TM 9-2330-381-14
2-25.
HIGHWAY DRIVING (CONT)
WARNING
Because the MK48/16 tractor has an articulating unit, the semitrailer will not follow
the same track as the MK48/16 tractor, so turns should be started sooner. This will
make more room for semitrailer to slightly cut the inside turning radius and keep
from hitting the outer curb and causing injury to personnel and damage to
equipment.
CAUTION
The MK48/16 tractor is capable of turning MUCH tighter than the M1000 semitrailer.
If angle between tractor fifth wheel chassis and gooseneck exceeds 60, damage to
tires may occur. If an oversteer angle exceeds 90, severe damage to semitrailer
steering components and tractor fifth wheel will occur. Extreme caution must be
exercised when maneuvering tractor/semitrailer in confined spaces (i.e., motor
pools, parking lots, filling stations) where oversteer angles can easily be achieved
through normal driving capability of the tractor or severe damage to equipment will
result.
c. Turning with MK48/16 tractor. Because of the articulating unit, normal left- and right-hand turns should be made
sooner than with a normal semitrailer. Semitrailer steers to a smaller turning radius, in the same direction as the
tractor, and semitrailer will slightly cut the inside turn radius. Turns should be made at slow to moderate speeds,
while exercising extreme caution to prevent an oversteer condition, to give the semitrailer steering system time to
react to towing vehicle movement.
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