TM 55-3930-660-14

TECHNICAL MANUAL

TRANSPORT GUIDANCE
FORKLIFT, 6000-LB, VARIABLE
REACH, ROUGH-TERRAIN
(NSN 3930-01-158-0849)
(ARMY MODEL MHE-269)

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

JULY 1991
 TM 55-3930-660-14

TECHNICAL MANUAL HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
No. 55-3930-660-14 Washington, DC, 31 July 1991

Approved for Public Release: Distribution is Unlimited

TRANSPORT GUIDANCE
FORKLIFT, 6,000-LB, VARIABLE REACH,
ROUGH-TERRAIN, MODEL 6000M
(NSN 3930-01-158-0849)
(ARMY MODEL MHE-269)

Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Section I. GENERAL
Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-1
Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 1-1
User Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1-1
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 1-1
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 ?-?
II. SAFETY
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 1-1
Hazardous Material Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 1-2
III. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 1-2
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 1-2
Reduced Conjuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 1-2
Chapter 2. HIGHWAY TRANSPORT
Section I. GENERAL
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 2-1
Self-Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 2-1
II. MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSPORT
Prime Mover Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 2-1
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 2-1
Loading Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 2-1
Chapter 3. RAIL TRANSPORT
Section I. GENERAL
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 3-1
II. RAIL LOADING
Railcar Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 3-1
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 3-1
Loading Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 3-1
Chapter 4. MARINE TRANSPORT
Section I. GENERAL
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 4-1
II. SHIP LOADING
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 4-1
Loading Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 4-1
Lifting Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 4-2
Chapter 5. AIR TRANSPORT
Section I. GENERAL
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 5-1
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 5-1
Hazardous Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 5-1
II. AIR TRANSPORT
USAF Cargo Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 5-1
Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 5-1
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 5-1

i
TM 55-3930-660-14

Page
Appendix A. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
B. Load Restraint Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
C. Estimating Tiedowns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

ii
 TM 55-3930-660-14

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Section I. GENERAL
1-1. Purpose and Scope (1) Axle Limits. A load limit set by highway
officials or designers of ship decks and aircraft as
This manual is for transportation officers and other
the maximum axle (or group of axles) weight that
personnel responsible for safe transport of the
can be supported.
6,000-pound-capacity, variable reach, rough-terrain
(2) Center of Gravity (CG). The balance point
forklift (6K VRRTFL). It provides data for planning
of a suspended item. The VRRTFL counterweight
and executing movement of the forklift worldwide.
is used to shift the CG to the rear. CG location is
Included are the physical characteristics of the
indicated by. . .
forklift, safety precautions, technical data on trans-
(3) Curb Weight (CW). Total weight of opera-
port modes, and lifting and tiedown procedures.
ble 6K VRRTFL including fuel, all system fluids,
The major dimensions and weights given in this and on-vehicle basic issue items (BII). CW does not
manual are in US customary and equivalent SI include crew weight, which in this case is less
(metric) units. Approximate values appear in pa- than 1 percent of the gross vehicle weight.
rentheses following the customary-unit value. (4) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) CW plus
Transport modes are presented in chapter 2, payload. For transport purposes, a forklift has no
“Highway Transport”; chapter 3, “Rail Trans- payload. Therefore, the GVW equals the CW.
port”; chapter 4, “Marine Transport”; and chapter (5) Safe Working Load (SWL). The SWL is the
5, “Air Transport.” maximum recommended load that should be ex-
erted on an item. SWL is also referred to as
1-2. Related Publications “working load,” “working load limit,” and “re-
Additional information on transport procedures sultant safe working load.” Such rated load values
can be found in: are for in-line pull.
FM 55-65, Strategic Deployment by Surface (6) Loading Restraint Factors (LRF). The LRF
Transportation. given (app B) for the surface and air modes are
TB 9-2300-281-35, Standards for Overseas considered to be the "G" factors that can be
Shipment or Domestic Issue of Special Purpose expected in military transport.
Vehicles. b. Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. Throughout
TM 38-250/AFR 71-4, Preparation of Hazardous this manual, warnings, cautions, and notes empha-
Materials for Military Air Shipment. size important or critical information.
***WARNING***
1-3. User Comments
Instructions that must be followed to pre-
Please send comments and recommendations for vent serious injury to or death of person-
improving this manual. Send them by letter, on nel.
DA Form 2028, or on a marked copy of a page or
**CAUTION**
pages of the manual to Commander, MTMC Trans-
portation Engineering Agency, ATTN: MTTE-TR, Instructions that must be followed to
PO Box 6276, Newport News, VA 23606-0276. avoid health hazards, or to prevent equip-
ment damage.
1-4. Definitions *NOTE*
a. Technical terms that may be helpful while An operating procedure that should re-
using this manual include: ceive special attention.

