Military-Vehicles: Re: [MV] Question about combination backhoe/front-end loader

That would be the USMC version of the "SeaTractor" (and who ever else uses one). Now Im just a dumb grunt but I know my guys that dig my holes in the dead of night is this same truck you are talking about. I think (and I know Im gonna get corrected here) its a Unimog or Mercedes. They are usally known to be piles of cash waiting to be drained, if you know what I mean. I broke one digging a hole a while back, the operator that is- broke it. Really bouncy on the back roads, but your right Front end loader and a Backhoe.......

Cliff Smith

'?? AMG M35A2

'77 M880

'68 M274A5

'?? M416 (Flatbed)

MVPA #26244

From: Eric Siegmund

To: "Military Vehicles Mailing List"

Subject: [MV] Question about combination backhoe/front-end loader

Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 18:01:14 +0000

Hello. I spotted an unusual military construction vehicle today and wondered

if someone could provide some details about it, and perhaps a link to a

relevant website.

The vehicle was on a 4WD truck chassis, with rubber tires (traveling at

highway speed). It had a front-end loader bucket on the front, which didn't

look unusual, but the rear of the vehicle was unlike anything I'd ever seen.

Where the truck bed would normally be, there was a maze of articulating

joints neatly folded into a compact mass. It was obvious that the joints

were unfolded hydraulically, with stabilizing legs coming out first

(probably lifting the rear tires off the ground) and followed by a

good-sized backhoe attachment.

The truck drove past me while I was out for a bike ride, so I didn't get a

chance to inspect it. Anyone have any details on this rather unusual (for

this part of the country, anyway) vehicle?

Thanks,

Eric

Midland, TX

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