Automatics

If I had to rank the automatics I have used.

Allison TC10
Detroit DT12
Volvo iShift(/Mack mDrive, same thing)
Eaton Ultrashift 10POS (worst auto I ever had to use)

I would still take a manual any day. The autos stress me out. Always yelling at the things for all the constant stupid decisions they make.

The Allison was by far the smoothest one, shifted the best, minimal stupid decision making.

 

I've got about 70K miles on a 16 Cascadia Evo w/DD15 and DT12.

When backing, disable traction control. That'll eliminate lurching.

Depending on the programming, this setup will handle jaking with cruise control to 6% grade with a load of around 30K or a bit more. Heavier than that and you'll have to babysit it.

And remember, these are automated manual transmissions, not automatics. These are gearboxes, not juiceboxes.

I much prefer the automated, it allows me to focus on other aspects of driving, but to each their own.

 

This post was made 2 years ago

The OP is probably on his 3rd different company by now

 

My 07 Volvo had a predictable auto. This 12 KW is a new deal with the return to idle program. Not used to that. Had no issue with backing. Just didn't want this crazy thing to go to idle going down a grade.

 

OK, so tried manual shift today. I could only go 1-5. What gives? They figure for downhill that's all you need?

 

When i "trained" I drove a KW w/auto. Cummins pp, don't know what tranny, but I do know that the controls were laid out very poorly, and the Detroit in the Freightshaker is not only a lot easier for me to drive but also the controls are very nicely laid out.

None of that having to take eyes off the road to shift, or to engage the Jake, it's all right at the fingertips, very literally. Very driver friendly set up.

 

The shift number is on the dash, but very small. It's a paddle handle, and the gear selector is on a rocker switch on the side. The main selection on the floor is R, N, D, M and L.

 

I am one of the negative drivers of automatic trucks. I have never driven one, but i want to be in control of the 80,000 lb machine, not trusting electronics to do what i have been doing for almost 28 years. The closet i have been is a Super 10 speed, back in 1995. I did not care for that either. I can not express how many times, when fully loaded and making a turn. The tranny would get caught up, and you'd have to stop and begin again.

 

You take your eyes of road to shift? Why. One should know shift pattern, and never take one's eyes off road to shift, flip jakes on/off, or any other reason, except to look in mirrors occasionally.

 

Didn't you just say you hadn't driven one? Thought so.

The controls on the KW were dash mounted where on the FL, they're on the wheel. Fingertips.

I guess you don't take your eyes off the road to check the speedometer then?

Mmm-k.