Questions for truckers...
Discussion
In the late 60s and early 70s, most round here ran AEC Mandators.
These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
IIRC commercials above a certain weight were initially limited to 20mph - subsequently 30mph and so on -
Depending on gearing there were commercial vehicles capable of exceeding 60mph by the end of the 50's - not many though.
Plenty of old 50s 8 wheelers would've died a death on the new motorways and in any case loads came off the road when plating and testing came in by the late 60's.
Your basic 70's fleet artic like an Atkinson Borderer or ERF B series would easily keep up with today's traffic -- slower on the hills at max weight though.
To my mind the "best" time was the 80's -- powerful motors easily capable of maintaining a good speed at 38 tonnes ...... and no limiters...
Depending on gearing there were commercial vehicles capable of exceeding 60mph by the end of the 50's - not many though.
Plenty of old 50s 8 wheelers would've died a death on the new motorways and in any case loads came off the road when plating and testing came in by the late 60's.
Your basic 70's fleet artic like an Atkinson Borderer or ERF B series would easily keep up with today's traffic -- slower on the hills at max weight though.
To my mind the "best" time was the 80's -- powerful motors easily capable of maintaining a good speed at 38 tonnes ...... and no limiters...
daveenty said:
In the late 60s and early 70s, most round here ran AEC Mandators.
These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
80/90mph in a Mandator is old giffer's bullshine - the transmission would be glowing at that speed!These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
Standard gearing for an Ergo Mandator put them at about 55mph.
Obviously higher gearing was available
Speed limiters were compulsory fitment in all new motors from 1988 -- well after tachos ??
Lucas CAV said:
80/90mph in a Mandator is old giffer's bullshine - the transmission would be glowing at that speed!
Standard gearing for an Ergo Mandator put them at about 55mph.
Obviously higher gearing was available
This wouldn't surprise me, used to work with a lot of "characters", though they were quick compared to the Gardner 120s which were around at the time. Seem to remember the AEC had a straight 6 box with a two speed axle, though I've had many sleeps since those days so could be mistaken. Standard gearing for an Ergo Mandator put them at about 55mph.
Obviously higher gearing was available
Lucas CAV said:
Speed limiters were compulsory fitment in all new motors from 1988 -- well after tachos ??
Yep, that seems about right. We had tachos back in the late 70s, though still used log books until around 1982ish probably. Yeah - the standard Mandator box was the D203 6 speed -- you could choose a Fuller 9 or 10 speed but it was relatively uncommon -
The multi range box transforms the Mandator - the 760 lump needed as many gears as you could give it - although not as bad as the Gardners...
Now if AEC had been allowed to develop the V8 engine to its full potential.......
The multi range box transforms the Mandator - the 760 lump needed as many gears as you could give it - although not as bad as the Gardners...
Now if AEC had been allowed to develop the V8 engine to its full potential.......
Lucas CAV said:
daveenty said:
In the late 60s and early 70s, most round here ran AEC Mandators.
These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
80/90mph in a Mandator is old giffer's bullshine - the transmission would be glowing at that speed!These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
Standard gearing for an Ergo Mandator put them at about 55mph.
Obviously higher gearing was available
Speed limiters were compulsory fitment in all new motors from 1988 -- well after tachos ??
Unless it was tramping on, down Shap with a tailwind
I always remember being overtaken in the 90's on a daily basis by lots of 3 series Scanias, normally pulling a fridge and normally on an Irish plate
There was a reason the old 3 series was popular with the paddies, especially on the euro work. Thumbing it i believe it was known as
An Irish lad once told me how to adjust the switches behind the speedo on a Daf super space so that it would run at 62-65mph butonly show 55 on the tacho. They new all the tricks.
chilistrucker said:
Lucas CAV said:
daveenty said:
In the late 60s and early 70s, most round here ran AEC Mandators.
These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
80/90mph in a Mandator is old giffer's bullshine - the transmission would be glowing at that speed!These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
Standard gearing for an Ergo Mandator put them at about 55mph.
Obviously higher gearing was available
Speed limiters were compulsory fitment in all new motors from 1988 -- well after tachos ??
Unless it was tramping on, down Shap with a tailwind
I always remember being overtaken in the 90's on a daily basis by lots of 3 series Scanias, normally pulling a fridge and normally on an Irish plate
There was a reason the old 3 series was popular with the paddies, especially on the euro work. Thumbing it i believe it was known as
An Irish lad once told me how to adjust the switches behind the speedo on a Daf super space so that it would run at 62-65mph butonly show 55 on the tacho. They new all the tricks.
Lucas CAV said:
Not to mention getting them calibrated with the smallest wheels and tyres possible......
When I was brand new at the job I asked an Irish lad what the Craic was with the gap on his tractor units wheels/wheel arches? He told me he was going for the Yank jacked up look He then immediately told me the real reason.I remember M.A.N trucks back in the day would by pass the limiter if you flicked the key back a quarter of a turn. You would lose the electric displays on the dash, but the thing would fly down the motorway.
I obviously only know these random things from when i was a yooth
A 55 plate Daf would do the same if you pulled the right fuse from the board, but I only know this one for all the wrong reasons.Sadly out of it all now, but am led to believe if you pulled a fuse these days the throttle would just drop on the floor as if, (if it had one) the cable had snapped?
chilistrucker said:
When I was brand new at the job I asked an Irish lad what the Craic was with the gap on his tractor units wheels/wheel arches? He told me he was going for the Yank jacked up look He then immediately told me the real reason.
