I grew up riding with my Dad driving a Mack just like this! I was always amazed how he could shift both levers at the same time with his left arm looped through the steering wheel! He could make that old Mack talk with the straight stacks! Love these old trucks! I drove many in my career but never had the opportunity to try the twin sticks! Good memories of my Dad though!
Beautiful video and a awesome old Mack. This truck reminds me of my Grandpop, a truck driving veteran of 33 years. These old Macks were a big part of his life. He died in 1982. Gene Traub Sr, an American truck driving hero in my eyes.
I could respond in two ways: 1.) Anyone claiming to have never scratched a gear has either never driven a truck or they're a pathological liar. 2.) I should feel honored that the finest truck driver on the planet has actually watched one of my videos on RUclips.
@ robertretka: Radio? What kind of cream puff life you been livin’? ALL Macks have metal flake green dashboard, big glove/fuse box, and the transmission IS the entertainment system!
lindsey crawford My dad drove old gas-banger Macks, a little pointier with bug-eye headlights, nicknamed “heater” because lugging uphill in summer, you could read the head temperature with your feet.
Should pop that hood an give us a peek at the heart of that old Bulldog wen u hav second! Love these old trucks, til then keep that greasy side an in btween the lines dude!!
I used to drive a B81 MACK a '63' with a what is called a Quad box, a '63' B61 that also had a Quad box and also a DM 600 that is a '72' Maxidyne that had 237 Mack engine in it. Man, those trucks were fun to drive.
Back when I was a much younger man in 1969/70 or thereabouts, I'd ride with a guy periodically who delivered anti-freeze with one of these things. He was an amazing driver... Both hands off the wheel to split shift. Tough old bird he was. What a glorious memory this video has spawned for me!!! But that anti freeze was some heavy stuff. 'Walking' barrels of that stuff the length of the trailer was quite a task.
When I was a little kid in the early 60s, one of my friend's Dad drove a B model Mack for a freight company. I was always scared of him, he seemed so miserable. When I was in my twenties, I drove an old B model with a quad box for a building contractor. It suddenly became clear to me why my friend's Dad was such a prick.
A flash from the past! When i was a kid in the early 60's Mack was THE truck. My Dad made extra bucks driving an occasional load for a family friend, the interior of that truck was a duplicate for the one pictured. Times were truly simpler back,then.
Thanks Lindsey....this is the best B61 video out there. One of the only ones where the driver drives the way I drive my B61....He uses the clutch! ...the proper way to do it...
The first truck I ever drove was a B61 very similar to this one. Mack made several different B model numbers with the B61 being the most popular. Mine had a 175 HP thermodyne engine. It was almost impossible to wear a B model out. They were made from 1955 to 1965. The B model was replaced by the R model in 1965. I'd like to have a quarter for every ton of freight a B model delivered. I would be a very rich man. The B61 still gets my vote as the best truck Mack ever built.
@fredandkit1 I'm very glad to hear you enjoy my videos. It started about 16 years ago shooting footage of some of my friends in the American Truck Historical Society. I happen to have a small excavation business. Despite that, I still love old trucks!
Awesome looking truck. Looks pretty much like when it came from the factory, except for the CB. :-) I'm so glad you posted this video. It was a B-61 with a duplex that I learned to drive on in '63. Then I moved up to the cabovers, then the conventionals. Now that I'm retired I'd love to come across another B-61to play with. The one mod I'd sneak in would be an air-ride seat. Thanks for the ride.
My first truck driving experience was a twin stick international. The guy showing me how to operate it laughed so hard when I missed my first gear. I desperately tried to find a lower gear and as I kept trying he laughed louder and louder. Well, after so many miles I got the hang of it. That was one tough old truck. We were driving nothing but internationals with the exception of one diamond reo. That one had a Rockwell tri-drive and a splitter for the front axle. I took that truck off road on construction sites many times. One time the contractor didn’t want to transport the concrete by hand, so he signed my bill and I backed over this customer’s lawn. I had to turn around the house and that front axle dug in and completely destroyed the guy’s lawn. That contractor didn’t make any money on that job. The truck took it in stride and just shrugged it off. The contractor tried to complain and my boss just showed them their signature on the bill. I enjoyed driving that diamond reo. Detroit diesel with a thirteen speed road ranger. That truck was a beast!
Looks like the truck my dad drove for Navajo Freight Lines back in the early 60s. They had a sleeper that was more of an upholstered bookshelf. He drove a regular route from Albuquerque to Chicago and back.
