Rookie Mixer Driver

Welcome ZT,

Am I correct you don't have your B license yet, but just the permit?
If so, maybe go into more detail as to how you plan to get tested/passed for B license and any other pertinent info.
I assume, at this point, you've really only driven cars so far. Correct?

The main thing with driving a mixer is the high center of gravity, which makes it easier to roll or tip over if you exceed the safe limits of turning or swerving, not to mention if you get the truck on unlevel ground. Not saying the ground has to be perfectly level,, I'm saying places where the grade is too sloped or in situ's where the truck leans because of one side being stuck in deep mud, and such. BTW, Besides tractor trailer, I've driven Kenworth T800 mixers, Mack Granites, and Oshkosh. All rear discharge.

So you must use more caution when turning & maneuvering, as compared to trucks with a lower center of gravity.
The other aspect is... because of the 'semi-fluid motion' concrete in the turning drum, it also adds a bit of 'motion imbalance'.
Most fully loaded mixers, (at approx 8 to 8 1/2 yds capacity) end up being about 62,000 lbs loaded weight, so it's kinda like driving a "squished balloon version" of a 3/4 loaded tanker truck. You just need to respect it's high center of gravity, motion, & size and drive safely, being especially cautious while backing.

Also... Never swerve too fast at any speed, or else you'll end up like this jackwagon.

 

Remember, they are top heavy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W3-cWWJ4A0

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4501206]Remember, they are top heavy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W3-cWWJ4A0[/QUOTE]

I made a post that included the same video over 2 hours ago, but TTR held my post for review. And still is!
I tell ya... can't buy their trust or respect with a million bucks!

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4501206]Remember, they are top heavy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W3-cWWJ4A0[/QUOTE]

Talk about a mix up!

 

Hi KW, IDK, sometimes I'll get my posts "pulled around back", for seemingly no reason. I wrote them in the "contact us" thingy as to why that happens, and I never got an answer back. I've never seen you post anything bad or racy, so I think it's just a random thing. Seems to happen mostly when you post a link.

 

You'll get the hang of it quick. Driving is the easy part, and since you already know about concrete you should be fine. If you're worried about learning to shift, try watching some YouTube videos. Any manual mixer will usually have either an 8LL or 9LL transmission.
Good luck!