STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION
Regional Haul
(R05/10) Y53-6033 – 97 –
2. Fully depress the clutch pedal until the clutch brake
makes contact (see page 98
). The contact will occur
at about 1 inch or less from the floorboard.
• The total stroke of the clutch pedal is about 10
inches. The first 1 3/4 to 2 inches is free travel. After
the free travel comes the release stroke, which is the
part that fully releases the clutch. The last inch
engages the clutch brake.
• Always start out in a low gear. Starting in a higher
gear, even with a light load, will cause a very jumpy
start and excessive wear.
CAUTION: Always use first gear or a low
speed range to start the vehicle in motion. The
use of a higher gear or speed range forces
undue strain on the engine, clutch, other
transmission components, and may cause
damage.
3. Evaluate the road surface conditions and terrain your
vehicle is on. Select a gear low enough to let your
vehicle start forward with the throttle at idle.
4. Push the parking brake valve handle (Yellow) against
the dash panel to release the brakes.
5. Release the clutch pedal, then gradually accelerate to
permit smooth starting,
6. Do not allow your vehicle to roll (even a little) in the
opposite direction during clutch engagement. If you
need to start up on an incline, apply your service
brakes before you release the parking brake. Then
release your service brakes as you engage the clutch
and apply throttle.
For further instructions on operating your transmission,
see the transmission manufacturer's manual that is
included with your vehicle.
If you have a misaligned gear condition in your vehicle's
transmission and cannot start, gradually release the
clutch, allowing the drive gear teeth to line up properly.
Then the drive gear can roll enough to allow the teeth to
line up properly and complete the shift.
The best engine performance and maximum economy is
obtained if gears are properly selected. This efficiency is
achieved by always selecting gears within optimum
engine rpm, which is where maximum torque and power
are obtained. For further information, see “More Driving
Tips and Techniques” on page 127.
