PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-725
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 725
APRIL 2013
44
PS 725
APR 13
D
id you know that airlifting bags that can lift heavy loads are available in the
Forward Repair System (FRS)?
The Army often uses
them during maintenance
operations to lift vehicles
for
services
or
in
emergency situations, such
as
removing
personnel
from underneath vehicles
or collapsed structures.
Lifting bags can also be
used on the road to assist
a
vehicle’s
tire
change.
Their large area of ground
contact makes them helpful
on unstable ground and
low clearance areas that
conventional bottle jacks
can’t get underneath.
Lifting
bags,
KPI-44
and KPI-74, come with
the FRS. The KPI-32 is
part of SATS (Standard
Automotive Tool Set).
Lifting bags are in±ated using compressed air from an air compressor or a vehicle’s
air system that provides at least 118 psi. Although the lift rating decreases as the lift
height increases, you can stack up to two bags to increase the total lift height.
Storage length and width dimensions differ for each bag, depending on a particular
bag’s lift rating. The de±ated thickness for each bag is one inch or less. For example,
the KPI-74 (70.2 tons) bag’s storage dimensions are 37” x 37” x 1”.
To use the lifting bags, you need a controller kit that includes a pressure regulator,
air hoses and in±ation controller, as well as shutoff adapters to operate the bag from
your vehicle’s air system. These items are available separately as part of the FRS and
SATS. However, the additional components are required if you purchased air bags
and don’t have an FRS or SATS.
By the way, if your FRS never came with a KPI-74 air lifting bag, go to this
website:
There you’ll get a
free
bag and accessories. But the equipment is free only if it
hasn’t already been retro²tted under your unit’s FRS’s serial number.
If you have any questions about the FRS and air lifting bags, email the FRS system
acquisition manager, Larry Rigsby:
larry.e.rigsby2.civ@mail.mil
If you have any questions about recovery techniques, write to TARDEC’s Towing
and Recovery team:
emily.a.neville2.civ@mail.mil
Weight and Height
Capacity
Air Lifting
Bag
KPI-74
KPI-44
KPI-32
70.2 tons, 20 inches
41.5 tons, 15 inches
29.9 tons, 13 inches
Tools…
Air Bags
Lift
H
e
a
v
y
Loads
here’s
the
capacity
of each
bag…
Lifting bags
can also be used
on the road to assist
a vehicle’s tire change
Use airlifting bags during
maintenance operations
don’t you
dare come
near me with
that jack!
not on
this
ground!
that’s
right!
now
watch and
learn
while
I get this
done!
You should be
using a lifting bag
like
this
guy!
it’s
more
efficient and
safer
for
everyone!
725 44-45.indd
1-2
2/22/13
3:59 PM
Click here for a copy of this article to save or email.
Back to TopBack to Top
