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

TM 55-2350-21-10-15 next to the anchor fitting. If the eight-link segment near the anchor fitting is 1/2 inch or more longer than the eight-link segment near the free end, the chain has stretched beyond normal limits and should be replaced. (b) Flatcars manufactured by Thrall Car Manufacturing Company are equipped with chains that have an open hook attached to the free end of the chain. If all components are free of visible damage, the eight-link segment next to the turnbuckle end of the chain must be compared with the eight-link segment next to the hook fitting at the free end. If the eight-link segment near the hook fitting at the free end is 1/2 inch or more longer than the eight-link segment near the turnbuckle end, the chain has stretched beyond normal limits and should be replaced. (5) Each turnbuckle in the chain tiedown assemblies must have adequate lubrication (grease, MIL-G-10924, or equivalent) to assure smooth operation during tensioning. After tensioning is completed, 15 to 25 foot-pounds of torque must be applied to the jamnut, and the bare threaded areas of the turnbuckle must be lubricated to prevent rusting during transit. (6) The shackles and links for attaching the chairs to the M60-series tanks are furnished with the 140-ton flatcar. (7) The ratchet-type handbrake lever is located on the side of the car, below the level of the deck. In this position, the brake lever is operated from the ground and does not interfere with loading or unloading. c. General-Purpose Flatcar. The wood-decked flatcar should be clear of used tiedown and blocking materials, and the flatcar decking should be in sound condition. Loads discussed in this manual are based on a flatcar that is 10 feet 4 inches wide, minimum. 7-5. Loading M60-Series Tank on 68-Foot, 140-Ton, Chain-Tiedown DODX Flatcar a. The M60-series tank may be placed in the tiedown position on the flatcar by a crane; or it may be driven or towed, provided that a suitable ramp or bridge is available. Tanks are generally loaded facing forward, in the same direction of intended transport. b. Before the M60-series tank is loaded, the chain anchors must be placed in the proper position as shown in figures 7-1, 7-2, or 7-3. Color coded positions are provided on the flatcar for placement of tiedown anchors for tanks. White is M1 tanks; yellow is for M60-series tanks. Stenciled on these painted positions are the tiedown attachment points on the applicable tank, except for tanks that have the M9 bulldozer installed. Stenciled attachment positions are illustrated in figures 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3, and described in tables 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, and 7-5. Chains attached to the anchors must be placed in piles, in the center of the flatcar. CAUTION Do not place the tanks on, or drive the tank over, the chains, turn buckles, or chain anchors (damage could result). c. When two M60-series tanks are loaded (fig. 7- 1), the forward left-hand road wheel of tank No. 1 should be centered over the yellow mark on the left- hand side, 154 inches (3.91 m) from the forward end of the flatcar. The last left-hand road wheel of tank No. 2 should be centered over the yellow mark on the left- hand side, 154 inches (3.91m) from the aft end of the flatcar. Should the 140-ton flatcar arrive in the reverse direction at the loading ramp, the tank will be loaded in reverse and tied down as described in table 7-2. When one M60-series tank is loaded, the space between the third and fourth left-hand road wheels should be equally located over the center mark of the flatcar, 408 inches (10.37 m) from either end (fig. 7-3). d. After the M60 tank is loaded and placed in the tiedown position, handbrakes should be set. Lever for transmission must be placed in neutral position. 7-2