Section II. SAFETY

1-6. General posure to normal transportation environments,
Even though the 6K VRRTFL has no special several general safety considerations and precau-
hazardous or dangerous characteristics during ex- tions are important.

1-1
TM 55-3930-660-14
a. Check the entire vehicle to be sure loose g. Do not drive the forklift on public highways
items are properly secured. without appropriate safety equipment.
b. Have fire extinguishers readily available h. Adhere to all local, State, Federal, and/or
–
when operating the forklift. host-nation safety laws and regulations applying
c. Make sure only qualified personnel operate to commercial carriers.
the forklift.
d. Never permit riders, this is a one-person 1-7. Hazardous Material
machine.
Considerations
e. Do not leave the forklift unattended when the
engine is running. The basic 6K VRRTFL does not contain hazardous
f. Do not allow the forklift to exceed 3 miles per material. Regulations or transportation procedures
hour during loading and unloading operations covering diesel-fuel-powered vehicles will apply.

Section III. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

1-8. General Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 in. (2.57 m)

The 6K VRRTFL is used in support of ammunition Floor area:
and quartermaster units. It can load and unload Operational . . . . . . . . . 220 ft2 (20 m2)
palletized material from the ground or from Without forks . . . . . . . 190 ft2 (18 m2)
trailer-mounted ISO/MILVAN containers. The Volume:
6,000-pound rated load (24-inch load center) is at a Operational . . . . . . . . . 1,860 fts (52 m3)
reach of up to 15 feet. At the maximum reach of 1,620 ft3 (46 m3)
Without forks . . . . . . .
23.5 feet, the lift capacity is 4,000 pounds.
Turning radius (four-
This forklift has a special lifting tool for handling wheel steering):
multiple launcher rocket system (MLRS) pods.
Curb level . . . . . . . . . . 15 ft (4.5 m)
The operator position has built-in rollover protec- Entire vehicle . . . . . . . 18 ft (5.5 m)
tive structure (ROPS) and falling objects protective 10 ft (3 m)
Turning lane width . . .
structure (FOPS).
Tires:
The 6K VRRTFL has a six-cylinder, turbocharged 17.5 x 25 L2
Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
diesel engine rated at 160 horsepower. The hy-
draulically powered steering is operable in three Pressure:
modes: two-wheel, four-wheel, and crab. Both ax- Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 psi (310 KPa)
les are full-time, all-wheel drive. The front axle is Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 psi (280 KPa)
equipped with limited slip differential. Ground pressure (at
More information is available in the 6K VRRTFL 27,100 pounds GVW):
Operator’s Manual, TM 10-3930-660-10. Front wheel . . . . . . . . . 36 lb/in.2 (2.5
kg/cm2)
1-9. Technical Data Gear wheel . . . . . . . . . . 30 lb/in.2 (2.1
The following forklift characteristics and data kg/cm 2)
apply to the specific model with NSN 3930-01-
158-0849. Changes in the model or NSN may
alter the data and guidance as presented in this 1-10. Reduced Configuration
manual.
There are no recommended ways to reduce the
Line item number T48944
VRRTFL physical dimensions for transport. A cost
(LIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
saving is obtainable by reducing deck space or
Gross vehicle weight 27,100 lb (12 290
overall volume needed to transport an item. With
(GVW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kg) most forklift trucks, configuration reduction usu-
Length: ally involves removing the forklift tines and secur-
Operational . . . . . . . . . 312 in. (7.9 m) ing them to the vehicle. Because of the amount of
Without forks . . . . . . . 272 in. (6.9 m) disassembly required, this is not advisable with
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 in. (2.59 m) the VRRTFL.

1-2
 TM 55-3930-660-14

Figure 1-1. Technical data on 6K VRRTFL

1-3
TM 55-3930-660-14

Figure 1-2. Lifting and tiedown provisions.

1-4
 TM 55-3930-660-14

CHAPTER 2
HIGHWAY TRANSPORT

Section I. GENERAL

2-1. General c. Be prepared to use “wide load” signs, amber

lights, and escorts.
The 6K VRRTFL is highway transportable with a
d. Determine if blanket permits are available
minimum of restrictions. However, because of its
for specific prime movers, such as a heavy-
102-inch width, the forklift exceeds the maximum
equipment transporter.
legal limit of 96 inches for most States’ noninter-
state highways. Permit requirements will vary
depending on local regulations and conditions, but 2-2. Self-Delivery
in general the shipper must: With a maximum road speed of about 23 mph, the
a. Submit DD Form 1266 to the installation 6K VRRTFL can move over highways for short
transportation officer (ITO) 2 weeks before the distances under its own power. With the power
planned movement. train disconnected, it can be towed. See the 6K
b. Be aware that travel may be restricted to VRRTFL Operator’s Manual for towing proce-
daylight hours on normal workdays. dures.

