Automatic or Manual Transmissions

We got 30 new Macks, 10 are 18 speeds,10 are 10 speeds and 10 are auto. The auto shifts just like you would shift a regular truck. what i didn't like was you could not haul ### if you needed to, very slow shifting, even when i did it manually. I stick with my Pete, 18 speed, with High and low range selector and split-er.

 

Should be interesting for me next week at school. I learned to drive a car in a '65 Chevy Impala SS four on the floor back in...... well, a long time ago. I've driven everything from my old man's three on a tree Chevy Blazer to a Renault five speed, to a Ford five speed pickup, and more manuals. I have not had the pleasure of driving stick in about 15 years. I have new knees, so I'm cool that way. LOL

 

Slow and steady.

 

So true! I did and I am hooked, too bad I can't get on a medium or small company yet which are the only ones who still use them haha. I'd love to drive an owner operator spec 13 spd peterbilt looking good down the road haha

 

13 is sweet, but today it seems the 18 is being spec'd on more trucks then 13. I guess because it provides more options and can be driven accordingly (sort of like a 13 or a blend of the two) as needed depending on speed limit, weight and grade and wind to maximize MPG

 

So how do companies issue the trucks? do they give 10 speed to someone with experience with 10 speed only, or they don't care and issue the trucks first come first serve basis,.

 

I'm going to go with the second option. I asked the recruiter with Knight and he says you'll be able to choose what's available, most cases you don't get to choose at all. I want to drive manuals because I don't want to get used to automatic and then forget how to shift good. Because whenever I want to go to a better paying company that offers manuals only and they test drive me, and I'm grinding all the gears they wouldn't want to give me a job. I think driving automatics is bad, unless you're planning on sticking with that company for a long time or going with another major carrier that has automatics only. I love the 13 speeds, they're awesome!

 

Dirt work for one. Pulling out with a belly dump train and then an immediate uphill battle ensues...