SELF- AND LIKE-VEHICLE RECOVERY
A winch-equipped mired vehicle can perform
self-recovery. Attach the snatch block to a suitable
anchor and the free end of the cable to a chain sling
connected to both of the front lifting shackles of the
mired vehicle. A fixed block provides a mechanical
advantage on a self-winching operation, even though the
sheave of the block is performing as a first-class lever.
(See fig. 5-12.)
Use a similar wheeled vehicle as the source of effort
to perform recovery by towing and winching. For
vehicles not equipped with lifting shackles, attach a tow
chain to the main structural members. Before towing or
recovering a disabled vehicle, check the vehicle
operators manual to ensure that all physical and safety
features are considered. This must be done to prevent
additional damage to the disabled vehicle.
To recover a mired truck by towing with a similar
vehicle, use a tow chain or a wire rope sling between the
towing vehicle and the mired vehicle. Attach it to one
lifting shackle of the mired vehicle and through the tow
pintle on the towing vehicle.
Apply power slowly to prevent shock to the towing
device and lifting shackles. If one towing vehicle cannot
attain sufficient towing effort to overcome the
resistance, use another towing vehicle in tandem with
the first, as shown in figure 5-13.
Figure 5-11.-Cross-country tow.
Figure 5-12.-Self-winching.
Figure 5-13.Like-vehicle recovery.
5-11
