TM-5-5420-203-14
BRIDGE, ARMORED VEHICLE LAUNCHED, SCISSORING TYPE CLASS 60 & CLASS 70 ALUMINUM, 60 FOOT SPAN; FOR M48A5 AND M60 LAUNCHER
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S, UNIT, DIRECT SUPPORT, AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE
JUNE 1991
TM-5-5420-203-14 - Page 157 of 298
TM 5-5420-203-14
e. Loading/Unloading a Scissored Bridge to/from a Lowbed or Flatbed Semitrailer using
forklifts
- CONT
CAUTION
The forklift operators should always use extreme caution when operating the forklifts,
so as not to impart damage to the bridge or semitrailer during a loading or unloading
operation.
If in doubt about a certain procedure of the operation, the operators should
stop the process until they can resolve the problem. The bridge should always be handled
cautiously and safely.
Avoid puncturing the sides of the bridge with a fork of the forklift
when engaging the equipment.
NOTE
A lowbed semitrailer is preferred over the flatbed semitrailer for this operation because of
its lower trailer bed (3'3” vs. 4'4”) which results in a lower lift of the bridge for clearing the
trailer bed.
(a) Use two forklifts, one on each side of the folded bridge. A third person is needed to lead and
coordinate the lifting and loading effort. With the forks spread wide apart, position the
forklifts so they are centered on the black vertical marks (lines) painted on each side of the
bridge (this marks the location of the center of gravity or point of balance). It is important that
the black vertical lines be kept centered between the forks of the forklifts.
Slowly and
cautiously move the forklifts towards the bridge, working the forks underneath the bridge in a
cradling fashion
If the bridge is located on the ground, it should be positioned off the ground
by use of wooden blocks.
The blocks should be high enough so that the forks of a forklift can.
easily be slipped underneath the bridge. This will also help the operator; when they pickup the
bridge. The operators should ensure that their forks are fully located underneath the bridge
before starting the lift operation. Prior to lifting the bridge chain the tie-rod ends together to
prevent the bridge ends from spreading apart during the lift.
(b)
On command of the third party (the NCOIC or appointed soldier), both forklift operators
slowly raise the bridge off the ground to a suitable height, approximately 4-5 feet, that would
clear the bed of the semitrailer when it is backed in underneath the raised bridge.
Change 2 2-107
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