Automatics..for newbies..really???

Ill take my 18 speed any day...I know when i shift up or down i can feel it...I drove my sisters automatic and kept looking for a clutch....just my opinon nothing more..I guess the wave will be automatics but dang it sure is nice to wind out that 600 hp cat and put her in the big hole with my right hand...lol..

 

I have been at this game for 3 decades, and I see no problem with auto shifts. The driver can always select manual and decide when the shifts occur. And the auto shift never has a bad day and grinds the gears out of frustration.

I only had one occurrence to use an auto shift. In that case, I didn't like the shift points that were programmed into it, so I preferred a manual. With that auto shift, I left it in manual almost all the time and selected the shifts... even skip shifts.

My only real reason for not opting for a auto shift now is the selection available. I prefer a 13 speed in my operation. Now there is the ultra shift available in 13, but I prefer to have the clutch under my control like the 3 pedal auto shift provides, for those unique backing situations, dropping and hooking trailers, etc. But, Eaton will not offer a 13 in an auto shift, only the ultra shift. And I feel no need to pay more for an auto shift 18 for which I have no real need for.

So it is not about some "tradition" or other bogus "macho" argument like "I need to feel the shift as I do it" as to why I don't use an auto shift. It is primarily because Eaton will not offer the transmission I want in the configuration I want. If I bought an auto shift, it would be the 3 pedal variety and be a 13 spd. End of story. But that option is not available now. Maybe in the future. I know what I need and want for my operation. I don't want to pay for something I do not want and have to deal with only what Eaton feels is best for me. So, I am stuck with a manual 13 for the foreseeable future.

But then, these auto/ultra shifts have been primarily targeted at fleets, so the options are not geared to individual tastes.

 

Driving Manual Transmission is not a huge thing to learn.

I drive an Automatic, yes I go through snow and ice, over mountain passes, with heavy loads, and everything else.

The Automatics @ USXpress allow to switch to manual mode, which I find helpful. I was used to driving shift cars in Europe; so, I understand what RPM's and gears are.

Most likely we get a Manual next, and it's no concern to me, in fact I embrace it. I know I will get used to it again, just as I learned the basics of driving a truck in truckdriving school back then... on a Manual Transmission.

 

That may be how it started, but several postings were from those that took issue with whether the auto shift is a good idea or not. I was responding to that.

 

I believe he already did.

 

You were? There is absolutely nothing in your post to indicate that. Nice to hear from you too.

So are you going to copy and paste your original post again like you've done umpteen times in this thread? It always makes me smile when you do that. People disagree with you and post supporting information as to why and your response is to simply say the same thing you've already said with no additional supporting facts or information. Its as though you think if you just keep saying the same thing over and over again, it will magically become less wrong. I love that tactic. So simple. So ineffective.