A six-speed box is enough for me
Page 42
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As an hgv driver, I cannot agree with Graham Montgomerie (CM August 15), when he says that he queries the viability of specifying a five-speed (plus crawler) gearbox, for a 32-tonner.
In my opinion, the present fad for multi4-atio transmissions is nothing short of ridiculous, for nobody will ever convince me that for normal road use, 13, or, in some cases, even more speeds are necessary, if an engine with a really good torque spread is installed.
I drive an F88 Volvo, which normally requires, at the most, the use of six speeds laden, and five unladen. I doubt if the necessity to use first will ever present itself, so that with only a slight widening of the ratios, a six-speed box would be perfectly adequate, enabling the somewhat frustrating and potentially easily damaged range-change to be eliminated, as can easily be proven by the two straight five-speed Scania one elevens, which my employer has on hire.
Although their maximum speed may be marginally less than the 88, they can put up just as good averages, are easier to drive in traffic, and above all, far less prone to abuse.
If Mr Montgoinenie thinks I am exaggerating about the mishandling of multi-speed gearboxes, I suggest that one day he spends half an hour standing at the exit of one of the motorway services, and listens to the readings and crashings that can emanate from a certain well-known British built range-change. Not that I can boast, because I have never really mastered one either. Surely if range-changes are necessary, which I doubt, then at least, like the Volvo, they should be easy to operate.
It seems to me that the Mack tested in Eire is a thoroughly practical vehicle; even the heavy clutch probably does not have to be used for changing on the move. Since I have driven a vehicle with synchromesh, my left leg has done more work in a few months than it ever did in years of driving constant mesh !
I don't think that old hands among us would worry about the Mack appearing a little dated—no amount of styling or gimmickry really improves a vehicle. Some of the Continental imports (Scania and Volvo excepted) are far from comfortable. Indeed one, which is becoming fairly popular, has the most grotesque driving position I have ever encountered in 35 years' experience. E. G. CORKE, London WI3.
[The Technical Editor
comments: "One does not use all the ratios in a multi-speed box all the time. It may be sufficient on many occasions to go 2-4-6-8 etc; but with the great variety of conditions found on British roads in particular, it can be valuable to have the right ratio when the occasion demands it."]