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Auto Shift Transmissions

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by FredW, Jul 17, 2014.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Jul 17, 2014 #1
    FredW

    FredW Light Load Member

    59
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    Aug 11, 2008
    Warrenton, VA
    0
    Hi All,

    I am curious if anyone would relay their experience with autoshift transmissions.

    We are considering purchase of a new Freightliner with and Allison or Fuller autoshift transmission. Is there any advantage to either? Has anyone done a cost analysis to know at what point the fuel savings offset the extra cost of purchase?

    The truck would be used on the DelMarVa penninsula so the terrain is very flat. It would be used on relatively short trips with several stops per day.

    Any input would be most appreciated. As far as which one to pick, is either more reliable and how is the support from the manufacturers should there be a problem?

    Thanks in advance,

    Fred
     
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jul 17, 2014 #2
    daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Apr 15, 2012
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    Is it a tractor trailer or straight truck you will buy?
    And why disregard the Detroit transmission?
     
    daf105paccar, Jul 17, 2014
    daf105paccar, Jul 17, 2014
    #2
    FredW Thanks this.
  4. Jul 17, 2014 #3
    mp4694330

    mp4694330 Road Train Member

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    Aug 30, 2010
    Chicagoland
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    If TT, is it class 8?
     
    mp4694330, Jul 17, 2014
    mp4694330, Jul 17, 2014
    #3
    FredW Thanks this.
  5. Jul 17, 2014 #4
    Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Feb 13, 2012
    Philadelphia Pa
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    search the forum. There are tons of threads about the benefits of manual vs auto. They both have strengths. If i was buying a truck for me to drive id get an auto, but I think i could attract drivers easier with an auto. As for cost, I dont think there is a huge difference. Doing on flats should make any trans last a little longer.

    I would however buy the detroit trans if i was buying a new truck. The detroit trans has lots of cool tech that will get that extra bit of mpg.
     
    Richter, Jul 17, 2014
    Richter, Jul 17, 2014
    #4
    FredW Thanks this.
  7. Jul 17, 2014 #5
    BigBadBill

    BigBadBill Bullishly Optimistic

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    Oct 2, 2010
    Chattanooga, TN
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    Everyone has learned a lot from what Volvo has been doing in Europe for over a decade and brought the us with the iShift. Reports over the past 4-5 years is showing very favorable results in both reliability and fuel economy.

    What version you get is going to depend on what your power is.
     
    BigBadBill, Jul 17, 2014
    BigBadBill, Jul 17, 2014
    #5
    FredW Thanks this.
  8. Jul 17, 2014 #6
    FredW

    FredW Light Load Member

    59
    0
    Aug 11, 2008
    Warrenton, VA
    0
    Hi,

    Thanks for you input. It is a Class 8 tractor trailer and would go out at 80,000 lbs. most of the time. We would consider the Detroit transmission as well.

    Thanks,

    Fred
     
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    #6
  9. Jul 17, 2014 #7
    FredW

    FredW Light Load Member

    59
    0
    Aug 11, 2008
    Warrenton, VA
    0
    Hi,

    It is a Class 8 TT usually loaded to 80,000 lbs.

    Thanks,

    Fred
     
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    #7
  10. Jul 17, 2014 #8
    FredW

    FredW Light Load Member

    59
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    Aug 11, 2008
    Warrenton, VA
    0
    Thanks so much for your reply. I greatly appreciate the info!

    All the best,

    Fred
     
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    FredW, Jul 17, 2014
    #8
  11. Jul 17, 2014 #9
    daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Apr 15, 2012
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    Fred,if you are buying a Freightliner with the Detroit engine,i would buy it with the Detroit gearbox.
    That gearbox is fully integrated with the engine and the truck.
    Will also have the best working software as Mercedes works on this as a package.
    And you know the gearbox comes from a long line which they have had running in Europe for a very long time.
     
    daf105paccar, Jul 17, 2014
    daf105paccar, Jul 17, 2014
    #9
    FredW Thanks this.
  12. Jul 18, 2014 #10
    FredW

    FredW Light Load Member

    59
    0
    Aug 11, 2008
    Warrenton, VA
    0
    Hi,

    Thanks so much for the information and recommendation. I very much appreciate it.

    Fred
     
    FredW, Jul 18, 2014
    FredW, Jul 18, 2014
    #10
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