Garbo2018:
Another agency driver-bashing thread, eh? (I’m currently an agency lad.)
I’d be overjoyed if was given a truck with a gearbox layout like the picture at the beginning of the thread and would have refused to drive the auto (I’ve yet to try driving a truck with a 4-over-4, 6-over-6, 8-speed slap-over, etc.) I’d rather have a manual over an auto, because in my opinion, autos are alright for driving around town, but in the long term, there’s no sense of occasion when driving one all the time, and plus, I don’t feel like a proper trucker. I rather have a clutch pedal because my left foot gets fidgety after a while.
I think (again in my opinion) that all autos should have a manual clutch pedal like on Scania’s semi-auto 'box.
During the last fortnight, I’ve been driving for a firm out of Sunderland delivering new furniture to an MOD base in Bulworth and a school in Swindon. They run two types of 18-tonners: 2 MANs (high roof cabs) with autos and 3 DAFs with straight-6 manuals. For the majority of the time I was there, I was given one of the MANs. Even though the cab space was superb for the nights out I had during that time, but I felt like that I couldn’t get much power out of the engine, especially when fully freighted and the 'box was lugging it (had to assist it by sticking it into manual a few times.) However, for the last day, the job involved driving one of the DAFs down to Tamworth Services, swapping over with one of their regular drivers, and bringing a similar motor back. Both the DAFs were much better to drive than the MAN, because the gear changes were fantastically smooth, and that I had full control over the engine’s power output.
Apparently, the regular driver had been on the phone to the gaffer, moaning that the gear change in the truck that I bought down to him was very stiff (typical blame the agency man .)
OMG, you said “proper trucker” “Scania” and “fully freighted”…
Not only that but he said ‘‘Agency’’ and ‘‘Proper trucker’’ in the same sentence.
I’m joking, I’m joking…
Btw I don’t want a clutch I’ve got lazy these days, anything for an easy life,…and I’ve nowt to prove.
I might do a YouTube vid of me gear jammin’ and post the link on here just to remind you old timers and show you young ‘uns what you’re missing out on. [emoji48]
sammym:
Edit it’s vape juice that’s leaked. I’ve not jizzed all over myself
It’s ok mate, we believe you…
No seriously, we do.
Surprised it’s not got more traction… “Typical agency coming here and wearing shorts to work!!! It’s a disgrace”.
Back to the auto tonight. The manual was alright for a laugh last night- but I’m with you, if I had to drive one vehicle all the time it would not have a clutch.
Garbo2018:
Another agency driver-bashing thread, eh? (I’m currently an agency lad.)
I’d be overjoyed if was given a truck with a gearbox layout like the picture at the beginning of the thread and would have refused to drive the auto (I’ve yet to try driving a truck with a 4-over-4, 6-over-6, 8-speed slap-over, etc.) I’d rather have a manual over an auto, because in my opinion, autos are alright for driving around town, but in the long term, there’s no sense of occasion when driving one all the time, and plus, I don’t feel like a proper trucker. I rather have a clutch pedal because my left foot gets fidgety after a while.
I think (again in my opinion) that all autos should have a manual clutch pedal like on Scania’s semi-auto 'box.
During the last fortnight, I’ve been driving for a firm out of Sunderland delivering new furniture to an MOD base in Bulworth and a school in Swindon. They run two types of 18-tonners: 2 MANs (high roof cabs) with autos and 3 DAFs with straight-6 manuals. For the majority of the time I was there, I was given one of the MANs. Even though the cab space was superb for the nights out I had during that time, but I felt like that I couldn’t get much power out of the engine, especially when fully freighted and the 'box was lugging it (had to assist it by sticking it into manual a few times.) However, for the last day, the job involved driving one of the DAFs down to Tamworth Services, swapping over with one of their regular drivers, and bringing a similar motor back. Both the DAFs were much better to drive than the MAN, because the gear changes were fantastically smooth, and that I had full control over the engine’s power output.
Apparently, the regular driver had been on the phone to the gaffer, moaning that the gear change in the truck that I bought down to him was very stiff (typical blame the agency man .)
OMG, you said “proper trucker” “Scania” and “fully freighted”…
I along with many, many others are triggering wildly now, have you no sympathy for us snowflakes?
I’ve been in this industry for about 9 years now, and I’ve been picking up such terms from the “old hands” at my old yardman job.
I would LOVE to try a Eaton twin-splitter.
Only with a kindly and patient man to show you how it’s done, like I had!
tonyj105:
personally i’ve always thought that 3 over 3 was a wretched affair the 10 speed range change was much better,well at least in the 112 i drove, the 5 plus splitter was ok , but i’ve never really found a decent scania manual box .
I couldn’t agree more Tony even though Scania die-hards consider such statements blasphemous. I do like Scania but their gearbox engineer wasn’t the best, hugely reliable but not the nicest to drive. There was plenty of better ones about at all times.
That 10 speed you mentioned had too big a gap from 9 to 10. On a long drag you prayed she could hang in there but inevitably you had to take the massive drop down to 9 and watch the the weaker ones exact their revenge as they regained the lead briefly. 6th gear position (pushing away and backward) didn’t come naturally in a right hand drive and that 3 position 12 speed you mention really only feels OK in a left ■■■■■■ for the same reason.
Although I haven’t driven one yet I believe the latest Opticruise is very close to the Class leader Volvo which is pretty slick indeed.
.)
I’ve got lazy these days, anything for an easy life,…and I’ve nowt to prove. 
