History of Army/Marine M274 Mechanical Mule or Military Mule & Walkaround

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for all of the nice comments! If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing to our channel and checking out our recent projects including the restoration of a 1943 Willys MB jeep and the ongoing restoration of WW2 1943 Studebaker amphibious/tracked military Weasel. ruclips.net/channel/UCKjQSpPgnazk07auwVem2ww?view_as=subscriber

[@johntaylor1947]

They should have never stopped making these a very useful vehicle and inexpensive to make and maintain.

[@Portrayalpress]

Agreed John - they are great vehicles. There are a few things that could be upgraded...like a better muffler to make it a little quieter, but they are super useful little vehicles and as you say, easy to keep'em running.

[@boondocker7964]

@william bush I never heard that one, but, a couple of mules could move a squad (under strength) faster and took a lot of the leg work out of getting to some place quick.

[@DBAllen]

That's why.

[@MrSirwolf2001]

My unit had a Mule in our forward unit in Honduras. Super fun vehicle!

[@SarahSmith-hd8kd]

That is EXACTLY why they stopped, I mean almost sure of it. Just like why they stopped XJ, TJ production as well!

[@frankhinkle5772]

I saw a Mule at an airshow when I was a kid, and my Dad explained all about how versatile it was, and that you could drive it or walk behind and steer it as you demonstrated. I always thought it was one of the most ingenious and practical vehicles ever designed. Thanks for showing off this Mule.

[@Portrayalpress]

All these little seemingly meaningless events that stick with us Frank. Thanks for sharing and for the kind comments!

[@Wingnut353]

Its also one of those designs that would as implemented not fly today... because it could run you over! perhaps if when the handle is folded down it could lock the transmission into first low only? Since it isn;t like you could keep up with it faster than that anyway on foot.

[@chrissmith7669]

Our commander fought to not turn ours in. Replacing them with Chevy CUCV for supporting aircraft ops on the FARP was delusional. For carrying arms from storage to the heli pads nothing beats the mules.

[@drewrowl]

You are not very old then, how many years of age are counting with your little fingers kid?

[@f143744]

I remember driving those in the 70’s. Dangerous then, they like to flip over because we overloaded them, and drove them wide open, crazy as heck…

[@Portrayalpress]

Yes sir - you really need to keep these on the slower side with the 4 wheel steer.....

[@Wingnut353]

@@Portrayalpress A modern implementation might take the gear you are currently in and use that to adjust the steering ratio or disable rear steer in the upper gears... also many new cars have variable steering ratios these days with electric steering but that would be overkill (basicall steering ratio increases as speed increases, so little movement makes a tight turn at low speed but move movement is required at higher speeds.

[@kellyburket6955]

So they weren't dangerous, you were.

[@pamtaylor6110]

@@Wingnut353 he didn't show it but there is a door next to the seat with a selector pin that disconnected the rear wheel steer and locked them for conventional steerage.

[@aBc-123-XyZ]

We used these in USMC for the 106 recoilless rifle in 1977-78. Semper Fi. 😎✌

[@larryfisher7056]

As the range safety corpsman, I got to fire one from a mule in '72..

[@larryjohnson8327]

YES, SEEN THAT IN NAM 67-68 MOUNTED 106 RECOILLESS RIFLE

[@Portrayalpress]

@@larryfisher7056 Sweet!

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

29 palms (1979), I was 17 when I first saw one with the 106.
The Marine Corps version
of the show "Rat Patrol."
I wanted one then and I still do.

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

that's a very small tank hunter.

[@danielhahn55]

"if you're so inclined ..." and puts the steering column to a higher inclination. I love it!

[@Portrayalpress]

I don't know if I was actually being that clever😂. Thanks for watching!

[@Dan-jg3fg]

I would love one of these for my off grid property!

[@Portrayalpress]

Dan - they are great....they have gotten a little expensive but with ATV's running in the tens of thousands, maybe they really are not that expensive.

[@boondocker7964]

@@Portrayalpress I'm surprised someone has not tried to reproduce these things.

[@Portrayalpress]

@@boondocker7964 Agreed.

[@demonprinces17]

Buy a gator

[@Dan-jg3fg]

@@demonprinces17 I'm thinking on going that direction, unless I can find one of these for less than a Gator, but is still in good running condition.

[@AndrewSpencer2]

I'm an EMT in my 30s, and we've got one of these for backcountry rescues in the summer. I know next to nothing about it, so its great to hear about the history and functionality. I can't wait to try out the walk behind feature, thanks so much for the great video!

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for watching Andrew and for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it - they are both useful and very interesting vehicles. Make sure whoever is responsible for maintaining the Mule checks out the "lubrication order" video. Have them reach out to us at [e-mail] and we will hook them up with a copy of the lube order.

[@Wingnut353]

Another thing to consider is be extra careful with the walk behind feature... alot of people have been ran over by yard equipment.

[@Xarcht]

You will love it for rescue duty.

