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9 Sep 1944 Communist coup and Bulgarian armistice with USSR.
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M-30 Semitrailer, 6-Ton Payload, 10-Ton Gross, 2-Wheel, Fuel Tank, 2000-Gallon (G-678)

The M30 Fuel Semitrailer vehicle is designed to transport fuel, and to pump the load into or out of the tank, or discharge its load by gravity.

The major components of the M-30 Fuel Semitrailer are:

  • Semitrailer: The semitrailer consists of a frameless all-welded steel tank with undercarriage, landing gear and upper fifth wheel directly attached. The tank is divided into two compartments, each fitted with outlet piping and manhole top cover. The undercarriage is equipped with Bendix-Westinghouse air brakes. The tubular axle is attached to the tank by slipper end springs and rubber-bushed radius rods to hold the axle in correct alinement.
  • Landing Gear: The landing gear has two telescoping tubular legs which support the semitrailer when it is uncoupled from the truck-tractor or converter dolly.
  • Stowage Compartment: A stowage compartment is welded to the rear of the tank. It has the same cross section as the tank and side hose tubes, and is equipped with double opening rear doors. There is a small door at the rear of the hose tubes which are also accessible through the rear stowage compartment.
  • Converter Dolly: The converter dolly, which consists of a frame supported by the same type undercarriage as the semitrailer, carries a lower fifth wheel which engages the kingpin on the semi trailer to convert it into a full trailer. The dolly is equipped with a pintle ring for attaching to a truck or another trailer.
  • Pumping System: An engine driven portable pumping system with attaching hose is carried in the rear compartment for use in pumping fuel into, and out of, the tank.

The M30 Fuel Semitrailer can be towed by a truck-tractor using the front fifth wheel and kingpin, or by a suitable prime mover with a pintle hook using the converter dolly with its pintle ring. The M30 Fuel Semitrailer has a rear mounted pintle hook for tandem towing.

M30 Fuel Semitrailer Characteristics

Length, over-all 240 in.
Width, over-all 96 in.
Height, over-all 93 in.
Weight of vehicle, empty 6,750 Ib
Weight of vehicle, loaded 18,950 Ib
Wheelbase, king pin to axle 154 1/2 in.
Tire size 9.00 x 20 in.
Ground clearance, minimum 19 1/2 in.
Pintle height 36 in.
Tank capacity Front compartment 900 US gal
Tank capacity Rear compartment 1,100 US gal
Max speed, surfaced road 50 mph
Pumping capacity 20 gpm

Table data from TM 9-891, 25 August 1944.

The Technical Manual for the M30 Fuel Semitrailer is TM 9-891.

M30 Fuel Semitrailer Photo Gallery

M-30 Semitrailer, 6-Ton Payload, 10-Ton Gross, 2-Wheel, Fuel Tank, 2000-Gallon. Photo from TM 9-891, 25 August 1944
M-30 Semitrailer, 6-Ton Payload, 10-Ton Gross, 2-Wheel, Fuel Tank, 2000-Gallon. Photo from TM 9-891, 25 August 1944.