the field artillery journal - Fort Sill - U.S. Army
the field artillery journal - Fort Sill - U.S. Army
the field artillery journal - Fort Sill - U.S. Army
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
MOTOR TRANSPORT FOR FIELD ARTILLERY<br />
Muffler and Cutout.—Muffler to reduce noise and cutout to<br />
enable operator to note action of his engine.<br />
Protection.—Waterproof cover should be provided for<br />
magneto and preferably some sort of canvas cover or paulin for<br />
<strong>the</strong> more important parts of <strong>the</strong> machine when not running.<br />
Drive.—Four-wheel drive is far preferable to two-wheel<br />
drive for trucks. Should one end of a four-wheel drive truck be<br />
damaged, a two-wheel truck still remains.<br />
Steer.—Four-wheel steer gives a small turning radius and<br />
usually increases interchangeability of parts.<br />
Flexibility.—Should be tested by running machine over very<br />
irregular ground or rocks.<br />
Buffer springs should be provided to prevent parts liable to<br />
damage coming in violent contact when passing over obstacles.<br />
Speeds.—The gearing should be so arranged by use of a<br />
subtransmission or o<strong>the</strong>rwise that on extreme low gear <strong>the</strong><br />
power will be sufficient to slip <strong>the</strong> wheels on fairly dry ground<br />
without stalling <strong>the</strong> engine. This requirement means that <strong>the</strong><br />
parts of <strong>the</strong> transmission must be of first-class material, or<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rwise breakages may result.<br />
Pintle.—Pintle at suitable height and of a type that will<br />
accommodate <strong>the</strong> <strong>artillery</strong> lunette should be provided. If a<br />
special pintle is put on much higher than <strong>the</strong> regular pintle,<br />
tests should be made to see that <strong>the</strong> towed load will not raise<br />
<strong>the</strong> floor end of <strong>the</strong> machine off <strong>the</strong> ground. In addition to <strong>the</strong><br />
regular pintle, a second pintle or hook of some sort should be<br />
on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r end of <strong>the</strong> machine.<br />
Draft spring is desirable to lessen shocks on towed matériel.<br />
Differentials.—The locking type is preferable. Should be<br />
tested by jacking all driving wheels but one off <strong>the</strong> ground and<br />
seeing that truck will move forward off <strong>the</strong> jacks with <strong>the</strong><br />
remaining wheel.<br />
Batteries.—Care should be taken that <strong>the</strong> ignition system is<br />
such that <strong>the</strong> engine can be easily started with all batteries<br />
entirely disconnected. Storage batteries should be very firmly<br />
secured in a box, which may or may not be spring supported.<br />
41
Change language