Animal The capacity of an animal to exert a tractive effort decreases as speed and time increase. As a basis, it may be as sumed that an average draft mule can pull on a level 80 pounds at 2% miles an hour for 10 hours every day, or, in other words, can pull 80 pounds over 25 miles of average level roads every day. If a pull of 160 pounds is required it can be made over 12% miles a day only, the lesser distance being covered by a slower gait or longer tests, or, as is usually the case, partly by each. An animal can exert 2TA times the normal pull for a few minutes at a time and five times for a few seconds, provided in each case the demand is not repeated too frequently.
The load which can be hauled on any pull depends mainly on the kind and condition of the road and a little on the wagon, especially as to width of tire and size of wheels. For the standard army wagon and on a level aver age dirt road in good condition the load cor responding to 80 pounds standard pull may be taken at 1,000 pounds per animal. Of this, 300 pounds will he wagon, leaving 700 pounds net freight. Any reduction of this load to lessen the pull must come out of the 700 pounds.
To reduce the pull to 40 pounds, 500 pounds must be taken from the freight, leaving 200 pounds only to be hauled. This 200 pounds pulled over 25 miles would equal 5,000 pounds pulled over 1 mile, while if the full load of 700 pounds is hauled over 12% miles, which can be done with the same effort, the result equals 700 X 12% =.8,750 pounds hauled 1 mile. Is the length of the march is fixed, the animal can be relieved only by reducing the pull; other wise it is better to relieve them by shortening the march.
On hilly roads there is no traction on the down grades and an increased gait is usually taken without appreciable extra exertion. This saves time, which may be spent in rests, allow ing greater effort on the up grades. Up to 8 per cent grade, the load can be retained by reducing the distance. Up to 3 per cent grade, the distance can be maintained by reducing the pull. Above 8 per cent, both pull and distance must be reduced. The reduction of pull may be accomplished by removing part of the freight, by doubling up teams or by putting men on drag ropes.
Motor company com mander of an organization equipped with motor transportation is responsible for everything con nected with its operation and maintenance. He formulates rules for the proper handling of the vehicles on the road and in camp or garrison and sees that the same are rigidly enforced.
He establishes the division of responsibility with reference to operation, repairs and upkeep of the mechanical equipment of his company and sees that each member is thoroughly familiar therewith. He personally sees that all motor governors are properly sealed and keeps the sealing tool in his personal possession. He keeps accurate check on all gasoline, lubricating supplies, tools and spare parts. It is a favorite practice to use gasoline for many purposes ex cept fuel. Motor parts, being high priced and readily salable, can only with difficulty be pro tected against theft.
In organization supplied wholly or in part with motor transportation a mechanic or me chanics are designated to assist in the repair of vehicles. In the telegraph company five me chanics are provided; a chief mechanic and one for assignment to each station, if desired. The chief mechanic, assisted by the other me chanics,. has general supervision over the mechanism of the motor vehicle equipment, as well as the detailed repair work. He is in charge of the company repair outfit and utilizes it for the above purpose as necessity requires. He sees that the assistant mechanics are quali fied and if necessary instructs them.
Chiefs of section are responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the motor vehicles under their direct supervision. This especially applies when, as will frequently hap pen, the section is operating detached. In this case a mechanic, if available, should always be assigned to duty with the section.
The duties of the driver include the keeping of his assigned vehicle and its equipment in proper repair and working order. He is re quired to be familiar with the mechanism of his vehicle and its proper operation. Repair work performed by drivers is limited to that class designated as minor repair. Work on the motor, ignition and lighting system, or on the interior mechanism of running parts should be performed normally under direct supervision and orders of the .hief mechanic or one of his assistants. Drivers are responsible for proper lubrication at all times and promptly report any defect noted or repair needed. Each is responsible that the vehicle under his charge is not subjected to abuse of any kind and that all regulations in force regarding operation and maintenance are properly observed.
Field trucks furnished organizations by the quartermaster corps are of standard make and are normally equipped with the war body. The inside dimensions of this body are as follows: