How to Properly Float Gears?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by bwwhitt, Aug 18, 2013.

  1. Saddletramp1200

    Saddletramp1200 Road Train Member

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    I'm with, "save the gears" foundation. Use one gear, so others may live. Over the heads of new drivers, but it's funny.
     
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  2. localtrucker

    localtrucker Light Load Member

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    Is this the correct way to come off throttle when floating gears?
     
  3. Scasper1010

    Scasper1010 Bobtail Member

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    Why would you run it up so high? I'm confused?
     
  4. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    5 speed maxidyne?? Now that's a real truck
     
  5. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    A lot less than impressed.. as new drivers should still be double clutching and not getting lazy and sloppy enough to already abandon it.
     
  6. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    Im more inpressed by the reserection of a 2 and a half year old theard. . :)
     
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  7. speedyk

    speedyk Road Train Member

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    How do you "float" a thread? Guess we found out.
     
  8. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    I can't describe it. It's something you have to get a "feel" for.

    And to top it all off, take 5 trucks, all with the exact same motor, exact same transmission and exact same rears... and all of them shift differently. You'll get used to it fine, and it takes a while to do it consistently, without missed shifts and applying the torque back smoothly without jerking things around.

    There is no specific RPM where the shift can occur (at least on my company's trucks, Pete 379's with CAT motors). I can shift as low as 900-1000 in low range when empty/bobtail. Just practice practice practice.
     
  9. VaniaTrucker

    VaniaTrucker Bobtail Member

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    I ve been driving manual since I was 16 bc in Europe there are no automatic vehicles. As a truck driver I do prefer manual transmission BUT there are companies out there (like mine) that consider floating mandatory!! This gives me a hard time. I can float the higher gears after 6th by increasing the rpms but I cannot float low gears. Also my company requires to start from 1st gear not 2nd and after the 1st to float all the way up gear by gear. They believe that clutch issues are caused by double clutching and don't allow it. I have a 3+ years experience as a trucker.
     
  10. VaniaTrucker

    VaniaTrucker Bobtail Member

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    We worry bc some companies require floating and if the clutch gets worn out and needs to get replaced they charge you!! So double-clutching is forbidden in those companies!