VFD M35A2c returning to Texas Forest Service

[GopherHill]

Our department will be returning our M35A2c to the forest service before too much longer. I'm sure it will be auctioned off. A good running, easy starting truck. Has air o matic steering. Pretty clean except for bed rust. Watch for it to come to auction.
I'm about the only driver left for it and I'm 75.

 

[NDT]

These get auctioned from the Texas Forest Extension Svc in Lufkin TX on GSA Auctions. Every 6 months or so.

Here they are waiting for you to buy one.

 

[HDN]

I'm about the only driver left for it and I'm 75.

Everyone else is spoiled with automatic transmissions?

I'd like to drive an M35A2 at least once just to see what it's like compared to my A3. I haven't driven a manual transmission in forever!

 

[GopherHill]

Everyone else is spoiled with automatic transmissions?

I'd like to drive an M35A2 at least once just to see what it's like compared to my A3. I haven't driven a manual transmission in forever!

That is one of the reasons the M35 is going away. I think it drives just fine, just sluggish due to the weight of fire fighting equipment.

 

[M813rc]

I'd like to drive an M35A2 at least once just to see what it's like....

They are actually pleasant and fun to drive.

Cheers

 

[cattlerepairman]

An M35A2 in low range is a terrific vehicle to teach someone how to drive manual transmission. Loud enough to hear what the engine and drive train are doing, enough torque to essentially never stall (and put off the trainee!) and slow enough to be able to concentrate on running five gears up....and five gears down....and five gears up....

As far as trucks go, the M35A2 is easy to drive and "compact".

 

[Mullaney]

An M35A2 in low range is a terrific vehicle to teach someone how to drive manual transmission. Loud enough to hear what the engine and drive train are doing, enough torque to essentially never stall (and put off the trainee!) and slow enough to be able to concentrate on running five gears up....and five gears down....and five gears up....

As far as trucks go, the M35A2 is easy to drive and "compact".

.
Yes Sir.
There is no reason not to learn to shift gears!

.

 

[HDN]

An M35A2 in low range is a terrific vehicle to teach someone how to drive manual transmission. Loud enough to hear what the engine and drive train are doing, enough torque to essentially never stall (and put off the trainee!) and slow enough to be able to concentrate on running five gears up....and five gears down....and five gears up....

As far as trucks go, the M35A2 is easy to drive and "compact".

Years ago I remember reading a post on G503 justifying a deuce-and-a-half for a teenager's first car. Some stuff I remember or maybe added:

• Learn how to drive a manual transmission
• Fuel efficiency isn't as high as other vehicles, leaving little spare money for drugs, cigarettes, and beer
• The truck is generally slow, so there won't be much speeding happening
• The truck is big with steel construction, so if they crash into anything they aren't as likely to get hurt
• The truck isn't as likely to be stolen since most people, especially other high schoolers, can't drive a manual transmission or figure out how to start the thing
• Learn PMCS like oil changes, and how to check brakes and grease wheel bearings
• Learn tool and shop safety, like how to jack and support the truck, properly maintain tools like chisels, drifts, and wire brushes
• Help mom and dad move big stuff that won't fit in the pick-up or minivan
• Learn to not rub the tires against the driving surface while stationary due to (presumed) lack of power steering

 

[GopherHill]

The M35 didn't go to auction. It got transferred to the Berclair VFD. They picked it up this afternoon. Cranked up immediately and after warming up, it left in a puff of soot and a whine of turbo. Went down the road in good for. They got a good truck.