PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-711
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 711
FEBRUARY 2012
4
PS 711
FEB 12
5
PS 711
FEB 12
T
raction is the key to keeping your M1-series tank moving. But if you’re faced
with ice and snow, traction can be a little hard to come by.
FM 9-207,
Operations and Maintenance of Ordnance Materiel in Cold
Weather,
says it’s OK to remove track pads or reverse every third center guide
to improve traction. But that can damage track components and still doesn’t
provide much traction.
For tanks with T158 track, a special ice cleat kit, NSN 2530-01-369-9994, is
available to prevent all that slipping and sliding.
J
ust because you can use the PANEL LIGHTS knob to
completely dim the lights on the commander’s panel of
your M1A1 tank doesn’t mean you should.
Dimming those lights completely is a real safety
hazard, especially when it comes to the warning lights.
One crew learned that lesson the hard way when the
NBC filter on their tank caught fire after the air cycle
turbine failed. The crew reported that the NBC OVERHEAT
SPONSON OUT light didn’t provide any warning. Turned
out that the warning light was working but had been
completely dimmed.
So pay attention to the
information on WP 0094-5 of
TM 9-2350-264-10-1 (Sep 11).
It tells how to test the panel
lights and adjust the PANEL
LIGHTS knob so the lights are
dimmed but still visible.
1.
Clean the left and right
track to remove all dirt
and debris.
Here’s how to install ‘em:
3.
Remove the track shoe’s
inner and outer pad and
self-locking nut.
5.
Lock each cleat in
place with a new
self-locking nut, NSN
Torque the nuts to
260-300 lb-ft.
6.
Follow steps 3-5 for
the track on the other
side of the tank.
7.
Move the tank
forward to position
the next track shoe
needing cleats.
2.
Position the first track shoe
between the compensating
idler wheel and the
number one roadwheel.
4. Install two ice cleats on the
track shoe in place of the
removed pads.
For best performance, put a set of cleats on
every ±fth shoe. The kit brings enough cleats for
one complete tank.
Remember, these cleats are for T158 track only.
They
will not
work with T156 track.
M1-Series
Tanks…
Keep You Moving!
M1A1 Tank…
Lights
Out?
Never dim lights completely
with PANEL LIGHTS knob
Hey,
I got
those
cleats
you
wanted!
Do you
really think
they’ll fit?
711 04-05.indd
1-2
12/22/11
11:05 AM
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