TM 9-2350-247-10
THEORY OF OPERATION — Continued
0003 00
FUEL CUTOFF CONTROL
To start fuel flowing to the engine, push the fuel cutoff control all the way in. To stop fuel flow to the engine, pull the fuel
cutoff control all the way out. This will shut down the engine when it is running.
HAND THROTTLE CONTROL
The hand throttle control is used to set the engine speed for various reasons. To set the engine speed, while pushing down the
accelerator pedal, pull hand throttle control out until desired rpm is indicated by tachometer. Turn the hand throttle control
clockwise to lock the control and counterclockwise to release the control. Once the hand throttle control is set, the engine will
maintain the set speed without holding down the accelerator pedal.
MAIN LIGHT SWITCH
The main light switch is used to control all of the exterior lights and the instrument panel lights. To select lights, push up and
hold the UNLOCK lever before moving desired lever to the position wanted. Refer to Operate Carrier Lights (WP 0032 00).
AIR CLEANER INDICATOR
The air cleaner indicator indicates if the air cleaner is operating properly or is plugged. When the air cleaner indicator is red,
the air cleaner is plugged and needs cleaning. Press rubber dome to reset air cleaner indicator after air cleaner has been
replaced or cleaned.
WINCH
The winch is for self-recovery or to recover another vehicle. For operation of winch, refer to WP 0030 00.
FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Refer to WP 0033 00 for operation of the fixed fire extinguisher.
BATTERY GENERATOR GAUGE
The battery generator gauge has the color red repeated. The first (left to right) red position indicates the batteries are dead (no
power). The second red position indicates the batteries are being overcharged and could possibly blow up. During normal
operation, the gauge should be in the green position. Refer to WP 0018 00 for other colors.
TACHOMETER GAUGE
The tachometer indicates engine speed and hours of operation. To read engine speed (RPM), multiply the large numbers on
the gauge by 100, or add two zeros to number.
GENERAL INFORMATION: M548A3
The M548A3, 6–ton tracked cargo carrier is powered by a turbocharged, liquid cooled 6V53, 275 horsepower diesel engine.
The engine power is converted to mechanical power and transferred to the carrier tracks and through a hydro-mechanical
cross drive transmission and final drives.
The engine, transmission, steering system, and braking system are driver controlled. Engine startup and shutdown are
controlled by electrical signals and mechanical linkages connected to the accelerator pedal, the fuel shutoff cable, and the
hand throttle cable. Steering and braking are controlled through linkages connected to the transmission. The hand brake is
hand controlled with assistance from pressing on the brake pedal.
0003 00-2
