Complex sentence: These extensions often got in the way of fitting "duckbill" extended end connectors, used to reduce ground pressure on soft ground, and were often removed, along with the front fenders, by maintenance units.
Split into simpler sentences: These extensions often got in the way of fitting "duckbill" extended end connectors, used to reduce ground pressure on soft ground. They were often removed, along with the front fenders, by maintenance units.