TM-9-3990-260-14-P
CONTAINER ROLL-IN/OUT PLATFORM (CROP) MODEL M3 AND MODEL M3A1
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S, UNIT, DIRECT SUPPORT AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE MANUAL (INCLUDING REPAIR PARTS AND SPECIAL TOOLS LIST)
JULY 2001
TM-9-3990-260-14-P - Page 28 of 306
TM 9-3990-260-14&P
1-6
Change 1
Section II.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
a.
Equipment Characteristics.
(1)
The M3 CROP is a welded steel, galvanized, steel-floored, flat cargo body with a folding
front end structure assembly for stacking and front and rear blocker assemblies. The M3
CROP is usually loaded and unloaded by the Load Handling System (LHS), but can also
be moved by forklift or other material handling equipment capable of handling such loads.
Do not drive a forklift on the M3 CROP deck; doing so exceeds the point load capability of
the deck.
(2)
A fully loaded M3 CROP can be inserted into an ISO container directly from a PLS truck
or by using a forklift. M3 CROP has built-in shoring devices to secure it inside an ISO con-
tainer. No additional shoring is required.
(3)
M3 CROP has four twistlock aperture plates that allow each stacked M3 CROP to be
secured by the M3 CROP directly beneath it. Up to six M3 CROPs can be stacked for
movement on a PLS truck or trailer. A stack of six also fits into an ISO container. When
stacking M3 CROPs, the lower unit upon which another is to be stacked must have its
removable center blocker assembly and two rear blocker assemblies repositioned.
(4)
Although M3 CROP twistlocks function similar to ISO twistlocks, M3 CROP twistlocks
are not positioned for use as ISO securing mechanisms due to the smaller footprint of the
M3 CROP when compared to a Flatrack.
(5)
M3 CROPs can be shipped on railcars, on PLS trucks and trailers, HEMTT LHS and on
ISO compatible commercial trucks when in ISO containers.
(6)
Each M3 CROP is provided with fourteen (14) web straps to allow transport of cargo.
b.
Capabilities.
(1)
The M3 CROP can be loaded to and from the ground, a loading dock, an ISO container, or
PLS trailer using the PLS truck-mounted LHS. The M3 CROP will accommodate nominal
loads of 32,450 lbs (14,719 kg) when loaded in an ISO container or on a PLS truck or
trailer.
(2)
The M3 CROP is capable of being transported on C-130, C-141, C-5 and C-17 aircraft
while secured to a 463L pallet train, while loaded to 36,250 lbs (16,443 kg) maximum
gross weight.
(3)
The M3 CROP is capable of being sling lifted by a CH-47D helicopter, utilizing a dual
point lift, at a gross weight of 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg).
(4)
M3 CROPs can be stacked 10 high on a flat surface. This is allowed for storage only.
(5)
Six empty M3 CROPs, five with the end structure assembly folded down, can be stacked
together and loaded in an ISO container, on the PLS trailer, and on the PLS truck using the
LHS.
(6)
M3 CROP can be moved by a forklift with forks that are a minimum of 68 in. (173 cm) in
length.
(7)
M3 CROP can be carried on a HEMTT LHS (M1120, M1120A2, M1120A2R1). For spe-
cific load requirements/restrictions, see HEMTT LHS TM 9-2320-304-14&P.
1-11.
M3 CROP EQUIPMENT CHARACTERISTICS, CAPABILITIES, AND FEATURES.
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