My dad drive a B61 when he drove for Fowler Williams Freight Lines. They had pink trucks. I learned on a R Model Mack, and a White 9000. 30 years later, I drive a Mack Pinnacle for Big Brown. Awesome video. I shared it with my dad. He loved it.
Drove one a few months back in '73. I was 21 and loved the truck. Once out of first gear low you hardly had to use the clutch. Bullet proof and great looking dependable truck. Thanks for posting.
Not sure I understand the question. It is necessary to change gears often to maximize fuel efficiency and maintain power and momentum. Once the truck was moving I rarely used the clutch and straight shifted on the RPMs. Great looking and fun to drive.
I agree Steve, My ‘49 IH L model is a twin-stick, but I rarely have to use the clutch once I get moving..., I just gotta shift at the right rpm range is all. Mine has the old 5x2 tranny/rear, not sure of tooth range though, guess I’ll learn when I rebuild it here pretty soon. I ❤️these older trucks though, you could feel-it and hear it, not like these newer trucks so-much.
Just like most every other commentor on this video my father too drove one of these when he was a younger man. I couldn't count the stories I've heard him tell me along with others over the years involving a twin stick B model, and later on a brand new R model with a straight piped V-8 Mack and a Quadraplex, at least that's how I remember it ! He always talked fondly of the many years he spent driving trucks, of course it didn't pay enough and he moved on to different things !
Heavy trucks were built with one main transmission, usually 5 speeds and an additional gear box with up to 4 auxiliary gears. So, for example, you put your main box in first gear, you can "split" that gear four times with the auxiliary transmission. A 5 speed main and a 4 speed auxiliary would, in theory, result in 20 forward speeds. But first gear in the "splitter" was usually only for starting out loaded. Then you would split the remaining 4 main gears 3 times each with the auxiliary box.
Very nice video: brings back memories. First two trucks I drove were B Models, one with a Duplex and the other a Triplex. You make it look easy, as it was after learning to always "up-shift first." Two stick experience earned a stint in a '68 K-100 with a 380 Cummins and Spicer a 4x4. 90+ mph at 2150. Thanks for sharing.
I totally agree. I drove dozens of B Macks. The only truck I actually owned (for 5 years) was a 1972 Freightliner. It never had half the class of the B-61 Mack. Wrote a song sung by my bud Tom from the Country Tigers: B Model Mack song Xsmileydog channel, we're old retired truck drivers..
Thanks for putting this video together. My Grandpop would of loved it. He loved the trucking profession. These trucks were hard on drivers and I don't think I ever heard him complain and he had a bad Knee from WW2 and only 30% vision in one eye. My Grandpop was one tough cookie. And a real gentleman.
Danny J. Rumbles My Dad was a WWII veteran and had a bad knee and ankle from injuries received in the Battle of the Bulge! He loved the old trucks and passed that love onto me. I drove for almost 25 years but due to a bad fall that injured my back, I had to give it up but I still love them and hope to one day restore one in my Dad’s honor!
Thanks Lindsey for letting me revisit those days of my youth (Mid Sixties), when I learned to drive thet type truck. I was sixteen and on top of the world. LOL
I've watched this video about half a dozen times. I just can't get enough of this truck,and your Grandfather knows his way around his truck. Hopefully he taught you to drive it too.
This is a great video. In 1970 I was an apprentice and we had three B61's to look after, - they were Snora, Flora and Dora, all owned and operated by E.D.Smith Jam company in Winona Ontario. One day I brought Snora back from Toronto and smoke was coming out of the dash so I wouldn't release the truck to the driver. He said shucks, she always does that!
I once commented when riding in a Mack with my Dad when he worked for the moving business and I was barely 5 years old... that shifting looked hard. This was in a newer Mack that had the hi/low switch on the gear stick. He laughed and said "No this is easy... too bad we don't have a Mack Twin stick to show you what hard is! Now driving one of those can be a PAIN in the ass!"
Thanks! In the full length DVDs I only include music for the opening title sequence and between the segments. In fact, the DVD that this segment is part of, the music was done by my son Sam Crawford.
l drove a b61 1963 triplex at 12 yrs old drawing logs with a pup trailer out of the bush to the mill for my uncle. it was green & black. he had a pair of them. his brother still has them in the yard. only they're tandem axels. one is a 5&4 the other is a triplex. both would pull christ off the cross and the mountain it was on.
