Today in WW II: 5 Jul 1943 Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel) begins, last German offensive in Russia and largest tank battle [5-19 July].  More ↓
5 Jul 1945 In British election, Winston Churchill loses to Labour Party, Clement Atlee becomes Prime Minister.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET)

M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET)
M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET).

The M870A2 semitrailer, first fielded in April 1997, is an improved version of the M870A1 semitrailer with the same mission of transporting construction equipment and material. Pulled by a prime mover, the M870A2 semitrailer can transport a payload of 40 tons cross-country at 20 mph and on highways at 40 mph.

The M870A2 transports construction equipment, tracked and wheeled vehicles as well as general cargo in containers or bulk. The M870A2 load bed can be configured to load the following containers:

  • Two 10ft ISO containers, or
  • One 20ft ISO container, or
  • At least 3 but no more than 6 SIXCON containers

Landing legs on the M870A2 provide support to the empty trailer when the gooseneck is raised. The semitrailer must attach to its prime mover before loading. The M870A2 can only be loaded using rear ramps or Material Handling Equipment (crane or forklifts). Max weight on rear ramps must remain under 30,000 lbs. Permanent welded steel decking covers the wheels.

The M870A2 gooseneck folds down for loading and unloading. The kingpin is exchangable; both a 2 inch and a 3.5 inch kingpin are provided. An integrated tool box at rear of semitrailer is for storage of tiedown chains, container ISO locks, and the second kingpin. Two under deck storage bins are available for removable outriggers and miscellaneous equipment. A mount is provided on the gooseneck for the spare tire.

For wider loads, the M870A2 can be configured with:

  • Folding Outriggers. 16 permanent outriggers that swing out.
  • Removable Outriggers. 8 removable rear outriggers (stored in center storage compartment)

The M870A2 semitrailer has these tiedown features:

  • D-rings: 22, Used to tie down loads.
  • Cutouts: 22, Used with outrigger loads so tiedowns do not cross boards.
  • Lifting Shackles: 4, Used to lift trailer or as tiedown points.

All lights on the M870A2 semitrailer are military 24 volt. The prime mover supplies semitrailer brake air pressure and control of semitrailer brakes as well as electrical power for all lights.

M870A2 Semitrailer Characteristics

Length 508 in
Width 96 in
Height 101.3 in
Height of Deck 3 ft. 6 in. (no load)
Ground clearance (axle) 1 ft. 2 ¾ in.
Gross Vehicle Weight 19,600 lbs.
Fording Depth 30 in
Curb weight 19,600 lbs
Max payload; 80,000 lbs
Axles 3 Non-Driving Tubular
Wheels Hub pilot 22.5X8.25 tubeless
Tires 13 255/70R22.5

The full nomenclature for this trailer is MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET), M870A2. The M870A2 was assigned NSN 2330-01-442-4975.

The Operator's, maintenance and parts manuals for the M870A2 include:

  • TM 07862C-14&P, Medium Heavy Equipment Transporter M870A2

The M870A2 was manufactured by Kalyn Siebert, Inc.

M870A2 Semitrailer Photo Gallery

M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET), loading ramps raised
M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET), loading ramps raised.

M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET), front view
M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET), front view.

M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET)
M870A2 MEDIUM HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER (MHET), loading ramps lowered.