Building an early M60 ... now finally in painting phase - although I've saved the tedious individual link tracks for last (uggh).

I can't seem to find what the NATO bridge weight classification should be for this early M60... you know, the yellow circle with the weight in it.

I've seen "50" on some of the prototype vehicles in the big Hunnicut Patton book. However, I see DEF conversion included decals that say "57", where as I've seen early M60A1's with "53". I've also seem models on the web with "51"...

So what's the right number for the old original M60? Its apparent that it's left off of a lot of the later camo vehicles and the web is full of pick of old M60's but usually pics of a static display in front of a VFW or something and it's been painted over a hundred times by boyscouts with sloppy brushes of any color of green that was handy. Not the most accurate reference for markings!

I know that the manual on the M60A3 said fully loaded the weight was 63 Tons. That includes fuel, gear and a full load of ammo.

I seem to recall 50.Our A2's were 52 empty,55-57 combat loaded.

Thanks. I'm searching for the official bridge weight classification that is on the yellow circle as a NATO standard. The specs talk about weight loaded and empty but I know there's a set number that's supposed to go on the weight classification marking.

I have a picture of my M60 (original version) at Graf, 1966, 2nd Bn 70th Armor. Weight is 52 in the yellow circle.

That makes sense. The M60A1's weight is given as long and short tons, but it is the short ton weight on the classification number. (53) For the M60 short ton weight it's listed as 51.7, and that's not the sort of thing you want to round down on.

A vehicle's weight is just one part of the equation used to determine the Military Load Classification. It includes weight, weight distribution, geometry, and other things. A table here:

https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog/view/100.ATSC/408C0E5B-80A2-4255-99A8-C73EA71C81D9-1308730109242/3-34.170/appe.htm

gives MLCs of M60A1 - 52, M60A2 - 58, and M60A3 -58.

KL

Kurt has the correct answer. Another big factor for determining the MLC is ground pressure which is directly related to surface contact area of the tracks/tires. Tracks provide lower ground pressures while wheeled vehicles usually have higher ones for their actual weight. Some cargo trucks have higher MLCs than a M1A2 Abrams, even though their actual weight is less. All that weight focused into smaller tire contact areas. Another reason why a HET trailer has SOOO many tires.