TM 5-2350-262-10
2-100 Change 6
OPERATION IN MUD
a. General. Operation in mud requires more power than on hard ground and puts more
strain and wear on suspension and drive components. The speed range is reduced
substantially, and added precautions must be taken to prevent damage to drive and
suspension components, and to avoid stalling.
b. Operation. Before entering muddy areas, shift transmission to the desired lower
range, so no shifting will be required while traversing the mud. Also, select a course
that will require minimum direction change. Once mud field is entered, keep vehicle
moving until it encounters solid ground again.
c. After-Operation Procedures. After operation in mud, thoroughly clean vehicle and
remove mud and debris from tracks, suspension, blade, and apron. Inspect tracks for
damaged shoes. Lubricate as required in accordance with Appendix F.
The vehicle is designed to operate efficiently up to a height of about 10,000 ft. (3,050 m). However,
because air pressure decreases with an increase in altitude, maximum available power and
engine performance decrease with increased altitudes. Power will drop about 3% for every 1,000
ft (305 m) elevation increase. Keep engine air filter clean (p 3-23) for the least resistance to flow of
intake air. Keep radiator and oil cooler clean for maximum dissipation of powertrain heat.
OPERATION IN HIGH ALTITUDE
The M9 can operate on side slopes of up to 40%. However, for operation on slopes greater than
20%, ballast must be loaded into the bowl. Refer to the chart below for ballast requirements for the
various slopes.
Grade of slope
Ballast required
20% or less
No ballast
30%
4,000 LB (1,816 kg)
4O%
18,000 lb (8,172 kg)
OPERATION ON SIDE SLOPES
WARNING
• Use caution when operating the vehicle with the hatch in it’s open and locked position. Be
constantly aware of blind spots, especially on the curbside of the vehicle when driving on or
near side slopes. Specifically, the blind area from the right front to the right rear of the vehicle
may exceed 60 feet, depending upon the operator’s seat height adjstment position and his
nearest line of sight with the ground.
• When driving the vehicle on or near side slopes, with the hatch in it’s open and locked
position. At the first indication that a rollover is imminent, immediately pull and hold the
drivers seatheight adjustment lever until the seat drops to it’s lowest down position, duck
your head into the operator’s compartment below the vision blocks, and brace for impact.
Remain in this position until the vehicle come to a complete stop. Do not attempt to look
outside the operators compartment or maintain control of the vehiclewhile the vehicle is still
in motion. Failure to follow these procedures in a rollover accident could result in personnel
being thrown from the vehicle, and suffer ing severe injury or death. Do notattempt evacu-
ation from an unstable vehicle. Ensure the hatch is in it’s open-lockd position, if possible,
before evacuation. An unlocked open hatch can fall causing severe injury or death.