[@clarencehamm14]

Training with it looks to be fun,

[@kratz57x]

👍 Thanks so much for the memories! I got to the 82nd in '75 and our mortar platoon still had four mules, all pull-start. In the winter you hoped one of the four would start so you could pull start the others. If not, light a piece of paper and hold the flame to the exhaust, as the driver pulled the start cord the flame would get sucked in and cause a backfire and start (you could tell who the FNG of the squad was... he had no hair on his hands). At 25mph going down firebreaks we had to stop every once in a while to pick up passengers that had been "ejected".
One of the funniest things I ever saw... a FNG actually pull started a mule IN GEAR. He wasn't even smart enough to let go of the pull cord. The mule ran him over and he was still hanging on underneath. Took us a while to chase him down we were laughing so hard. Nobody hurt - good times. Thanks again.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for sharing - great stories. I love the backfire start idea...outstanding!
I had a friend of mine pull start his 2 cylinder in gear....same effect...no injury but he damn near got squished between the Mule and a tree.... could have been an issue but instead just a great story. Thanks again!

[@joelsullivan3614]

@@Portrayalpress how much horsepower is that a 2-cylinder make?

[@artur8403]

Why we don't see them everywhere. This is genius

[@chrissmith7669]

When we were told to turn in our Mules and use the Chevy pickups instead our commander ignored the directive. There was no way to replace a mule with a full size pickup On the FARP.

[@davidkuehne476]

Probably because it's very very very dangerous - using that safely would require pretty thoughtful, deliberate users, it's got the ability to go way faster than it safely can. It would be very easy to run yourself over while operating it from a walking position, or to not be able to avoid a collision with something else, lacking the muscle memory and mechanical advantage/position to be able to press the brake and clutch without losing steering control.

[@chrissmith7669]

@@davidkuehne476 good Point. The Military likely cut up many to prevent use as they did with Jeep’s. I’d still love to have one.

[@demonprinces17]

Called gators, army buys them off the shelf

[@chrissmith7669]

@@demonprinces17 I’ll take the mule. Lol

[@carolrobinson7779]

Somehow my uncle ended up with one of these in the early 70s, pretty cool toy for a group of 9-13yr olds growing up in rural Missouri. Me and my cousins tried our best to kill it year-round 😂 parts got difficult to find we lost interest and eventually it was sold. The new owner did a motor swap and as far as I know it's still being used today. I'm still amazed we all survived childhood...

[@Portrayalpress]

Yes Carol! Great memories. Between riding around without seat belts, bikes without helmets or playing with industrial grade machinery...it is a wonder we did survive. Thanks for sharing!

[@whomagoose6897]

The mortar platoon I was assigned to when I was in the 101st had the M-274, A-5 model. There was an A-3 pull start model in the Company, used by the Battalion's maintenance platoon. All other groups had the A-5 model. Alpha Company, 2nd/327 Infantry. Glad I was on the A-5 model. The M-274 Mule will be remembered as the absolute funner-est motor vehicle in history. Absolute blast to drive.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your service and for sharing the story. The Mule is a blast to drive! Were all of your A-5's two wheel steer or were they converted to 4 wheel steer?

[@whomagoose6897]

Portrayal Press: 2-wheel steer, 4-wheel drive and electric start. I didn't know that the steering wheel could be moved forward. Shift the gears into low range reverse gear. And walk behind the Mule so you could put even more cargo on the deck. The Mule was great for mortar crews. But, only for light mortars like the M-29, 81mm mortar. Also, worked on that old M-30, 4.2" (Four-deuce). Just too heavy for the Mule.

[@logankincade661]

Absolute Funner-est !!!!! I love that!! If you don't mind , I'm gonna start using it.

[@anyhoot47]

2/320th FA 101st, 1985-86. Good times with the mule. I was the last guy to drive it in my battery when we turned it in.

[@DavibPortnoy]

Hi I served in alpha 2nd bn. 327th inf. 1st plàtoon 75 to 79 maybe we knew each other .my last 2 months I got as job as the bn illustrater cake job I drove the bn. Cmdr. Mule sank it à creek had to get huey to get it out Not à good day Ed williams was you in reforger 76

[@donalddodson7365]

Great explanations and demonstration. Thank you. I could use one at my place every Thursday hauling refuse cart-bins.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for the kind words Donald - they are indeed super useful machines! They have appreciated a lot over the last 10 years, but still less than a modern "mule" or the like....and cooler!

[@damonthomas8955]

I always thought those things were cool, ever since I saw the one in Maximum Overdrive.

[@Portrayalpress]

.....kinda sad to see it blown up but I guess it wasn't being very nice to the humans...

[@henryrodgers7386]

My father drove an identical one, complete with M60, on a base once. It was called the "Loon Buggy".

[@tuko99xtheugly56]

Damn I haven’t seen one of these in 30 years. Used to love driving this thing around on base.

[@Portrayalpress]

Greetings Tuko!

[@GeauT]

Great video. My father was a mule operator in the Marines. I saw one in a museum once, that was outfitted as a weapons platform.
It’s cool to finally see how they work.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you GeauT. If you look around your local area, there is likely a chapter of the MVPA - military vehicle preservation association. We have clubs all over the country/world and you will almost certainly find a Mule at one of these clubs/events and a good hands on tour and a ride!

