TM-9-2350-273-BD
M48/M60 SERIES TANK, COMBAT FULL-TRACKED 105-MM GUN
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATORS, ORGANIZATIONAL, DIRECT SUPPORT AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE; BATTLEFIELD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR
TM-9-2350-273-BD - Page 118 of 288
TM 9-2350-273-BD
TRACK AND SUSPENSION
9-12. ROADWHEELS.
a. Operating with less than the standard number of roadwheels will do two things; One,
it imposes heavier loads and therefore increased wear, but this will not be measurable
over several battlefield days. Second, it will reduce the number of “slots” available for
center guides and alinement of the track. Assuming that only roadwheels have been
lost and all arms are functioning, it is better to operate with single wheels in some
positions than to leave a position completely blank. Two rules should be followed
First, if possible, do not put two single wheel positions next to one another. Second,
when single wheels must be consecutive, make them alternating single inner and single
outer.
b. Wear plates are desirable but not critical.
Missing wear plates will significantly
shorten the life of a wheel but a wheel should still last several battlefield days.
c. At least two roadwheels bolts can be missing in non-consecutive positions.
9-13. ROADWHEEL/HUB DAMAGE
General Information: The tank cannot operate if specific roadwheels are damaged. The
M48/M60 tank can be operated in a degraded mode if it is equipped on both sides with a
rear sprocket, an idler wheel, a center or a front and rear track support, roadwheels 1
and 6, and two other nonadjacent roadwheels such as 2 and 4 or 3 and 5. All suspension
system components can be replaced, if the bearing seats in the hull are serviceable. If
a roadwheel in a required location is damaged, it may be replaced with an undamaged
roadwheel taken from a position where a roadwheel is not essential. All roadwheels are
interchangeable. Vehicles are still operable if all rubber on wheels and track supports
are lost; however, the track must be adjusted to compensate.
Limitation=
●
Degraded mobility
Personnel/Time Required:
●
2 soldiers
●
1-2 hours
Materials/Tools:
●
Length of pipe
●
Bar steel
●
Four inch diameter wood
Other Option:
●
The
M1 tank roadwheel will mount on the M48/M60 series vehicle roadwheel hub. M 1
tank roadwheels must be mounted in pairs on M48/M60 series tanks as they are smaller
in diameter.
Procedural Steps:
1. Inspect to see which roadwheels are damaged.
9-9
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