Today in WW II: 22 Sep 1943 Operation TOENAILS completed, with the occupation by US troops of all important islands in the New Georgia group, Central Solomons.  

M-746 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Truck Tractor, 22 1/2-ton, 8x8, (G-903)

The M-746 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) is a Heavy duty vehicle intended mainly to evacuate a disabled main battle tank or other disabled vehicles of similar weight and dimensions. Its design is suitable for primary or alternate main supply routes or from vehicle collecting points or maintenance units. Secondary missions of the M746 include the transport of non-disabled tank vehicles over extended distances and general cargo missions. The M746 HET Truck Tractor commonly was paired with the M747 Semi-Trailer, Low Bed, Heavy Equipment Transporter, 60-ton.

After development by Chrysler, the M746 HET was manufactured by Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation from 1973-1977. Total production was less than 200 units. The M746 HET was replaced by the M911 Truck, Tractor, C-HET, 8x6.

The M-746 tractor vehicle is also capable of winching and towing operations. The cab accommodates a driver, assistant driver, and two additional crew.

To increase maneuverability of the M-746 8x8 tractor, the tandem front axles steer. The front and rear suspension are taper leaf-spring bogie type with shock absorbers and high-flotation tires.

Manuals for the M746 vehicle will be in the TM 9-2320-258-xx series, where the xx represents the maintenance level. The M746 tractor is identified by NSN 2320-00-089-7264.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the M-746 Truck Tractor at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup.

M-746 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Truck Tractor Charactaristics

Tractor length 324 in
Tractor width 120 in
Tractor height 130 in
Tractor curb weight 45,000 lbs
Payload 52,500 lbs
Engine 12 cyl Detroit Diesel 12V71T, 600bhp @ 2500 rpm
Transmission 5-speeds fwd, automatic
Drawbar pull 52,200 lbs
Speed 38.5 miles per hour w/trailer
Range 200 mi
Fording 40 in
Ground clearance 11 in
Tire size 18x22.5, 22 ply
Tractor Manufacturer XM746 by Chrysler for development; M746 by Ward LaFrance for production

Table data for M746 tractor from TM 9-2320-258-10.

M-746 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Photo Gallery

M746 Truck, Tractor: 22 1/2-ton, HET, 8x8, w/Dual Midship Winch. Image from TM 43-0001-31, June 1985.
M746 Truck, Tractor: 22 1/2-ton, HET, 8x8, w/Dual Midship Winch. Image from TM 43-0001-31, June 1985.