[@MRrwmac]

Back in '68 I used one of these a few times while an enlisted man in the Army. Much later as an officer and helicopter pilot around '73, I was asked if I knew what an Army mule was and if I could haul one internally in my Huey? Other pilots and my copilot didn't know what it was and thought it was a real mule therefore refused thinking it was a joke and thought they would have to sling a real mule externally! I agreed to haul it and it was great to see one again after so many years! Thanks for taking me down memory lane! BTW, I hauled many M151's externally and wish I had bought one at one of the many base auctions as they were phased out. Had driven them as an EM and loved them. Great source of fuel for our zippo lighters. Haha.

[@Portrayalpress]

+MRrwmac Thank you for sharing the stories Mac. We have a manual on airdropping the Mule - pretty interesting. We also have a couple of pictures of failed air drops - the Mule did not fare to well.....

[@Daytona2]

Genius! Only just discovered these. Paul Hardcastle's video for 19, brought me here.

[@scso1502]

One of the A1s was just listed on Facebook for sale up here near me in Montana. I knew nothing about these until I started looking on the Internet and found your video. What a cool machine! Thanks for the history lesson! I really enjoyed learning all about the M274!

[@Portrayalpress]

You are very welcome. They really are cool machines....if you end up looking at the machine, send us pictures to [e-mail] and we can give you our $.05.

[@michaelvalenzuela2528]

I was at Ft. Bragg from 74 to 76, some of the Grunt units were still using these. I saw one being used as a platform for the Dragoon A/T system.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your service Michael. The Marines kept them into the 80's....interesting on the Dragoon system...👍

[@wolfgangholtzclaw2637]

Used them in 18th AB Corps to. My first experience was with one in 503rd Infantry, Charlie Company 101st AB Division Ft. Campbell KY about 1977. Only memory is driving it down a snowy landscape while other member of C Company humped their gear and looked on with disdain... "you shammer".

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for your service Bubba and for sharing. You never want to be "that guy" but....😂

[@WMFerguson]

I clicked on this video because my grandfather gave me a collection of photos and a letter detailing his time over in Vietnam. One of them was him on "his" mule, here's what he had to say about it." March '68- Phuoc Vinh, this is the airborne's answer to a jeep. We call them "mules". They go about 20mph and have no suspension system (ouch!). I like to think of it as my "go-kart"." He was in the 101st airborne and Rangers, USMA class of '66.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for watching W.M. and for sharing your grandfather's story. That is great that you have his photos and letters....collect those stories while you can! If he is willing, get him to talk on video...living history!

[@tankdriverbcr]

I did a video also on the A2 mule showing it driving with only three wheels and some more background if anyone’s interested. Btw this was great overall info on the mule since not a lot of people are aware of the key start configuration

[@jayturnbull3567]

I own an M274A5 4 wheel steer that I purchased on a whim. Set up professionally. Great vehicle with all sorts of capabilities.
Two points I did not hear 1)ALWAYS return those valves back to operating positions or disaster can happen and 2) the air ducting system is crucial to engine longevity NEVER remove this and leave off. Off and back on after repairs.When buying an M274 make certain that air duct system is in place they are hard to find. Mules take up less space than a Jeep and can easily be hauled around on a 10 foot trailer. Thanks again for your videos. BTW if you buy one get the Mule Manual kit that Portrayl Press offers, you WILL need them. Highest Regards,"JeePa"

[@Portrayalpress]

Great suggestions JeePa - thank you. As you say, turning those valves off means that part of the engine crankcase breathing system is not functioning. Although the motor should not start with the gas off, if it did or you turned the gas back on without turning the oil line valve...ya could blow out seals or who knows what! As for the air ducting - these motors absolutely need the shrouds and cooling fans to keep from overheating. I once forgot to open the baffle on a warm spring day and started smelling something cooking....not good....although it was the remains of the mice nest (previously removed) that alerted me before I cooked the motor. Correct baffle position needs to be part of your preflight routine! Thanks again.

[@frankiecaryl8405]

I really enjoyed your video. I was 101st Airborne 1960-'64, and very familiar with the Mule. It has a feature that you didn't mention, that we were shown as soon as we trained for it in our units. Being rigid suspension, (as you mentioned), it was capable of 3 wheel usage. We were taught to shift the load off the right front corner, and pull that wheel and put it where the flat is at, and to stow the flat on the bed. With the shifted load, it would then run on 3 wheels, with left turns made by making 3 right turns instead. I have seen many instances that I could put one to work in my civilian life.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for the kind words Frankie! ...and thank you for your service! TY for the great tip....I am thinking that the manual has a description of that in the "unusual operations" section ....but I have never had a flat in my Mule so never had the chance to try it out. They really are great little workhorses. Thanks again for watching.

[@badrussian4999]

Wow! Driven mechanical trolley, a very interesting vehicle! Mule, that's funny! Thanks for the video!

[@Portrayalpress]

You are welcome - they are great little vehicles.

[@tranhau3818]

Obviously, the military vehicle designers are excellent. They are able to make outstanding products.

[@jimlong527]

We used many on the Firebases in Vietnam.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for your service Jim. A good buddy of mine who was in Vietnam said that Mules needed 4 guys on them all times....1 to drive and 3 to push when they got stuck. He is not a fan and gives me grief every time I see him. I think they are awesome vehicles except in really slippery stuff (ice or mud) - as you probably know the tires are made to slip a little because there are no differentials...all the wheels are direct so the tires need to slip a little on turns. Anyway, a friend uses his extensively in the winter and just put chains on it - works like a champ!

