Autoshift Questions

Other than "Autoshifts suck".. Maybe you could provide some insight on why you feel this way?

 

I'm guessing that you are really thinking about getting an autoshift. I bought a 2000 Century Freightliner with an Eaton Fuller 10spd autoshift in 2004 and have been driving it for over 500k miles now. When I decided to become an O/O I looked for an autoshift because my shoulder and back were giving me problems from all the shifting that I was doing when I had a drop at one location in LA and a pickup in another. Too many traffic lights, all red.

The only problem I have had has been the transmission locking into a gear and not shifting out of it. When I first started driving the truck I had this problem a lot. I would have to thump over to the side of the road, shut down and restart. After a few visits to different dealers, covered under the 750k transmission warranty, I had the oil changed and the problem went away.

The autoshifts are exactly the same as the manual transmission as far as the metal goes. The only difference is that the manual shifter is replaced by an air box and computer that does the shifting. (no air pressure, no transmission)

Downgrades are easier in an autoshift. You can put the transmission in the hold position so it will stay in the gear you have selected. (99% of the time my transmission is in the hold position). If you want to drop a gear it's no problem, just press the button, no fear of blowing the downshift. If it becomes a bit a panic, then putting it into low will cause it to aggressively downshift.

I get the best mpg of the trucks in the dedicated fleet that I am in. I did have to have the clutch replaced at about 940k, it went out two weeks after I had the engine rebuilt and rerated from 435 to 500 hp.

hope this helps.

Ken

 

Well they do not shift smoothly until higher gears around 6th, no matter how slowly you take off they rock the #### truck like an ocean wave, they are bad about sticking in gear not wanting to upshift if you take off to quickly, they tend to shift at odd times while slowing in corners / curves, they don't downshift soon enough when climbing steep inclines, the supposed fuel mileage savings i have not seen at all I can get better with a manual ( obviously will depend on driving habits also )and from what i understand from our mechanics they are more expensive to repair problems on. Again i think it's a matter of preference and that darn computer may think it is but it is not smarter than me when it comes to shifting LOL.

 

I drive an 09 Freightliner Columbia with a 410 hp MBE with a 6 sp Allison auto transmission.This is the first auto that I've had.I've had 13 or 18 spds prior to this truck and I really like this tranny.After shifting for years,it took a little getting use to,but now,I don't want to go back to a stick.the truck is still new but I'm averaging a little better than 6mpg.

 

I drive an ultrashift and personally don't care for it. My gripes are its boring (brings new meaning to steering wheel holder), doesn't shift smooth in lower gears as already mentioned, and the need to use the brake with my left foot at times. I would never consider buying one due to my gripes with driving it along with the initial costs, maintenance/repair costs, and being prone to more problems simply due to more parts and technology. My computer does stupid stuff especially on inclines. It's all in personal preference though and I could easily see how an old vet that's been grabbing gears about as long as I've been breathing would find it nice. Go testdrive one and see what you think. Bobtail will be a little rough because it will be going thru every gear and not need much time in them, whereas if it were a manual you could skip gears. Oh yea if you need to stop abruptly it will downshift every gear rapidly, that's another one on the gripe list. Good luck.

Edit: Forgot to list some positives.
Most will find it nice in heavy traffic. Allows for better multitasking such as drinking coffee while accelerating. It will even downshift on its own climbing grades and upshift back to cruise speed when cruise is set.

 

In a rig, downshifting w/o a clutch is done all the time with most experienced drivers.

 

Now you know why most of us old timers call autoshifts, auto****t trannys. Thankfully, I only had to drive one time to know I didn't like it.

Once you get used to a manual tranny, its all "automatic" anyhow.

 

I know all you real truck drivers don't like auto-shift trans, You think you have to have a 18 speed or your not a real Trucker. Now, if that is the only reason not to drive a auto-shift to me it is pretty lame. So please tell me your experience with them or knowledge about them. I personally have driven a 13 speed, but I was wondering how good they are? the Pros and Cons? Thanks Guys and Gals. Jerseycowboy

 

I've never driven one, but it doesnt matter whether they're good or ****ty, heres the way i'd look at it if i was an o/o: They cost more to maintain and are more likely to have problems than a manual simply because of the airbox and computer. Computer problems happen.

Hell i have an automatic in my car (1980s technology slushbucket too) and im planning on swapping it to a stick around the same time as turbocharging..hah.

 

is "ultrashift" the same as "autoshift"? is there a clutch?