Section II. MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSPORT

2-3. Prime Mover Selection When properly loaded on an M172A1 or M871, the
6K VRRTFL will not overload the transporter or
The physical size and weight of the 6K VRRTFL
exceed axle limits in most geographic areas.
allow highway transport of the forklift by a vari-
ety of vehicles. In selecting a transporter, the 2-4. Preparation
proposed route and local availability of wide load
permits must be considered. Table 2-1 presents a Reparation for highway transport includes:
comparison of military semitrailers. a. Filling fuel tank (or defueling) to one-quarter
of its capacity.
b. Removing all trash and mud from the
Table 2-1. Evaluation of Prime Movers VRRTFL.
Load c. Ensuring the MLRS pod lifting tool is prop-
Semi- Rating erly positioned in its storage location on the
trailers (tons) Comments machine.
M747 HET 60 Much too large. d. Checking for fluid leaks and repairing any
M870 Lowbed 40 Larger than needed, but us- defects.
able. e. Securing battery.
M872 Flatbed 34 Not well suited. Larger than f. Ensuring the VRRTFL is in good mechanical
needed, but usable. Deck order, with usable tiedowns, operating engine,
height is 58 in.
M172A1 Lowbed 25 Best. Deck is 115 in. wide and brakes, and proper tire pressure.
40 in. high. g. Disconnecting the ether canister used for cold
M871 Flatbed 22.5 Usable. Deck is 96 in. wide x engine starting.
55 in. high. Slight overhang of h. If required, removing the 3,600-pound coun-
3 in. per side. terweight to reduce the total weight of the forklift
M127A2C Stake 12 Not well suited. Deck height
is 57 in. VRRTFL (see Operator’s Manual).
counterweight must be
removed and shipped 2-5. Loading Procedures
separately. a. Material. Table 2-2 shows the bill of materi-
M345 Flatbed 10 Payload too small.
als for blocking and tiedown on a flatbed trailer.

2-1
TM 55-3930-660-14
Table 2-2. Bill of Materials for Transport by Semitrailer quate capacity (see para 4-4 for lifting guidance),
or drive the forklift onto a semitrailer if a suitable
Item Quantity Description
ramp is available. Position the forklift so its
Chain 8 Chain assemblies, 3/8-in. by weight is distributed relatively equal over the
10-ft high-test welded steel, tractor and trailer axles. Set the parking brake.
8,250-pound safe working load
Place the transmission in neutral. Lower the forks
(16,500-pound breaking
strength); equipped with to rest on trailer deck.
matching grabhooks NSN c. Tiedown. See figure 2–1 and table 2-3 for
4010-00-803-8858 instructions on restraining the forklift against
Load binders 8 Heavyduty, double grabhook, forces encountered at normal speeds and operat-
Type 4, 3/8- to 1/2-in. (26,000-
pound breaking strength) NSN
ing conditions. Wheel blocking of the VRRTFL is
3990-01-213-1746 not required. The highway loading restraint fac-
tors (LRF) used in figure 2-1 are listed in
*NOTE* appendix B.
Chain assemblies and load binders are
basic issue items (BII) for the M172 Table 2-3. Tiedown Procedures for Securing VRRTFL to a
trailer. Semitrailer (Fig 2-1)
Load binders are generally marked with
Item Procedure
an ultimate breaking strength rating. De-
pending on manufacturer, breaking Chains/load Properly rated chains and load binders must
binders (8 be available for tiedown. Install at indicated
strength is about three times the safe
required) locations as shown in figure 2-1.
working load. Wheel blocking is not required.
Chain is generally rated by proof test
load, or about two times the safe working *NOTE*
load. All military trucks and trailers are
b. Loading. To place the forklift in the tiedown equipped with basic issue item (BII) load
position on the semitrailer, use a crane of ade- binders and chain.

2-2
 TM 55-3930-660-14

para 2-5

Table 2-3

Figure 2-1. Tiedown of 6K VRRTFL on a flatbed semitrailer.

