Tell me about Volvos

SOME folks worry more about NOT having a clutch, while others worry about HAVING a clutch.

Personally, I'll take the pedal on the left.
Far left.

 

I thought these automatic trucks still have a clutch? It's just operated by an actuator controlled by computer instead of your left leg. They're not like most car automatics with torque converter. Or do they?

 

I haven't had it long enough to get a realistic average, but the according to the ECM printout it was ran at 76% load, avg speed was 68 and avg mpg was 6.2. The previous owner delivered heavy truck parts with it and it was a local type route, think he was home every day or so. As soon as I get some average numbers I will post.

 

The difference in the Autoshift and Utrashift is the pedal. The Autoshift is just that, you clutch it, it shifts. The Ultrashift is 100% automated. It still has a ceramic clutch, just the computer pushes it in and lets it out. I have to say it is the first one I have ever driven and I almost didn't even bother to test drive the truck as I was too leary of automatic car style transmissions... well I got schooled on that. Within the first 5 miles of driving city traffic I was sold. It is a bit awkward at first, I kept reachig for a shifter and searching for a clutch but I got over that in about 30 min. The flip side to it is, this summer when the wife comes along for a week or two, I may have her get her permit and can teach her a little of what I do.....

 

The ultrashift truck is kind of a pain when backing into a dock. You have to get the revs up, and it kind of grabs, and if you dont 2 foot it, you end up bouncing off the dock. I will take the autoshift, more control when backing. And with a ultrashift, when you are in heavy traffic, it can go into a CA (clutch abuse) mode, and will go into shut down operation. You end up having like 2 minutes to get the truck to the shoulder, or get up to speed to let the clutch cool off. A real pain if you ask me.

 

Thanx guys!
I'm finding your posts to be educational, as I've never driven either of the "auto" shifting features. And probably wouldn't if I had a choice.

My favorite transmissions have 13 forward gears -- I'll take an 18-speed in a pinch. I've learned to drive them and drive them well. That was a goal I enjoyed reaching. Used to listen to the tanker-yankers when they were shifting -- and tried to shift like they do. It worked.
Up-shift -- down-shift -- no clutch, no problem. I like it that way'.
And NO cruise control.

I take pride in my, hot knife through butter, shifting ability -- which often SOUNDS like an "auto" shifter.

"Auto" shifters only imitate talented feet. How well, I don't really know. So, I guess my question is, do you think a Big truck truck driver like me would be able to handle an "auto" shifter?
I have my doubts if I'd appreciate an "auto".
But, the day may come.

Thanx again for an interesting subject.

 

Well all I can say is time will tell for me. I was looking for a convertable 9, 13 or 18 and came across this rig. She had low miles (118k for an 05) and the price was right. I took it for a spin and quickly started to like it. I am going to pick it up next week as I had a rigmaster installed, new rubber and a secon bunk. I am also training my little brother (he did graduate a trucking schoool in Nov. but has 0 experience over the road) so I also thought the Ultra would be one less worry for me. I know all the newbies like to drive and shift hammer down (heck I sure as hell did 10 years ago and on someone elses dime) this time I am the one paying the fuel and repair/maint bills so I thought why not. I know MM doesn't like his but it is a company truck and I am certain they have the parameters set light. This being a show truck and never having the governer turned down I am sure it will run loose.

 

Sounds like a rare find.
Sounds comfortable, too.
I hope everything works out for you and your new ride.

I agree, auto shifting might help a newBe, at first. But I'm thinkin' that there MUST be feel to drive 'em right.
Right?
Or am I wrong?

I'm thinkin' it might be fun to figure it out. But once that's accomplished, are they fun to drive?

I sure don't mind a clutch in heavy traffic either. It causes me to INCREASE my following distance -- and just keep 'er rollin'. I like the sudden deceleration when I lift, rather than that coasting feeling. I want to "feel" my engine -- and use it. Drive on the engine, rather than over it.
Does that make ANY sense?

 

I hear ya. I thought the same thing to but when you need to slow and have that drag you just push the low button and it will hold down just like the manual. I think when you have the jake on it will do that on it's own, but we will see. My plan is to run my brother and train him well for a year and a half to two years, then buy another rig and kick him out... Now being it is my business he will keep Blue and I will get something new....

 

Hmm, now that I think about it...I think it would be a good idea to put students in CDL training into automatics so they get used to driving a big truck and not have to worry about shifting. Then maybe after a day or two...chuck em into a manual truck.
Makes sense to me, if they have less to worry about all at once...not piling up everything at them at once.