Tractor First, Right?

I think wore out quoted it. But yeah granny gear is lower in that particular trans.

 

The 96 T600 wasn't overdrive it was direct with the conventional shift pattern. The 86 Pete is single overdrive up against the dash. Nice trans to shift but the spaces are too big for my liking and I need another overdrive gear. It's basically a 10 speed with one extra low gear.

 

That's why I don't like them. Not enough top end and ratios are too far meaning winding it up a lot higher to make a gear change.

 

I have a 15 in another truck and it is a nice shifting durable trans, but reverse is very fast unless using the low side, and the splits are too big. You have to really wind it up to be able grab another gear. Having driven 13/18 most of my life I have a hell of a time remembering where l am at with the up against the dash overdrive shift pattern.

 

I can agree with everything @Ruthless, @rank and @Oxbow said about the 15. I have one in the truck I just bought. It will roll but it's 3.36 rears. The low low gear doesn't suit me, I don't feel it's low enough. The pattern has me all messed up, so needless to say I'm gonna start working on a 18918B I have laying in the floor.

The later RTLO 15's are the same ratio's as my RTO just a standard shift pattern.

 

Like passingthru mentioned its a lot easier on everything to get a tow first, before you need it. And depending on where you are you sometimes can't get the equipment off the trailer, or you can't get the equipment in front of the truck. Its crappy when the truck starts to drive faster than the tow vehicle. I've never had to do it with a lowboy, but most log truck pups have a spot you can set a blade and push them. We usually unloaded on the road and ran stuff into the landing, but we would also road the equipment if the next job was only an hour away. Probably not an option with a shovel

Also, don't just hook a chain or a choker on your front frame rails without there being a crossmember there. It may be common sense, but either have tow hooks and only use one of the hooks, or have a crossmember with one pull point. I've seen more than one bumper wrecked that way, and one truck had bent frame rails.

 

Excellent thread, very insightful! Thanks to all who are contributing.

You, Handlogger, deserve to give yourself credit for having the wisdom to ask for, accept and utilize to your advantage the guidance and advice you receive. Too many(and I have known several) ask for advice and then argue about it when it does not fit their ideals, then dismiss the advice entirely. This is a welcome and refreshing exchange.

 

Well said.