Why Not Automatic?!

I NEVER "constantly shift" While in traffic, I kick back and let all the dumb 4 wheelers do all the racing. Slow and steady has always won the race in my case.

I don't have an opinion against automatics, but if you don't drive like a crazy idiot, you don't need to shift a lot in heavy traffic

 

you will find most adament detractors have never driven an auto

 

Reading thru this thread,i notice that there is need for more information about the different automatic/automated gearboxes.
Basicly there are 3 systems:

1° automatics.
Same as in most cars,they are just oilpumps.For several reasons never broke thru.One off which was that they don't deliver good fueleconomy.

2°automated manual gearboxes
You take a manual gearbox and replace the levers with pistons and a control box.That experiment has been done in Europe and filled in the dustbin as the concept isn't any good.In fact the few brands that tried that have since all abondent it.

3°automated gearboxes
Perpose build gearboxes that only work with their computer.They have nothing to do with a manual.Most known example off these is the I-shift.They will be the gearboxes off the future.I call them autobots because they are robots that shift gears.

 

Not sure where this fits kn you capsules, but the truck im my avatar is the M915 I drove in the Army. It had a 16 speed Semi Automatic... meaning you shifted the gears, but there was no clutch, or rather it was automated. Air pressure made it work. It was made by Cat and it basically blew big chunks... it was teplaced eventually with an Alison 5 speed auto.

 

what about the instructor's claim of reducing "driver distractions" when that is sales department as being forced to keep attention of shifting has it total overall a greater score to keep attention ..... that is what his instructor stated as justification but I have heard too many of those in meetings then have someone tell me later it doesn't matter ....... (bull) but that's what they say

 

I've never driven an automatic 18 wheeler, but I don't find shifting to be distracting. It's a natural part of the job. You get a great sense of when to shift. The only time shifting was a distraction to me was in school and my first week or so OTR solo.

I will say it again. I am not against automatics. I can't be. I've never driven one for myself. I'm simply saying that a manual is fine by me. I'm good with shifting without it getting in the way of paying attention in city traffic. I'd be willing to try an automatic if one was given to me.

 

I have driven an 2008 Volvo with IShift
and now driving a
2012 FL Cascadia with the Ultrashift
Hated the Volvo this Cascadia is OK, but still don't like it.

 

and what does that have to do with my idea that most people have never driven one rail against them the loudest

 

I've driven two rigs with automatics on a limited basis, both had Allison boxes in them. Didn't like them, shifted obnoxiously hard and lagged on the shifting, as well. One was in a Freightliner, one was in a Mack. I've also driven a wide-array of single-sticks, as well as a 5x4 and a 6x4. I'll take the crash-box any day.

As a previous poster said, you can do some heavy traffic driving with very few shifts with proper spacing and gear selection. When it gets heavy, I just leave it in a low gear and let it walk right along.

You'll get better at it, just be patient about it. There will be a point that you stop thinking about shifting that much and you simply do it.

 

2-sticks gotta get you some respect; tried a duplex Mack many years ago when I couldn't even manage a RR 13-speed - wondered how long your could grind before the teeth went to nubs!

Thought I had seen a heavy-hauler tractor 25 years ago with a 6x4, but had someone tell me there was no such beast - so thanks for confirming that!