CHAPTER 2 EXERCISING PROCEDURES

TB 9-1000-234-13

CHAPTER 2

EXERCISING PROCEDURES

2-1. Exercising Hydropneumatic Recoil Mechanism.

a. General

(1) Prior to exercising, an inspection shall be made to make certain that recoil mechanisms contain the correct

amount as well as the right type of hydraulic fluid, in accordance with pertinent lubrication order.

(2) To make certain that the floating piston will be moved sufficiently and to determine the condition of the

hydraulic fluid, the recoil fluid reserve shall be drained and reestablished before exercising.

(3) Exercising procedures pertinent to specific weapons are prescribed in table 2-1.

b. Firing Weapon. Firing the weapon (tables 2-1 and 2-2) exercises the recoil mechanism. It is one of the best

methods, but is not always practicable.

CAUTION

This method is not to be used on the 8-inch howitzer M115 or larger similar carriages when in

traveling position with the lumber, as the powerful forces needed to pull the cannon out-of-battery

might buckle the limber.

c. Winch-Weapon In Traveling Position. Certain field artillery weapons (table 2-1) may be exercised in traveling

position by connecting the weapon to a wrecking truck with a suitable winch (figure 1-1). Refer to paragraph 1-3d.

d. Winch-Weapon with Trails Spread/Spades Dug In. Certain field artillery guns (table 2-1) set up with the trails

spread and spades dug in and self-propelled weapons anchored in place utilizing parking brakes or blocking may be

exercised by using a sufficiently strong winch on a heavy truck or tractor to pull the cannon rearward (figure 1-2). The

cannon must be positioned at an elevation angle that will permit a straight pull with the winch. Anchor the truck or tractor if

the required pull is too great for the weight of the truck or tractor. Stake or weight the carriage down, if necessary. Refer

to paragraph 1-3d for instructions on the use of a power winch.

e. Block and Tackle-Weapon in Traveling Position/Direct Pull Against Spades. A block and tackle may be used

to exercise a weapon (table 2-1) with the trails in traveling position (figure 1-3). The block and tackle may be anchored to

the trail spades and to a rope or cable through the cannon. The cannon is pulled to the rear to exercise the recoil

mechanism. Refer to paragraph 1-3d.

f. Block and Tackle-Weapon in Firing Position/Direct Pull Against Spades. For Ml 19AI Howitzer, refer to TM

91015-252-10 to place weapon in firing position and TM9-1015-252-20&P to exercise recoil mechanism.

g. Power Winch. Recoil mechanisms on self-propelled weapons listed in table 2-1 may be exercised using a power

h. Oil Pump M3 (Howitzers, excluding M109 Series and M110A2).

(1) Place cannon at approximately zero mils

(2) Clean accumulated dust and dirt from around the filling plug in the recoil mechanism.

(3) Assemble purge pipe to the liquid releasing tool. Remove filling plug from recoil mechanism.

2-1