2-3
 TM 55-3930-660-14

CHAPTER 3
RAIL TRANSPORT

Section I. GENERAL

3-1. General loading MTMCTEA Pamphlet 55–19, Tiedown

Handbook for Rail Movements.)
The 6K VRRTFL is transportable on most general-
purpose, standard deck-height flatcars. The railcar
*NOTE*
may have a wood or steel deck and standard or
cushioned-draft couplers. It must have suitable Only qualified equipment drivers/opera-
tiedown points, such as stake pockets or chain- tors should move a VRRTFL.
tiedown anchor channels. (Contact MTMCTEA (see Do not ride on, mount, or dismount a
address in para 1–3) for a pamphlet on rail moving VRRTFL.

Section II. RAIL LOADING

3-2. Railcar Selection c. Ensuring MLRS pod lifting tool is properly

positioned in its storage location on the machine.
Because of its size and weight, the 6K VRRTFL is
d. Checking for fluid leaks and repairing any
rail transportable by a variety of railcars. Table
defects.
3-1 presents features of commonly available mili-
e. Securing battery.
tary and commercial railcars.
f. Ensuring the VRRTFL is in good mechanical
3-3. Preparation order, with usable tiedowns, operating engine,
brakes, and proper tire pressure.
Preparation for rail movement includes:
a. Filling fuel tank to one-quarter full.
3-4. Loading Procedures
b. Removing trash and mud from the VRRTFL.
a. Material. When chain-tiedown cars are un-
Table 3-1. Evaluation of Railcars available, the shipper must supply materials for
blocking and tiedown on the railcar. Table 3–2 is a
Railcar Features Comments
listing of such materials. Note that either four
DODX Steel-deck, Designed and intended for M1 loops of 5/8-inch wire rope or eight loops of
140-ton cushioned-draft*, Abrams and other tracked ve- 1/2-inch wire rope can be used.
1/2-in. hicles.
chain-tiedown
b. Loading. To place the VRRTFL in the tie-
DODX Wood-deck, 1/2-in. Suitable, 8 chains required down position on the railcar, use a crane of
50-ton chain-tiedown adequate capacity (see para 4-4 for lifting guid-
General- Wood-deck, Suitable, 5/8-in. cable and ance), or drive the forklift onto the railcar if a
purpose standard-draft ** blocking required suitable ramp is available. Position the forklift so
flatcar
Trailer Wood-deck Suitable, 8 chains required
that sufficient railcar tiedown points are available.
Train: cushioned-draft, Set the parking brake. Place the transmission in
HTTX 1/2-in. neutral. Rest the forks on shoring, or leave them
chain-tiedown in a raised position. Generally, on wood-deck rail-
OTTX Wood-deck, Suitable, 12 chains required cars, rest the forks on the deck (or shoring), and on
cushioned-draft,
3/8-in. steel-deck railcars, simply leave the forks raised
chain-tiedown 18 to 24 inches above the deck.
ITTX, Steel-deck, Suitable, 12 chains required c. Tiedowns and Blocking. Figure 3-1 and table
TTDX cushioned-draft, 3/8 3-3 provide instructions for restraining the forklift
in. chain-tiedown against forces encountered in normal rail opera-
*Couplers are hydraulically “cushioned.” tions. The rail loading restraint factors (LRF) used
**Couplers have stiff mechanical snubbers only. in figure 3–1 are listed in appendix B.

