Recently purchased a Mule but have no idea the model number since the data plates are missing. By looking at a parts manual my deck doesn’t have a steering access lid. It is 2 wheel steer. The motor is a Hercules model AO-42, with part of the serial number showing V???2438. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you, Mike
Mike: Welcome to the world of the M274 Mules.
The versions ran as such:
M274 with the 4cyl AO53 engine 4WS magnesium bed
M274-A1 with the 4cyl AO53-1 engine 4WS Magnesium bed
M274-A2 with the 2cyl AO42 engine 4WS Magnesium bed
M274-A3 retrofitted M274 with the 2cyl engine 4WS magnesium bed
M274-A4 retrofitted M274-A1 with the 2cyl engine 4WS magnesium bed
M274-A5 with the 2cyl engine 2WS with aluminum bed
Caution: nearly all parts are interchangeable and for some mules assembled from various versions makes it difficult to tell the original version. Brakes, beds, steering gear trunnion blocks / steering columns and shifting assys and frame tubes are indications of versions. The data plate on the side of the bed near the driver is your indication of the serial#, model#, manufacture, date of delivery, approval stamp, and contract#
Since your mule is 2WS and does not have the steering access hole you have a M274-A5 aluminum bed.
The 2cyl engine serial #s started with either
KM or
V the
V being the later version and are generally the same other than the:
A mechanical hour meter
Outlet vent vale connection to the intake air horn
Magneto gear timing to the cam gear