Reminds me of the good old days. There were no truck driving schools. You learned the hard way, by loading and unloading trailers all around town. And the shippers had very little patience for a poorly backed in trailer.
In 1963 I drove a 1958 single stack Mack with “ no shack on the back” from Canada to USA piece of plywood between the seats for a sleeper, kind of uncomfortable at 6’5” tall but I managed no power steering no A/C rolled the windows down at night to sleep and let the flies eat you up .. yup the good ole days.
Enjoyed the sound of this rig shifting and just listening to that ol maxidine engine purring. Nice truck. I’ve pulled a few of those Dorsey and Great Dane trailers. Love a single axle.
Yea I started in 76, driving a 67 Mack R model straight truck that had a 26' refer body with hinged barn doors! That truck had a 210 Scania inline 6, with a 5 speed main and hi low 2nd shift! I got pretty good at shifting that truck! On that 3rd hi, to 4th low shift I could do it with one hand by grabbing both shifts and moving them forward together! Or use both arms off the wheel to shift both at once if needed under heavy load. There were time we were heavy! That's for sure! We would run empty up to the Boston Meat Markets to load up under Grandfather rights to bring perishables into Rhode Island! A heavy load of pork loins was around 24,000 lbs! The truck was able to cruise at 66 mph and hold to around 50 on the hills on rt 95 in 5 th low! Power steering by Armstrong, with air brakes, no air ride or air seat! Never mind A/C, but those wonderful roof vents and floor vents in the Macks were great!
part of the reason why this truck looks so good is because the owner maintained it. If these trailers are left by the ocean and never, EVER cleaned, you'll see some dark carbon marks at those special spot welds. I will attest to the hardening of the stainless, too. It's harder than most 300 series stainless. (I own a '59 fruehauf)
WOW..just amazing trucking..I have trouble with one stick..could not imagine 2!! SWEET..the Old Timers sure had it HARD..I loves me some history..haYOU are the MAN!!
Very nice truck! I had the opportunity to ride in a dump truck with two sticks. Back in the early 90's my automotive teacher took me and a couple other student for a ride in it. He explained everything but I don't remember anymore. He was about 60 and damn could he work those shifters!
when smith transfer - american freight system went bank-rupt i worked casual with carolina freight driving the old B model mack duplex they kept those trucks in good condition
Before I went into the Coast Guard I used to haul potatoes out of Houlton, Maine in a rig very similar to this......two trips a week from Houlton to Boston @ $60.00 per trip, that was good money back then..
Maine not a good home for such a beauty. She needs to be in a dry weather so she won't rust. I can tell it used to be turquoise pastel green before. What a beauty!
Mostly jokin' but I AM the business owner, been so since 1975! I've owned a lot of rats until reality forced me to buy modern trucks for the very reason you mentioned-driver complaints. I personally drove one quadruplex Mack since the other drivers refused to do it, or couldn't learn it well. We ran for Chicago's hired truck program, where any cheap junk was a go. When that ended, I had to go modern and expensive, just to go out and make less money for far more work than I ever made in Chitown!
Back in the early 1970`s I drove an R model with a triplex box, lo lo, lo, and direct. Lo lo wasn`t used much, just to get out of a bog basically, but I used it for takeoff on a hill when loaded. Second lo lo, snatch it into lo, then direct. I would change from second direct to third lo in one movement with both hands off the wheel. Third direct to fourth lo was similar to what you were doing, but I had the sticks bent closer so I could get both gears knobs into my palm.
A lot of drivers over here fitted longer and thinner Caterpillar gear knobs, this made the levers a bit higher and easier to manipulate with one hand. With the standard knobs it was a bit difficult getting your right wrist around the steering wheel rim.
I grew up riding with my Dad driving a Mack just like this! I was always amazed how he could shift both levers at the same time with his left arm looped through the steering wheel! He could make that old Mack talk with the straight stacks! Love these old trucks! I drove many in my career but never had the opportunity to try the twin sticks! Good memories of my Dad though!
Beautiful video and a awesome old Mack. This truck reminds me of my Grandpop, a truck driving veteran of 33 years. These old Macks were a big part of his life. He died in 1982. Gene Traub Sr, an American truck driving hero in my eyes.
I could respond in two ways:
1.) Anyone claiming to have never scratched a gear has either never driven a truck or they're a pathological liar.
