[45jim]

At no time should a driver of any tracked vehicle (with a controlled differential) make "choppy" movements of the tiller bars to steer the vehicle. Smooth applications of the required force that result in gradual loading of the brakes are the most efficient. Sharper turns require more force and consequently more throttle - but smoothly.

The brakes shoes never apply perfectly evenly around the drum surface as they are attached to each other by pins that wear that allow from some out of phase movement. Gradual application allows the shoes to settle on to the drum and spreads the braking action over the whole braking surface greatly reducing wear and tear. Quick pulls on the tiller bars can cause overheating in localized areas of the shoe surface and induce glazing.

Having taught many tracked drivers from M113 to Leopards over the years the ones that drive smoothly with care and attention to the vehicle rarely are the ones buying cases of beer for RCEME recovery crews. The best loved drivers of wrench benders were the ones that understood their vehicle and drove it with due care, not like something they stole.

When we restored our Sherman and Centurion in Calgary the old hands came out to give us some pointers and they overwhelmingly agreed that driving them firmly but smoothly was the key to long life. No different than a modern tank.

One of the problems for most private owners of tracked vehicles is that they rarely get a wide open area to drive the vehicle at high speed (relatively) so are not that familiar with its driving characteristics. Tip toeing around a display area at minimum throttle trying to preserve rubber track shoes does not teach one how to drive a tank!

Your brakes will last much longer if you are firm but smooth in their use.