A Closer Look: WWII Federal Tractor 94x43

During WW2, the Army relied on the 4 to 5-ton, 4x4 G-513 tractor to pull loads up to 30,000 pounds.

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Updated:: Mar 24, 2021
Original:: Dec 4, 2018

John Adams-Graf photo

During WW2, the Army relied on the 4 to 5-ton, 4x4 G-513 tractor to pull loads up to 30,000 pounds.

The Federal 94x43A was based on commercial tooling, with an enclosed metal cab.
U.S. Army

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight: 11,950 pounds
Size (LxWxH): 203" x95.5" x109"
Max Speed: 40 mph
Range, loaded: 280 miles

Despite its totally different body, the Federal model 94x43 was operationally equivalent to the Autocar U-7144-T, even using many of the same major chassis components.

The first Federals, the 94x43A, being based upon commercial products of the time, had enclosed cabs. Later military models, the 94x43B and C, were redesigned to incorporate an open cab with canvas top. Some units were equipped with machine gun ring mounts for antiaircraft defense.

The tractor had a Hercules RXC engine (8,7 l, 112 hp), 10-speed transmission,Timken axles. The Army used them to to tow general purpose trailers and fuel tanks with a capacity of 7.6 thousand liters. — The tractor had a Hercules RXC engine (529 cu. in., 112-hp, 6-cylinder gasoline engine), 10-speed transmission,Timken axles. The Army used them to to tow general purpose trailers and fuel tanks with a capacity of 7.6 thousand liters.
John Adams-Graf photo

When used by the Signal Corps, the 94x43 was referred to as a K-32. In the Signal Corps use, the Federals pulled van trailers, while the transportation corps used them for general freight service. Federal built a total of 8,119 trucks of this type.

Late in the war, Kenworth and Marmon-Herrington were producers of these trucks.