Section II. DESCRIPTION AND DATA-cont.

TM 5-3805-274-10 (4) Tailgate. This is a double-acting tailgate in that it is hinged at the top and the bottom. For normal operation, the tailgate is hinged at the top and opens outward at the bottom. A locking mechanism, operated by the tailgate control lever, is provided to lock the tailgate in the closed position. When the control lever is up, two jaws, one on each side of the tailgate, clamp over the large pins or rods at the bottom of the tailgate. By removing the top pin and lowering the tailgate from the top to a level position and securing with the adjustment chain, extra long materials can be hauled. (5) Adjustable Chain. An adjustment chain is provided which allows adjusting the maximum swing travel of the tailgate for spreading. This is accomplished by shortening or lengthening the linkage of the chain. (6) Safety strut. When the bed is raised for purposes of inspection or other maintenance, the safety strut should be raised as an added safety precaution (fig. 2-10). The safety strut is hinged at the back, and when raised forms a cradle with the cross member braced across the bottom of the dump bed. When not in use, it rests between the chassis frame rails. (7) Hydraulic control valve. This is a single-spool valve with the control piston mechanically linked to the hydraulic control lever in the cab. Its purpose is to supply hydraulic pressure to raise and lower the dump bed. (8) Hoist cylinder. This is a three stage telescoping cylinder that, under hydraulic pressure, raises the dump bed. The cylinder piston is attached to the dump bed inside the dog house and the cylinder base is attached to the dump body sub-frame. In the lowering cycle, pressure is relieved through the pilot valve which allows the cylinder to compress under the weight of the dump bed. (9) Hydraulic reservoir. The hydraulic reservoir is a 20-gallon, all steel tank mounted between the dump body sub-frame rails just in front of the hoist cylinder. The reservoir has top and bottom sight glasses for determining fluid leve l. The top sight glass can be viewed from the driver’s side without raising the dump bed. (10) Tarpaulin. The tarpaulin contains grommets for hooking to the front, side, and rear of the dump bed. Rubber tie down straps are provided for fastening over the tarpaulin hooks on the sides and rear. The tarpaulin is stowed in a stowage box located between the cab and the dump body. The stowage box is tubular with an access door on the driver’s side of the truck. (11) Hydraulic control lever. This is a floor mounted unit that is mechanically linked to the hydraulic control valve. By squeezing the T-handle control head, the lever can be shifted to the UP position to raise the dump bed, or to the DOWN position to lower the dump bed. Release the T-handle and place the lever in the N (neutral) position when you wish to stop the dump bed. (12) Filter and service indication gage. The filter collects contaminants in the hydraulic system. When the filter is dirty it restricts oil flow and there is a buildup in pressure at the filter. The service indication gage registers this pressure. When the gage needle is in the red, the need for an oil filter change is indicated. 1-2