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ERDC/CRREL SR-02-1
observed even when plowing uphill. The practice of adding weight up to a
maximum of 450 pounds is neither encouraged nor discouraged; however, any
weight in the back of the HMMWV, including sandbags, must be secured.
Follow-on tests showed that the use of tire chains provided additional traction
both uphill and downhill, as well as on varying terrain, and greatly reduced the
incidence of tire spin. The use of tire chains on the HMMWV when conducting
snowplowing operations should be mandatory. The only major changes since
early R&D has been reducing the snowplow to the eight-foot-length and fully
converting the components to 24 volts.
At present, there are more than 160 HMMWV snowplows being operated by
the U.S. Army. As of 15 March 2002, more than 4000 snowplowing miles during
five winter seasons had been accumulated without serious maintenance or
operational problems on a test model. The most serious problems are caused by
untrained drivers and incidences of trying to plow snow at speeds over 10 mph.
A third serious problem is attempting to stack snow without the snow foil in
place and trying to push snow after it has been stacked. Such work is not valid
for the HMMWV. If the snow has been stacked and it is later decided to move it
or push it back even more, do not use the HMMWV; use a machine with a front
loading bucket.
At the request of the Commanding General, U.S. Army Engineer School, the
HMMWV is now available by using National Stock Number (NSN) 3820-01-
473-2777, and it can be ordered through regular supply channels to the Defense
Supply Center-Philadelphia (DSC-P).
Operating instructions
1. The Fisher L-Series snowplow is a heavy-duty snowplow usually
equipped with a snow foil and a steel cutting edge that enhances the overall
capability of the snowplow and helps provide for a longer service life. The blade
has a unique trip-edge and is backed with wear-resistant bars. Special wear-bars
are welded at the corners behind the base angle. The location of the moldboard
bottom bar makes this particular blade tougher and helps to ensure long effective
service.
2. The trip-edge is a highly functional safety feature of this particular blade.
When it encounters an obstacle, only the edge trips, not the entire blade. Because
the blade remains upright, the snow in front of it stays put, the load is not
dumped, and continued plowing is possible without interruption.
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