[@Portrayalpress]

@william bush Ha!

[@robertbone3064]

Many years ago when I took my son to Boy Scout summer camp they had one of these at the camp. Talk about a versatile pc of equipment. Thanks for posting.

[@Portrayalpress]

Good stuff Robert. Thank you for watching!

[@jamebrooke894]

I fired a 106mm Recoiless Rifle off the Mule while in the Marines. Loved my Mule!!

[@davegeorge2307]

Drove those in the early 80's in the USMC! Semper Fi!

[@Portrayalpress]

Great vehicles Dave!

[@davegeorge2307]

@Roberta Christeen OOHRAH!

[@davegeorge2307]

@william bush 2nd btn 9th mar ours got decommissioned in late 1984...

[@1Rotorwing]

I had 1 in V-Nam, then the Army started to give them to the Marines, I hid it in a bunker, but they found it an bye bye....That was 69, in Phuoc Vinh VN

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for sharing and for your service Chris.

[@RCASSIN]

You are an enabler( your word). I really want a Mule now!!! Great video...

[@Portrayalpress]

I am not an enabler - this is a case of rectifying a massive case of denial. You are welcome my friend ! :-)

[@sootlicker]

My former boss bought one of these on an auction. It was equipped with a 2 cylinder Onan which I had to overhaul to get to work. We used it for quite some time for small chores. Wish I had it now.

[@Portrayalpress]

They are around....but harder to get a deal on one now...although a friend pulled one out of a barn two weeks ago and paid less than $2k...running. So deals are still out there!! Thanks for watching!

[@DaveFL5656]

had one when I was a Park Ranger in the 80's- pull start cable was a PITA- cable constantly breaking - finally figured out how to make my own. Mine had deep forge kit- 4 feet of water submerged crossing river - no problem. AS LONG AS YOU SEALED SPARK PLUG BOOTS TO HEAD. learned that the hard way :) little silicone goes a long ways with dry rotted o rings. LOL

[@Portrayalpress]

They are great machines David....not perfect, but very useful within their scope of capabilities.

[@arponto]

My scoutmaster (1970’s) had one of these, it was great to take on long camp outs. His had the pull start. I had totally forgotten about it until coming across your video. Lots of fun memories there.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for sharing arponto! Glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@joefranklin7345]

I've wanted one of these ever since seeing the movie maximum overdrive. Very cool little machine. Would be very useful on the farm

[@Portrayalpress]

They are definitely useful Joe! Start huntin!!😂

[@kellyburket6955]

I drove one of these and loved it. They should still be made for both military and private use!!!

[@Portrayalpress]

Agree Kelly - I think they would be very popular....but imagine the safety weenies would not let them be made without a bunch of changes these days...

[@demonprinces17]

Buy off the shelf ones now

[@thelastwildone6162]

I HAD A SARGENT WHO DROVE ONE ON HIS SECOND TOUR IN THE NAM!! HE SAID IT SAVED A LOT OF MEN!!!!!

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your comment. Mules are good little vehicles. I have a good friend who served in Vietnam and didn't think much of the Mule - any time he sees me with it he says "know how many guys it takes to drive a Mule? 4....1 to drive and the other three to push it when it gets stuck." They will go through most anything but the tires are not good on slippery surfaces....because there are no differentials and the center tread of the tires are basically smooth to let the tires "skid" when you turn.....chains do wonders!

[@tonyschiffiler4816]

I remember these from when I was a teenager , I have only seen one of these fine vehicles , thank you.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for watching Tony and for the kind comments. 👍

[@michaelhada1865]

I was assigned a mule in the Marine corps in the mid 80's. Weapons company, mortar platoon. Mine had a bent drive ahaft and was the best running mule in the crew, no vibration and was the fastest. Those were fun times. I would love to get behind the wheel again. I must have had the A5 series with the pull start, only 2 wheel steer version i knew of.😁

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your service Michael. Interesting that you had a pull start on an A5 - as they came factory equipped with starters and an electrical system, but you never know what happened in service. If the starter breaks and you want the Mule to run...and you have a pull starter...boom....the machine is back in service.

[@danwesterberg3956]

my friend and neighbor has one of these with the 2 cyl . very cool and a blast to drive

[@Portrayalpress]

Sounds like a useful neighbor Dan! Thanks for watching!

[@FallNorth]

Looks an amazing thing. Reading up about it they replaced it with the military hummer, then realised it couldn't do many roles so got a thing called the M-Gator, which apparently you aren't supposed to put casualty litters on as if it rolls it'll crush them! So .. yes it seems like an upgraded version of this would be a useful thing.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks Fall - they are really cool. If someone would upgrade without over complicating the whole thing, they could be outstanding vehicles in 2021....but I am afraid that the safety marms would make them add this and that and next thing you know...not a functional and useful vehicle anymore...

[@choprjock]

Our aviation Co., in Vietnam, had 1 or 2 of these. Sturdy, simple to operate and handy to have around.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for watching Chopr and for your service!

