Automatic transmission

Ten Mile is another good one. That curve on the bridge is sharper than it looks.

 

Both were simple, I started in a manual, then a few years later went to an autoshift, now an auto

Both require twitching ganglia and brain cells

Exactly

Absolutely disagree, I see drivers all the time lose it in the mountains with auto's because no one teaches them how to drive properly. The same with backing, just as you learn to feather a clutch, you can learn to feather an automatic, it takes talent.

yep

Every manufacturer out there, automatics are now standard, manuals are optional, talking to a KW salesman recently, less than 2% of all trucks spec'd are manuals, doesn't matter the fleet size.

 

The company disconnected the manual mode because they figure drivers are stupid and cannot properly work the truck, plus for some companies its cheaper and safer, less chance of a steering wheel holder leaving it in manual mode and tearing something up, and less chance of the driver leaving it in manual mode and not downshifting.

And yet, I back under 5 to 15 trailers a day, and run the mountains in the winter, and have zero problems, why, because I'm smarter than the computer in the truck, I can see what's going on, I don't have to wait till a wheel speed sensor tells the ECU what is going on for the ECU to react, I can see 3 miles ahead of me and switch to manual mode to hold a gear, or manual mode to allow me to downshift for a grade. I've learned to feather the throttle when backing under a trailer. It's called skills.

No, the power band is the same, the problem is that with the manual mode disconnected, you rely on the computer to make the choices, not the driver. My T680 is a PACCAR MX engine and PACCAR auto, the MX in my truck is the same if it's manual or auto, but since my auto has manual mode, I can climb hills, and go down hills like a manual, because I have control over it, not the computer.

No, the engine brake isn't weak, it's the same engine brake regardless of manual or auto, it's because you can't lock it in gear with manual mode disconnected. I routinely drop off Vail, Eisenhower, Genesse, Sherman with engine brake on high, trans in manual mode holding 9th or 10th @ 75K and not speeding more than 2 or 3 over.

 

Mack and Volvo have the same feature, it's a case of steering wheel holders learning to use it properly

 

Well if an idiot like me can hop in an auto after 8 years of not being in a truck (with minimal experience before that gap), put it in drive and have zero problems getting around town then yeah, its not very hard.

 

The same with backing, just as you learn to feather a clutch, you can learn to feather an automatic, it takes talent.
An auto Eaton Fuller 10 speed with centrifugal clutch might teach you a thing or three about 'feathering' or 'talent'.
I saw many bang up trailers when experienced drivers couldn't control it.
I'm glad that I don't see that POS transmission any longer.
Edit: I included myself in that list.
I learned at least to approach the docks perfectly aligned.
If it hits, it'll do it with both rubbers and nothing will be damaged.

 

We drove a manual in school. I failed the road test multiple times on a manual before finally passing. I trained for my first company in a manual. Had one trainer quit on me/drop me because he was scared of the fits of rage I would have, trying to shift correctly. Once I passed that trial and starting driving solo....never drove a manual again. That was 8 years ago. Never WILL drive a manual again. Adjusting to an automatic transmission took no time or effort at all. It's what I should have been doing all along.

 

Hi guys, first post from a guy with just a learners permit. Seeing I don't know #### , I figure I'll ask my question here.

I'm heading out shortly for training and the company is all auto's. So I know that I'll have the auto only restriction on my CDL. My question is, what would I need to do to have the restriction removed? Obviously, a skills test, but anything else? Do you need a new learners permit to practice? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

You practice in the company's yard with a company trainer on your regular CDL, and then take the skills test with a manual.

Its usually easiest to schedule vacation and pay Case CDL in MO to rent their truck, practice, then re-do your skills portion. This gets you a MO CDL that you take home and transfer to your state of residence without the restriction.