Why Not Automatic?!

And you base that on what hard study data exactly?

Perhaps you're right. I drove an automatic for an entire winter in Michigan and I never once had it break traction so I guess I'm not qualified to say for sure. And in case you missed it, that last bit was sarcasm. My experience with automatics revealed absolutely no safety concerns as compared to manual. None. Nada. Not one.

I would not hesitate to drive one. I would no hesitate to own one. And I firmly believe that anyone who says otherwise has not spent enough time in in one to have a truly informed opinion on the subject.

 

Shifting is no more a distraction than steering or using your mirrors. You're used to automatic transmissions. I mean this in the kindest way: forget the moon/mars/bigger breasts/living organisms stuff and learn to operate the equipment.

Your problem is common: shifting a manual unsynchronized transmission is new to you. It takes time to learn how to do it right and to do it well, and it's very satisfying when you finally get it down cold. Practice--I mean really work at it. Don't be impatient and you'll get it.

Forget about them. Practice until it's as easy for you as breathing. Employers need drivers who can steer and gear. BOL.

 

The old Allison's are not what is being discussed. The fluid drive transmissions were horrid.. the automatics today are standard transmissions with an ECM and an X - Y shift top that moves the shifter..

 

I drove an automatic Volvo and loved it. Even pulling a tanker with all that sloshing it was better than a manual.

 

There's a fleet round my way that for years ran a fleet of Kenworth's with nothing but 6x4s.

They do exist, and the shift pattern is slightly funky, specifically getting into 5th gear, dog legged to the back out of fourth, at least that's how the one I've driven is.

And you probably wouldn't have guessed that I'm younger than probably about 90% of the members here.

 

My comment on steering wheel holders and TRUCK DRIVERS was referring to 1 who holds the steering wheel, and one who actually has to manually put the transmission to each gear to go down the road. Therefore Truck Drivvvver. So please don't take offence. I hate cars with sticks but so use to holding on to the stick or resting arm on it. When there is nothing there it takes awhile to get use to. I had one automatic that had a lever like the old cars and that was cool, but then I got a push button and that is the one that took its time getting into the reverse gear, but other then that. I didn't have problems.

 

They might have to, if trucking companies keep hiring people who really do not want to drive real machinery. I figure it is not about tradition, it is about vehicle control, torque and all sorts of "driver stuff." A heavy truck is not the same as a Mars Rover. It's meant to (or it can) actually last for decades, and keep hauling heavy crap up mountains, under control and with safety while amateur truckies beat it to death.

 

having driven quad boxes , 5 speed macks, 10,13, 18 speeds,cranes, bulldozers ,backhoes, a 93 foot fishing boat farm equipment etc etc etc
i do believe I am more then qualified to comment on the advantage of automatics

 

driving an qutomatic takes some of the skill out of driving a semi. When you come across a manual you will be rusty. Your teacher telling you that you dont downshift quick enough your not a good driver is a bonehead.im not a quick downshifter but thats ok. My personal opinion is manual is better. If you have a heavy footit will keep you from goingtoo fast. In heavy traffic just keep it in first gear. No need to upshift and downshift. You really dont even need clutch unless your just pjtting in gear. Once the truck moves use rpm to shift. When you get the hang pf a manual you will LOVE IT.

 

it truly is sad to see people with little to no experience think they are qualified to comment on things they have little orno experience with
this isnt meant to anyone in particular just look at yourselves and see what some brand new student might take as gospel