TB-9-1000-234-13 Exercising of M109 Recoil Mechanisms and Equilibrators Download
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TB 9-1000-234-13 2-1 CHAPTER 2 EXERCISING PROCEDURES 2.1 Exercising Hydropneumatic Recoil Mechanism. a. General. (1) Prior to exercising, an inspection shall be made to make certain that recoil mechanisms contain the correct amount as well as the right type of hydraulic fluid, in accordance with pertinent lubrication order. (2) To make certain that the floating piston will be moved sufficiently and to determine the condition of the hydraulic fluid, the recoil fluid reserve shall be drained and reestablished before exercising. (3) Exercising procedures pertinent to specific weapons are prescribed in table 2-1. b. Firing Weapon. Firing the weapon (tables 2-1 and 2-2) exercises the recoil mechanism. It is one of the best methods, but is not always practical. This method is not to be used on the 8-inch Howitzer M115 or larger similar carriages when in traveling position with the lumber, as the powerful forces needed to pull the cannon out-of-battery might buckle the lumber. c. Winch-Weapon in Traveling Position. Certain field artillery weapons (table 2-1) may be exercised in traveling position by connecting the weapon to a wrecking truck with a suitable winch (figure 1-1). Refer to paragraph 1.3d. d. Winch-Weapon with Trails Spread/Spades Dug In. Certain field artillery guns (table 2-1) set up with the trails spread and spades dug in and self-propelled weapons anchored in place utilizing parking brakes or blocking may be exercised by using a sufficiently strong winch on a heavy truck or tractor to pull the cannon rearward (figure 1-2). The cannon must be positioned at an elevation angle that will permit a straight pull with the winch. Anchor the truck or tractor if the required pull is too great for the weight of the truck or tractor. Stake or weigh the carriage down, if necessary. Refer to paragraph 1.3d for instructions on the use of a power winch. e. Block and Tackle-Weapon in Traveling Position/Direct Pull Against Spades. A block and tackle may be used to exercise a weapon (table 2-1) with the trails in traveling position (figure 1-3). The block and tackle may be anchored to the trail spades and to a rope or cable through the cannon. The cannon is pulled to the rear to exercise the recoil mechanism. Refer to paragraph 1.3d. CAUTION