Seems like there would be less driver fatigue. I understand the macho thing but more energy and focus will allow a driver to focus on his surroundings and leaves more energy for when he climbs out of the truck and not be so exhausted. I enjoyed the manual in CDL-A training but I learned how to time and control the automatic transmission with my foot pressure, and timing on the diesel pedal and service brake while in tow/haul with full exhaust brakes. Works almost as well as a manual for control.
YES!!!! That's a true driver! Someone that adapts and learns how to use the equipment to the fullest advantage rather than just complaining about it. Kudos to you!
@@KenworthofRichfield // The automatic is my truck but I was very surprised at the difference the manual made in control. It took me about six weeks to understand how the automatic full exhaust brakes interact with the diesel pedal and how the automatic transmission "learns" how I drive - but I was learning how IT drove, so there was some adaptation and brain scrambling but I figured it out. Now, it's just a matter of paying attention to the terrain and traffic because I do a lot of partial shipments in this truck. On rolling hills and skinny country roads with a load, I really pay attention to every detail and time the exhaust brakes along with pressure on each pedal and timing on and off the pedals. It's fun to me. 🤷♂️
For me the ultrashift is a better option in aspects of a bad knee,my left knee has a pin in it,so shifting causes alot of pain,though I prefer it and yes I can float gears,however the clutch still gets used in certain areas
Yeah, I agree. The manual has more control over speed. Ultra shift is basically a glider under load... Most drivers like them because they can pull away from a stick shift just before a merge or construction, ECT... I have seen a dump truck get him self into trouble by racing up to and behind a four wheeler. He had to lay rubber, and peel off the road after passing me 2 minutes earlier... He was following to close! If some drivers could get it in their little heads that it's not about speed, it's about safety. Things would be better, and less accidents would happen... Restrictions on drivers have made them desperate...
No shit. I had a carrier take away my manual Freightshaker and give me one of those iShit Vulvas with a snot green D13 sewing machine. Found out I couldn't manually control the transmission with 44,000 pounds chasing me down the Cascades eastbound. Which basically meant I could not get engine RPM up enough to let the engine brake do its job without overspeeding for the grade. I put my notice in the next day. If that's the way they set automated transmissions up, I will never drive another, they are unsafe.
It’s not always about power, it’s being comfortable behind the wheel for hrs on end. Every truck has its purpose, remember when there were no autos what so ever, hauling aggregate everyday, shift after shift..clutch in clutch out..! Time to enjoy the drive!
@@zandertappen6150 quickest way to empty a truck stop restaurant is walk in and say " wow that swift driver is gonna try backing in to that parking space"
@John Smith You haven’t driven a decent automatic it sounds like, a good one is very smooth shifting, and starts off in the right gear according to the load you’re pulling.
I couldn’t agree more. When an RTLO18 becomes a part of you.. you don’t think about it, you aren’t any more distracted.. and ultimately have more control. Why retrain your body to manipulate the decisions of your machine when you can make those decisions directly.
Auto are great but times depending on the grade on an interstate or pull autos will continue to shift dropping to the bottom of power curve when manals hold a better speed and better rpm when heavy. Maybe can retest with a load on a grade where the auto wants to change all the time thanks
@@griffindaniel3264 auto is crap I can just imagine being stuck in mud or ice with an auto and trying to rock it to get out. Having to somehow figure out how to use the brake and gas without just spinning the tires on an auto is actually way harder then manual
Tyler Chauvin after 4+ million miles of my dad driving. Shifting becomes extremely easy, and it is to the point where he drinks and eats while he drives. After 18 years of haulin ass. It has become a joke to him lol
To me, the most impressive thing about this video was how close you parked those trucks to each other. I know people who can't park a car between the lines in a parking space let alone what you did. Also, am I the only one who was wondering what that red flashing light was in the speedometer? It took me a minute but I figured it out....
Thanks man!!!! I take great pride in precision driving. Mirrors never touched, but I couldn't fit my thumb between them. :D Yeah....to GoPro had the red light.
@@johnrossi6212 Thanks. I've always taken pride in doing "precision driving". As a kid, I always wanted to be a stunt driver (blame the Dukes of Hazard) and I knew that precision driving was part of that. :D
I've been driving 21 years CDL A and 10 of those years have been in automatics in The Cascadia and Peterbuilt and Kenworth models and they have not only performed without any real issue but have been surprisingly reliable. I do sometimes miss shifting at times but remember the chore it can be in tight spots on hills in traffic vs the automatic. Either one is fine for me so it's just a convenience to have the automatic. I think they have come a long way and if proven reliable a decent alternative to a standard transmission.
I have an 2018 peterbilt 500 isx 13 speed ultra shift trans dump with 18 foot box super 10 like you say not thinking about shifting does give you as a time to pay attention to everything else around you plus around the job site you can use manual mode , I have however had mine reprogrammed to the second stage much effective putting the power down 30 plus years of driving I quite enjoy it , but I will tell you this I run Southern California so living Orange County or LA county in the afternoon it is so nice to only have 2 pedals
The issue is not acceleration with empty trucks, what matters is control of the truck when loaded. With a manual I know exactly what the truck is doing and going to do, which is extremely important in adverse road conditions. Now personally I like autos for city work, but that’s it.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"
Modern-day transmissions and engines are well equipped with bunch of sensors. ECU reacts much faster than human brain. The only advantage of human brain is prediction, but that is the privilege of experienced drivers
Victor Brown yet almost every mega carrier that has automatics turn off manual mode for their drivers, because “fuel savings” I have yet to get better fuel mileage with an automatic over the manual I had before. In fact I’m planning on buying a manual just to get out of these shitty autos. They shift weirdly, don’t know what gear to pick, and either lug or overspeed the engine. I also know for a fact that it leads to more complacent drivers. All of my company’s trucks have collision avoidance radars and lane departure warnings. Combine that with an automatic transmission, and it becomes easy to see why so many people text, or watch videos going down the road, instead of paying attention to the road as they should be. Manual drivers tend to be the safest drivers on the road, because THEY ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE ROAD!
There is a "manual" setting for the Ultrashift. You drop/pickup gears to suit yourself, skip gears, etc.. I've driven manual and auto and semi-auto. And a few Quads.
With full lockers the automatic will crawl it’s way out of a bog. When you have only a 6*2, with no diffs, you’ll be relegated to the road. Also the run of the mill fleet spec with a ten speed automatic doesn’t do Ultrashift any justice.
As others have said, the test for these is NOT tooling around bobtail on flat ground. The real test is 90% max load, on 10% grades up and down. That is where the true test is.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"
@@truckpro5665 You seem to be implying that these trucks are only ever going to be driven on the interstates..... Come on mate. You claim to be a Truck Pro. You know that these are going off the interstates, hell even off road in some cases.
Load it to 80 thousand and go up black mountain North Carolina come down and go up Fancy gap and down. Then go run Hwy 321 from kings tree TENNESSEE to Charels town SC then I will say it has been tested.
@@philthelawnman I've been there and done that when I was leased with Land Star I've driven over the years 9,10 super 10,13,&15 standard,I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"For adverse conditions like snow,ice,mud,etc.the automatic needs to be put in M for manual so it can be shifted like a manual and have control in those conditions and "MOUNTAINS"up and down use the + and -- signs to shift when needed.
I worked at a truck stop I hated seeing the imported drivers, most are entitled and entirely unprofessional. Also I've seen a lot more drivers struggle on ice.
I had trucks with the Stupid AT545 Allison auto (no lock up converter and no retarder) and the only way it would upshift, is if you had hit a specific RPM in each gear, it would then hit so hard in that next gear the rear tires would break loose in the snow and you would fishtail...there was no easing it thru the gears and on a slippery road...and yes it made the for the ease of hiring "inexperienced drivers" at a lower wage and it stinks!
The shitty part here guys, is the fact that drivers are getting harder and harder to come by. Finding people willing to make the sacrifice and drive around this country day in and day out just isnt appealing to the new generation. And the ol boys that been doing it for 40 - 60 years (mad respect for sure) just ain't gonna be in it much longer. So instead of giving the new gens a hard time about being "bottom of the barrel" let's pass the skills down and show them right.
That module on the automatic is $4000 to $6000 to replace, not cheap, I will stick with my old fashioned 18 speed. And mine does not tear up the docks when I gently bump the dock... ;-)
These 2 questions to be answered are my biggest concerns on whether to choose an automatic or a manual trans; fuel differences and maintenance cost comparisons. For, the auto should be much less fatigue in a daily 500 mile run versus the manual but is it worth it or not?
Been driving since I was 18 hauling grain. I've hauled everything part time to full time and back to part time. The autos are getting better. And in traffic you cant beat them. Especially Atlanta rush hour. But going up a grade like Mount Eagle on I24? Cant beat the 18 manual. So flat ground the auto has its place but in the mountains. The 18 manual rains supreme. Just my experience.
