Companies running automatic transmissions?

Automatics are probably going to be more norm than not before too long with larger companies with the exception of oversize/extremely heavy haulers..

Right now I think its more of a reliability issue that yu don't see more of them...If they ever do work the bugs out they will be extremely popular (sigh)

However..learn how to shift..having that knowledge keeps doors open that learning only an auto won't..

California for example, if you go to a school that only has autoshift trucks will place a restriction on your cdl that you can only drive autoshifts...to get it removed you have to retake the driving test I think..so learn on a stick..then if you get an autoshift truck enjoy it or hate it

Petey

 

Lots of states do that nowadays. I know GA does.

 

Automated manuals have been a PITA from a maintenance stand point and some carriers are now spec'ing manuals again because of the high cost to maintain the automated manuals.. I know I wouldn't want one.

An Allison is a different story...expensive yes (and a bit heavy) but they are bulletproof plus it's really fun to be able to beat some cars off the line when empty!!!

 

I know that Krielkamp trucking in Allenton Wi.Has a all automatic fleet, heck, they even have training wheels on there trucks,

 

What time frame are you talking about with buses having manual tranny's, if your talking about Mass Transit or city buses i never seen a bus with a manual tranny, i recall taking city buses back in the late '50's going home from school and do not recall seeing one.Maybe your older than me.

 

I dont see how maintenance costs would be so much higher it's the same transmission lacking a stick.

 

Its not the trans itself where the reliability issue comes in..its in the computer controller and the added gizmos to the trans that turn into an auto that break..

but as far as gears etc you right..

What costs is the dow time trying to figure out why it won't shift..plus tow bill, plus lost loads...

The simpler the mechanical system the less likely there is of failure..


Petey

 

I haven't had issues since three trucks ago. That was a first generation ultra and you would have to pull the fuse to the brain every once in a while when it would lock out.

My last two were to 405,000 and 115,000 respectively and I never had an issue with either one. I am only at 10,0000 on this one so far and besides the shifter placement no issues so far........













Sorry had to find some wood

 

Whats wrong with the shifter placement?

Petey

 

In the Freightliner's we got it's just behind the steering wheel and with my big meat hooks turning rapidly I hit the little selector arrow





On the Pete's it was a push button panel on the dash.