3-1
TM 55-3930-660-14
Table 3-2. Bill of Materials for Transport by Railcar (Fig 3-1) Table 3-3. Tiedown Procedures for Securing 6K VRRTFL on
Flatcar (Fig 3-1)
Item Quantity Description
Item Procedure
Wire rope About 160 1/2-in., improved plow steel,
(8 loops ft 6X19 class, IWRC (indepen- Chain Install at indicated locations. The number of
required) dent wire rope core) or wire- tiedowns chains used will depend on chain
strand core, nominal break- size/strength. Use eight 1/2-in. chains (4 in
ing strength 23,00 pounds; each direction), or twelve 3/8-in. chains (6 in
Fed Spec RR-W-410 NSN each direction).
4010-00-272-8848
Cable clamps 16 5/8-in., Type I, single-saddle,
(clips) wire-rope clamp, Fed Spec *NOTE*
FF-C-450 When chain-tiedown-equipped railcars are
32 1/2-in., Crosby heavy-duty or
one that exceeds Fed Spec not available, wire rope and wooden block-
FF-C-450 strength require- ing must be used.
ments.
Thimbles 16 1/2-in., Type III (heavy) split
oval construction (open pat- Wire rope Each tiedown is made from one piece of 1/2-in.
tern); Fed Spec FF-T-276 loops wire rope (8 required), or 5/8-in. wire rope (4
Lumber Douglas-fir, or comparable; required). Length as required (12 to 16 feet).
(nominal sizes) Fed Spec MM-L-751 Form a complete loop between forklift-truck
2 x 4 in. 36 ft* tiedown provision and railcar stake pocket.
2 x 6 in. 12 ft* The angle between the cables and railcar deck
2 x 8 in. 96 ft* (as viewed from the side) should be as close to
2 x 10 in. 32 ft* 45° as possible. The wire rope ends must over-
Nails Common, steel, flathead; lap at least 24 inches. Tension the wire rope
16d 4 pounds bright or cement-coated; Fed by using two cable grippers and a chain-hoist
20d 2 pounds Spec FF-N-105 (3-ton) or “come-along.”
Protective About Waterproof paper (tar paper)
Cable clamps Space clamps 3-3/4-in. apart as shown. With
Material 12 ft2
1/2-in. wire rope, use 1/2-in. cable clamps and
Strapping About Nonmetallic banding
alternately torque nuts to 65 ft-lb. (With 5/8-
25 ft in. wire rope, use 5/8-in. cable clamps torqued
When 5/8-in. cable is used, the following quantitites apply: to 95 ft-lb.)
Thimbles Use thimbles to protect cable at sharp bends.
Wire rope About 5/8-in.,
‘ improved plow steel,
Attach to cable with cable clamps (5/8-in.
(4 loops 70 ft 6x19 class, IWRC (indepen-
clamps on 1/2-in. thimbles and 3/4-in. clamps
required) dent wire rope core) or wire-
on 5/8-in. thimbles). Thimbles are optional for
strand core, nominal break-
the VRRTFL fittings.
ing strength 35,800 pounds;
Blocking Position and nail blocking to railcar. Band
Fed Spec RR-W-410 NSN
Strapping operators’ cab to keep door closed in-transit.
4010-763-5602
Cable clamps 8 3/4-in., Type I, single-saddle,
(clips) wire-rope clamp, Fed Spec
FF-C-450 *NOTE*
16 5/8-in., Crosby heavy duty or To develop full cable loop working
one that exceeds Fed Spec strength, cable clamp nuts must be
FF-C-450 strength require-
ments.
torqued to:
Thimbles 8 5/8-in., Type III (heavy) split 65 ft-lb on 1/2-in. clamp nuts.
oval construction (open pat- 95 ft-lb on 5/8-in. clamp nuts.
tern); Fed Spec FF-T-276. To ensure proper torque, alternately
Use of thimbles is optional torque both nuts.
on the VRRTFL fittings.
*Linear

3-2
 TM 55-3930-660-14

para 3-4b
para 3-4a

TABLE 3-3.

Figure 3-1. Blocking and tiedown of 6K VRRTFL on rail flatcar.

3-3
 TM 55-3930-660-14

CHAPTER 4
MARINE TRANSPORT

Section I. GENERAL

4-1. General (fig 4-1) allow for severe, below-deck conditions.

(Contact MTMCTEA (see address in para 1-3) for
The 6K VRRTFL is marine transportable aboard
a pamphlet on marine loading: MTMCTEA Pam-
most general-purpose or roll-on/roll-off (RORO)
phlet 56-1, Marine Terminal Lifting Guidance.)
ships. Most ships under the Military Sealift Com-
mand charter have tiedown points such as D-rings **CAUTION**
or other lashing anchors. When suitable lashing Ear protection (plugs) is needed when
points are unavailable, wood blocking becomes working on RORO ships with loud ventila-
necessary. Marine loading restraint depends on tor systems.
the expected sea state, ship size, and stow location
*NOTE*
on the ship. Generally, the amount of restraint
increases for locations high and forward (or aft) in The entire vehicle must be checked to be
the ship. The most severe conditions occur on sure that loose items are properly secured.
exposed “weather-decks” (a ship’s crew may re- Maximum VRRTFL speed on ship loading
quire additional lashing). Below-deck locations ramps or decks is 3 mph or less.
that are closer to the vessel’s centers of gravity Fire extinguishers must be readily avail-
and rotation, will experience less severe loading. able during ship loading and unloading
The blocking and tiedown procedures presented operations.

