M26A1 Tank tractor
The M26A1 Tank Transporter Tractor was an improved version of the U.S. Army’s M26 tractor, developed late in World War II and used mainly in the postwar and early Cold War period. Like the M26, it formed the tractor unit of the M25 “Dragon Wagon” heavy tank transporter system, paired with the M15 semi-trailer.
The main improvement of the M26A1 was the replacement of the original armored cab with a revised cab design, often lighter and offering better visibility and crew comfort. Some versions had a soft-top or semi-armored cab, reflecting reduced need for armor after the war. Mechanical systems remained largely the same, including the Hall-Scott 440 inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, producing about 240 hp, and the 6×6 drivetrain, which provided strong towing and off-road capability.
There’s a third version of the tank tractor, the M26A2. The only difference is that the M26A2 uses 24V instead of 12V, making it slightly more powerful on the electrical side.
The M26A1 retained the powerful front-mounted winch, essential for recovering disabled tanks and heavy vehicles. When paired with the M15 or M15A1 semi-trailer, it could transport armored vehicles weighing up to 40/45 tons, such as the M4 Sherman Tank and early postwar tanks.
Although quickly superseded by more modern diesel-powered transporters, the M26A1 represents the final development stage of the Dragon Wagon family and an important link between World War II and Cold War U.S. armored logistics. There are baiscly two types of M26 tractors built, the M26A1 described in this article and the M26, a version with an armored cab.
Specifications M26A1 Tank Transporter Tractor
Changes from M26: Revised cab (often lighter, better visibility), minor mechanical updates
Service: 1944–Cold War
Role: Improved heavy tractor version
Features: No 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 (Same as M26)
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)
The M26A1 shares essentially the same dimensions and performance as the M26 Tank Heavy Tractor, with changes mainly to the cab and fittings.
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 M26A1 heavy tank transporter tractor with the M15 or M15A1 trailer was called the Dragon Wagon.
