NOTE
Either control lever may be used if at least one port and one starboard engine is operating. If one or both
engines are operating on one side only, use the control lever on the engine operating side.
(3) Secure ramp in closed position with ramp latch (1) on port and starboard side.
(4) Move pilot air valve (5) control lever to NEUTRAL position.
2-34. Land Operation
a. General. Rough terrain, steep grades, congested conditions, or any combination of these requires the use of the most powerful
transmission range, low speeds, and normal steering. Long straight runs over favorable terrain permits high speed range and truck
steering. The softer or more slippery the terrain, the greater the traction required. When greater traction is needed, tires may be
temporarily deflated to 35 pounds by operating the tire inflation-deflation lever.
CAUTION
Do not deflate the tires to less than 35 pounds. When traversing extremely rough terrain, tires may be temporarily inflated to 70
pounds. Tire pressure should be returned to normal (50 p.s.i.) at the earliest practical moment.
The rudder linkage (for water steering) is permanently connected to the front wheel steering mechanism. This rudder action does not
interfere with steering on land.
NOTE
Do not attempt to steer the LARC unites the vehicle is in motion. Turning the wheels while the LARC is motionless will cause
damage to the tires.
b. Transmission.
Before the LARC can be
operated on
land, the gear shift control valve lever (31, sheet 4,
fig. 2-1) must be
placed
in one of the three forward speeds or in reverse. The engine cutouts must be in running position; that is, the lever must be in the
central (vertical) position. This is a fluid drive transmission; therefore, no clutch is necessary for shifting. When the LARC is
stopped, left standing with the engine running, or when the engines are being started, the lever must be in neutral.
(1) First gear. This gear is used where maxirnum traction and power are required.
(2) Second gear. This gear is the transmission range for general-purpose work. The LARC will normnally be operated in this range.
(3) Third gear. This transmission range is used for rapid transit with light loads on favorable terrain.
(4) Reverse gear. The LARC must be brought to a dead stop before the transmission is placed in reverse.
(5) Grades. On ascending or descending grades, use first or second gear depending on the steepness. The LARC should never be
shifted from one gear to another while ascending or descending a steep grade. Shifting gears while on a grade will cause the wheels
of the LARC to dig in. The operator should select a low gear range in advance and remain in that gear until the ascent or descent is
completed. If a gear is found to be insufficient for the grade while on it, it will be necessary to back completely down the grade and
select a more powerful gear.
c. Braking the LARC. Application and release of the service brakes (foot brakes) are the same as in automotive air braking. The
operator applies pressure to the pedal in varying degrees to brake the vehicle. Service brakes apply to all four wheels.
(1) To check speed, release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal (29, sheet 3, fig. 2-1) slowly and evenly until the
LARC is slowed to the desired speed.
(2) For a normal stop, release the accelerator pedal and check the LARC speed by applying even pressure on the brake pedal. After
the LARC speed is checked, increase the pressure on the brake pedal until the LARC has stopped.
WARNING
Sudden application of the brakes may shift cargo and may throw personnel into the cargo well or overboard.
(3) For an emergency stop, release the accelerator pedal and step sharply and hard on the brake pedal. This action is to be taken in
an emergency only because of the great danger of injury to personnel riding in the LARC.
d. Use of Lights.
(1) The driver normally depends on the service headlights at night or under conditions of limited visibility. These lights generally
(2) A searchlight is mounted atop the cab, and is controlled from inside. The searchlight switch is on the breaker panel to the right of
the operator.
(3) A trouble and signal light located on the interior starboard cab bulkhead is equipped with a trigger handle and can be used as a
blinker signal.
2-35. Marine Operation
The operation of the LARC in water covers three imnportant phases: entering the water, operating in water, and leaving the water.
When
2-30