TM 5-5420-203-14
b. Loading/Unloading Scissored Bridge to/from a Lowbed Semitrailer
(M172 or M172A1) - CONT
(i) Place a marking stake on top of the bank 6 feet from the end of the trailer. Locate the stake off
to one side so it won't be accidentally knocked down by the launcher.
(j) Position launcher so that the launchers pad (foot) comes down on top of the bank so that its
leading edge is at the 6 foot marker. See sketch below.
NOTE
The pad (foot) under the weight of the raised bridge should pack the soil on top of the
bank so that it is 6-8 inches below the level of the bed of the trailer.
(k) Proceed to launch the folded bridge onto the trailer, ensuring that the centerline of the bridge
is over the centerline of the trailer.
(1) As the center of the folded bridge approaches the trailer's gooseneck area, ensure that the
inboard deck panels fall in-line with the timber placed across the gooseneck.
NOTE
The folded bridge should be placed on the trailer so that the forward edge of the quadrant
lies 4 ft. 5 in. from the rear curve in the gooseneck and that the bridge ends overhang the
rear of the trailer by 6 ft. 4 in. The sides of the bridge should overhang the sides of the
trailer by 2 ft. 6 in. on each side. See sketch at top of page 2-87.
2-86 Change 2
