We must admit, this is one of our favourite fleets in the country. A unique mix of new and old Volvos, ranging from the latest Euro 6 equipment to some superbly turned out retro kit from the ‘90s, there’s so much to like here. Plus, pretty much everything has a manual gearbox!
We do love a manual gearbox here at T&D. But we’re also realistic, and know that they’re very much a niche item these days. Daf and Scania will still offer you one on most of the range and you can get certain Mercedes-Benz, MAN and Iveco models with a stick, but not on big cab tractor units. Volvo and Renault have stopped doing them at all. There just isn’t a demand for them beyond owner-drivers, small family fleets and certain specialist applications.
Why would you even want one? Some folk are flabbergasted that there’s other people out there who still prefer a manual. In some cases they’re being deliberately obtuse about it, because driving a truck is a tactile, emotionally rewarding experience in a way that something like driving a forklift, or fitting double-glazing is not.
The latest autos are now so fully integrated into the truck, if it doesn’t have the ability to self-shift then you’re not getting the full range of technology benefits such as predictive cruise and eco-roll.
But then again, having a clutch pedal gives you an ultimate level of control at low speed. You can limp a manual out of harm’s way, or home, in certain situations where you could not with an auto. For most of the people still specifying manuals though, it’s about the enjoyment of driving. Shifting gears with a lever and a clutch pedal is satisfying. There’s also a valid train of thought that if you’re doing the gears yourself, you’re a lot more focussed on the job.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2020 من Truck & Driver.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2020 من Truck & Driver.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