I remember M.A.N trucks back in the day would by pass the limiter if you flicked the key back a quarter of a turn. You would lose the electric displays on the dash, but the thing would fly down the motorway.
I obviously only know these random things from when i was a yooth A 55 plate Daf would do the same if you pulled the right fuse from the board, but I only know this one for all the wrong reasons.
Sadly out of it all now, but am led to believe if you pulled a fuse these days the throttle would just drop on the floor as if, (if it had one) the cable had snapped?
The Daf limiter fuse had a large dab of paint over it from the factory so it would be obvious if it had been pulled anytime. Just needed more paint! He then immediately told me the real reason.I remember M.A.N trucks back in the day would by pass the limiter if you flicked the key back a quarter of a turn. You would lose the electric displays on the dash, but the thing would fly down the motorway.
I obviously only know these random things from when i was a yooth
A 55 plate Daf would do the same if you pulled the right fuse from the board, but I only know this one for all the wrong reasons.Sadly out of it all now, but am led to believe if you pulled a fuse these days the throttle would just drop on the floor as if, (if it had one) the cable had snapped?
Plenty of Aberdonians knew about thumbing the DIP switches behind the tacho disc chart. Just needed a new red plastic seal from a "friendly" tacho mechanic.
Edited by bigwheel on Sunday 10th April 01:41
chilistrucker said:
Lucas CAV said:
daveenty said:
In the late 60s and early 70s, most round here ran AEC Mandators.
These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
80/90mph in a Mandator is old giffer's bullshine - the transmission would be glowing at that speed!These were particularly effective as night trunk motors, with a top speed far in excess of any limit, and many "records" were set by these machines and their drivers back in the day.
80mph was a figure which was easily attainable, with much talk of over 90 being done by the old school drivers of the time. I missed these things by a few years, starting with a Leyland Buffalo, though this was basically the same cab. Even these were good for over 60mph, but needed a fair run to get there, and blinkers on the headlamps in case they ever saw a hill.
I then had a Foden S80 with a 265 Rolls in it, which was good for over 80 if pushed. AFIACR, speed limiters only came in with the advent of Tachos, which the Foden had, though even then not in the early days until we started getting legislated by outside the UK.
Standard gearing for an Ergo Mandator put them at about 55mph.
Obviously higher gearing was available
Speed limiters were compulsory fitment in all new motors from 1988 -- well after tachos ??
Unless it was tramping on, down Shap with a tailwind
I always remember being overtaken in the 90's on a daily basis by lots of 3 series Scanias, normally pulling a fridge and normally on an Irish plate
There was a reason the old 3 series was popular with the paddies, especially on the euro work. Thumbing it i believe it was known as
An Irish lad once told me how to adjust the switches behind the speedo on a Daf super space so that it would run at 62-65mph butonly show 55 on the tacho. They new all the tricks.
Apparently one of them was stopped for a routine check the following week, and eyebrows were raised at the taco charts that showed 100+mph speeds
bigwheel said:
The Daf limiter fuse had a large dab of paint over it from the factory so it would be obvious if it had been pulled anytime. Just needed more paint!
Plenty of Aberdonians knew about thumbing the DIP switches behind the tacho disc chart. Just needed a new red plastic seal from a "friendly" tacho mechanic.
You're bloody right Plenty of Aberdonians knew about thumbing the DIP switches behind the tacho disc chart. Just needed a new red plastic seal from a "friendly" tacho mechanic.
Edited by bigwheel on Sunday 10th April 01:41
I had a phone call wake me up one day, telling me to get to the hospital asap. It was so urgent I phoned someone who I knew would have the answer and asked him what fuse was the limiter? He told me to lift the fuse cover and remove the one covered in paint. Both he, and you were right
Its the one and only time I removed the fuse and drove flat out. TBH, amazed I didn't get a tug that day, just lucky I guess that I was only an hour and a half from the hospital.
Lucas, any pics of that Sedi? I'd like to see it
chilistrucker said:
bigwheel said:
The Daf limiter fuse had a large dab of paint over it from the factory so it would be obvious if it had been pulled anytime. Just needed more paint!
Plenty of Aberdonians knew about thumbing the DIP switches behind the tacho disc chart. Just needed a new red plastic seal from a "friendly" tacho mechanic.
You're bloody right Plenty of Aberdonians knew about thumbing the DIP switches behind the tacho disc chart. Just needed a new red plastic seal from a "friendly" tacho mechanic.
Edited by bigwheel on Sunday 10th April 01:41
I had a phone call wake me up one day, telling me to get to the hospital asap. It was so urgent I phoned someone who I knew would have the answer and asked him what fuse was the limiter? He told me to lift the fuse cover and remove the one covered in paint. Both he, and you were right
Its the one and only time I removed the fuse and drove flat out. TBH, amazed I didn't get a tug that day, just lucky I guess that I was only an hour and a half from the hospital.
Lucas, any pics of that Sedi? I'd like to see it
Have you ever seen Les Baston in his 400? Still working most days
Gassing Station | Commercial Break | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff