TM 5-3805-255-14
0006
OPERATION IN SANDY OR DUSTY CONDITIONS
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NOTE
Refer to FM 90-3, Desert Operations.
1. Maintain steady, even movement with transmission in lower gears. Try to keep machine rolling without
straining engine and powertrain. If machine gets stuck, notify Field Maintenance.
WARNING
If NBC exposure is suspected, personnel wearing protective equipment must handle all air
cleaner media. Consult your NBC Officer or NBC NCO for appropriate handling or
disposal procedures.
Refer to FM 3-3, Chemical and Biological Contamination Avoidance, FM 3-5, NBC
Decontamination, and FM 3-3-1, Nuclear Contamination Avoidance.
NBC contaminated filters must be handled using adequate precautions and must be
disposed of by trained personnel.
Failure to follow these warnings may cause injury or death to personnel.
2. Whenever operating in sandy or dusty areas, you should:
a. Service engine air cleaner more frequently.
b. Ensure each tire has a valve cap.
c.
If machine overheats, stop and perform troubleshooting procedures (WP 0011).
d. Ensure engine and transmission dipsticks and oil filler caps are cleaned before they are removed to check
fluid levels. Clean accumulations of sand and dirt from around fluid filler locations before checking or
adding fluids.
e. Clean spouts of fuel containers and area around filler cap on fuel tank before adding fuel. Under extremely
sandy or dusty conditions, filter fuel when filling tank.
f.
Notify Field Maintenance to clean, inspect, and lubricate more frequently.
g. When operating the machine on soft sand at slow speeds, tire inflation pressure may be decreased for
improved traction. Refer to FM 21-305, Manual for the Wheeled Vehicle Driver.
h. Check hydraulic cylinders frequently. Do not allow dust, dirt, or sand to collect on cylinder rods.
END OF TASK
0006-7
