Air Assist Clutch

I've never drove one with air assist, and I've never heard of them used in anything but heavy duty trucks/equipment.
I have heard they greatly reduce the force needed by the driver to depress the clutch, with less movement also.

Basically, an air cylinder is placed in the linkage to assist manual or even hydraulic clutches.
Here's a write-up on the new Kenworth T680 with an air assist clutch.
BTW, it's mentioned under the Cab & Sleeper section of the article.

 

An o/o friend i have put one in her truck because she had trouble holding it down. I tried it out in her truck. Basically it makes it easy to hold down, more car like. Its easier to push in too. There was a lot less feel to it though. You might get used to it if you drove it a lot, but it felt like trying to drive a stick shift car after hoping out of your truck. it just doesn't feel right. But basically it is like power steering for you clutch. You still control it, but it just helps you out.

 

All euro trucks have them since the 70's, don't understand why they never made it across,they are very light to operate even lighter than most cars , the weight of your foot will hold the pedal down

 

Euro trucks have synchromesh gears do it's easier drive those by using the clutch so it would speed up those but I can't really see how it would help on an eaton fuller, the biggest difference it would make is maneuvering and start stop traffic, save you getting a sore and oversize left leg

 

I would like to know where a person can get one and if it is a kit etc? How about a hydraulic one too ? My Dad has been a diabetic for over 30 years and does not want to give up driving the farm trucks but his feet are getting real sensitive to any real exertment.

 

Sorry to hear of your dad's health issues. My father had significant health issues also, so I can relate well.
I cannot "vouch" for this company, so do your research. They appear to sell an air assist kit for different applications.
Also, do a search on Google or maybe even thomasnet.com ...Hope this helps

HB Industries Air Assist Clutch Kit

 

Thanks much. Sad to see them not be able to do the things that they always did and things that were definitely a big help.

 

No, once you learn how to shift without the clutch and using the jake, thats fast.