Unfortunately, I'll be getting out of my 18 speed and getting into, more than likely, a Mack with an automatic. It worries me a bit as I have driven a Volvo I-shift one time and I have never felt more out of control of a vehicle in my life. I'll be pulling a smooth bore tanker, likely loaded to 3/4 capacity. What kind of performance can I expect from this transmission? Will it lug the engine? Screw up shifts due to the surge? Drive me insane? Any insight helps
What can I expect from an mDRIVE trans?
Discussion in 'Mack Forum' started by Dave1837, Feb 27, 2021.
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Nothing says out of control like both hands on the steering wheel hmm?
You'll get used to it. Then it'll make you lazy. Then you'll appreciate it after awhile.
I grew up around trucks. Grandfather ran Peterbilts. Mack cab overs to Peterbilt 359's. Tech changes. While I love long hoods. Those things are going away. Imagine the cab over guys getting into a Pete 359..."G*ddamn truck takes 40 acres to turn that sumb*tch." Heard it with power steering for the longest. "#### next thing you know...women and f*gs will be driving truck next."
If you don't lead foot you can control surge better. Not as good as a stick. But better.
My best friend ever was a lifelong truck driver 21-53 years of age. He always went into a auto with an open mind. The I-shift did bother him. Til he figured it out. And then he said he actually liked it. You can learn.Another Canadian driver, daf105paccar and Dave1837 Thank this. -
I imagine it will depend on how the carrier has it programmed. @supersnackbar
Had one at Moore/WylieAnother Canadian driver and Dave1837 Thank this. -
mDrive is considered to be one of the better autos out there. If I can learn to handle tank surge with an Eaton autoshift, you'll be fine.
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Since it's made by Volvo, and is probably the same, put the engine brake on, it will hold in gear and actually downshift as it slows down.
Or just put it in manual mode and downshift as needed.Another Canadian driver and Echo5kilo Thank this. -
I never driven the mTrans. I have, 5x2, 8, 9, 10, 18, Super 10. And Eaton auto-shift.
Hands down my least favorite is the auto-shift. I despise them. Currently working for a company that has 10’s and Super 10’s, all pre def, pre regen engines. Yes all the trucks are tired, and worn out. But working is by far the most enjoyable I have in nearly 30 years.Another Canadian driver Thanks this. -
The I-Shift blows away the Eaton Auto Shift. I had a 579 back in 15 with the 13spd Eaton. No bueno.
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But that Pete got with the gettin on.Another Canadian driver Thanks this. -
Ran a couple Cats, couple Detroits, a Paccar, and a Cummins all with 18 speeds, my favorite was by far the Paccar. As far as Mack goes I've ran an old RD 350/8LL and a CL 454/15 spd, though they were for farm use. I haven't had the opportunity to drive an MP powered Mack but I am curious. I hope it isn't a dog (no pun intended) and I hope I like it, or like it eventually. As I said before, it will be a learning curve. Superior carriers ran a lot of them and still do. I used to chat with a few of their drivers at a place I used to haul out of and they didn't have much bad to say about them
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