Performance of a Medium-Sized Track-Type Tractor Subjected to Military Land-Clearing Operations in Vietnam

The military land-clearing conducted in the tropical vegetation of Vietnam was the largest operation of its kind ever undertaken. Teams of basically commercial track-type tractors with commercial land-clearing accessories were used to achieve the task. Equipment operation and maintenance was performed by military personnel. This paper discusses the problems encountered with the tractor and its accessories in the military, tropical environment, and the modifications to the tractor and accessories that evolved from the operation.