Section II. SHIP LOADING

4-2. Preparation appendix B. Table 4-1 is a listing of such materi-

als.
Preparation for sealift includes:
a. Preservation as required by TB 9-2320-281- Table 4-1. Bill of Materials for Transport by Ship
35 for expected stowage (above or below deck).
Item Quantity Description
b. Filling fuel tank between one-quarter and
three-quarters full for RORO operations Wire rope About 80-ft 1/2-in., improved plow steel, 6x19
class, IWRC (independent wire rope
*NOTE* core) or wire-strand core, nominal
Because of limited cargo-hold ventilation, breaking strength 23,000 pounds;
most general cargo ships will require that Fed Spec RR-W-410 NSN
4010-00-272-8848
the fuel tank be drained and battery
Cable 8 5/8-in., Type I, single-saddle, wire-
disconnected. clamps rope clamp, Fed Spec FF-C-450
c. Ensuring MLRS pod lifting tool is properly (clips)
positioned in its storage location on the machine. 16 1/2-in., Crosby heavy-duty or one
d. Checking for fluid leaks and repairing any that exceeds Fed Spec FF-C-450
strength requirements.
defects. Thimbles 8 1/2-in., Type III (Heavy) split oval
e. Ensuring the VRRTFL is in good mechanical construction (open pattern); Fed Spec
order, with usable tiedowns, operating engine, FF-T-276
brakes, and proper tire pressure. When suitable ship’s lashing points are unavailable, blocking
f. Disconnecting the ether canister used for cold becomes required.
Lumber Douglas-fir, or comparable;
engine starting. (nominal Fed Spec MM-L-751
sizes)
4-3. Loading Procedures 2 x 6 in. 20 ft*
a. Material. When ship’s lashing gear is un- 4 x 6 in. 140 ft*
available, the shipper must supply tiedown materi- Nails Common, steel, flathead; bright or
als. The VRRTFL is shown in figure 4-1 aligned 16d 1 pound cement-coated; Fed Spec FF-N-105
40d 2 pounds
fore and aft with the ship. The loading restraint
factors (LRF) used in figure 4-1 are listed in *Linear
4-1
TM 55-3930-660-14
b. Loading. Position the VRRTFL as indicated in *NOTE*
the stow plan, so sufficient tiedown points are The methods described in this chapter for
available. Set the parking brake. Place the trans- lifting and securing vehicles are recom-
mission in neutral. Rest the forks on shoring, or mended procedures. Other methods of
leave them raised about 10 inches off the deck. handling and stowage may be used pro-
Disconnect the battery (if required by the ship’s vided they ensure safe delivery without
master) once the VRRTFL is positioned aboard ship. damage.
c. Tiedoum and Blocking. Figure 4-1 and table To develop full cable-loop working
4-2 provide instructions for restraining the forklift strength, torque 1/2-in. cable clamp nuts
against forces encountered in severe marine condi- to 65 ft-lb. To ensure proper torque, alter-
tions (para 4-1). nately torque both nuts.
Table 4-2. Tiedown Procedures for Securing 6K VRRTFL in a Cable-loop working strength (two loaded
Cargo Ship Hold (Fig 4-1) cables) is 80 percent of the cable breaking
strength. Example: 23,000 x 2 x 0.8 =
Item Procedure
36,800 lb for 1/2-in. cable.
Wire rope Each tiedown is made from one piece of 1/2-in.
loops (4 wire rope. Length as required. Form a com-
required) plete loop between forklift-truck and ship tie- 4-4. Lifting Operations
down provisions. The angle between the cables
and deck (as viewed from the side) should be Shiploading will often require lifting of the
as close to 45° as possible. The wire rope ends VRRTFL into position aboard ship. Shipside and
must overlap at least 24 inches. Tension the shoreside cranes are usually rated in long tons
wire rope by using two cable grippers and a
(LTON), 2,240 pounds, and/or metric tons, 1000
chain hoist (3-ton) or “come-along.”
Cable clamps Space clamps 3-3/4 inches apart as shown. kilograms. To lift the VRRTFL, a crane and
Use 1/2-in. cable clamps and alternately sling-set capacity of at least 12 LTON or 13 metric
torque nuts to 65 ft.-lb. tons is needed. See figure 4–2.
Thimbles Use thimbles to protect cable at sharp bends.
Attach to cable with 5/8-in. cable clamp. **WARNING**
Thimbles are optional for the VRRTFL Crane lifting operations are inherently
fittings.
dangerous. Avoid being under overhead
Blocking Position and nail blocking.
loads.

4-2
TM 55-3930-660-14
TABLE 4-2
Figure 4-1.
4-3
TM 55-3930-660-14

Figure 4-2. Crane lifting of the 6K VRRTFL.

