He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose
There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet.
Are the US ammo cans 250 round capacity for 30 cal if so they have 1500 rounds in the cart, not much in the scheme of things if they get in a hot spot or have more than one 30 cal BMG in the group.
Yes, this group might be part of heavy machine gun group.
Originally Posted by Flying10uk
Did the hand carts have solid rubber tyres or pneumatic tyres?
There were a couple variations of tires at least. Here's the description given by I.M.A. and seems to sum it up best... Quote...
"Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an incredible World War Two, expertly restored, 1943 M3A4 Utility Hand Cart manufactured by the John Wood Manufacturing Company Serial Number 19259. The data plate reads:
NO. 19259
HAND CART, M34A
UTILITY
JOHN WOOD MFG. CO. 1943
One of the most popular small US Army 'vehicles' of WW2 is without doubt the M3A4 Hand Cart. A general misconception is that this was an Airborne item and only used by paratroops. In fact, the cart was a standard Ordnance item used by every branch of the US Army to haul ammunition and equipment. Two carts could be transported in the back of the 2 1/2 Ton Trucks on the floor of the bed between the rows of seated troops. Many also believe these carts were intended to be pulled by the Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter.
The US Army's Rock Island Arsenal was a main manufacturer of the early carts but as war progressed other companies such as John Wood Mfg Company, Trussbilt and Omaha Industries Inc also produced a considerable number of carts.
Early Carts were completely made in aluminum, but on later models a mix of steel and aluminum parts were used. The early aluminum 5-hole rims were soon replaced with all steel spoke wheels. Different types of tires were mounted, and were supplied by the Firestone Tire Company and the Good-Year Tire Company. Canvas Covers were provided for the different carts (M500-M501-M502-M503) and all carts came with two Towing Ropes that could be attached to any corner of the body for additional towing.
Today, any variation of the M3A4 Utility Hand Cart is a rare and desirable collectable and although many are in collectors' hands, it is one of the more sought after objects on the US WW2 militaria market. They are hard to come by, especially in Europe where most of these carts were put to good use by local farmers after the war. Many of these carts ended up as scrap metal and whenever one shows up, it's either missing several parts or is completely worn out. The tow bar is almost always missing!
Approximate Measurements:
Total Length of cart: 68"
Total width, (wheels also) 36"
Cart by itself:
Length: 33"
Width: 24.5"
Please note on THIS cart is Pneumatic tires...
Last edited by browningautorifle; 12-12-2023 at 09:45 PM.
Would you believe I was just offered one of these. A John Wood 1945. Just restored. Also, a just restored Cushman to go with it. Passed on the Cushman as I'm looking for a Welbike. Still thinking about the cart.
PM
Originally Posted by CINDERS
