D80030
(6580030) CRADLE, PINTLE AND AMMO BOX HOLDER ASSEMBLY
Fig.
7 D80030 (6580030) CRADLE, PINTLE AND AMMO BOX HOLDER ASSEMBLY
Developed
specifically for use with tanks, this type is easily recognizable by the presence
of the large, adjustable spring equilibrator housing (knob) located on the right
side of the trunnion. This spring allowed the displacement of the gun's center
of gravity forward of the trunnion. The 6580030 pintle assembly was used on most
late (large hatch) M4 series tanks, as well as on the M36 90mm Gun Motor Carriage,
the M24 light tank, and the M26/M46 series tank. Fig.
7a
Exploded view of the various components of the D80030 cradle and pintle
assembly showing the pins used to attach the weapon onto the cradle and details
of the equilibrator spring. Fig.
7b
Exploded view of the ammunition box tray used with the D80030 cradle and
pintle assembly. Fig.
7c
Sequence showing a crewman loading a new ammunition box onto a D80030 assembly.
Notice that the lid of the ammunition container had to be removed prior to installation
onto the ammunition box tray. | 