4-4
 TM 55-3930-660-14

CHAPTER 5
AIR TRANSPORT

Section I. GENERAL

5-1. General Members of loading teams should not

wear rings.
The 6K VRRTFL is air transportable. The ship-
ping unit must ensure that the VRRTFL is prop- *NOTE*
erly prepared for air transport before reaching the Fire extinguishers must be readily avail-
marshaling area. The shipping unit will assist the able during aircraft loading and unload-
aircraft loadmaster/crew in loading and tying ing operations.
down the VRRTFL. The loadmaster-prepared load The vehicle maximum speed within 25
plan for the actual aircraft mission will determine feet of any aircraft is 5 mph. On loading
specific loading limitations, tiedown patterns, and ramps or inside the aircraft, the vehicle
troop seating availability. The loading restraint should not exceed 3 mph.
factors (LRF) used in aircraft tiedown are listed in Personnel must not refuel or otherwise
appendix B. service the VRRTFL within 50 feet of an
aircraft.
5-2. Safety
Safety considerations and precautions for the 6K 5-3. Hazardous Material
VRRTFL air transport are:
Shippers must provide written notification before
**CAUTION** shipping dangerous or hazardous materials aboard
Personnel must wear ear protection military or DOD contract aircraft. Details are
(plugs) at all times while working on the covered in TM 38-250/AFR 71-4, Preparation of
flightline. Hazardous Materials for Military Air Shipment.

Section II. TRANSPORT by CARGO AIRCRAFT

5-4. USAF Cargo Aircraft d. Marking the shipping weight and center of
balance location on both sides of VRRTFL.
The 6K VRRTFL is certified for airlift aboard all
e. Securing battery, and tightening battery caps.
Military Airlift Command (MAC) prime mission
f. Filling the VRRTFL fuel tank between one-
cargo aircraft. Airlift on the C-130 will require
quarter and one-half full, and securely closing fuel
removal of the 3,600-pound counterweight to re-
tank to prevent spillage.
duce axle load.
*NOTE*
5-5. Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Fuel tank can be no more than one-half
The 6K VRRTFL exceeds the capability of all full on other than contingency flights.
aircraft in the CRAF. g. When required, remove and palletize the
counterweight. The VRRTFL Unit, Direct Support,
5-6. Preparation and General Support Maintenance Manual, TM
10-3930-660-24, provides details on counter-
The deploying unit must prepare the VRRTFL for
weight removal and installation.
airlift. Preparation will include:
a. Cleaning dirt, mud, snow, ice, and trash from *NOTE*
the VRRTFL. A second forklift truck is needed to re-
b. Ensuring the VRRTFL has no fluid leaks (oil, move the VRRTFL counterweight. Re-
fuel, hydraulic, and coolant). moval requires lifting the 3,600-pound
c. Ensuring the VRRTFL is in good mechanical counterweight on the fork ends. A forklift
order, with usable tiedowns; operating engine, truck with a minimum capacity of 5,000
brakes, and hydraulic system; and proper tire pounds (using standard forks) will be
pressure. needed to handle the counterweight.
5-1
 TM 55-3930-660-14

APPENDIX A
REFERENCES

A-1. Army Regulations (AR)

55-29 Military Convoy Operations in CONUS
55-80 Highways for National Defense
55-162 Permits for Oversize, Overweight, or other Special Military Movements on Public
Highways in the United States
55-355 Defense Traffic Management Regulation
70-44 DOD Engineering for Transportability
70-47 Engineering for Transportability
746-1 Packaging of Army Material for Shipment and Storage

A-2. Field Manuals (FM)

5-34 Engineer Field Data
5-36 Route Reconnaissance and Classification
55-15 Transportation Reference Data
55-17 Terminal Operations Coordinator’s Handbook

A - 3 . S u p p l y Bulletins (SB)
700-20 Army Adopted/Other Items Selected for Authorization/List of Reportable Items

A-4. Technical Bulletins (TB)

55-46-1 Standard Characteristics (Dimensions, Weight, and Cube) for Transportability of Mili-
tary Vehicles and Other Outside/Overweight Equipment

A-5. Technical Manuals (TM)

38-236 Preparation of Freight for Air Shipment
(AFP 71-8)
38-250 Packaging and Materials Handling Preparation of Hazardous Materials for Military Air
(AFR 71-4) Shipment
55-500 Marine Equipment Characteristics and Data
55-2200- Transportability Guidance: Application of Blocking, Bracing, and Tiedown Materials for
001-12 Rail Transport

A-6. Air Force Manuals .