2.) I should feel honored that the finest truck driver on the planet has actually watched one of my videos on
RUclips.
@ robertretka: Radio? What kind of cream puff life you been livin’? ALL Macks have metal flake green dashboard, big glove/fuse box, and the transmission IS the entertainment system!
lindsey crawford My dad drove old gas-banger Macks, a little pointier with bug-eye headlights, nicknamed “heater” because lugging uphill in summer, you could read the head temperature with your feet.
That green dash brings back memories from long long ago. Time does fly bye.
Should pop that hood an give us a peek at the heart of that old Bulldog wen u hav second! Love these old trucks, til then keep that greasy side an in btween the lines dude!!
When I was about 5 my dad gave me a ride in a Mack like that. He made it look easy and I watched every move he made.
I used to drive a B81 MACK a '63' with a what is called a Quad box, a '63' B61 that also had a Quad box and also a DM 600 that is a '72' Maxidyne that had 237 Mack engine in it. Man, those trucks were fun to drive.
Back when I was a much younger man in 1969/70 or thereabouts, I'd ride with a guy periodically who delivered anti-freeze with one of these things. He was an amazing driver... Both hands off the wheel to split shift. Tough old bird he was. What a glorious memory this video has spawned for me!!!
But that anti freeze was some heavy stuff. 'Walking' barrels of that stuff the length of the trailer was quite a task.
Wow, I love these old trucks. Makes me think of Dad and tear up a bit. He's an old trucker from the 50's and 60's.
When I was a little kid in the early 60s, one of my friend's Dad drove a B model Mack for a freight company.
I was always scared of him, he seemed so miserable.
When I was in my twenties, I drove an old B model with a quad box for a building contractor. It suddenly became clear to me why my friend's Dad was such a prick.
A flash from the past! When i was a kid in the early 60's Mack was THE truck. My Dad made extra bucks driving an occasional load for a family friend, the interior of that truck was a duplicate for the one pictured. Times were truly simpler back,then.
love it,,they say old macks don't die , they just get new drivers
Thanks Lindsey....this is the best B61 video out there. One of the only ones where the driver drives the way I drive my B61....He uses the clutch! ...the proper way to do it...
The first truck I ever drove was a B61 very similar to this one. Mack made several different B model numbers with the B61 being the most popular. Mine had a 175 HP thermodyne engine. It was almost impossible to wear a B model out. They were made from 1955 to 1965. The B model was replaced by the R model in 1965. I'd like to have a quarter for every ton of freight a B model delivered. I would be a very rich man. The B61 still gets my vote as the best truck Mack ever built.
They were made 1953 through 1966 you could buy a B or R for a while.
What a beautiful looking Tractor and Trailer
I drove a Mack dump truck with two sticks
such a beautiful old Mack
@fredandkit1
I'm very glad to hear you enjoy my videos.
It started about 16 years ago shooting footage of some of my friends in the American Truck Historical Society.
I happen to have a small excavation business. Despite that, I still love old trucks!
Awesome looking truck. Looks pretty much like when it came from the factory, except for the CB. :-) I'm so glad you posted this video. It was a B-61 with a duplex that I learned to drive on in '63. Then I moved up to the cabovers, then the conventionals. Now that I'm retired I'd love to come across another B-61to play with. The one mod I'd sneak in would be an air-ride seat. Thanks for the ride.
If you are referring to the interior color, every B model Mack I ever saw had the same green dash and door panels.
My first truck driving experience was a twin stick international. The guy showing me how to operate it laughed so hard when I missed my first gear. I desperately tried to find a lower gear and as I kept trying he laughed louder and louder. Well, after so many miles I got the hang of it. That was one tough old truck. We were driving nothing but internationals with the exception of one diamond reo. That one had a Rockwell tri-drive and a splitter for the front axle. I took that truck off road on construction sites many times. One time the contractor didn’t want to transport the concrete by hand, so he signed my bill and I backed over this customer’s lawn. I had to turn around the house and that front axle dug in and completely destroyed the guy’s lawn. That contractor didn’t make any money on that job. The truck took it in stride and just shrugged it off. The contractor tried to complain and my boss just showed them their signature on the bill. I enjoyed driving that diamond reo. Detroit diesel with a thirteen speed road ranger. That truck was a beast!
My neighbor restored a few of these. He has a couple of nice old macks. Gorgeous truck you have there
I always thought those old Mack two sticks were the nicest shifting transmissions ever built.
