TM-9-2350-358-BD
HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A6
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S, UNIT, AND DIRECT SUPPORT SUPPORT MAINTENANCE
MARCH 1994
TM-9-2350-358-BD - Page 215 of 343
TM 9-2350-358-BD
SECTION VI.
TRACK ASSEMBLY
10-15. GENERAL
a.
A track is a temporary roadbed laid for vehicle wheels to roll on, without sinking in.
Center guides ensure that the
wheels remain on the road.
Track pins are hinge-pins which permit pick-up and transport of the road (track).
Because the
ground contact area of the track is much greater than the combined contact areas of all wheels, tracks distribute the
vehicles weight better than wheels.
The more rigid the ground contact area is, the better the weight distribution will be.
Track rigidity is achieved through tension applied to the track by roadwheels, arms and torsion bars.
b.
When track and suspension components are damaged the vehicle can still operate by eliminating some wheel
positions.
With reduced ground contact area, however, weight distribution is decreased, and each of the remaining wheel
and suspension positions must support a heavier load.
This will result in reduced ground clearance, loss of agility,
imbalance in steering, and loss of engine power, thereby directly affecting top speed of the vehicle.
To compensate, the
crew must reduce vehicle speed, select smoothest terrain available and avoid sharp turns.
c.
Track assembly provides howitzer with mobility over a variety of different terrain.
Without an operable track
assembly, the howitzer has near zero mobility.
10-16. TRACK WEDGE OR BOLT, MISSING
General Information:
This procedure allows continued operation of vehicle at reduced speeds with suspension damage.
Limitations:
Repair will be of an extremely short duration.
Personnel/Time Required:
•
1 soldiers
•
0.3 hour
Materials/Tools:
•
Rod, welding (item 51, Appendix C)
•
Welding equipment
References:
TM 9-2350-314-20-1-2
10-17
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