TO IC-5A-9 Loading Instructions, USAF Series C-5 Aircraft

TO IC-130E-9 Loading Instructions, USAF Series C-130 Aircraft
TO IC-141B-9 Loading Instructions, USAF Series C-141 Aircraft

A-7. Other publications

a. Code of Federal Regulation, Title 49—Transportation Parts, 107-179 and Title 46-Shipping, Part 146
Available from: Superintendent of Documents
US Government Printing Offices
Washington, DC 20402
b. Association of American Railroads, Rules of Governing the Loading of Commodities on Open-Top Cars
and Trailers
Section No. 1–General Rules
Section No. 6–Rules Governing the Loading of Department of Defense Materiel on Open-Top Cars
Available from: Association of American Railroads

A-1
TM 55-3930-660-14
50 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-1564
c. 4th Transportation Command Pamphlet 55-2, Tiedown Guide of Rail Movement
Available from: Commander
1st Transportation Movement Control Agency
ATTN: AEUTR-MCA-TA
APO New York 09451-4000

A-2
 TM 55-3930-660-14

APPENDIX B
LOADING RESTRAINT FACTORS

The loading restraint factors (LRFs) used for surface and air modes are the "G" (acceleration of gravity)
loading factors that can be expected in military transport. The tiedown arrangements shown in the 6K
VRRTFL TGTM are based on the following:
—restraint factors are applied independently in each direction.
—restraint load (GVW times the LRF) was resolved into resultant lashing loads, allowing for tiedown
angle.
–lashing loads are less than safe working load (SWL) of the restraint (that is, wire rope).

Highway:
The Transportation Engineering Agency highway LRFs are:
0.7 in the forward direction (relative to the transporter).
0.3 in the aft and vertical directions.
0.1 in the lateral direction.

Rail:
The Association of American Railroads recommended rail LRFs are:
3.0 in the longitudinal direction (relative to the railcar).
2.0 in the lateral and vertical directions.

Marine:
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) design LRFs are:
1.2 in the lateral direction (relative to the ship).
0.7 in the longitudinal direction.
0.2 in the vertical direction.
MSC LRFs are for severe conditions.
Actual marine LRFs vary. Marine tiedown restraint depends on the size of ship (decreasing on larger
vessels), the expected sea state to be encountered, and the stow location on a given ship. Generally, the
restraint required will increase for locations high and forward (or aft) in the ship. The most severe
conditions occur on exposed “weather decks,” where strong wind and wet conditions add to the problem. A
ship’s crew may require additional lashing on exposed decks. Below-deck locations that are closer to the
vessel’s centers of gravity and rotation will experience less severe motion. The blocking and tiedown
procedures presented (fig 4–1) will allow for severe, below-deck conditions.

Air:
The USAF aircraft LRFs are:
3.0 in the forward direction (relative to the aircraft).
2.0 in the vertical direction.
1.5 in the aft and lateral directions.

B-1
 TM 55-3930-660-14

APPENDIX C
ESTIMATING TIEDOWNS

The number of lashings required to safely tie down the VRRTFL for highway transport on a typical
truck/semitrailer can be estimated in the following manner:

STEP 1 – Determine the amount of longitudinal restraint needed. [With this method, the required
vertical and lateral restraint is covered by the longitudinal factor or factors.]
–The highway loading restraint factor (LRF) is 0.7 (from app B) in the forward direction:
27,100 (VRRTFL GVW) x 0.7 = 18,970 pounds
–The highway LRF is 0.3 in the aft direction:
27,100 X 0.3 = 8,130 pounds

STEP 2 – Determine the number of chains needed.

–The angle to semitrailer deck and the angle to the side are assumed to be 45°. [cos 45 x cos 45 = 0.5]
–The SWL of 3/8-in. chain (from table 2-2) is 8,250 pounds:
No. of forward loading chains = 18,970 = 4.6 (rounded up to 5)
8,250 X 0.5
While 5 chains satisfy the equation, 6 chains are needed for a symmetric (side-to-side) tiedown
arrangement. Therefore, use 6 chains to prevent the VRRTFL from moving forward on the semitrailer.
No. of aft loading chains = 8,130 = 1.9 (rounded up to 2)
8,250 X 0.5
Use 2 chains to prevent the VRRTFL from moving aft on the semitrailer.
NOTE:
This method is more conservative than the “Highway Transport” chapter. Fewer chains are used in
Figure 2-1, “Tiedown of 6K VRRTFL on a flatbed semitrailer,” because the figure is based on the actual
tiedown-lashing angles [angle to semitrailer deck (side view) and angle to the side (top view)].

C-1
 TM 55-3930-660-14

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

CARL E. VUONO
General, United States Army
Official: Chief of Staff

PATRICIA P. HICKERSON
Brigadier General, United States Army
The Adjutant General

Distribution:
To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-34-E, block 4215, requirements for TM
55-3930-660-14.

* U.S. G.P.O.: 1991-281-483:40073

PIN: 068501-000