TM-9-2320-273-10
TRUCK, TRACTOR, LINE HAUL; LIGHT EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER; TRUCK CHASSIS; MEDIUM EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S MANUAL
DECEMBER 2012
TM-9-2320-273-10 - Page 249 of 452
STARTING OUT
CAUTION
M915 through M920 vehicles are equipped with strip heaters
to warm transmission during cold weather. The strip heaters
are thermostatically controlled for automatic operation at
temperatures below 30° F (-1° C). The indicator light on the
console lights when the strip heaters are on. Do not operate
the transmission until indicator light goes off. Failure to
comply may result in damage to equipment.
1. Use your cold weather starting procedure (WP 0009), and give the engine time to
reach an operating temperature range of at least 120–140° F (49–60° C) for M915
through M920 or 140–160° F (60–71° C) for M915A1.
2. Adjust the amount of winter front coverage over the radiator grille to maintain a
normal coolant operating range of 165–195° F (74–91° C) for M915 through
M920 or 180–200° F (82–93° C) for M915A1.
3. Start driving very slowly. Be alert to the possibility that tires may be frozen to the
ground, frozen in the shape of flat spots, or that one or more brake shoes may be
frozen and require preheating. Notify your supervisor if necessary.
4. Drive very slowly for approximately 100 yards, being careful not to let the engine
stall. By starting out slowly and carefully, you can more easily detect any initial
problems caused by the cold weather, and your tractor’s fluids and components
will have sufficient warm-up time.
END OF TASK
PROTECTING VEHICLE WHEN PARKED
1. If you shut down your tractor for a short period, park in a sheltered area out of
the wind. If there is no shelter available, park so that tractor does not face into the
wind. Install the winter front.
2. If parking your vehicle for a long shutdown period, try to park on high ground
and use planks or brush to make a raised and relatively dry surface for the tires in
case weather conditions worsen. Keep the tires out of snow, water, ice, and mud,
if possible.
3. Clean snow, ice, and mud from vehicle as soon as possible after shutdown.
4. If your vehicle will be parked for an extended period of time during cold weather,
notify your supervisor to have maintenance personnel remove batteries and store
in a warm place. Fill fuel tank to guard against condensation. Drain any
accumulated water from air reservoirs and fuel filter. Install winter front cover.
5. Ensure tires are properly inflated (WP 0003).
TM 9-2320-273-10
0016
0016-5
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