[1][2] To assist in the movement and placement of its gun, the M5 high-speed tractor was equipped with a front mounted engine-driven winch that had a maximum pull of 17,000 pounds (7,700 kg) and was fitted with roller below the winch that permitted pulling of loads behind the tractor.

After 1944 the vehicles were fitted with the M49C ring mount that allowed it to be armed with an M2 Browning machine gun for local and air defence.

[2][3] Introduced after WWII, the M5A2 high-speed tractor and M5A3 high-speed tractor were updated M5s and M5A1s with a horizontal volute spring suspension system instead of the original vertical volute spring suspension and new tracks that were 21 inches (53 cm) wide compared to the older tracks that were 11.625 inches (295.3 mm) wide.

[2][3] The M5A4 high-speed tractor reorganised the ammunition stowage boxes along the sides of the vehicle for easier access.

In 1944, 200 M5s were provided to an appreciative Soviet Union for use by the Red Army who quickly rushed them into service.