Clark C500 100 - Page 32

Know Your Truck
Selecting the correct drive gear ratio is an important driving function. Choosing the proper gear will result
in better truck performance — longer engine and transmission life.
Three factors to help determine selection are:
— Type of surface: sand, mud, snow, hard or soft ground, concrete, rough, smooth, etc.
— Grades encountered.
— Long or short runs.
— Type and weight of load.
If the surface is soft and grades must be negotiated, use the lowest gear or combination of gears available.
Here, power is needed — speed is not. Use the highest available gear when traveling over long distances on
hard, level surfaces.
As a rule of thumb; do not lug the engine. Drive in the low range when traveling short distances. Start in a
low gear and up-shift to the selected final speed. Overworking an engine and transmission will create
excessive heat and damage components.
When in doubt — use the next lower gear.
Page 28 code: 01-335 oct. 73