Training Course for a New O/O?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by deepstroke, Jun 24, 2007.

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  1. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    I have to say...TOO MANY companies took his seminar. One size fits all indeed !!

    My most recent conversation within our company, was about getting a 13 speed (which we do have). The response was "Why do you need it hauling furniture?" Too which I replyed....what furniture?

    Long story short, I was advised I would be considered for a 13 in the future since I don't always haul furniture LOL.

    I miss my 13 :(
     
    dancnoone, Nov 20, 2007
    #11
  2. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    After running a 13 for several yrs I thought I could tolerate a 10. After two months of that I was really glad to get back in a 13.
     
    Brickman, Nov 20, 2007
    #12
  3. jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    I was always told 13 and 18 speed transmissions simply had more lower gears as compared to a 9 or a 10 speed. The only difference is smaller steps to make it to the same final gear. I am not an expert but have heard this from many different sources.
    An 18 speed is great for heavy hauls in gravel pits and 13 might be beneficial in mountainous terrain but with the higher horsepower engines of today (500 and even 600 horse) and higher torques a 9 or 10 speed will accomplish the same thing in the mountains.
    It seems many drivers are not aware of these issues and simply believe more gears means a better truck.
     
    jlkklj777, Nov 24, 2007
    #13
  4. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    With the 18 you are right there are more lower gears. Once you get into the top range then there simple are more gears which makes it VERY nice to be able to make half steps when in the mountains. Until you've experienced them don't count them the same as a 9 or 10 with a big motor. Even with a big motor a 13 is superior to a 9 or 10 in mountain climbing. Yeah a 9 or 10 will get you over the mountain but its not the same.

    What ends up happening with a 9 or 10 is you lug the engine down out of its power band and then when you do shift over rev it out of its power band, where with a trans you can split you are able to keep the engine in the power band more effectively.
     
    Brickman, Nov 24, 2007
    #14
  5. slick50

    slick50 Light Load Member

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    I have never had an 18 speed, but as I have experienced with my 515 Detroit and 10 speed that I have a wide powerband 1200-2000rpm and it will pull anywhere in there (One of the good points of a Detroit). Not requiring more gears as a Cat would with less band. Had a Cat once and boy did it love to pull, but torque range was smaller than a Detroit. I think a Cat with an 18 (to keep it in the band) would be a good fit for a heavy hauler; going to try it with my 10 and 515 Detroit. Does fine grossed out (flatbed) running all 48.
     
    slick50, Nov 24, 2007
    #15
  6. Torqued-Up

    Torqued-Up Bobtail Member

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    The number of gears and engine HP are only part of the equation. You must also consider Torque band and Final Drive Ratio.
     
    Torqued-Up, Feb 7, 2009
    #16
    The Challenger Thanks this.
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