started driving an 18 wheeler

[Sageair]

I work for the telephone company for my day job and so have had a class A CDL for a long time to tow poles. Due to having 3 kids in college this year I decided I needed some extra income so have started hauling hay for the local ranches here. I'm driving a 97 Peterbuilt with a 3406 Cat in it. I have no other big trucks to compare to but boy am I ever impressed. It sure proves to me why an inline six is the engine to have when you have alot of weight to move. Even when it weighs 80,000 lbs launching is simply a matter of just letting out the clutch and you are on your way. Running empty with just the 40 foot drop bed trailer, I can pull a 7 percent grade at 65 without leaving 10th gear. I was somewhat surprised that it only makes 22. 5 lbs of boost, somehow I was expecting more. I was also really surprised that it has no e. g. t gauge. I guess the newer computer engines protect themselves from meltdown. I'm not sure I would want to do this for a living every day but I'm having fun for now!

 

[willyslover]

just be careful... Cat's don't like high heat in the radiator. . they are very expensive to repair

 

[C. Harlan]

I'm driving a 97 Peterbuilt with a 3406 Cat in it. I have no other big trucks to compare to but boy am I ever impressed.

Driving a PETERBILT (Just a friendly reminder, No U in PETERBILT) is nice, but better with a "c" series Cat, not a 3406 E. I had a 4¼, turned up 20% over factory spec, so it would smoke like my 6BT does now... talk about awesome! I miss that truck! Hauling hay is fun, but only so long as it is no touch freight!



-Chris-

 

[drrhoades]

I drove a Pete we were testing components on. For the first time ever driving a semi that thing is great. That thing had the new 600 series Cummins in it and let me tell you man that thing could pull. Let the clutch out and didnt even touch the throttle and it didnt even protest starting 140000lbs. Going through all 18 is an awesome thing without even using the clutch. Luckliy we were on a enclosed track so I didnt have to worry about traffic.



Doug

 

[The patriot]

Originally posted by charlan

Driving a PETERBILT (Just a friendly reminder, No U in PETERBILT) is nice, but better with a "c" series Cat, not a 3406 E. I had a 4¼, turned up 20% over factory spec, so it would smoke like my 6BT does now... talk about awesome! I miss that truck! Hauling hay is fun, but only so long as it is no touch freight!



-Chris-

Sounds like my brothers truck. a 1992 double bunk Pete longnose.

He had a 425 3406C Hi-Torque engine in it. It was lightly juiced.

Man... that truck hauled some serious butt. 13 speed (OD) and 3. 55's.

I'd venture to say that truck would go at least 90 MPH.

Eric

 

[ndurbin]

The two trucks I drove at work were both N-14s. The Pete I think was only making 325-350 so it didn't like starting heavy, but the Int'l was at 425 and it didn't have to many problems starting heavy. Both had over 750,000 and hadn't been touched. Also had a pair of freightshakers w/ cat's in them but I only drove them acouple times and didn't care much for them. Had the pleasure of driving one w/ an L10, won't do that again.