Canadian driver here, so I drive like 6 months of the year dealing with snow and ice. More so since I drive a lot of northern Ontario roads. Never had a problem with an auto. The real issue is when they stick that damn bumper sensor for distance on a truck. Now that is something that will kill people. Having the tractor brakes lock up because of some jackass in a 4 wheeler cuts you off is absolutely terror.
I'll keep my stick shift. Ya I'm a noob to trucking (less than a year). So far I've only shifted a 13 as school trucks and the company ones I've driven were all 13. Keeps me doing something, especially in the hills under load. Maybe a day when my shoulder says nope, but not yet.
It’s like the difference between wearing shoes with laces or shoes with Velcro. Both work just fine. In fact, Velcro may be better in some cases, but do you really want to be the guy with Velcro?
If you were talking about the paint scheme, or how much chrome on the truck, or how many lights to put on the truck, then your argument might be valid (i.e. a fashion statement). I think that a closer comparison would be: Boxers or Briefs? You lady (etc) truckers will have to opine on other styles of undies...
no matter what you need to get out and walk around erery 8-12 hours or you will lose your legs from the knees down from not flexing legs. i know a guy who had to amputate legs from knees down due to the run and gun days of no layover time resting and walking legs. so save legs and walk around often .
@@Prost81 That has a lot to do with auto vs manual. If you're constantly shifting your leg is tired. If you aren't having to do that you are less tired/fatigued and able to do more outside the truck.
I would of loved to had an automatic in my day,yes shifting gears was fun but after a while it got old, especially in heavy traffic,my main problem was arthritis in arms and legs , automatic would of been much better,
I work for a aggregate company and I drive a Peterbilt 579 automatic and I wish it was a 10 speed. Yeah It hauls ass when empty but loaded not so much.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"
They work just fine empty on ice if you put the trans. in manual so that it stays in 1 gear till you deside to change it to a lower or higher gear manualy and yes you can do this rolling at hwy speeds they are designed to do that.
Enzo Itzep depends on what automatic you have.... the Allison automatics are turds, and I feel like that’s where most people have the negative view of automatics in class 8 trucks comes from.
I drive a 2016 Western Star tri- axle dump with a ten speed ultra shift. I hate it! It doesn’t have the “Creep” feature that they have come out with that helps when feeding an asphalt spreader. Its not as slow starting as older versions, still slow, but a hell of a lot smoother starting off. Older versions dumped the clutch at 900 RPM, thought it would be great in Atlanta traffic, not so much! Nearly gave me whiplash from lateral torque trying to creep along in stop and go traffic, especially with an unbaffled tanker. Also, seems like it takes a lot harder pressure on the brakes to stop, i think because you can’t hit the clutch and disconnect from the driveline, you have all the fly wheels: tires drive line transmission all pushing the truck as you are stopping 27 tons of rock. Only way to disconnect is to put in neutral. Then there is the delay starting off from a dead start, has hill assist that’s supposed to hold brakes on for a few seconds to keep truck from rolling until computer decides to go, but better keep that brake pedal covered, cause its going to roll before it begins pulling. Pay attention to what gear you are starting in, 10 speed will start in 1st, second, or third, but you have to be completely stopped to select gear. Nothing like pulling out into traffic thinking you are in third , and its actually in first because you didn’t come to a full stop when you selected gear, and its taking its sweet time up shifting, and if you happen to be bouncing over a rough spot as you are holding your breath to get going, the damn computer cuts the throttle because it sensed wheel spin and now you are really in a pickle! Yes i most definitely prefer straight shift for dump trucking and heavy haul, but would like to try an 18 speed ultra shift, just for the hell of it!
Drew w The Allison is a full automatic tranny. Ultra shifts are basic ten /18 speed boxes with computer controlled servos that engage the clutch, move the shift linkage.
Just my humble opinion on the matter, Automatic for the COMPANY, and Manual for OWNER OPERATOR. The company may have 5 - 500 rigs out there with a variety of drivers and skills, but a O.O. is responsible for his or her rig SOLELY including all the maintenance and repair costs. When those Autoshifts stop shifting you're HELPLESS without dealer support. Again just my humble opinion. Any reputable repair shop can fix/rebuild/maintain a 9-10-13-18, 5×4 etc. trans. Secondly, especially in the on/off road market as I drove for decades, I feel that you will always have a better level of drivers and driver skills with the stick shift operators when running off road. I'll probably get a lot of haters here but I feel that NOTHING can or will ever replace the feeling of a direct Mechanical connection between engine and drive wheels, especially off road. The video and comparison is of dump trucks which are often used on and off road, hence my input on the subject.
