David M Ursin <acmack@juno.com> wrote:
> Now that you mention the air-over-hydraulic system, is a CDL license with
> air brake endorsement required since an M35s brakes are essentially
> hydraulic with only an air assist?
I think that depends on where you are. I've heard of DMV folks
considering them to be air brakes since they have tanks and a
compressor and many of the characteristics and habits of air brake
systems, and I've heard of DMV folks not considering them to be enough
like air brakes for taking a CDL test since they don't have slack
adjusters, the characteristic time lag of air brakes, etc. It may well
be a matter of interpretation by whoever pulls you over, since
air-over-hydraulic systems are so uncommon, are not specifically
mentioned (as far as I know) in the vehicle code, and have most of the
worst features of both air and hydraulic brake systems :-).
Here in the People's Republic of California, a CDL is required anyway,
because under CA law any vehicle with more than two axles and a GVW of
more than (I think) 6,000 pounds is considered a commercial vehicle,
regardless of the way it is used, historical vehicle plates, etc. A
class B CDL is good enough here, and opinions vary regarding the need
for an air brake certification. I decided to get a class A CDL with
air brake, tanker and double-trailer certifications, because I'm
stubborn. Besides, if this electrical engineering thing doesn't work
out, I can always drive a cement mixer. :-)
In my opinion, every deuce owner/driver should be familiar with the
basic procedure for doing a pre-trip inspection of an air brake system
(most of which is applicable to the M35's air-over-hydraulic system),
whether they live in a state which requires a CDL with an air brake
certification or not.
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