[@larrylawson5172]

I was in college at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA in 1970-72. We had a heavy equipment class then so we tended to acquire surplus military stuff. TD-18's, D-4, MRS wheel dozers, EMCO dozers, trucks, cranes and our very favorite toy was the M274 (all that stuff is gone now). We used it all over campus. The maintenance people would also use it. It ran great. It had 4 wheel steer but you could take it out of 4 wheel steer and lock it into 2 wheel. It had the hole with a plate for the recoilless rifle. We actually had several for parts. Some one said that there were 2 different ones made. Some had aluminum axle housings and some had magnesium housing. They said the Aluminum ones would not survive the air drop if I recall correctly. We knew how to shift a manual 3 speed transmission so we always shifted on the go in high range. It was missing many of the parts and the seat was junk. But it worked for hauling batteries, air tanks, tires, tools, fuel, oil, grease and all that other stuff. They were so much fun.

[@Portrayalpress]

Appreciate the story Larry. Sounds like some great memories. All of the Mules up to the last 2 wheel steer version (M274A5) had lots of magnesium parts (wheels, deck - not sure about the axle housings). The A5's had aluminum wheels and decks for sure. The air drop story may be right - interestingly - the US Army manual for air dropping Mules has them strapped to a pallet with quite a bit of cushioning...air dropping anything is pretty rough duty.
Funny about shifting on the fly....you guys developed the "touch"👌 They are useful vehicles....I use mine for moving all kinds of things. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelb6729]

This reminds me of Maximum Overdrive with the mounted M60 !

[@Portrayalpress]

Blast from the past! 80's fun!!

[@TheHawkeye61]

Haven’t seen one of these since January 1963. We had them with the 2/501, 82nd Airborne, Ft. Bragg and the 1/504, 8th Infantry Division in Mainz, Germany. Often had recoilless rifles mounted on them. Many thanks for this video!

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your service Robert and for the kind words!!

[@trumanpowell7376]

I drove one of these in 1962. Mounted a 106mm recoiled rifle. Mounting hole in center of deck, removable quickly. Pull start. Go anywhere. Some were used carrying supplies in some places above Khe Sanh during "The Siege" distributing supplies that were dropped in. The steering wheel dropping forward is so operator could stay low to avoid enemy fire.
30 - 35 mph flat out on level ground. 2 or 4 wheel drive.
USMC

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for your service Truman and for sharing about the Mule. I bet it was something to light off that 106mm. These Mules do indeed move along....I don't think I have ever had mine quite up to top speed...but she is middle aged at this point so we need to take it a bit easy on it.

[@platoon1026]

I was a young Marine the 1st time I saw one - 1960 aboard the USS Princeton (LPH-5). We used helicopters to transport them loaded with supplies. They were slung underneath the helicopter. First 3 went in the ocean - hooks weren't strong enough. Fixed that afternoon and back hauling supplies by 1600.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for sharing the memory and for your service. I bet there were a lot of looks when the first one went into the drink!

[@brsrc759]

Oh that is so dang cool! I'm going to have to build a radio control one!!

[@Portrayalpress]

Cool - love to see a picture....a Mule would make an awesome model...

[@mikethemechanic7395]

Had one at the Ft.Benning ASP. It had two wheelie bars with tires welded on it so it would not flip over. We used it to move ammunition and to drive between bunkers. This was 1994. After a year or two some 2 star showed up and took it for himself. We had 5 cases of beer on it when he took it away from us. He smiled and left us 1 case of beer. Lol

[@Portrayalpress]

Damn two stars! Thanks for your service and for the Mule story!

[@pennypackmtb2542]

Had a friend that had one. Drove it everywhere. They had been decommissioned from the service by the time I joined. I can still think of many uses we could had used it for.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your service Pennypack. Not sure why the brass didn't keep them around...there are a few things that could be upgraded, but they are solid and useful vehicles.

[@lindycorgey2743]

Last time I saw one being used. It was Spring 1987 in Palmerola Air Base, Honduras. It belonged to a Florida Army National Guard Helicopter Unit. I didn't get to drive it. But I was shown how it worked. Believe it was the A5 version with two wheel steer.

[@anyhoot47]

Mine had a battery for the electric start. Great post, great memories.

[@Portrayalpress]

Appreciate it! I purchased a pull starter for this Mule...just because, but I gather they are not always fun to pull start so I may never add it - unfortunately it is one or the other!

[@wardmiller1757]

Well done presentation! Great to see the the old Army mule. Had these wonderful and very reliable vehicles when I commanded an airborne infantry battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division in 1980. Also had them in 1973, also in the 82nd when I was a battalion executive officer.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you Ward! We appreciate your service.
Love the Mule - great around the farm for chores and always gets a wonderful reception at a parade or show. Beats one of those newfangled atv's!

[@garylawless3608]

The Mule reminds me of a Steyer-Puch ‘Haflinger’ that I once owned. A really versatile little 4X4 just a tad larger than the Mule, and a little more sophisticated (although still a simple design). I have fond memories of that vehicle and I used it around the horse stud for many years. They were very popular with farmers here in Australia in the 70’s, but would be very rare now I would think. I replaced the original air cooled two cylinder motor when it failed, with an early VW motor, as parts were almost unprocurable. That little truck kept going for many years until it finally gave up on me.
Now I want a Mule!

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for the comment Gary. Pretty sure that the Haflinger was inspired by the Mule. I don''t see they Steyr's very often here in the states, but they are cool for sure! You need a Mule, although getting one to you "down unda" would be pricey!!

