Companies running automatic transmissions?

Because an automatic doesn't make my life easier. I think no more about shifting then walking and chewing gum. I don't ask need to ask computer which leg to move and how when I walk. Same with shifting.

The automatic, more often then not, makes bad decisions, far less smooth, slower, is less unreliable, and manual mode is more a nuescence then the manual shifter. It does not save any fuel for me.

 

Dinosaur...

 

A lot of fleets are going to automatics for many reasons.

One is new drivers that just aren't very good with a clutch. I've seen plenty of fleet trucks with the Transmissions out of them because the drivers beat them to death. So I'm sure the companies have a savings over clutches, transmissions, gear shafts and whatnot.

Another reason is that even if they have drivers that are good drivers, if they put an automatic in the truck anyone, and I mean anyone can drive it.

The next reason is fuel mileage. Drivers, especially new drivers, don't shift for economy. They usually shift for damage.

And the last reason is simply the reasons for everything else that happens in trucking and even in our society. How stupid proof can we make something? Because now everything is about being stupid proof.

Don't know how to check your gauges as you drive? That's okay alarms and bells and whistles will go off instead of someone simply watching the gauges like they should.

Run low on oil? Again warning lights, buzzers, and some trucks even shut down. Who needs to check the oil? Or anti-freeze? No need. It's dummy proof.

It isn't necessarily that the driver is a new driver. He has been ushered into an era that is unprecedentedly about making things dummy proof.

When you make things dummy proof it just makes people stupid and lazy.

Automatics are just the latest in a long line of dummy proof nonsense.

 

Shifting 10,13,18 times to reach 65 mph 11 hours a day =

 

And so Dino soar responds......

And Dino soar makes it clear that automatics are their to amuse the dummies.

 

Yeah if you don't have bad knees, I've had surgery on both mine, left ones real bad clutch can be an issue in heavy traffic so I love my 2 pedal automatic

 

This is just one of those things where drivers need to agree to disagree.

I've lost track of where I commented, and what, but at the risk of repeating myself: after 24 years shifting, and not only not having an issue with it, but actually disdaining the thought of ever driving an auto-shift, I have to say now that after more than a year at it I don't think I could go back, at least voluntarily. The obvious one is the knee feels better, but also my shoulders feel much better, too, and I didn't even think that I had an issue with them.

After a year with our entire fleet changed over to them, we haven't even had a sniffle from the transmissions as far as any issues with them.

Whether you prefer manual or auto-shift, it's no skin off my nose. Just keep on down the road in a safe and professional manner, and everyone's happy.

 

lol...Your right on that point.

 

You sound stupid talking about automatic truck drivers .for 1 you not good to judge them and you don't know them personally so stop acting like your God's gift at driving a truck big ####ing deal you can drive a stick shift !!!!

 

Company just purchased a my19 freightliner. This is new from dealer. It is an auto. To get a manual, an up charge of $3200 and an 8 month delivery time.

According to the dealer, the trucks freightliner pushes to them, they will all be autos.