Are most late model dump trucks automatics?
Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by GrandmaRosa, Feb 23, 2020.
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
-
The large dump truck company I used to work at is replacing all trucks with autos next year they will have an all auto fleet. All the owner ops and small operations I know run Manuel trans.
GrandmaRosa Thanks this. -
Most are going the route of the automatic, and not the Fuller Autoshift type, but a true hydro-automatic like Allison.
Why? Automatics are generally cheaper for a business owner to run long term for vocational, since the guy he just hired cannot destroy the drivetrain as quickly as he could with a non-synchro manual.
Dump trucks see BRUTAL work (I own and operate one), so you want to eliminate any potential failure points, and that is often the transmission with hired drivers, as well as U-Joints.
As a benefit, most hired drivers actually prefer the automatic for this type of work, even if they're "old school," believe it or not... This segment of the industry often works in cities, in towns, all day long. You will drive back and forth, all day long. On site work? You'll spend just as much time reversing as you will driving in a forward gear.
That said, my own W900 dump has an 18 speed Fuller, and as much as I like the automatics, I am not ready for that yet!GrandmaRosa Thanks this. -
ChevyCam and GrandmaRosa Thank this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.