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Dump Trucks, I need to learn how to drive a stick

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by zbs60, Mar 12, 2019.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Mar 12, 2019 #1
    zbs60

    zbs60 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 7, 2017
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    HI All

    Ive been a chauffeur for 20 years. I do have 4 years of straight truck driving but with a automatic transmission. I also have bus and motorcoach experience. Im trying to get a job as a dump truck driver. The couple of jobs i applied to were teamster jobs but really only paid about 18 to 20 bucks an hour. I have a Class B license with air brakes, tanker and hazmat endorsements but these companys think im a softie.
    I figure all these dump trucks are 8 or 10 speeds. Im trying to find someone to teach me how. I actually ran an ad on craigslist here in stlouis for a teacher. I offered 35 bucks an hour to teach me to drive a 8 or 10 speed. The only taker i got was a guy with a 13 speed. I thought that would be overdoing it and passed.
    Really wanted to find someone with a dump truck for that kind of money. Any you guys live in st louis or know a way i can get a quick lesson? I figure i should be able to pick it up in a couple of hours. I used to have a 5 speed honda.

    thanks

    z
     
    zbs60, Mar 12, 2019
    zbs60, Mar 12, 2019
    #1
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  3. Mar 12, 2019 #2
    VantaiTatted

    VantaiTatted Light Load Member

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    Jan 1, 2018
    Maryland
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    YouTube.
     
    VantaiTatted, Mar 12, 2019
    VantaiTatted, Mar 12, 2019
    #2
  4. Mar 12, 2019 #3
    W900AOwner

    W900AOwner Heavy Load Member

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    I'd call that guy back with the 13 speed and have him teach you...it can be shifted the exact same way as an 8 or a 10 speed; you don't have to use the splitter button at all, just use the main gears.
     
    W900AOwner, Mar 12, 2019
    W900AOwner, Mar 12, 2019
    #3
    wore out, BigCam9670, RockinChair and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Mar 12, 2019 #4
    x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
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    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
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    Call the man back with the 13 speed and say youre sorry for being silly.

    Transmissions usually have a low range, high range and there is the detail work up top. 10 speeds or 9's or 8's are for those who don't know anything. That 13 will open your eyes to a whole world of possibilities.

    The shifting will be the same in any heavy truck with a manual. All about your RPM's or ear for some of you.

    Learn two numbers.

    Top upshift number is around 1600 or so give or take in a modern semi truck. Downshift number will be about 400 rpm steps making it 1200 or so. Once you understand this you can go up and down all day long without scratching.

    That's the other thing, when transmission scratches at you, go for the next gear down or the next gear up. Don't be stubborn and lean on the scratching and grinding.
     
    x1Heavy, Mar 12, 2019
    x1Heavy, Mar 12, 2019
    #4
  7. Mar 14, 2019 #5
    Woodchuck88

    Woodchuck88 Medium Load Member

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    New York
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    Every dump truck I’ve seen here is 8LL, 13 speed or 18 speed.
     
    Woodchuck88, Mar 14, 2019
    Woodchuck88, Mar 14, 2019
    #5
  8. Mar 14, 2019 #6
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    6,257
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    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
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    Learn all you can on every transmission you come across. Get your class A CDL and all the endorsements that go along with it. It best to be over qualified than not have the license to back you up. Don't limit yourself.
     
    GasHauler, Mar 14, 2019
    GasHauler, Mar 14, 2019
    #6
  9. Mar 15, 2019 #7
    zbs60

    zbs60 Bobtail Member

    15
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    Dec 7, 2017
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    Are we talking about those tri axle dumps or those Class A type dumps. I had no idea there were 18 speed
    dump trucks.
     
    zbs60, Mar 15, 2019
    zbs60, Mar 15, 2019
    #7
  10. Mar 15, 2019 #8
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Canuckistan
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    They all shift pretty much the same. Just a different pattern. The only trucks I've ever had on the open road had 18 speeds and I just drove them like a 9 speed and just split the top gear once at highway speed.
     
    AModelCat, Mar 15, 2019
    AModelCat, Mar 15, 2019
    #8
  11. Mar 15, 2019 #9
    Tombstone69

    Tombstone69 Road Train Member

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    Dec 20, 2018
    Jersey shore
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    13 you can split high range gears, 18 you can split low and high range gears. Shift up hit the splitter let off fuel, shift down hit the splitter, tap the fuel shift, otherwise just a 9 speed, eazy peazy.
     
    Tombstone69, Mar 15, 2019
    Tombstone69, Mar 15, 2019
    #9
  12. Mar 15, 2019 #10
    Woodchuck88

    Woodchuck88 Medium Load Member

    553
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    Jan 4, 2017
    New York
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    Yes straight job tri axles. Most of them will be 13 or 18 speeds. 18 speeds are completely unnecessary in a dump truck. 13 speed is ideal for them. You will learn how to shift it after 2 days in it. Once you learn how to double clutch and float you can drive anything. Splitting gears will come with time and you can do a lot of damage if not done correctly.
     
    Woodchuck88, Mar 15, 2019
    Woodchuck88, Mar 15, 2019
    #10
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