Bus shopping. Air brake question.

[ThePimentals]

I'm looking for buses and I've found a 2000 international 3000 series gvwr 30000. It has air brakes, I'm not air brake certified or have a cdl. In the pictures I only see 2 pedals.. My question is,
Is there some magic trick to driving it like in a semi truck, or is it just straight forward like a pickup. I just want to be able to drive it home,
Ill sort out any classifications after I'm committed to having the bus.

[bansil]

To start with before looking is to google a few things:
"Bendix air brake manual" its like 65pages
"Google schoolbus air brake check" several good videos
"Cdl Air brake test" lots of good info

Be safe, properly used and adjust IMO best brakes out there

And since it has 2 peddles it's an automatic,crawl under and look at the transmission on passengerside,there will be a metal tag wipe it off and see what it says ie: a545,a643 etc
And let us know what it says,so we can give pointers on driving it

[ThePimentals]

Originally Posted by bansil

To start with before looking is to google a few things:
"Bendix air brake manual" its like 65pages
"Google schoolbus air brake check" several good videos
"Cdl Air brake test" lots of good info

Be safe, properly used and adjust IMO best brakes out there

And since it has 2 peddles it's an automatic,crawl under and look at the transmission on passengerside,there will be a metal tag wipe it off and see what it says ie: a545,a643 etc
And let us know what it says,so we can give pointers on driving it

thank you thank you.. transmission is a push button md3060

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by ThePimentals

transmission is a push button md3060

OK, now I don't like you. Time for you to go. Haha, just kidding. That's a 5 speed transmission. Lucky guy. As far as air brakes, someone posted a video about them. If you do a search here or maybe youtube, you'll probably find it.

[syke]

Air brakes (provided they are with in spec) are incredibly powerful. When you first drive it, keep in mind there will be a slight delay before you feel the brakes. It is a little alarming the first few times you start pushing the brake pedal and nothing happens for a half second.

All the functions are virtually identical to any other automatic vehicle you've ever driven. Just on a larger scale. Gas is on the right, brake is on the left.

Have fun.... post some pictures if you pick it up.


ps. that transmission is sweet. I have the 643 and I'm always wishing I had 1 more gear.

[ThePimentals]

Thanks for the good responses! I didn't get that one, the guy selling it was a jerk. I've decided to keep searching til I find the perfect bus. And hoping I wait long enough for the 3060 trans.. I thought it sounded like the best option. I'll be posting when I do, no worries there.

[bansil]

Good luck