TM 5-5420-203-14
f. Recovery by Other Than a Launcher - CONT
(d) Place skids (1) and/or timbers (2) under bridge (3).
(e) Ensure all connections are secure.
(f) Clear personnel from task area. The bridge prior to recovery is shown below.
WARNING
Cables under stain may break. The bridge may shift and fall from its supports or a
component may fail causing the release of the towing cable. Either of these can cause injury
or death. Stay clear of the immediate area when the bridge is being towed.
(g) Remove all large rocks or other items that may slow down the recovery process and
damage the undercarriage of the bridge. Cease operations any time something goes
wrong.
(h) The bridge will rise on the near-bank (1) when the far-bank (2) begins to drop off the
bank or abutments as shown. This is to be expected. Pull the bridge slowly.
(i) Watch the far-bank (2) and expect the near-bank (1) end of the bridge (3) to rise rapidly.
(j) At this point, place another timber or skid (4) under the bridge, if needed. During
recovery, the far end of the bridge (5) will drop until the slack in the scissoring cables
(not shown) is taken up.
(k) Be sure the bridge will drop on the timbers (4) after the center of the bridge reaches the
near bank. Stop the recovery at any time and reposition the timbers or skids if required.
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