M26 Tank tractor
The M26 Tank Transporter Tractor was a heavy 6×6 prime mover developed by the United States during World War II as part of the M25 “Dragon Wagon” tank transporter system. It entered service in 1944 to meet the urgent need for a vehicle capable of hauling and recovering heavy armored vehicles.
The M26 tractor was powered by a Hall-Scott 440 six-cylinder gasoline engine producing about 240 horsepower. This engine drove all six wheels through a multi-speed transmission, giving the vehicle good pulling power and cross-country mobility despite its large size and weight. The tractor featured a front-mounted winch with a high pulling capacity, essential for recovering disabled or bogged-down tanks under combat conditions.
The armored cab protected the crew from small-arms fire and shell splinters, an important feature when operating close to the front. The vehicle usually carried a crew of six to seven, including drivers and recovery personnel. When coupled with the M15 or M15A1 semi-trailer, the M26 could transport tanks weighing up to 40 tons, such as the M4 Sherman medium tank, and in practice was sometimes used for even heavier vehicles. This combination was called the Dragon Wagon.
The M26 tractor proved reliable and effective in Europe during the final stages of World War II and remained in service into the early Cold War period, forming the basis for later heavy tank transport designs.
Specifications M26 Tank Transporter Tractor
Service: 1944–Cold War
Role: Heavy tractor unit
Features: Armored cab, powerful front-mounted winch
Use: Towing the M15 semi-trailer and recovering disabled tanks
Drive: 6×6
Crew: 7
Engine: Hall-Scott 440, 6-cyl gasoline, 240 hp
Fuel capacity: 120 US gal (450 L)
Operational range: 120 mi (193.1 km)
Maximum speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
Weight: 48,000 lb (22,000 kg)
Length: 25 feet 4 inches (7.72 m)
Width: 10 feet 10+3⁄4 inches (3.32 m)
Height: 11 feet 5 inches (3.48 m)
Armor;
Front: 3⁄4 in (19 mm)
Sides and rear 1⁄4 in (6.4 mm)
Main armament: .50 cal M2 machine gun
There are basically two types of M26 tractors built, the M26 described in this article and the M26A1 Improved Heavy Tank Tractor, a version without an armored cab. There is a 24V version of the 12V M26A1 which is named M26A2. It is the same truck with a different voltage on equipment.
The Dragon Wagon
The M26 tank transporter family was part of the U.S. Army’s M25 “Dragon Wagon” system. Several related types and variants existed, covering tractors and trailers used for heavy tank transport and recovery during and after World War II. The combination of a M26 heavy tank transporter tractor with the M15 or M15A1 trailer was called the Dragon Wagon.
