TM-55-2350-215-10-15 M60 Series Transportability Guidance Download

TM 55-2350-215-10-15 CHAPTER 6 MARINE AND TERMINAL TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE Section I. GENERAL 6-1. Scope This chapter provides marine and terminal transportability guidance for movement of the M60- series tanks. It includes significant technical and physical characteristics and safety considerations and prescribes the materials and guidance required to prepare, load, tie down, and unload the vehicles. 6-2. Safety In addition to the safety precautions contained in chapter 3, the following areas should be noted, as applicable: a. The activity offering the vehicle for transport will notify the carrier in the event that ammunition or explosives are to be transported with the vehicle. Compliance with paragraph 2-7, AR 55-228, is mandatory. b. Ammunition and vehicles will be handled and stowed in accordance with provisions contained in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 or reissues thereof. c. Fire extinguishers must be available during all loading and unloading operations. d. Fuel tanks of vehicles must not be more than one-fourth full. 6-3. Water Shipment The vehicles can be transported by a great variety of inland-waterway cargo carriers and lighters and by all seagoing cargo vessels. NOTE The methods described in this chapter for lifting and securing vehicles are suggested procedures. Other methods of handling and stowage may be used, provided that safe delivery is insured. Section II. LOADING AND SECURING 6-4. General Rules for Stowing Tracked Vehicles a. General. Whenever possible, vehicles should receive the protection of below-deck stowage. In most cases, good stowage of vehicles means vehicles are placed fore and aft as close together as practicable, with minimum spacing between outer vehicles and the sweatboards; breakable parts are protected and the disposition of spare parts is noted, usually within or near the vehicles; vehicles are stowed in neutral with brakes set; battery terminals are disconnected; fuel is drained; and vehicles are secured by adequate blocking and lashing. Securing includes blocking of tracks on all four sides so that the vehicles cannot move in any direction; individual vehicle blocks are braced to bulkheads, stanchions, and other vehicle blocks; and vehicle is lashed with wire rope or chain. NOTE DOT exemption (DOT-E-7280) authorizes DOD to ship vehicles involved in readiness exercises with fuel tanks three-quarters full when vehicles are loaded on vessels that are adequately ventilated by power blowers, such as the roll-on/roll-off vessels. b. Loading. Vehicles are always loaded on vessels in their minimum configuration; that is, reduced height, with or without cargo. The vehicles can be loaded onto landing craft, beach discharge and amphibious lighters, and landing ship tanks under their own power or by crane of adequate capacity. The vehicles can also be loaded under their own power onto the decks of barges from a pier when tidal conditions are suitable and ramps are available. The vehicles can be loaded onto seagoing vessels by shoreside or floating cranes of adequate capacity. Jumbo booms and heavy-lift ship's gear may be used in loading vehicles on vessels. The vehicles can be loaded on roll- on/roll-off vessels under their own power or by towing. A diagram for typical M60A2 lifting is figure 6-1; typical blocking and tiedown details are shown as figure 6-2; and a bill of materials and application of materials, as tables 6-1 and 6-2. 6-1