PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-735
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 735
FEBRUARY 2014
10
PS 735
FEB 14
11
PS 735
FEB 14
•
A tow bar should be the first choice before using chains, ropes or cables.
•
When using a tow bar, also connect a safety chain between the two vehicles in case the
tow bar breaks or disconnects. Use a chain with an appropriate load rating.
•
If a tow bar is unavailable, connect cables, chains or ropes to the pintle of the prime
mover and to the lifting shackles of the towed vehicle.
•
Do not put hands near the pintle hook when aligning it with the lunette eye hook.
•
If you must tow in heavy traffic, tie the front lifting shackles of the towed vehicle tightly
to the rear lifting shackles of the prime mover and connect the air brake lines.
•
Use a ground guide when moving a disabled vehicle. The ground guide must remain visible
to the driver at all times. See Chapter 11-4, Section (9)h in AR 385-10,
The Army Safety
Program (Oct 11),
and Pages 26-37 of this issue for more ground guide rules and tips.
•
Never allow anyone to stand between the two vehicles when the prime mover is backing
up to the disabled vehicle.
•
Never allow anyone but the driver to ride in the disabled vehicle being towed.
•
Prior to towing, make sure all personnel are clear of vehicles before removing
wheel chocks.
•
Use reasonable speed for road
conditions. The maximum
speed limit when towing off
road is 15 mph. On paved
roads (highways), speed can
be increased to 25 mph.
However, terrain, weather and
other conditions may require
keeping speed lower.
•
Avoid making sharp turns
when towing. Keep turning
speed at 5 to 10 mph to
reduce skidding risk.
•
Before disconnecting the
vehicles, make sure both
vehicles are on level surfaces
with wheels chocked.
Know±Before±You±Tow
•
Review towing procedures in vehicle TMs and FM 4-30.31,
Recovery and Battle
Damage Assessment and Repair (Sept 06).
•
Recovery operations are a specific skill set. A trained vehicle recovery specialist
(additional skill identifier H8) should be part of the recovery team whenever possible.
• Warning:±
If a disabled vehicle’s brakes are not working, do not try to flat tow it. Call
for dedicated wrecker support.
One±for±the±Road
For±more±safety±pointers,±check±out±the±USARC/Safety±Center’s±Driver’s±Training±Toolbox±
at:±
Safety…
Tips
for
Towing
the
Mark
Even well-maintained
tactical vehicles can
unexpectedly break
down.
That’s why it’s smart
to plan for the worst-
case scenario and know
the right way to tow.
Here are
some towing
pointers…
I’m
nUmber
One!
Remember, failure to
assess towing risks and
use due caution before and
during recovery operations
can cause equipment damage.
But worse, it might result in
injury or death.
you want
me
to go
up
there?
no waY!
•
Avoid hills with greater than a 20 percent incline.
The weight of a disabled vehicle can push or pull
the tow vehicle, causing loss of control.
735 10-11.indd
1-2
12/31/13
11:16 AM
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