tractor, Model 1917, is a self-propelled road vehicle of the “Track laying” type; that is, the power is transmitted to the ground through a flexible endless chain which acts as a track and is composed of steel links and shoes cast integral and connected by hardened steelpins. The advantage of this type of tractor as compared with the usual type of wheel tractor or truck, is its ability, due to very low unit ground pressure, to negotiate very soft and uneven surfaces, impassable to the usual type of self-propelled vehicle except under the most extreme difficulties.
The general design and construction of the 5-ton tractor does not differ materially from that of the modern truck except in the method of transmitting the power from the transmission unit to the ground. It is used solely as a power vehicle for hauling howitzers carriages and caissons. Each carriage and carriage limber are drawn by one tractor and each pair of caissons are drawn by one tractor.
A complete description and instructions for care, maintenance, and operation are contained in the “Handbook of 5-Ton Artillery Tractor, Model of 1917.” (No. 1996).