Going from Automatic To 10 speed???

Thank you for explaining that in a civilized way...was that so hard? Yes, I am an o/o and have looked into making adjustments, according to the Volvo dealer in Sikeston Missouri nothing could be done. I explained the issue with stalling, I explained the seemingly abnormal amount of time it takes to shift-let me clarify that-I am not talking about the shift points, but the length of time it takes for the act of going from one gear up to the next just seems long and clunky. According to the shop, no adjustments could be made to change things...again, is that my fault? No, it apparently is the shop's lack of knowledge.

 

Well, I think the autoshifts are going to become rapidly obsolete. Allison transmissions are really coming a long way. The newest TC10 automatic is beating the autoshifts in getting up to road speed and fuel economy. I had a little experience playing around with Allison transmissions in end dumps up in Alaska back in the late 80's. If I purchase another truck, I am seriously considering having the Allison TC10 transmission in it. And take a look at this video and see what you think.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO_Rocwi-ys

And this one comparing Allison Automatic to Eaton Ultrashift....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbmBvTnrZMw

 

RogueX - Striker is loath to ever admit to automatics being problematic transmissions. Every time the old manual vs. automatic (and its various incarnations) come up, he's a regular voice in 'em.

I for one hate automatic transmissions. About the only thing I ever drove that seemed to be well paired with an automatic was an RV. Even so, I thought it'd be a good idea that all RVs be fitted with 10-speed Eatons so the folks buying them realize it isn't like driving a Cadillac.

I'll keep my 18-speed, thank-you very much.

To the OP - As other's have noted if you've learned to drive an unsynchronized manual before, you might shift rough for a bit, but, it'll come back to you.

 

I have admitted the first generation autoshifts were a problem, in fact from 2001 to 2004 they had multiple issues, that were documented and have since been corrected. The first generation ultrashifts have multiple issues as well. Those problems have since been corrected. Did you know that when airride suspensions first came out they too were hated by drivers, they were unreliable and prone to blowing airbags and leaving trucks stranded.......well, I guess that problem has been corrected, or should we go back to springride only?

 

and hand pump water wells!

Mikeeee

 

Believe it or not, Striker, there are situations where much older (and simpler) suspensions are favorable. Western Star had one of their massive 6900XD's at the Louisville show this year, not an airbag on the suspension. 110,000lb. planetary rears with massive leaf-spring stacks.

In fact, Mack only recently came out with a replacement for the tried-and-true Camelback suspension (the twin Y suspension). You can find plenty of vocational rigs out there running spring suspensions.

Unfortunately, however, your comparison of automatics being like the introduction of air-ride suspension isn't entirely accurate, because, you see, automatic transmissions have been available for big trucks for decades, though in your comparison you make appear as though it's relatively novel technology for big trucks. Perhaps the Ultrashifts are, but, automatics in heavy trucks are not. In fact, Monfort spec'd a series of their famous Kenworth's with Allison automatics, the Oshkosh 911 tank mover was outfitted wit the notorious (semi-automatic) 16-speed "Splatterpillar" transmission, I've seen baby Emeryvilles (a medium duty International from the '60s) with an auto in the cab (I'll admit, it may not have been original, but, it certainly wasn't the push-button auto of today). I'll say, Allison's seem to hold up better, they've been at it longer, but, I still don't like Allison auto's.

That isn't me saying that autos aren't getting better, either. The iShift/ mDrive is supposedly one of the best available, as well as the ZF Meritor Freedom Line.

It's about situation. There are situations where automatics are in-fact better. The ultra heavy haulage is often done with automatic-equipped trucks in push-pull situations to assure the trucks are all working together.

Like I said, I'll keep my 18-speed.

 

Driving city streets in chicago, stopping for red lights every 800 feet. An auto is very tempting to me.

Mikeeee

 

It sure has advantages some times. Based on what I have been researching and reading as of late, I will seriously consider an auto next time. But it will probably be the Allison TC10 automatic and not the autoshift products. It is more proven and reliable than the auto shifts, and it is showing better performance than the auto shifts in getting a truck up to speed and in fuel economy. In the broad scheme of things, auto shifts are the relatively new kid on the block. Allison automatics have been in trucks for several decades longer. Before, they were not the best on the fuel economy scene and could not make a dent in the OTR market. But the times, they are a changin'. Recent studies show that the Allison TC10 will eat alive the autoshifts in every category. I would never have considered the product just a short few months ago, but now it is definately on my radar for inclusion into any new truck I purchase.

 

I was pretty skeptical about autos before I drove some. I've been driving them a lot lately and find them quite nice. The only transmission I haven't liked is the Autoshift. Volvo's I-Shift is the one I've preferred the most.

My biggest problem is constantly switching back and forth from manual to autos almost on a daily basis. Yesterday I was setting up for a dock in an auto at which you have to pull forward close to a ditch. When I got near that ditch I went to hit the clutch and it wasn't there and started stomping looking for it lol. I thought I missed it somehow. Took me a second to remember I was in an auto.