TM-9-2350-311-10

HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 AND M109A5

TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S MANUAL

NOVEMBER 1994

TM-9-2350-311-10 - Page 203 of 775

TM 9-2350-311-10

2–10 OPERATING PROCEDURES — CONTINUED

2-10.4 Driving

a. Normal Driving Conditions

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2

WARNIN G

• Drive carefully, especially if unfamiliar with vehicle.

hard pavement as it may result in loss of control.

Avoid oversteering and speeding on

• Secure covers, doors, and hatches (para 2–10.6) before moving vehicle. Lock driver’s hatch

cover in either open or closed position. Failure to follow warning could result in injury to

personnel.

• If you lose a track (break a track shoe or vehicle throws a track), extreme caution must be

exercised in maintaining control. Immediately release accelerator and let the vehicle coast

to a stop. Do not apply braking action, i.e., brake pedal, laterals, pivot or any type of steering

controls. This causes the vehicle to pull to the active or good track and could result in a

rollover. If it is absolutely necessary, apply braking action only and we stress only, if the

vehicle is approaching a ravine, a cliff, or if you perceive the outcome to be catastrophic,

probably resulting in fatalities. When rollover is imminent, all crew members should

immediately withdraw inside the vehicle, tighten seat belts, and hold onto a secure fixture,

until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Press down on brake pedal (1). Lift up and push in manual control handle (2) to release parking brake.

With brake pedal (1) depressed and hand throttle control lever (3) in the idle position, shift transmission

shift control lever (4) from N (neutral) to 1 (1st gear).

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