Full-track Prime Mover M341-4

M34: General
Date of first acceptance December 1943 Total acceptances 24 converted from TRV M32B1
Manufacturer Chester Tank Depot Crew 6 men
M34: Dimensions
Combat weight 63,000lbs
28,500kg		 Height 104.1875"
264.6363cm
Length 229.25"
582.30cm		 Width 103"
262cm
Tread 83"
211cm		 Ground clearance 17.125"
43.498cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 13.0psi
.914kg/cm²
M34: Armament
None
M34: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Upper cast, lower rolled and cast homogeneous steel
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 2.0"
5.1cm		 37° to 55°
Lower front 2.0"
5.1cm		 0° to 45°
Sides 1.5"
3.8cm		 0°
Rear 1.5"
3.8cm		 0° to 10°
Top .75" to .5"
1.9cm to 1.3cm		 83° to 90°
Front floor 1.0"
2.5cm		 90°
Rear floor 0.5"
1.3cm		 90°
M34: Automotive
Engine Continental R975 C1; 9 cylinder, 4 cycle, static radial, supercharged gasoline
Horsepower Net: 350@2,400rpm
Gross: 400@2,400rpm		 Torque Net: 800 ft-lb@1,800rpm
Gross: 890 ft-lb@1,800rpm		 Fuel capacity 175gal
662L
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Brakes Mechanical, external contracting
M34: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Vertical volute spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie		 1 at rear of each bogie
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
13-tooth front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
M34: Track
T48
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T49
Outside guide, double pin, parallel bar, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T51
Outside guide, double pin, smooth, rubber
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
T54E1
Outside guide, double pin, chevron, steel
Width 16.56"
42.06cm		 Pitch 6"
15cm		 Shoes/track 79 Ground contact length 147"
373cm
M34: Performance
Max level road speed 24mph
39kph		 Max trench 74"
190cm
Max grade 60% Max vertical obstacle 24"
61cm
Min turning diameter 62'
19m		 Max fording depth 48"
120cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads

The M34 was a conversion of the tank recovery vehicle M32B1 that saw the removal of the armament, crane boom, winch, and miscellaneous stowage. The M34 was part of the same program that saw conversions of tank recovery vehicles M31 into full-track prime movers M33, and was also used to tow the 8" gun and 240mm howitzer until the 38-ton high-speed tractor M6 could enter service. An air compressor was installed with lines routed to the front and rear, and electrical connections for trailer stop and taillights were added.

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References

  1. Hunnicutt, R.P. Sherman: A History of the American Medium Tank. Navato, CA: Presidio Press, 1994. Reprinted with permission from Sherman, R.P. Hunnicutt ©1994, available from Presidio Press, 505B San Martin Drive, Suite 160, Navato, CA 94945.
  2. Catalogue of Standard Ordnance Items, 2nd edition 1944, volume 1. Washington, DC: Office of the Chief of Ordnance Technical Division, 1 June 1945.
  3. Crismon, Fred W. U.S. Military Tracked Vehicles. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992.
  4. Chamberlain, Peter, and Chris Ellis. British and American Tanks of World War Two. Frome, England: Cassell & Co., 2000.
Last updated 11 Apr 2023.
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