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Industrial Systems : Investigation of Failures on Marine Corps Landing Vehicle

Client

Quartermaster General Research and Engineering, Command of the U.S. Army, Natick, Massachusetts.

Problem

FWD Fork lift trucks purchased by the Marine Corps were not passing the required tests. They had to operate under severe conditions and their differentials, wheel bearings, and shafts wore out rapidly.

Solution

The parts in question were carefully inspected and analyzed. The drive train was cleaned out and strain gages were placed in selected locations to measure deflections during full load static conditions. The truck was loaded with concrete blocks weighing 3,750 lb at the rear and 4,600 lb at the front. Drawbar pull was measured at several levels and strain was recorded. Photograph shows one of those tests. It was found that manufacturing tolerances were excessively lax. The differential deflections were also excessive. Contract was rejected and standards made more specific.

Picture of the Marine Corps Landing Vehicle