Looks like the truck my dad drove for Navajo Freight Lines back in the early 60s. They had a sleeper that was more of an upholstered bookshelf. He drove a regular route from Albuquerque to Chicago and back.
I grew up with the Mack’s B 61 and the Duplex Transmission brings me lots of memories. One of the best trucks ever.
My dad drive a B61 when he drove for Fowler Williams Freight Lines. They had pink trucks. I learned on a R Model Mack, and a White 9000. 30 years later, I drive a Mack Pinnacle for Big Brown. Awesome video. I shared it with my dad. He loved it.
Brings back memories, my uncle had a Cat yellow b61, a d6 dozer and lowboy. I spent many days with him on jobs. Thanks for bringing that back for me.
Drove one a few months back in '73. I was 21 and loved the truck. Once out of first gear low you hardly had to use the clutch. Bullet proof and great looking dependable truck. Thanks for posting.
Steven But why un this vídeo used cluth to much??? what do you think? tks
Not sure I understand the question. It is necessary to change gears often to maximize fuel efficiency and maintain power and momentum. Once the truck was moving I rarely used the clutch and straight shifted on the RPMs. Great looking and fun to drive.
overly conservative driver
I agree Steve,
My ‘49 IH L model is a twin-stick, but I rarely have to use the clutch once I get moving..., I just gotta shift at the right rpm range is all.
Mine has the old 5x2 tranny/rear, not sure of tooth range though, guess I’ll learn when I rebuild it here pretty soon.
I ❤️these older trucks though, you could feel-it and hear it, not like these newer trucks so-much.
this is my grandfather! we came across this video tonight, so proud to have 46,000 something views
Just like most every other commentor on this video my father too drove one of these when he was a younger man. I couldn't count the stories I've heard him tell me along with others over the years involving a twin stick B model, and later on a brand new R model with a straight piped V-8 Mack and a Quadraplex, at least that's how I remember it !
He always talked fondly of the many years he spent driving trucks, of course it didn't pay enough and he moved on to different things !
Old school trucking at its best. Thanks for the video!
Absolutely gorgeous tractor trailer unit. Thanks for posting and sharing.
My dad had a 56 Mack...brings back memories...thanks for sharing...
Heavy trucks were built with one main transmission, usually 5 speeds and an additional gear box with up to 4 auxiliary gears.
So, for example, you put your main box in first gear, you can "split" that gear four times with the auxiliary transmission.
A 5 speed main and a 4 speed auxiliary would, in theory, result in 20 forward speeds.
But first gear in the "splitter" was usually only for starting out loaded. Then you would split the remaining 4 main gears 3 times each with the auxiliary box.
Great video, well put together, no annoying music. Great looking old girl, pure joy to watch..
I learned to drive on one of these back in the mid 70's. That same truck is still on the road today. Took a lickin' and still keeps on tickin'.
Very nice video: brings back memories. First two trucks I drove were B Models, one with a Duplex and the other a Triplex. You make it look easy, as it was after learning to always "up-shift first." Two stick experience earned a stint in a '68 K-100 with a 380 Cummins and Spicer a 4x4. 90+ mph at 2150. Thanks for sharing.
Spicer 4x4, you poor man, I can't imagine a worse box for down shifting
I totally agree. I drove dozens of B Macks. The only truck I actually owned (for 5 years) was a 1972 Freightliner. It never had half the class of the B-61 Mack. Wrote a song sung by my bud Tom from the Country Tigers: B Model Mack song Xsmileydog channel, we're old retired truck drivers..
😀😀😀 LIKE YOUR COMMENT
THE COUNTRY TIGERS CANADA
Thanks for putting this video together. My Grandpop would of loved it. He loved the trucking profession. These trucks were hard on drivers and I don't think I ever heard him
complain and he had a bad Knee from WW2 and only 30% vision in one eye. My Grandpop was one tough cookie. And a real gentleman.
Danny J. Rumbles My Dad was a WWII veteran and had a bad knee and ankle from injuries received in the Battle of the Bulge! He loved the old trucks and passed that love onto me. I drove for almost 25 years but due to a bad fall that injured my back, I had to give it up but I still love them and hope to one day restore one in my Dad’s honor!