[@briannicklas109]

I recall seeing a few being used by NASCAR teams at Daytona for moving tires and stuff around the pit area. Early 1980s.

[@Portrayalpress]

Neat application. That is around the time that they were starting to surplus the Mules.....

[@cm8099678]

Ok, this is probably the best video I've seen in a long time!

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you Christian!

[@carllafong7489]

Mule were everywhere in Viet Nam. Lot of them at the large airbases used to un load and shuttle cargo. We (1st Battalion 1st Marines) went to Khe Sahn after the 26th Marines pulled out. There were bombed out vehicles everywhere. I located a few mules and after borrowing a few tools from some Seabees I was able to assemble a running mule. I was a corpsman at the aid station and we used i as an ambulance to transport wounded from the air strip to the aid station. Some LT confiscated it because I had not been to "Mule School", I explained that I built it from junk and knew all I needed to know about them. No dice, bye bye mule. What a jerk

[@Portrayalpress]

Carl - sincere thanks for sharing a great story. Agree - who punishes an outstanding display of initiative?? ... a turkey for sure. Appreciate your service and thanks again for the comment.

[@hughjanus8126]

Spent nearly half a day trying to get the dispatch for a truck because my license was for a certain variant which happened to be dead, the working truck next to it was identical but since it had different nomenclature I wasn’t qualified to drive it according to the Army…we ended up having another guy print a license out and we used that dang truck haha. The Army and military in general doesn’t use common sense.

[@meljenkins1016]

That Lt. must have just graduated from West Point. What you learned from school ain't the same as being out on the field. He just wanted one for himself. Like you said a real jerk.

[@imdeplorable2241]

I can see how valuable a person could be if he was really experienced with this vehicle. I could have used one of these, or more, on a lot of construction projects.
Congrats to the owner on a very nice restoration.👍

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks D! They are a real workhorse for those of us deplorable enough to want to work ;-).

[@Richard-wk9le]

You missed one point the 4 wheel steering could be disconnected, there ,s a pin with clip near the rear diff you can clearly see in the video. I know this because My mos includes this and the 105 Recoiless rifle which could be mounted on the mule along with a tripod for firing.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks Richard! I have friend with a demilled 106 that he has mounted to his Mule...a beast and much heavier than I would have expected. I don't think I have ever read the mounting instructions, but it makes sense given the weight that 4 wheel steering would be disconnected.

[@davejacobsen3014]

We used these a couple of times in Vietnam on patrols. Not that easy to use in the mountains. Used it several times with 106mm Rocket Attry for firing into surrounding hills. 3/9 3rd Marine Div.

[@wewd]

Welcome home, Marine!

[@Portrayalpress]

Great vehicles on flat, dry terrain but they suffer in slippery conditions. I bet they would be tough in the mountains, particularly if the ground is soft or loose. Because they don't have differentials and the wheels scuff on turns, I think the engineers purposely designed the tires with very little tread in the center contact area. Probably saves the gearboxes but does not help you much in the traction department. A buddy who used them in Vietnam said we always brought 4 guys in the Mule....one to drive and the other 3 to push ;-)

[@Wipsplash]

Looks like a great vehicle for chores around large properties.

[@Portrayalpress]

They are fantastic utility vehicles - much more capable than all the modern "mules" - maybe not as comfortable, but definitely more capable! Helped a friend get his running today - love 'em

[@ka4172]

These Axrls have amazing ground clearance!

[@paulharris2070]

I've seen one of these at a car show that was also a Nash Metropolitan meet, after seeing one I thought it would be great to have one for my brush cutting business.

[@Portrayalpress]

They are very versatile Paul. Thanks for watching!

[@solotraveler6025]

Ha, Wow, I haven't seen one of those in years. I used to use one, a 4 wheel steer version to install wing tanks on F-16's in the early 90's and it was used to install tanks on F-4 prior to that. We had the top scissor part of a wing dolly mounted to the bed mule and you could get off, flip the column and steer the tank into place. Thing was awesome and then of course we switched from military folks running safety to a civilian and it was outlawed and sold off at auction. . Same JA had all the drive units removed from our -60 power units because he said someone could run themselves over with it, you know because they moved at the neck snapping speed of 1/10th of a MPH.

[@Portrayalpress]

Great stuff Solo - appreciate you sharing. That sounds like a fantastic way to install wing tanks....and a Mule would be great around an airport - low profile, enough mobility.... I am shaking at my head at the rest of the story....folks who could mess up an orgasm. Thanks for watching.

[@hart64ghs]

Wow! Drove one of those in Vietnam 66-67, think we stole it from the Marines. Fun but easy to tip over, several of us took it to the shower point one evening, coming back the Sgt. turned too fast into the Co. yard and turned it over, I just ruined my shower but one guy hurt his shoulder. Thanks for the old memories.

[@rancidpitts8243]

I want one. I have wanted one since I rode on one in 1969 in Vietnam.

[@Portrayalpress]

They are out there...still lurking in barns and dusty corners of old garages. A buddy of mine just bought one for $1700....needs work, but a fine deal! Thanks for watching!

