TRUCKS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify trucks used for ordnance handling to include ammunition handling, forklift, pallet, and Aero 33D/E bomb trucks. Recognize the safe loads

for each.

The term truck applies to either a manually propelled or self-propelled vehicle. Self-propelled trucks are powered by gasoline engines, diesel engines, or electric motors.

Figure 9-49.-Aero 36A bomb truck adapter mounted to an Aero 21C weapon skid.

Gasoline- or diesel-powered trucks are equipped with exhaust system spark arresting devices. These devices help ensure safe operation of the trucks in areas where there is danger of fire or explosion caused by sparks. These vehicles must meet rigid mechanical and safety inspections. Do not use vehicles that don't meet the minimum established inspection and safety criteria in ordnance handling evolutions.

FORKLIFT TRUCKS

The forklift truck is a mobile four-wheel or three-wheel unit that lets one person pick up, transport, and lift the load to different heights. The forklift truck is designed on the cantilever principle. The front wheels act as a fulcrum. The load is counterbalanced because the weight of the truck is directly behind the front wheels.

The forklift truck has two fork tines secured to the supporting frame. Both tines and the supporting frame are located in the front of the truck. The tines are moved vertically on the supporting frame by a hydraulic lift. The supporting frame may be either telescoping (to provide greater lift) or nontelescoping. The tines and supporting frame can be tilted forward from the vertical position to pickup the load. The frame can be tilted backward from a vertical position to help balance the load. The tines can also be fitted with an adapter hook, Mk 91 Mod 0 (fig. 9-50), which converts a forklift truck tine assembly into a fork/boom assembly, for lifting and transporting various loads.

Forklift trucks are powered by gasoline engines, electric motors, or diesel engines. The electric motor or diesel engine forklift trucks are normally used during ordnance evolutions. Forklift trucks are equipped with braking systems and with either automobile- or lever-type steering mechanisms. Forklift trucks have solid rubber cushion tires for use over smooth and hard surfaces, such as paved roads, magazine and warehouse floors, and piers. Pneumatic tires are used for rough and uneven terrain, in mud, or over soft, sandy ground.

Diesel Engine Forklift Trucks

A wide variety of diesel engine forklift trucks are available for use throughout the Navy. They range from a 4,000-pound capacity to a 20,000-pound capacity.

Figure 9-50.-Mk 91 Mod 0 adapter hook.

Look at figure 9-51. It shows a typical 6,000-pound capacity forklift truck. This truck has a diesel engine and four pneumatic rubber tires. It is typical of the size and capacity ordnancemen usually use. A number of different models of this forklift truck are used at naval activities. Every model has an adjustable two-tine fork. The tines are secured to a vertical supporting frame that can be telescoped and tilted. The lifting and tilting mechanisms are hydraulically operated. An overhead guard is also provided for the operator's safety. Forklift trucks have either dual or single front wheels, diesel engines, power-shifted transmissions, and either pneumatic or cushion tires. The main difference between the 4,000- and 6,000-pound trucks is in load-carrying capacity and in overall truck dimensions and weight. The exhaust systems of these trucks have spark-arresting devices that are used even when handling ammunition in the open.