Makes sense as I can follow your logic on it, but we're getting more and more owner/operators that are going to automated for their own trucks also. Times are changing....
Agree 100% I work for a small company (2 trucks) and we will run 13&18 speed manuals as long as possible. They are far superior off road and pulling tanker. I’ve experienced too many problems with an auto to want to drive one and as a small company we don’t have the proper tools to trouble shoot or repair them.
That fleet truck will have, on average, 15 or 20 different drivers (at one of the "better" bottom feeder mega carriers) in one year.The autoshift, two or three pedal, along with the endorsement on the license is nothing more than dumbing down the skill level. More seat meat for the bottom feeder megas. The "macho" comment is always first in the comments before resale value and application. Having driven ATL to the bay area and back in a 4070 with a 13 coupled to a 318 I dreamed of having an automatic since the autoshift was years from being even a dream. Allison did make an automatic but it was too heavy for a 73,280 pound gross weight to be realistic. Cruise control was an add on advertised on a clear channel (Charle Douglas anyone?) AM radio station. Point being don't be so quick to quote the "trainer" who can have years and years of experience if you're lucky, or, as little as six months experience and reading a script written by some college graduate. If I could use an autoshift at my current job I would welcome it.
Working for an LTL company for 14 years I can say that I've spent alot of time in both manual and auto and prefer the manual over the automatics. Almost every automatic are company owns have had problems at around 400-600k miles. It's not about feeling like a billy-big-rigger it's about longevity on your investment. But LTL have to get butts in the seat so they will do anything to make it easy for someone coming out of driver CDL schools.
Personally, I'll always prefer manuals. But that's because I find it enjoyable, and I take pride in getting it just right. I always hear people say, "autos are so much better in stop and go traffic". For those who like autos, all the power to you. As far as stop and go, I still like my manual. Im a local driver and I'm rowing the gears all day long, still love it over an auto. Now, our company has T800s in both auto and manual. As it pertains to our company, I prefer the auto. But this is solely because the manuals are 10 speeds, and the autos are 13 speeds, so they pull the hills better (got plenty of steep ones, even locally, where im from). But, if they had manual 13s or 18s, I would take them all day long. All that said, if you have the choice, drive what you like.
I started driving in the early 80's with an 18 speed. Loved having half gears when needed. Didn't care for 9 speed transmissions. I never used the clutch while moving forward so matching rpm and syncros is an art and actually removes boredom at times. Never driven an automatic rig, it seems cheap to me.
What about an automatic in the mountains with a full load of 80,000 lbs.? Is there a big chance of burning out the brakes?!?! Is a manual transmission better for this scenario?
@@lukedkleinful You can still shift gears manually with an automatic, plus engine brakes. Shouldn't be too much different. I don't drive in the mountains, but if I'm going down a big hill, I shift down to control my speed. I drive a 10 speed Eaton Ultrashift automatic.
@@lukedkleinful not with engine braking, three sets of engine braking with the 3rd one being recommended for downgrades as you mentioned hauling 80k pounds.
@@sheldon_fivenine That's where the driver goes from driving to operating the rig! Much harder to dock an automatic. I prefer manual when backing and on hills, but auto on road and in traffic. I miss shifting, but not when drinking coffee! Hahaha
@@genwatie2191 Meh. All it take is co-ordination, steady application of the foot on the long thin one on the right. You can even shift gears, brake, steer, check mirrors, push the clutch in and out. When turning or stopping put cup on the the flat dash. Oh wait they don't make them like that any more. But back when they did make them like that. If you spilled it you were wasting fuel. Even worse shifting the load. That is if the dumb asses in the 4 wheel go fasters are not driving stupid as usual.
@@warrenpuckett4203 I didn't have a problem with your comment I agreed with you. It's the other one that thinks he needs a automatic to drink coffee. It's not like the cup is in your hand the whole time you drive. That's way they make cup holders.
Ultrashift operators Manuel. 1. Release park brake 2. Apply pressure to service brake pedal 3. Select desired gear being forward or reverse 4. Have truck towed to local repair facility because transmission will not go into gear
For paving the 2018 auto shifters are a nuisance! The pave has to come to a COMPLETE stop before the truck will engage into forward gears to leave the pave! With the manual transmissions I DON'T need the pave operations to stop so I can leave the paver. I just slip the transmission into gear, & leave.