[@anthonyellis9883]

Drove one of these 74/76 in 8th marines. Had 106recoilless rifle with 50cal spotting rifle. It would climb up a tree in low gear... seen one in California at Patton museum.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for sharing Anthony and for your service. We have a friend who is rebuilding an A2 with a recoilless rifle. He has the Mule and the mount, just missing the actual recoilless tube. Do you have any pictures of Mules in service that you took while in the USMC?

[@christopherappleton4041]

I had heard about these before but never seen such a good video on how they work. I found this super interesting. Thanks!

[@Portrayalpress]

Appreciate the kind words Christopher - thank you for watching and for your comments!

[@georgeb.8167]

I wish they where made for recreational use for civilians

[@pugsforfun6110]

You can make your own

[@jpoppinga8417]

Was just thinking same thing

[@mardiffv.8775]

The Russians have done that, called the Sherp. The Sherp is amphibius.

[@jpoppinga8417]

@@mardiffv.8775 The sherp is a lot different the one of these. And it costs as much as a 1 ton diesel pickup.

[@mardiffv.8775]

@@jpoppinga8417 I agree with you. Or people can buy a quad atv, the is nearly the same. Minus less caego capability.

[@williamfabiano543]

Answered all my questions about this unique military vehicle

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for watching!

[@StormLaker]

One of these with a recoilless rifle mounted on it, haha. Really got those NVA to duck in Hue so marines could cross the street:-)

[@Portrayalpress]

I have a friend with a demilled 106 on his Mule...the 106 is heavy and really unwieldy....Although the Army considered the Mule a weapons platform with mounts for MG's and 106's...and trained people to use them, I highly doubt that many saw action. They are great for hauling things around but I would not want to fight out of one!

[@ditzydoo4378]

Wonderful walk around and demonstration. I'd often wondered about the M274 series M.U.L.E. but had never seen one in operation, or it's under carriage before. Thank you.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@joekurtz8303]

Read about these in Col.D Hackwort's book About Face, during an airborne drop, one failed to start after a drop,& had to push out of the DZ his description in book a bit more embellished , thanks for walk thru, and demo.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for watching Joe! I need to read that book. 👍

[@AM-dn4lk]

What a nice and well engineered unit. Thank you for sharing.

[@Portrayalpress]

You are very welcome - thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@milkncheese1]

Absolutely an incredible bit of kit that seams to have been under used for its potential... to have 1 of these in my life would be fantastic... I truly appreciate the effort gone into something so well put together...
Its ashame they don't have these now really as it would very much have a purpose for so many applications across the whole work industry....
Imagine use on a construction site, farms, events use, the list goes on...
I like it I like it alot... thank you for sharing this bit of kit...

[@Portrayalpress]

You are very welcome. I agree - super useful vehicle, but at least here in the states, the lawyers have made it so you can't make anything that could possibly be construed as dangerous....so with no safety switches or the like...the US Consumer Product Safety marms would never let them be sold...

[@dannelson8768]

Had one of these at an airport we were flying from in the late 70's to pull airplanes. Really interesting vehicle. Not sure why this video took so long to be in my feed, but a belated thanks for doing such a great video.

[@Portrayalpress]

Many thanks for the kind words Dan! We like airplanes and airports too!😀

[@phillipsteele9067]

A close friend and I used to play on these vehicles. His dad managed a surplus shop south of San Antonio. I would spend time with them thru out the year. They where a lot of fun.

[@Portrayalpress]

Great stuff Phillip...I grew up in Corpus....where was the surplus shop...bet I visited!

[@phillipsteele9067]

RUclips. Down south of S. A. At Devine, Tx.. I can not remember the name of the place. It was owned by his uncle. My buddies last name was Kirkwood. Have not seen him in about thirty years. Also don't remember if his uncle was related to his mom or his dad. My sister's youngest girl is living down in Corpus now. I still get to the coast every now and then.

[@footbroke]

The perfect vehicle for starting a revolution in the cargo bay.

[@Portrayalpress]

Now Biff .... don't ya go starting any trouble 😂

[@alexs-zq6ni]

Thank you for sharing. So cool and better than the options now for a side by side or a gator.

[@Portrayalpress]

You are very welcome. We agree....useful and historic vehicles!

[@28YorkshireRose12]

This is excellent! - For years I've wanted to know what these were called, and to be truthful, wanting one for use about the farm. I doubt we'll ever get, but it was very interesting to learn so much about the M274, and all the oddities we didn't even know about. Maybe we can fake up a 2WD version of our own!

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you Rose! Appreciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the video. I think a fake version sounds like a great project!

[@jazznote55]

I remember operating one of thse when I was in the 82nd airborne back in the late 70's.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for your service Chandois!

[@hans-jurgenwiegand7465]

We used them in the 60’s in the 82nd Airborne. Dropped them in packs of 4. Could get killed using them, because you were in the service.

[@charleslamkin1407]

had two of them in my radar section RECON 3/325 82ABN 73 76

[@kevinberry4581]

My dad had a friend back home signs mild that I think was the M,274,A5. Never got to see it move so this was entertaining.

[@Portrayalpress]

Glad you enjoyed it Kevin - they are great little vehicles.

[@oliverallen5324]

This vehicle seems hella practical for someone with some land.

