Chapter 5. TRANSPORT OF ONE OR TWO M60-SERIES TANKS FOR M728 COMBAT ENGINEER VEHICLES

TM 55-2220-058-14

CHAPTER 5

TRANSPORT OF ONE OR TWO M60-SERIES TANKS FOR

M728 COMBAT ENGINEER VEHICLES

5-1. Scope

This chapter provides guidance for transport of one or two M60-series tanks or M728 combat engineer vehicles

on the 140-ton flatcar and prescribes the loading and tiedown procedures.

5-2. General

The M60-series tank is 143 inches (3.63 m) wide and varies in height from 126.3 inches (3.20 m) to 130.3

inches (3.31 m), depending on the model. The M728 combat engineer vehicle with bulldozer blade is 143

inches (3.63 m) wide and 128.3 inches (3.26 m) high. When either vehicle is loaded on the flatcar, its tracks

extend about 8.5 inches (0.22 m) beyond each side of the car. The M60-series tank and the M728 combat

engineer vehicle can be transported on the flatcar without major disassembly, but will require special routing by

the railroads because their widths exceed the 128-inch limit for unrestricted movement.

5-3. Loading M60-Series Tanks

a. A single M60 tank can be loaded onto the flatcar either by being driven onto the car over an end-

loading ramp or by being lifted onto the car with a crane or cranes of at least 60-ton capacity. The tank must

be centered on the car, with about equal overhang of its tracks on both sides of the car. A difference of 1 inch

between the left-side and right-side overhang is the maximum permitted by many railroad load inspectors. The

tank must be positioned so that the white mark at the center of the flatcar side is centered between the third

and fourth roadwheels. The chain tiedown arrangement for a single M60 tank is shown in figure 5-1. Front and

rear chain arrangements are shown in figures 5-2 and 5-3, respectively. The bill of materials required to secure

each M60 tank on the flatcar is provided in table 5-1. The application of the materials and chain tiedowns for a

single M60 tank is explained in table 5-2.

5-1