PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-606
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 606
MAY 2003
PS 606
MAY 03
3
Combat Vehicles…
Stay On Track in the Desert
Heat
Air temperatures of up to 120°F are bad enough, but sand absorbs the heat and
can get as hot as 165°F!
Those temperatures are extremely hard on rubber parts. Heat makes track shoes
soft and weakens their resistance to sharp rocks and plant spines. High temperatures
also increase rubber/metal separation on roadwheels.
Pay special attention to shoes and
roadwheels during PMCS. Replace
shoes that are severely damaged or
worn down to the grouser.
Roadwheels with tread separation of
1 inch or wider (
1
⁄
2
inch or wider for
M113-series FOV, M992A2 ammo car-
rier and M109-series SP howitzers)
around 75 percent of the wheel should
be replaced. Also, replace M113-series
FOV roadwheels that have chunking
across
1
⁄
2
the width or more of the outer
rubber surface.
Track Tension
Since metal expands and con-
tracts with the ups and downs of
temperature, proper track tension is
essential in the desert.
During the heat of the day, track
parts expand and the track runs loos-
er. That results in thrown track.
At night and early in the morning,
it’s much cooler. Track parts con-
tract and the track runs tighter. The
track can bind, causing bent road
arms, damaged end connectors and
more.
Check track tension often in the
desert. Don’t try to make it extra
loose or tight to compensate for tem-
perature changes. Your best bet is to
adjust it according to the TM.
Driving
Drivers, be wary of a lack of steering response. That indicates sand is building up
between the treads and sprockets or idler wheels. If you allow the buildup to con-
tinue, the sand will throw the track.
Try “shaking” the vehicle with the steering or backing up to remove sand buildup.
Remove accumulated sand by hand at your next stop.
Desert environments can be
lethal
to your combat vehicle
tracks, crewmen. Heat, sand,
and rocks all combine to take
a heavy toll—unless you’re
willing to ante up with PM!
wiThout PM
my track just
can’T take aLl
this Abuse!
I don’t feel
so good. I
think I’m
gonna throw
a track.
whoa!
I’m gonna
need new
track pads
after this!
I think the
heat’s made
my track a
little
loose!
Back to TopBack to Top
