Advantages and Disadvantages of Automatic Transmission gear.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by AdnanNZ, Feb 24, 2007.

  1. AdnanNZ

    AdnanNZ Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2007
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    Kindly please share what you know about the advantages and disadvantages of Automatic gear transmition over manual gear transmition trucks.
     
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  3. Truckerjo

    Truckerjo Road Train Member

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    Well the two I can think of right off is
    Pro
    In traffic Jam, Autos are sweet

    Con
    Going down a steep grade, to me it seemed that I had to use my breaks more and we all know that's not good. sure you can switch it to manual but still seemed that I would used the breaks more with an auto.


    I really didn't see a bit of difference with fuel mileage between the 2...
    I guess from an O/O point of view the Auto has more mantinace then a manual
     
  4. Ledbetter

    Ledbetter Light Load Member

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    I drove a 2006 Century Class with a Merritor Freedom Line 12 auto-shift for 4+ months and loved it overall. Here are a few items to remember:

    1. Have a quick foot from brake pedel to fuel pedal; truck will roll backwards on you.

    2. If stopped on a hill with heavy load, slide switch to manual and put in 1st or 2nd and shift manually until you overcome the grade then slide switch to auto.

    3. If truck has set for a long time (over a few days), let truck idle so it can fill the air tank for the tranny. If you don't, tranny will not go into gear. Tranny needs that air to shift.

    4. This particular model tranny adds about 300 lbs. more weigh over a regular 10-speed manual tranny.

    5. If rolling to a red lite and it changes to green and you accelerate, expect a hesitation (2 to 4 secs) while tranny computer figures what gear to get in. During this time, you think the tranny will drop off truck and hit the ground which it doesn't, of course.

    All shifting in "auto" is computer controlled. I sometimes didn't like the shift points cause revs got too high (for me) and I found myself sliding switch to manual and shifting myself. (Progressive shifting). Overall I got spoiled and I sure did like it in city traffic.
     
  5. AdnanNZ

    AdnanNZ Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2007
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    It makes sense about fuel mileage, because..If it is designed to switch gear at the correct time...then It should save fuel not consume more.
     
  6. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    it's one of those things. If you really pay attention to your manual shifting you can get better fuel milage however over the long run you don't pay that close attention and in the long run the auto will get better.
    The main reason companies are going to them is the GREATLY reduced drive train maintenance. No more unskilled drivers tearing up clutches, u joints etc
     
  7. Truckerjo

    Truckerjo Road Train Member

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    Retouching my comment
    I didn't, as MedicineMan said if you can shift a manual then there will be Virtually no difference in fuel. that's what I experienced. When I first started trucking i made it a point to learn to shift well. Sure I agree with over the long run you will see a increase.

    I also agree with MedicinMan when he says
    most large companies hire new inexperienced drivers and they tear the equipment up learning to drive the trucks.
     
  8. Trucker.W

    Trucker.W Light Load Member

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    Wonder if in the long run an automatic will hurt job opportunities. I just switched to an auto, and as of right now, would never give it up. I love not having to manually change gears.
     
  9. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    That is not right tho. I get better fuel mileage shifing it myself. If I let the truck shift it tachs up to high, around 1600 on every shift.
     
  10. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Freedom line has 12 and 16 speed versions, the Ultra shift line has 10 and 13 speed models, they are both 2 pedal transmissions. Auto shift had 3 pedals and were available in 10 and 18 speeds.

    The drivers with the 13s are getting better mileage, the auto-shifts were supposed to get better mileage than with a driver shifting, but there is a difference in drivers, some will do better with a manual.

    I like the control I get with a clutch, and there are certain things you just can't do with auto shift, especially in off road situations or slippery conditions.
    .
     
  11. im6under

    im6under Heavy Load Member

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    its hard getting hired on with a 10 speed company if all you've ever driven is an automatic...:biggrin_2556:
     
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