JakeCheez Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 So, I just bought my first truck (2001 ch613)Some specs:10 speed FRO EF tranny. E7 ETECH 380hp Mack. It's a tandem axle daycab. I will be hauling a side dump for my job. I have been driving straight truck dumps for 2 years, but they had straight 6 trannnys and I could handle it well. I only have about 30hrs behind the wheel of my Mack and I am struggling with shifting it (downshifting is proving to be more difficult). I am teaching myself to drive and I would appreciate any help. I don't know very much about this new Tractor, so any insight, info, help or advice would be awesome!Thanks in advance for helping me through- Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 So, I just bought my first truck (2001 ch613)Some specs:10 speed FRO EF tranny. E7 ETECH 380hp Mack. It's a tandem axle daycab. I will be hauling a side dump for my job. I have been driving straight truck dumps for 2 years, but they had straight 6 trannnys and I could handle it well. I only have about 30hrs behind the wheel of my Mack and I am struggling with shifting it (downshifting is proving to be more difficult). I am teaching myself to drive and I would appreciate any help. I don't know very much about this new Tractor, so any insight, info, help or advice would be awesome!Thanks in advance for helping me through-You might have someone that is familiar with the drivetrain your truck has drive it to verify everything is as it should be. It is hard to learn on new and unfamiliar equipment if it itself is flawed. Most Mack dealers will willingly drive your truck as a courtesy for evaluation as it is good business practice.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91194 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 How are you shifting? Are you short shifting,Running the rpm's up high. Are you trying to skip gears? 10 speeds are fairly easy and almost bullet proof.are you using the button in the front of the shifter? Are you sure it is not a super 10? little grey button on side only nothing in front. Driven 10 speeds for along time. Here is my number I can try to help you out as much as I can over the phone. 954-895-0977 Randy Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91197 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Are you running RPM up to 2100? those motors don't like it that high. My E-7 I run up to 1700 and slides right into gear. Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91201 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeCheez Posted November 18, 2011 Author Share Posted November 18, 2011 The Mack guys drove the truck with me and I had a Mack mechanic (a friend) drive te truck as well before I bought it. Everyone said it drives and shifts good. To shift, I have been bringing the RPMs to 1300 and pulling out, then trying to slide into the next gear before it drops below 1000. It is really tough to get it there that fast. I will definetly try shifting at a higher range (18-20). Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91305 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 1800 then let it drop to about 12-13 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91316 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 yeah your definatley shifting to low. run it up more and it will go alot smoother Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91339 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 don't feel bad Jake, i've been driving almost 33 years now and driven about every kind of transmission there is, but this last truck I got- the one with the weak paccar engine- has a 10 speed and it's driving me crazy. I can't seem to get the sumbitch in gear without scraping except once in a while by accident. Upshifting isn't too bad, but I catch hell trying to downshift it. And all the other drivers say the same thing. I'll get it figured out eventually I guess, or scatter it all over the highway. Then maybe Jeff will put a 13 back in it. He already says he screwed up by not getting 13 speeds in the first place. The 10 speed with little horsepower and 3.25 rears is just not a good setup for this part of the country. Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91352 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 don't feel bad Jake, i've been driving almost 33 years now and driven about every kind of transmission there is, but this last truck I got- the one with the weak paccar engine- has a 10 speed and it's driving me crazy. I can't seem to get the sumbitch in gear without scraping except once in a while by accident. Upshifting isn't too bad, but I catch hell trying to downshift it. And all the other drivers say the same thing. I'll get it figured out eventually I guess, or scatter it all over the highway. Then maybe Jeff will put a 13 back in it. He already says he screwed up by not getting 13 speeds in the first place. The 10 speed with little horsepower and 3.25 rears is just not a good setup for this part of the country.That combination definately sounds like a "flatland country" type of driveline. Certainly not for where you are at, and run. He ought to seek getting the trans changed to as you suggest, a thirteen speed. I'd have a hard time with the rear axle gearing also. It must be about CAFE, (corporate average fuel economy) that would allow a truck to be scec'd that way.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91354 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubbamobilin Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 10 speeds suck! I've never met one that I like! