TM-55-2350-215-10-15

TM 55-2350-21-10-15

next to the anchor fitting.

If the eight-link segment near

the anchor fitting is 1/2 inch or more longer than the

eight-link segment near the free end, the chain has

stretched beyond normal limits and should be replaced.

(b)

Flatcars manufactured by Thrall

Car Manufacturing Company are equipped with chains

that have an open hook attached to the free end of the

chain.

If all components are free of visible damage, the

eight-link segment next to the turnbuckle end of the

chain must be compared with the eight-link segment

next to the hook fitting at the free end.

If the eight-link

segment near the hook fitting at the free end is 1/2 inch

or more longer than the eight-link segment near the

turnbuckle end, the chain has stretched beyond normal

limits and should be replaced.

(5)

Each turnbuckle in the chain tiedown

assemblies must have adequate lubrication (grease,

MIL-G-10924, or equivalent) to assure smooth operation

during tensioning.

After tensioning is completed, 15 to

25 foot-pounds of torque must be applied to the jamnut,

and the bare threaded areas of the turnbuckle must be

lubricated to prevent rusting during transit.

(6)

The shackles and links for attaching the

chairs to the M60-series tanks are furnished with the

140-ton flatcar.

(7)

The ratchet-type handbrake lever is

located on the side of the car, below the level of the

deck.

In this position, the brake lever is operated from

the ground and does not interfere with loading or

unloading.

General-Purpose Flatcar

The wood-decked

flatcar should be clear of used tiedown and blocking

materials, and the flatcar decking should be in sound

condition.

Loads discussed in this manual are based on

a flatcar that is 10 feet 4 inches wide, minimum.

7-5.

Loading M60-Series Tank on 68-Foot, 140-Ton,

Chain-Tiedown DODX Flatcar

The M60-series tank may be placed in the

tiedown position on the flatcar by a crane; or it may be

driven or towed, provided that a suitable ramp or bridge

is available.

Tanks are generally loaded facing forward,

in the same direction of intended transport.

Before the M60-series tank is loaded, the chain

anchors must be placed in the proper position as shown

in figures 7-1, 7-2, or 7-3.

Color coded positions are

provided on the flatcar for placement of tiedown anchors

for tanks.

White is M1 tanks; yellow is for M60-series

tanks.

Stenciled on these painted positions are the

tiedown attachment points on the applicable tank,

except for tanks that have the M9 bulldozer installed.

Stenciled attachment positions are illustrated in figures

7-1, 7-2, and 7-3, and described in tables 7-2, 7-3, 7-4,

and 7-5.

Chains attached to the anchors must be placed

in piles, in the center of the flatcar.

CAUTION

Do not place the tanks on, or drive

the tank over, the chains, turn

buckles, or chain anchors (damage

could result).

When two M60-series tanks are loaded (fig.

1), the forward left-hand road wheel of tank No.

should be centered over the yellow mark on the left-

hand side, 154 inches (3.91 m) from the forward end of

the flatcar.

The last left-hand road wheel of tank No.

should be centered over the yellow mark on the left-

hand side, 154 inches (3.91m) from the aft end of the

flatcar.

Should the 140-ton flatcar arrive in the reverse

direction at the loading ramp, the tank will be loaded in

reverse and tied down as described in table 7-2.

When

one M60-series tank is loaded, the space between the

third and fourth left-hand road wheels should be equally

located over the center mark of the flatcar, 408 inches

(10.37 m) from either end (fig. 7-3).

After the M60 tank is loaded and placed in the

tiedown position, handbrakes should be set.

Lever for

transmission must be placed in neutral position.

7-2

TANK, COMBAT, FULL-TRACKED, M60-SERIES

TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE