Learning on auto trans

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Redex, May 4, 2021.

  1. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Years ago, a construction company I worked at had a couple of old county snow plow trucks with dump boxes, they both had the Allison automatic.
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Alison is 10x the auto those autoshift clunkers are. Torque converter makes it so much smoother.
     
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  4. Val_Caldera

    Val_Caldera Road Train Member

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    First Car I drove was a '73 Mazda RX3, 4 speed.
    Learning to drive Manual Trucks was a breeze.
    I preferred the Super 10, yet a Reverse 9 in a older Pete was fun too (except when I was Tired and thot there was a 10th gear).
    13 speed was best for I (which is actually a 15 speed considering Low/High Reverse).

    Drove Autoshifts as well.
    Preferred one Freightshaker with an Automatic & Clutch.
    One local company had a a Full Auto (no Clutch).
    Drove it 4 years.
    No Problems Backing.

    Some 26' Straight trucks, problems backing. Backing Up a grade to dock = SLAM dock.
    Flat Land Backing = SLAM dock. Feathering Pedal, no good.
    Suppose Automatic Transmissions have developed to better results.

    Couple of Trucking Companies I randomly drove for in NC:
    WICKER in Burlington and BEST CARTAGE in Kernersville.
    Wicker had Straight Drive as well 80's, early 90's model Spring Ride Trucks and mostly older Spring Ride Trailers. Trucks driven were #'s 142 and 155.
    Best had mostly 10 speed manual Tractors with 48' and 53' Air ride Trailers.
    The "Everybody Drives Everything" Companies.

    CHEERS!!
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2021
  5. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

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    I've driven 8LL, 9, 10, 13, and 18. 18 manual by far is my favorite transmission. Always a gear appropriate for the hill. It's nice to be able to split down half a gear in town as well. Gets the rpms right where they should be for optimal cruising. I never did like autoshifts, never will.
     
  6. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

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    My t880 has an air assisted clutch. I do like that feature. It makes depressing the clutch almost effortless. I can push it in with the palm of my hand.
     
  7. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

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    I'm guess you weren't hauling milk. We are quite a bit heavier. I think that effects autoshifts backing performance
     
  8. Val_Caldera

    Val_Caldera Road Train Member

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    Correct, No Liquids in Dry Vans as far as I recall (maybe in Totes before some new regulation).
    Never pulled a Tank and no opportunities appeared.
    Very FEW Reefers yet that was Local/In State moves, usually D-n-H (200 mile radius from Point A).
    I drove 6 wheelers as LITTLE as possible, hence the Autoshift debacles.

    MANY O.T.R. Dry Van Loads were up to 45,000 lbs with Autoshift. No Problems!
    One 44,500 # Load from Santa/Sante Fe N.M., and it was FUN on the decline with the Freightliner Jake and Trailer Brakes.

    Everyone has or had their Favorite Manual Transmission(s).
    IF an 18 or 21 were available, I wooda given either a go.
    For that matter, if a Mack Twin Stick were available, I wooda given It A Shot!

    CHEERS!! :hello2:
     
  9. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Most of the dump truck guys in jersey are ordering the Allison autos. That's the bees knees if you have to be in an auto
     
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  10. Mototom

    Mototom Road Train Member

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    I’ll take an auto shift for every day use.
    The 10speed farm truck for fun of driving.
    Drop a gear or two bring the RPMS up to 1500-2100 and let it roll and make noise.
    Come down the hill hammer on the jake and shake windows.

    learn to drive then go get the restriction removed. My restriction keeps me from taking a fantastic local dump truck job.
     
  11. Cobrakaiguy

    Cobrakaiguy Light Load Member

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    Some schools only teach in the auto so you will have auto only endorsement, honestly I prefer auto shift over a 10,13, 0r 18 speed unless you are running interstate 10 or 20. When I was running the East Coast the auto make it easy. TMC prob still has some 10 speeds left in the fleet you could always go out with a trainer that has one to get that experience. And honestly unless you are hauling heavy construction equipment and #### like that it’s becoming a auto shift industry.
     
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