Shifting gears in an old Mack B series

[fanocool]

I stumbled on this and old memories of riding with my uncle come rushing back. Talk about coordination and timing, and he only used the clutch to get 'er rolling and to stop. He was a hero of mine and still alive. Great times remembered.
YouTube - Shifting a Mack B Model

 

[HAWKEYE10]

It's a good thing he didn't have to use the clutch that much. It was fun to watch. Don

 

[cp1969]

I believe that combination is what Mack called their 'Triplex', a 5 speed main and 3 speed aux transmissions which were (I think) both contained in one housing. They also made a 4x4 and a 5x4.

Using the clutch actually makes it harder to shift, not easier, especially in dump truck type applications where a 5 speed synchronized main transmission is coupled with a 4 speed unsynchronized aux. I always found it easier, when doing double shifts, to kick the aux into neutral, shift the main, then select the appropriate gear in the aux.

 

[tennexplorer]

The "plexes" were in one housing. Thanks for the link to the video.

 

[Sven]

Now that brings back memories. I used to drive an International Transtar 400 with a twin stick 4x4. No syncros at all -- used the clutch only for starting and stopping. I used to haul grain from eastern North Dakota to either Duluth or feed corn north to the Winnipeg area.

I always had a little trucker's envy for those old B model Macks! Sweet rigs!

 

[Wayne02]

Looks to be complete with the classic Cobra CB radio. Good stuff.

 

[n4zov]

Guess that doesn't leave much time for texting and putting on the make up!