M201 TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The earliest MB licence 6 volt jeeps were very similar to the war-time MB. A gradual evolution took place based on a number of technical improvements:

YEAR MODIFICATIONS From:
1956 Improved clutch plate by Aubern 00121
1956 Modified jerrycan bracket 00751
1957 Adjustable steering link and improvements to strengthen gearbox & transfer box 01056
1957 Larger clutch plate by Ferodo 03406
1957 Further gearbox modifications 03538
1958 windscreen wiper improvements including switch being moved to the dashboard 04544
1960 24 volt model introduced to replace the 6 volt model 08829
1960 Modifications to body panels, aerial mountings, headlights with integral sidelights 10461
1960 Earthed exhaust pipe to reduce interference, new Jager speedometer and cable. 11257
1961 Improved oil filter housing 13393

All jeeps up to Nš 6966 (covered by army manual MAT 3541 / CAT 4-584) were certainly 6 volt. Arguably the greatest advance was made with the introduction of the M201 24 volt model although the exact chassis number where this happened is not certain. No. 08829 was certainly 6 volt and, according to Army manual MAT 3541, all jeeps after no. Nš 8961 were almost certainly 24 volt. With so many changes it is therefore understandable that the quoted weight of even a standard M201 varies according to the data plate or manual you happen to be reading. The official data for the standard models are given below:
 

M201 6volt dead weight (poids mort) 1112.7 kg
M201 6volt fully equipped (en ordre de marche) 1475.5 kg
M201 24 volt dead weight (poids mort) 1160 kg
M201 24 volt fully equipped (en ordre de marche) 1530 kg

 

STANDARD M201 24 VOLT MODEL SPECIFICATION
Unladen weight 1160 kg slightly heavier than equivalent MB / GPW / M201 6volt
Load capacity 370 kg quoted figure varies on other data plates
Towing capacity 453 kg again quoted figure varies on on other data plates
Width 1.575 m same as MB / GPW
Length 3.372 m slightly longer due to rear aerial mount
Wheel-base 2.032 m same as MB / GPW
Max speed 95 km/h 105 km/h absolute max as with MB / GPW
Ground clearance 0.22 m  
Maximum gradient 66% 6% greater than Willys MB / Ford GPW
Approach angle 45 degrees same as MB / GPW
Departure angle 35 degrees same as MB / GPW
Fording depth 0.53 m without special preparation or modification
Engine capacity 2.199 litre same as MB / GPW
Compression ratio 6.48 : 1 same as MB / GPW but with reinforced cylinder head
Spark plug gap .045 - .055 mm ABG - 708 Screened - torque wrench setting 5 kg/m
Points gap .035 - .045 mm ABG-AL 4 D1A Screened waterproof distributor
Batteries 12V 45Ah Two connected in series for 24 volt system
Fuel tank capacity 56.78 litres Same as MB / GPW
Range 550 km Includes use of 20 litres of fuel in jerrycan
Cooling system capacity 11.5 litres Operating temperature 70 - 85 deg. C.
Recommended tyre pressure 2.1 Bar 2.1 kg / sq. cm (Bar) = 25 lb. / sq. inch

Obviously the weights and characteristics of other ERGM modified models varied considerably. The SS10 launcher was probably the longest at 3.52 metres and widest at 1.90 metres.

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