Now that takes some muscle memory skill. Beautiful rig inside and out
Thanks Lindsey for letting me revisit those days of my youth (Mid Sixties), when I learned to drive thet type truck. I was sixteen and on top of the world. LOL
I've watched this video about half a dozen times. I just can't get enough of this truck,and your Grandfather knows his way around his truck. Hopefully he taught you to drive it too.
This is a great video. In 1970 I was an apprentice and we had three B61's to look after, - they were Snora, Flora and Dora, all owned and operated by E.D.Smith Jam company in Winona Ontario. One day I brought Snora back from Toronto and smoke was coming out of the dash so I wouldn't release the truck to the driver. He said shucks, she always does that!
Drove a red one like this in '73. Five forward on the left and high/low on the right. Great driving truck. This is a beautiful restoration.
I used to see these all over when I first started driven and drove them myself. I wish there were more still around but they’re mostly scrapped.😞
Seen quite a few B series Mack videos, and this is by far the best one. Quality footage, and a super talented driver. Great job. Thanks for posting.
american gold.my dad grew up in one of these and me a f-700.mack mack attack
Beautiful truck and trailer glad to see the double clutching too not many know how to do that any more.
Brilliant video of a stunning wagon.
The video is really well put together too.
Oh Wow! I've seen this truck when I lived in Maine. What a beautiful rig
I love those beautiful old school trucks like this one,especially the old school Macks,it's my favorite trucks
I once commented when riding in a Mack with my Dad when he worked for the moving business and I was barely 5 years old... that shifting looked hard. This was in a newer Mack that had the hi/low switch on the gear stick. He laughed and said "No this is easy... too bad we don't have a Mack Twin stick to show you what hard is! Now driving one of those can be a PAIN in the ass!"
Thanks! In the full length DVDs I only include music for the opening title sequence and between the segments. In fact, the DVD that this segment is part of, the music was done by my son Sam Crawford.
l drove a b61 1963 triplex at 12 yrs old drawing logs with a pup trailer out of the bush to the mill for my uncle. it was green & black. he had a pair of them. his brother still has them in the yard. only they're tandem axels. one is a 5&4 the other is a triplex. both would pull christ off the cross and the mountain it was on.
It looks like a piece of art.
Actualy they're icons!
Reminds me of the good old days. There were no truck driving schools. You learned the hard way, by loading and unloading trailers all around town. And the shippers had very little patience for a poorly backed in trailer.
HI BOB
YOUR FAVOURITE TRUCK BOB
THE COUNTRY TIGERS CANADA
In 1963 I drove a 1958 single stack Mack with “ no shack on the back” from Canada to USA piece of plywood between the seats for a sleeper, kind of uncomfortable at 6’5” tall but I managed no power steering no A/C rolled the windows down at night to sleep and let the flies eat you up .. yup the good ole days.
Damn what a beautiful rig.
Sweet old Mack. Nice video. I was late teens when I learned to manipulate the two stick Macks. 5 & 4 was - and is - my favorite.
Gives me duel vibes lol, excellent video!
Enjoyed the sound of this rig shifting and just listening to that ol maxidine engine purring. Nice truck. I’ve pulled a few of those Dorsey and Great Dane trailers. Love a single axle.
I used to see 1 or 2 of theses at the "Truck Show" in Macungie, PA. Your video is another reason why I miss the Mack B61s!
I was a kid when these trucks were making way for newer models but I still think they are great. I'd love to have the time and money to restore one.
They kicked ass as fire trucks!
Yea I started in 76, driving a 67 Mack R model straight truck that had a 26' refer body with hinged barn doors! That truck had a 210 Scania inline 6, with a 5 speed main and hi low 2nd shift! I got pretty good at shifting that truck! On that 3rd hi, to 4th low shift I could do it with one hand by grabbing both shifts and moving them forward together! Or use both arms off the wheel to shift both at once if needed under heavy load. There were time we were heavy! That's for sure! We would run empty up to the Boston Meat Markets to load up under Grandfather rights to bring perishables into Rhode Island! A heavy load of pork loins was around 24,000 lbs! The truck was able to cruise at 66 mph and hold to around 50 on the hills on rt 95 in 5 th low! Power steering by Armstrong, with air brakes, no air ride or air seat! Never mind A/C, but those wonderful roof vents and floor vents in the Macks were great!
@MovingUpp
Whoever supplied Fruehauf with their steel was probably the best in the business.
part of the reason why this truck looks so good is because the owner maintained it.
If these trailers are left by the ocean and never, EVER cleaned, you'll see some dark carbon marks at those special spot welds.