[@Portrayalpress]

Oliver - they are hella practical for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@felixcat9318]

What a wonderful engineering solution to forward unit supply!
Very clever features, mechanical simplicity/reliability, and nothing superfluous.
Thank you for showing this excellent little vehicle which I had never before seen, subscribed.

[@Portrayalpress]

Welcome aboard Felix and thank you for the kind words!

[@adamskinner5868]

that was very cool, I'd seen a few clips on the Mule but wanted to know more details and then I found your clip which gave me all the details I wanted, thanks so much. It really does seem like a very useful vehicle.

[@Portrayalpress]

You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to comment Adam. They are very useful vehicles!

[@kennysherrill6542]

Drove them for a few years with the 106 mm Rifle it was a lot of fun.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for your service Kenny. Bet it was cool with a live 106!

[@kennysherrill6542]

Shot off a lot of rounds, mounted and unmounted, my last year in my first enlistment I transferred to TOW Company 1st Tank BATTALION, we used the M 151 Jeep. Believe it or not while in Okinawa we almost transitioned to the Jeep for our 106s. We got a call from the Army they had 106 gun mounts for the Jeep and if we wanted them to come and get them. Well to make a long story short, after weeks of cleaning and receiving new Jeeps from Barstow, the Jeeps were taken by some Zoros from Headquarters and we deployed with our broken down Mules.👍❤🇺🇸

[@TINCANsquid]

used one at Pearl back in '88. useful little bugger, not too bumpy a ride on sidewalks and pavement

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for your service Tincan! Indeed a useful machine...although the pavement is hell on those tires!!

[@r3tr0nic]

If I ever got one, I'd def want pull start. Love not having to depend on batteries for starting. Batteries are best when used only for lights and stuff you do not need. If you drain the battery too much, you can still start with pull and then be back in business.

[@Portrayalpress]

The biggest challenge is that the electric starter replaces the pull start mechanism. So there is no provision to have both...either pull or electric. I am rebuilding another one and am going with pull start on it...magnetos are great that way. Thanks for watching.

[@joeturner4666]

One day we had them, the next day they were gone. It's amazing how quickly they disappeared from the inventory. DA FM 248 M274 Operator Qualified 27Sep72. Saw on at the Battleship Alabama Museum fitted out in USMC markings and fitted with four very rare sand paddle tires.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for sharing Joe - they are neat little machines. A friend picked up the kit over the weekend with the fender flares and rims for the sand tires etc. Super cool!

[@baystgrp]

These were very common in the Army in the 60s ; they were air-droppable and carried everything you could imagine. They were widely used on firebases and in base areas in Vietnam. The Marines used then with a 106mm recoilless rifle mounted.. they were terrific utility vehicles. This guy’s mule painted camouflage with headlights looks ridiculous. Never saw one with either.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for sharing Montus. We have a bunch of original pictures of Mules in camo...this particular pattern is actually set out in one of the tech manuals. The headlights and the A5 electrical system were added to this Mule....neither original but certainly make it more functional. Cheers!

[@SteamCrane]

Thanks for this! I know several people that have them, just cool.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thanks for watching SteamCrane and for the kind words - most appreciated!!

[@TheBandit7613]

Informative review.
ATV tires, although lacking nostalgia, would help the ride and traction. ATV/UTV tires are low pressure and have really come a long way.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for the feedback Chris. I don't have much recent experience with ATVs but I can see how the technology has really advanced and they would be superior to the OEM on a Mule. The thing that hurts the traction most on the Mule is that the engineers left the tires purposefully slick on the the very center to allow easier "scuffing" when turning because the wheels are all straight geared with no differential. I would be a little worried about the extra traction if I planned to drive a lot on pavement, otherwise it would be an upgrade other than originality. Thanks again & cheers!

[@mikesuch9021]

Be careful if you're hauling something with low tire pressure you can pop a bead pretty easy.

[@johnl2445]

Outstanding.
I've seen pictures of these and have always been curious about them.
Thank You for showing it to us.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you John - you are very welcome!

[@AnthonyBarthelCurbside]

How very cool this thing is and enjoyed the video!

[@Portrayalpress]

Glad you enjoyed it Anthony!

[@rickhendroff2108]

WOW!!! I've always wanted to know more about this vehicle!! Excellent presentation - clear and concise and so much fun!! Thank you!! :)

[@Portrayalpress]

You are very welcome Rick - glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnnygeejr500]

I used this type mule in the service 1961-1964 it really performed well it is not street legal but it did it's job wonderfully the snazz 501/101 Abn.

[@Portrayalpress]

Thank you for your service Johnny! They are sweet little machines.

[@danhenry8557]

1371 mos drove one for 3 years what a blessing .

[@Portrayalpress]

Semper Fi Dan! Thank you for your service!

[@danhenry8557]

@@Portrayalpress Semper Fi

[@Broadstreetbooks]

We absolutely know where to go for military manuals - Portrayal Press!!

[@BadArtVideo]

I remember when I first saw one. My Dad was LtCol USMC and had taken me to see a landing demonstration, at Fort Story I believe. I was probable 7 or 8 years old. I thought it was a VERY cool and obviously practical and useful vehicle. I LOVED it at first sight. I don't remember ever seeing one again. Thanks for the video.

[@Portrayalpress]

Great memory - thank you for sharing!