Clutch knee?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Maddog2020, Jan 12, 2008.

  1. Maddog2020

    Maddog2020 Bobtail Member

    8
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    Jan 12, 2008
    Coeur d"Alene, ID
    0
    Hi everybody! I'm new here and I wanted to introduce myself as well as ask a question.

    First off, I am about to start truck driving school through a program at the local junior college.

    I would like to know how stiff the clutch is in the average truck, and if it is a problem as far as causing drivers to end up with pain in their left knee.

    Also, are there any automatic vehicles being used out there? The reason that I ask all this is because of something that I noticed about my own knee sometimes, which is: Every once and a while, if I drive a manual transmission car (my wife's car), I tend to get an achy knee after a while. I'm not sure if any of this would be an issue, however, I don't want to have any problems that might affect my ability to continue driving a truck in the future.

    Thanks for any info. and/or advice.
     
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  3. bigjuniortrucker

    bigjuniortrucker Bobtail Member

    47
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    Dec 1, 2007
    Williamsfield, Oh
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    The clutch isn't too bad. It is quite a bit stiffer than a car. Yes there are automatics out here. They seem to be getting more and more popular!
     
  4. Maddog2020

    Maddog2020 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 12, 2008
    Coeur d"Alene, ID
    0
    Thanks for the info bigjuniortrucker!:biggrin_25514:

    Have you heard, is this something that causes some drivers a problem? Also, how would I find out which companies are using automatics?

    Once again, THANKS!
     
  5. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 17, 2006
    WY
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    Your clutch leg with strengthen up. It doesn't take that long.
     
  6. MXH

    MXH Light Load Member

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    Jan 28, 2006
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    Yeah, and unless you load/unload frieght, that will be the only muscle you develop.
     
  7. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Don't forget the buffet muscles. :biggrin_25523: I see a lot of buffet kings out here. :biggrin_2555:
     
  8. Etosha

    Etosha World Citizen

    745
    50
    Aug 19, 2007
    Edmonton, AB
    0
    I find that driving down the road isnt to hard on the clutch leg, especially seeing that I slipshift. Its the backing into a really awkward tight dock where you are creeping back, and constantly using the clutch that can turn that clutch leg muscles into jelly.
    Also, in my job, climbing into the trailer from the ground and getting out again (or climbing onto the flatdeck) works some muscles that I didnt know I had before I took up this work!
     
    dennisroc and Freebird135 Thank this.
  9. Johnny99

    Johnny99 Johnny be Good

    549
    260
    Nov 24, 2007
    Big Sandy Tenn
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    When I was younger I never had any problems with the clutch. After I turned fifty I developed arthritis and it became a problem if I had to sit in traffic and hold the clutch in for long periods. Stop and go on the Dan Ryan at 730 in the morning was bad. Ibuprofen helped.
     
  10. Maddog2020

    Maddog2020 Bobtail Member

    8
    0
    Jan 12, 2008
    Coeur d"Alene, ID
    0
    Thanks for all the info. guys! I really appreciate it.
     
  11. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    Jan 1, 2007
    NASA HQ
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    I am at the point where it is both knees that bother me.:biggrin_25524:
     
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