I will attest to the hardening of the stainless, too. It's harder than most 300 series stainless. (I own a '59 fruehauf)
WOW..just amazing trucking..I have trouble with one stick..could not imagine 2!! SWEET..the Old Timers sure had it HARD..I loves me some history..haYOU are the MAN!!
The best looking trucks ever made...the B-series
Nice truck. Its a beautiful sight to see an old truck coming down the road.
nice little video. beautifully shot, beautiful little rig, thanks for the ride-along
Very nice truck! I had the opportunity to ride in a dump truck with two sticks. Back in the early 90's my automotive teacher took me and a couple other student for a ride in it. He explained everything but I don't remember anymore. He was about 60 and damn could he work those shifters!
This guy is good at driving this twin stick.
That ole boy knows how to drive a Mack! Great B-61, great video. Thanks
One beautiful truck and trailer................
My Dad used to drive a B61 Mack with 2 stick transmission !! Thanks for the video !
Hell of a driver... sweet rig too!
The fellow who owns this restores truck for a living. Very, very talented guy.
lindsey crawford : Certainly is ! What a beautiful Antique Tracter Trailer combination. Thanks for the memories ! 😌🚛😂
awe some truck thanks for posting it lindsey Crawford
I could listen to that shift and engine all night.
when smith transfer - american freight system went bank-rupt i worked casual with carolina freight driving the old B model mack duplex they kept those trucks in good condition
nice looking equipment, thx for sharing
Very nice Mack in stunning condition
Love the cab design.
A great video. Heard a lot about the 2 sticks but this is the first time I ever got to see one in action!! Thanks.
That Mack is a real beauty, take care of that thing
Thanks for that......Now i know i was born in the wrong decade.
That is one supernice truck!! I sure enjoy those classic interiors/dashboards. Note the extra-capacity ashtray for those longer journeys.
Yeah. I love the double clutching. I do it when downshifting my Deuce.
Before I went into the Coast Guard I used to haul potatoes out of Houlton, Maine in a rig very similar to this......two trips a week from Houlton to Boston @ $60.00 per trip, that was good money back then..
Roger Hughes, Sr I started in 1976,Roger....I wish we could go back to those days!
I agree Whit.....too much turmoil in the world of today.... life was simple back then.....have a good day!
There's a stretch of road up north in Maine............
B model Mack's a beautiful truck great driving too never even scratched a gear.
Maine not a good home for such a beauty. She needs to be in a dry weather so she won't rust. I can tell it used to be turquoise pastel green before. What a beauty!
I'll bet Jay Leno doesn't have one of those in his garage.
DesertDigger1 :Who knows ! I wouldn't under estimate a serious collector like Mr. Leno.🚛
Aaron Tippin is a truck collector
Thanks for the ride along.
This video reminds me when everything and I mean everything was made in America and it was a better time! ❤💪👍
That is one proud looking vehicle and sounds so good!
Mostly jokin' but I AM the business owner, been so since 1975! I've owned a lot of rats until reality forced me to buy modern trucks for the very reason you mentioned-driver complaints. I personally drove one quadruplex Mack since the other drivers refused to do it, or couldn't learn it well. We ran for Chicago's hired truck program, where any cheap junk was a go. When that ended, I had to go modern and expensive, just to go out and make less money for far more work than I ever made in Chitown!
One stack Mack with a window in the back.
And two sticks
Nice rhyme.
Back in the early 1970`s I drove an R model with a triplex box, lo lo, lo, and direct. Lo lo wasn`t used much, just to get out of a bog basically, but I used it for takeoff on a hill when loaded. Second lo lo, snatch it into lo, then direct. I would change from second direct to third lo in one movement with both hands off the wheel. Third direct to fourth lo was similar to what you were doing, but I had the sticks bent closer so I could get both gears knobs into my palm.
A lot of drivers over here fitted longer and thinner Caterpillar gear knobs, this made the levers a bit higher and easier to manipulate with one hand. With the standard knobs it was a bit difficult getting your right wrist around the steering wheel rim.
@HallSarah21
That's great! I first met Jim about 18 years ago at George Humphrey's.
He is truly a very kind and very talented man.
My pa drove truck for 35 years he said he drove one of these in colorada for many years he's 78 years old now .
Boy oh boy just saw this , does it
bring hack memories thanks for posting
great to see a bloke driving the gear with respect