TM 9-2350-256-34-2
Section II. DESCRIPTION AND DATA
1-3. Description
a. General. The Recovery Vehicle, Full Tracked: Medium, M88A1 (figs. 1-1 and 1-2) is a medium
armored, full track laying, low silhouette vehicle that performs hoisting, winching, and towing operations for
tanks and other vehicles. The vehicle also supports medium and light tank units to effect battlefield recovery.
Paragraphs 1-3b through 1-3g (5) cover the description and operation of the various hydraulic system
components, and paragraphs 2-10 and 2-11 cover maintenance and operation of the basic circuits in the main
and auxiliary hydraulic systems.
b. Main Winch and Spade Assembly.
(1) Detailed description.
(a) General. The main winch and spade assembly (figs. 1-4 and 1-5) is installed on the
nosepiece of the vehicle with the winch located in the hull beneath the crew compartment, and the spade
externally mounted on the front of the vehicle. The major components of the assembly are a spade; two
spade-actuating cylinders; a winch cable; a cable level winder valve; a hydraulic motor; a brake cylinder; a
main winch combination control value; and the main winch, which is equipped with an internal brake.
Figure 1-4. Main winch and spade assembly— left rear view.
Change 1 1-5
