PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-609
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 609
AUGUST 2003
If you don’t do these things, the tank you’re towing
can jackknife, push you sideways, run into the back of
your vehicle, ruin your transmission or brakes, and
maybe even flip you over.
PS 609
AUG 03
17
M109-Series SP Howitzer, M992A2 Ammo Carrier…
Reverse Sprockets for
Long
Life
I
t’s easy to tell when it’s time to reverse the sprockets on your howitzer or ammo
carrier, crewmen. Just eyeball the built-in wear marks on the sprocket teeth.
If you forget to check the sprockets after each operation, like it says in the -10
TMs, the sprockets may wear too far into one side of the teeth.
That causes the sprocket to “hook”
track end connectors during operation.
The connectors are damaged, track life
is reduced and sprockets are broken.
Of course you should still reverse the
sprockets annually to extend their life
span. If the sprocket wears to the edge of
the wear mark before the year is up,
though, reverse it immediately. If both
marks are reached, replace the sprocket.
PS 609
AUG 03
16
M88A2 Hercules…
Towing Tips
for Tanks
•
Always perform the recovery tow operational risk assess-
ment shown on Page 0040 00-2 of TM 9-2350-292-10 to deter-
mine if a hold-back vehicle—either another tank or a second
Hercules—is needed.
•
Hook up the towbar following the instructions on Page
0043 00-2 of the -10 TM.
•
Never allow anyone to ride in or on the tank being towed.
•
Adjust your towing speed for the road conditions. Follow
the guidance on Page 0040 00-3 of the -10 TM.
•
Avoid steep slopes whenever possible. Your track can slip
when towing uphill or downhill.
•
Avoid making sharp turns or sudden stops. Keep turns
slow and gradual and stay in first gear.
The Hercules is a
lot heavier and
stronger than the
old M88A1 recovery
vehicle, but you still
need to use caution
when towing a tank.
Follow these tips…
try these
terrific tank
towing tips!
hey!
aren’t
you gonna
check my
sprockets
for wear?
Tow slow and easy
with no sharp turns
Reverse sprocket
when wear mark
is reached
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