TM 9-3990-260-14&P
(5)
A-frame Assembly. Check for any distortion of the A-frame assembly great enough to pre-
clude safe movement using the PLS truck and trailer. Check for excessive wear of the front
pins and rear pins. Excessive wear of these items requires their replacement. Check bail
bar for excessive wear or cracks in weldment.
(6)
Deck. Check condition of deck floor for defects. Check stowage boxes in deck for service-
ability and availability of BII.
(7)
Deck Flooring Gaps. Excessive gaps in flooring may be determined by use of a 1 inch
(2.54 cm) wide by 1/16 inch (1/59 mm) thick feeler gauge. Any suitable strip of metal may
be used.
c.
Suggested Tools and Equipment.
(1) Straight Edge. A wire, string or other form of a straight edge is needed to determine
whether any portion of the M3A1 CROP protrudes past the outside surfaces of the side
rails, which would interfere with insertion ad extraction of the M3A1 CROP from an ISO
shipping container.
(2) Measuring Tape (Ruler). A measuring tape (ruler) is required to check dimensional toler-
ances.
(3) Welder's Hammer. A welder's hammer (NSN 5120-00-240-3096 or equivalent) is helpful
in determining the strength of welds or metal structural components.
(4) Inspection Stands. Jackstands (Item 4, Appendix I) provide a safe means for supporting the
empty M3A1 CROP to enable proper viewing of the understructure. DoD personnel
should also refer to service-specific safety guidelines about "Working Under a Suspended
Load".
(5) Flashlight. A flashlight improves visual acuity, especially during examination of the
recesses of the understructure.
(6) Chalk. Marking (circling) location of defects with chalk as they are discovered facilitates
preparation of inspection reports and helps maintenance personnel locate areas to be
repaired.
d.
Primary Structural Components. An M3A1 CROP with any major defect in any compo-
nent of its primary structure is unacceptable. For purposes of this criteria, primary (main) structural components
(members) include: twistlock housings, A-frame assembly, roller assembly brackets, forklift pockets, and main rails.
(1) Major Defects. A major defect includes:
(a) A dent or bend in any primary structural component that prevents the CROP from
loading;
(b) A crack, break, cut, tear, puncture or corrosive failure in any primary structural com-
ponent;
(c) A missing, cracked or broken weld at the juncture between any primary structural
component;
(d) More than two splices or an improper splice of any one floor crossmember;
(e) Any damage or degradation within a component that could place any person in dan-
ger during subsequent handling, stacking or transport of the M3A1 CROP;
(f) More than one splice or an improper splice (such as a lapped splice) in an end rail.
(2) Acceptable Welding Pattern. Welding patterns conforming to the original manufacturer's
design are acceptable. Only abnormal welding patterns due to damage and/or improper
repair are cause for rejection. Inspection should be directed at looking for broken junc-
tures or welded repairs that are not consistent with other similar welds of the M3A1 CROP.