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91357 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 10 speeds suck! I've never met one that I like!yeah, the 18 speed is the greatest, 13's aren't bad, but the old 10 speed roadranger with the 350 Cummins I drove was all right too. This new one is just a different aminal I guess. Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91360 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 That combination definately sounds like a "flatland country" type of driveline. Certainly not for where you are at, and run. He ought to seek getting the trans changed to as you suggest, a thirteen speed. I'd have a hard time with the rear axle gearing also.It must be about CAFE, (corporate average fuel economy) that would allow a truck to be scec'd that way.Robthat, or the salesman ought to get some kind of sales award for selling this crap to 'em- it is definately a flat ground truck. Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91361 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 What is kinda funny or strange is how the same transmission behind different engines acts. For instance, my R612, and the RL755L had the same trans, (RTO-12513) yet the Mack engine required the shifting to be about twice as fast as the Cat powered truck. It took me a few times out to learn to shift what is seemingly really slowwwwww in the RL while the engine wound down to avoid gear clash. Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91365 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vision386 Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 yeah, the 18 speed is the greatest, 13's aren't bad, but the old 10 speed roadranger with the 350 Cummins I drove was all right too. This new one is just a different aminal I guess. I like the 13 speed myself,having never driven an 18 speed (i know their similar) i also really liked the 14 speed spicer,) but i have to agree,i REALLY dont like 10 speeds,never did! Most of the "fleet" type trucks you see nowadays are either 10 speeds or automatics (another no-no in a truck,as far as i'm concerned) i test drove a truck years ago with an allison auto,almost put my foot through the floor looking for the clutch when i went to stop!......................Mark Quote Mack Truck literate. Computer illiterate. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91373 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtywhiteboy Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 i hate driving these newer trucks where computer changing injection timeing an such,..effects how it shifts an cant really get use to it ever changing,..like a woman!! these new merterl transmissions blow chunks!! always liked a 9 better than a 10 but a back box swap make a 9 a 13!! like a 125-13 behind a cummins a 15 behind a cat,...tryed 9 an 10s with these mack 427s an think a vet should put all 3 dawgs down! electronic malfunction!!!! cant believe the bulbs in that warning light ant burnt out yet on all 3!! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91428 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeCheez Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 i spent all day at the pits and driving around country roads. I finally got through all 10 gears up and down without grinding. The trick was to stop being so damn clinical with it. I gave it more throttle (to bring it to 18-20) and shifted smooth. I covered up the tach and drove by sound and feel- Then it finally clicked.Thanks guys Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91445 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Good deal. I am glad it worked out for you Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91459 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 i spent all day at the pits and driving around country roads. I finally got through all 10 gears up and down without grinding. The trick was to stop being so damn clinical with it. I gave it more throttle (to bring it to 18-20) and shifted smooth. I covered up the tach and drove by sound and feel- Then it finally clicked.Thanks guysthat's another problem with ths new truck- I can't even hear the engine! Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91482 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 that's another problem with ths new truck- I can't even hear the engine!Tom, are you sure it's not time for a set of Beltone's? LOLmike Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91484 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moms Trucking Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Hey Jake, your not on an Island! I have a Mack 9 and found that working by sound and feel is best! Is that an MBE trailer behind your pup? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-91645 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeCheez Posted December 2, 2011 Author Share Posted December 2, 2011 Yeah, not having a working radio for the first few weeks helped me learn the sounds and now that I got the radio working, im learning to go by feel- cuz I can't barely hear it anymore!!!Moms- yeah its an mbe trailer. I just got hired on as an owner/op. I was driving straight truck for them for 2 years, but I wanted to pull a trailer. after only 4 days of work, I'm really getting comfortable in this thing! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/21670-new-to-trucking/#findComment-92665 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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