Automated Tranny Pros and Cons

If I'm thinking of the same 'Lightning 10' you're referring to, it was essentially a 13 speed with the splitter locked to the high side until you got to the top gear, then it split the OD gear automatically. Not a very good system, but they do convert to a regular 13 quite nicely
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This one was a super 10 with an electric range change and auto shifting between 9 and 10.

 

Is anyone using the new Allison TC10 otr?

 

I'd like to thank everyone for this thread. What a great topic. I only drove an automatic for about 2-3 months which was a conversion kit added to a 2003 Freightliner Classic. It often had trouble going into reverse and you had to clutch when braking.

I tried one of our fleet's automatic T680 when I had to move it out of the way, but didn't much like it. I guess I'm old school with my way of thinking of preferring a manual. My mom is currently in CDL school and is training on an automatic, so I sent her this link.

I'll most likely buy a truck soon and so this is great info for me.

 

Did it have the "H" shift pattern?

 

Had the same shift pattern as the super 10
R/R 3/4 7/8

1/2 5/6 Auto

 

Not all automated systems do that. The first several iterations of the automated eaton did not. Even the newest version of the eaton ultra shift plus does not always come equipped with that option. I have drive both new trucks with the 'neutral coast mode' and without.

Although, many cars have something similar and I detest it just as much.

Allison is pretty coy about the functioning internals of the TC10. I have never been in one so I only know what I read. I have read TC refers to Torque Converter and Twin Countershaft both. I have read it is a true automatic yet all articles tout the twin countershafts when the classic automatic is all planetary. I have read it shifts like a twin clutch manual loading each gear on separate countershafts and I have read it splits the gear load between both countershafts like an Eaton. It cannot do both.

The best information with I suspect is correct is that it uses two countershafts, a lock-up torque converter, and one planetary for the range shift. The torque converter locks up in first gear and unlocks during shifts of the main box. I suspect everything but the range shift is done with spline gear but also disengaging the main torque converter clutch. Having separate clutches for gear engagement on a twin countershaft transmission like many articles imply is way too much complication to imagine. I think it is more of a hybrid of a automatic and automated manual, but only know what I read.

Just like todays automated manuals!

Well you both are correct! Both the super 10 and the 13 were used with an 'automated top 2' as a precursor to the automated manuals of today. The thirteen had it's lower splits blocked out to make it a 10 speed with an automated split of the top two only. The super 10 was just a regular super 10 with the computer doing the spit shift on the top 2. I think it was that one that was marketed as the lightning, but who knows they both sucked and were marketing gimmicks just like the automated manuals of today.

 

No such thing

 

fixed it for you