Andyroo:
It’s still a 4 over 4 range change, but instead of the switch like the DAF has you knock the lever when it’s in neutral, to the left to get 1-4 and to the right to get 5-8.
I only drove one for a short time, got on ok with it considering.
Of course, you wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting to flick a switch on test - then again don’t like the thought of an arm hanging off me by the end of the day!
I’m only going by the layout I saw on top of the gearstick - looked as though it was a “straight 8” - then again you folks have forgotten a ■■■■ sight more than I’ll ever know…
I’m not sure but I think the knock over type does have a diagram that shows all 8 gears seperate, but there is a little symbol between 3-4 and 5-6 that indicates the need to knock it over.
The Iveco I drove had a light on the dash which showed if you were in high or low range.
Personally I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to learn with a 6 speed box.
I think the 8 speed box is ok to be learnt when you need to…I did and apart from the first day I think I got the hang pretty quick, it’s only a gearbox after all not a Boeing 747.
Earlier in the year I started where I am now and after driving a 6 speed solid for 18 months previous it took me a day again to get the hang of the 8 speed box again.
I still drive a 6 speed box 90% of the time now. It’s rubbish for the fully freighted loads we do, but I think the idea of a lorry to learn in should be that it’s a simple vehicle.
You might as well learn in a 12 tonne flat with a 6 speed box, passing the test is only the start as we all know.
i prefered to learn in the 8 speed because it’s one less experience to pick up when you take to the road. but then i supose it’s what your going to be carrying and what tonnage?
Andyroo:
Personally I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to learn with a 6 speed box.
I think the 8 speed box is ok to be learnt when you need to…I did and apart from the first day I think I got the hang pretty quick, it’s only a gearbox after all not a Boeing 747.
Earlier in the year I started where I am now and after driving a 6 speed solid for 18 months previous it took me a day again to get the hang of the 8 speed box again.
I still drive a 6 speed box 90% of the time now. It’s rubbish for the fully freighted loads we do, but I think the idea of a lorry to learn in should be that it’s a simple vehicle.
You might as well learn in a 12 tonne flat with a 6 speed box, passing the test is only the start as we all know.
There may be some merit in what you’re saying - but as I intend to go for Class 1 (which almost certainly means a test with a splitter type gearbox anyway), then I guess I just have to accept this contingency - even though I view the Class C as little more than a mere right of passage.
sandman:
Cheers guys and girls,
yes, its a 4 over 4 and i dont like them. Plus this one was very reluctant to go from 2nd to 3rd to 4th, absolute nightmare. Thanks for the headsup everyone 
Changing gear is like making love to a good woman! 
You need to understand what they like and try not to force things too quickly.
As you slap the box over, let go of the stick let it find its own plane and then gently but firmly place it where you need it.
Some boxes fall naturally to the 1/2 or 5/6 plane. others fall to the higher ratios. You can do this at a standstill before you set off as well as deciding whether you have a splitter or a range change.
Andyroo:
I wouldn’t call it a fancy box, it’s just a way of getting the 8 speeds without having 8 slots on the gate. You’d need longer arms then!
55 reg axor
gimme the range change any day
in the old axor, the reverse gear was at the other side of the passenger seat. or at least, thats how it felt when you were trying to engage it 
Most of the Class 2 vehicles i have driven have been 6 speed, then 4 by 4 iveco and renault (made easier by letting you know which gear you are in with a display near the speedo). Only drove one 4 over 4, a Scania.
I think any vehicle takes a bit of driving time to get used to.
And some of the 6 speed 18t vehicles need 8 gears when fully loaded!
What’s a gearstick ■■ I haven’t driven anything other than Semi’s or Auto’s for the last 6 months.
Just my 2 cents, 4 over 4 is much better than the slap over box. Some of the older Axors I have driven you really need to smack the stick to change ranges, newer ones were air assisted so a heck of a lot nicer … … …
G
Cheers all,
had an easier day today, iveco with a straight six manual and a run down to weston super mare. Anyone else experienced the lack of enthusiasm from B&Q warehouse staff when trying to get unloaded? If they were on fire they wouldn’t rush to put themselves out. 
Hi glad you had a better day today.
I was driving a DAF 6 speed last week (4 wheeler short wheel base)
and i had to almost bend the gear stick to get it in reverse 
Give me the 4 over 4 any day
the trick is flick the switch before you take it out of gear
scanny77:
55 reg axor
gimme the range change any day
in the old axor, the reverse gear was at the other side of the passenger seat. or at least, thats how it felt when you were trying to engage it
I forgot to mention - the Axor I rode shotgun on also had a crawler - would you need to use this when on a test - especially the gear change?
I’m scribbling notes like a madman here :D:D
Cheers for the pics there too Scanny!
Gears, more Gears I say, I love playing with Gears
I just sit back & play with em till ooooh 
Treat your stick like its your womans 
listen as she sings Beethoven’s 5th
Rob…
GlesgaBill:
I’m scribbling notes like a madman here :D:D
Cheers for the pics there too Scanny!
no bother mate. i used to run an agency forum which i adapted for new drivers so i still have the pics 
volvo i-shift (press the trigger at the front and pull back 1 click (A) for forward gearing
mercedes actros
old TGA
scania
