TM 1-1740-221-13&P&P
FIELD MAINTENANCE
THEORY OF OPERATION
INTRODUCTION
The MT3 tow vehicle was designed for the primary function of towing and repositioning of Army Aircraft and
Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE). The operation of the MT3 tow vehicle does not require any unique
skills more than the operation of standard automotive controls. The MT3 was developed as a small to mid-range
tow vehicle with a drawbar pull of 8000 lb and a work deck for use as a multi-purpose vehicle. It is a 4-wheel drive,
rubber wheeled tow vehicle with main components of a welded frame structure, Kubota 3.6L Turbo Tier 3 compliant
engine that is Jet-A compatible and coupled with an automatic 4-speed forward electronic shift transmission.The
SATS vehicle includes automotive style lighting, turn signals, and safety belts.The braking system includes dual
master cylinder with a pressure differential brake valve with red warning indicator light which illuminates if there
is a loss of brake pressure in the front or rear brakes for safe operation.
The steering system is backed up by steering orbital valve that provides steering if the hydraulic pressure is lost.
It includes an audible warning for reverse operation and interlocks that require the park brake to be engaged and
gear shifter in park to start the engine. It is designed to operate from -25 to 125 F (52 to -32 C).
This work package explains how the components and systems of the MT3 work together. A functional description
is provided for each major system.
The MT3 tow vehicle consists of the following functional systems:
Drive Train
Fuel System
Air Intake System
Brake System
Exhaust System
Cooling System
Instrumentation
Hitches
Steering System
Electrical System
DRIVE TRAIN
The drive train of the MT3 consists of a Kubota V3600-T-E3b engine and an ITL Model PS750 fully automatic
transmission that is connected to driveshaft s that connect to ITL Model SD40 axles with front axle steering
with single steer cylinder.
The engine is 4-cycle diesel Tier 3 with four in-line cylinders. It generates 84 horsepower at a governed speed of
2600 rpm. Coupled with the ITL automatic transmission, it provides power to handle all requirements of the tow
vehicle s mission. The MT3 tow vehicle provides Army aviation units with a standardized, all weather, day or night
capability to quickly, safely, and eficiently reposition Army aircraft and AGSE.
A preheat (glow plug) system assists in cold-weather starting below 23 F (-5 C) as well as an engine block
heater for extreme cold operation.
The transmission is coupled with a torque converter which provides one reverse and one forward speed in D1
and three forward speeds in D2. Forward and reverse speed ranges are obtained through the use of electrically
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