Regional Haul Model Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
CAUTION: Be careful not to apply the clutch
brake while the vehicle is moving. The purpose
of the clutch brake is to stop the transmission
so that you can shift into a starting
gear without grinding gears. Applying the
clutch brake when the vehicle is moving
causes a braking effect on the drivetrain and
shortens the service life of the clutch brake.
Double Clutching
Whether you are upshifting or down shifting, it is best to
double clutch. Double clutching is easier on the transmission
and on the engine, helping your vehicle match engine
speed with driveline speed and achieving clash-free
shifts.
To double clutch:
1. Push the clutch pedal down to disengage the clutch.
2. Move the gear shift lever to Neutral.
3. Release the pedal to engage the clutch. This lets you
control the rpm of the mainshaft gears, allowing you
to match the rpm of the mainshaft gears to those of
the output shaft.
MORE TRANSMISSION TIPS
• Upshifts: let the engine and gears slow down to the
rpm required for the next gear.
• Downshifts: press accelerator, increase engine and
gear speed to the rpm required in the lower gear.
4. Now quickly press the pedal to disengage the clutch
and move the gear shift lever to the next gear speed
position.
5. Release the pedal to engage the clutch.
More Transmission Tips
“Riding” the Clutch
The clutch is not a footrest. Do not drive with your foot
resting on the clutch pedal. It will allow your clutch to slip,
causing excessive heat and wear—damage could result.
Release Bearing Wear
When you must idle your engine for any period of time,
shift your transmission to Neutral and disengage the
clutch (take your foot OFF of the pedal). This helps prevent
unnecessary wear to your clutch release bearing,
and it is less tiring for you, too.
Regional Haul (R05/10) Y53-6033 – 99 –