Michel Reineking the ultra shift has 4 sensors and their all the same sensor ,and not that hard to get to if you don’t mind getting under the truck. It’s a good idea to carry one with you.Sometimes you can get it going by disconnecting the battery cables and let it sit a while.
...NOW THAT""S A TRUE ...STATEMENT''..!! ...i was ...''O.T.R.-48...states...35...years...before they went and BROUGHT THOSE ...sissy...fuel...squeezer...TRUCKS...J.B.-HUNT...SCHNEIDER-...WERNER-ENTERPRISES-...and...ARNOLD-TRANSPORTATION...where i once ...worked..!!
@@jamesorr2404 ...yep...my...silly...Girlfriend...Thought i was ...AIRPLANE-PILOT-...when she saw all those GEARS-...and Looked inside ...says ...But it does ...Look Like ...cockpit of ...Airplane...'''
Unfortunately automatics don’t teach you to drive they teach you to steer, driving with gears allows you to feel the truck, you don’t get that from an auto, if you have never drivin with an 18 speed you only ever be a steerer not a driver
It depends on what truck and gearbox you have. I drive a Volvo FH420 with a I shift gearbox but you still need to feel what you are doing. Because you can screw these gearboxes up really easy. And if you press the throttle like a idiot you won't pull up as fast as you want.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"For adverse conditions like snow,ice,mud,etc.the automatic needs to be put in M for manual so it can be shifted like a manual and have control in those condition and "mountains"use the + and -- signs to shift when needed.
having only used a 2 pedal truck once I cant like them. My main complaint is it is very hard to finesse. You dont have the control when hooking up a trailer especially. You cant be gentle like you can using a clutch. And making these trucks easier and easier to drive is just opening the door for people with less and less talent and ability to drive a truck.
Ha, yeah that lack of finesse when hooking is terrible. I had a McDonald's coffee explode on me and fill the entire cab after the one of my first attempts hooking with one of these autos. I've learned to do it smoother since, but that was a real mess.
If there isnt a stick in the floor, I'm out the door. I've learned to finesse automatics with the two companies I've been with but I still prefer my 10 speed over an automatic. I've slammed enough pins and docks to back my beliefs haha.
There’s too much going on in the cab of a modern over the road truck,,,heavy traffic QUALCOMM going off,,,trying to figure out where you’re at and where you’re going and again heavy traffic,,, for myself personally I thought an automatic truck was really nice. That was a brand new freightliner century class for P a.m. transport out of Tontitown Arkansas about 14 years ago I don’t know what they’re using now I don’t even drive truck anymore however I did appreciate the fully automatic transmission back when I drove.you dont need to worry about speed with power and low-end torque and all that stuff,,,an automatic transmission is safer all the way around you can give your full attention to driving that truck and not playing around with the gearshift
IMHO driving a manual in stop and go traffic depends a lot on the clutch. When I did DSD on my long day I had 27 stops and a ridiculously stiff clutch, after a few months my left hip was always sore. Otherwise a great truck, an old Freightliner tractor that was stretched with a reefer box on it, it rode like a Cadillac and had some wierd 4cyl in it, strangest sounding diesel I've ever heard but had plenty of power as a straight truck, though I was told it was underpowered as a tractor, which I have no doubt. - Sorry this ended up longer than I expected.
@@Desertpacrat92 Must be a lot of polite folk where you're from. Even in my car, leaving any kind of safe distance in traffic means getting cut off and having to hit the brakes even more! lol
I would say this was a lousy test of Auto vs Standard. Now I don’t have any fancy trophies, but I have driven for 40+ years Accident free, zero CSA score. Lets try to do a real comparison of Auto VS Standard. The big one is driver control, automatics remove control, the plus side is the computer can keep the engine rpms in the most fuel efficient range at all times, something a driver can’t do. Some of the Negatives are, downshifting when braking, the computer is trying to help as you slow down by downshifting, however on slick roads, this locks your wheels, putting you in a slide. Snow and ice, you get stuck, very common after sitting or unloading, with an Automatic call a wrecker, your stuck, no ability to rock your truck out. Backing under a trailer, with an automatic, you very slowly apply throttle, trying to back under a trailer, then suddenly, it moves, slamming you into 5th wheel pin. Reverse, get a loaded trailer and try backing up an incline at an angel ( Such as backing into a dock). Likely outcome is your truck will violently jump up and down, trying to rip your drivetrain out, not move at all or go into Critical fault mode. Hesitation, when you put the throttle to the floor, you have a 1/2 -2 second pause before things start going, in that time, in a standard transmission, you could be 2-3 gears. One of the very things that Automatics are touted for is a drawback.. lessen driver fatigue. In an over the road truck, boredom is the key factor, your not supposed to be on electronics, phone, eating.. nothing. So how many hours can you sit with your mind numb before you fall asleep? If you have to shift gears, it keeps you alert and going. Expense, Automatics are more expensive but tout longer life, this would be somewhat reflective of driver care, In my experience, I get almost a million miles out of a standard. Some drivers tear them up much faster. So would I recommend an Automatic, yes exactly for what this video showed, a local, stop and go straight truck. This would be a terrific truck. For an over the road truck, these are a horrible idea. Just my 2 cents.
