My 2nd job in the world of mining we started it off with 35 of those - each one brand new and driven straight from the factory in Scotland to the job site. No messing around with lowboys back then.
We got EXTREMELY good really quickly at changing front axle springs on them, by the end of their days we were equally as good at changing rear springs (solid axles both ends, none of that fancy nitrogen suspension on them).
Eucs were another early experience for me in a logging camp. We had 2 of the small Euclids for building roads and dirt work in a new camp. I cant remember the model,but i do remember the 5 speed with the 4' gear shift and the 6/71 stack sticking out of the hood . And the tiny brake shoes on that big single axle,they became really noticeable backing loaded down hills. Camp super burns int the shop in one of the Eucs and says hop in for a driving lesson ,at 17 f%&k yes i wanna do that ,i get in the passenger seat (or box as it was ). we arent a hundred yards from the shop and we meet the second Euc head on ,flat out hes loaded( radios would be useless with the noise anyhow). Both drivers cranked hard right and we landed flopped on our sides in deep muddy ditches. Call the 66 down from the pit and yank us both out. Ok get at it he says and off i go ,terrified for the first week of seeing that narrow rad and the two round headlights coming at me on every corner on a 2 mile haul.
Those are sure some high dumping beds. Gotta love that!