Tony, You make some great points, but we've found that a great driver can adapt. When it comes to these automated transmission, they become very predictable if you pay attention to them. They are quite a bit more sensitive to road conditions than you think also. A deft right foot can make up for the lack of a clutch in terms fo the control of the truck.
The trucks you drove must of been shitty, i drive auto and while slowing down have "slipped", auto isn't as bad as people make them seem, but yes you would have to adapt!!
You also make a valid point with the backing, but i think newer trucks are fixing that problem, i drive company and had a 2017 t680, and for some reason it would jerk up and not move, i would had to let the truck start rolling backwards and real lightly engage the throttle, but now I have the same truck and its a 2020, much more smoother, doesn't jerk up at all and I'm always able to back up smoothly, its all about finding the right equipment i guess!!
@@Kemozabe and also since the US truck market looks a bit different from Europe , you can get alot of mixed brands in a truck with a overall quality that differs. Different suppliers of engine, transmission, rear axles and cab. How are you able to get a optimum quality and functionality with that?
My thought are... This guys thinks he is REALLY cool. and I like the manual. More versatility vs "Ease of use"... I feel like autos are harder to use because they never do what you want. Less work is not sufficient. Seeing whats around me is not at all difficult with a manual. There is no difference. O never take my eyes off the road when I shift... Thats a dumb reason to pick a fucking auto.
First off, I could care less if I'm perceived as "Cool". I'm me. I'm happy with that. :D Second off, autos can do exactly what you want. Great drivers learn and adapt to their equipment, and this takes some adaptation. The more I drive and pa attention to what an automated transmission is doing, the more I come to love it and the more I find that I can do with it. It's all about learning and growing with it.
I drive a super B train through the mountains of BC. There's no way I'm going to trust a comper chip to take me down an 8% grade on icey roads. There are too many variables that can go wrong.
You got that right, when has a, or any computer not broken down, when needed most. My favorite was a 5 x 4 Spicer spect in my new 1963 Autocare Twin screw with a 300 Cat and a doghouse sleeper. Chiefd
He's right though. The transmission is the same as the manual one with a robot that shifts the gears for you. Performance-wise, the only difference is the speed of shifting and gear selection logic. Can't beat an experienced driver, regardless of how optimized the tranny software is. All those "semi-autos" are junk.
Do another comparison video but use tractors with loaded trailers. Focus on backing smoothly and precisely into tight spots and docks on even the slightest incline. Real world daily trucking situations. Not a 0-65 acceleration test in an unloaded dump truck. Then tell us which is better.
There are some situations that are trickier than others. I did do a follow up video that covered low speed maneuverability, but that was also unloaded. With them being new trucks, it's tough for me to get/find loaded situations. I do realize that they can be trickier for some spots, but there are some programming fixes that can help with that. Have you gotten any updates done on yours?
I've been driving 10 years . I've driven 9 , 10 , super 10 and (currently drive a ) 13 speed manual. I've driven a couple automatics . My issue is every automatic has given me problems with the Jake Brake properly engaging and holding the right gear in mountain terrain. The other issue is all 3 automatics have been very aggressive shifting . You have to tie down everything , including your coffee and yourself to keep from getting thrown around and maybe even out of the truck when it shifts ( mainly up shifting ) and they wont engage reverse at idle speed or allow you to feather in reverse which is needed to dock without slamming the dock . In a standard I bump the dock and connect to trailers so lightly that you barely feel it . I also notice reversing with an automatic leads to more accidents at truckstops because reverse wont engage at idle speed . That said as far as driving foward .... when they shift softly , I think the automatics are great for and only useful in city driving . Maybe newer autoshifts are getting better because in this video it shifted beautifully but I also noticed it appeared to have 300 miles on a truck designed ( historically) to be used for 1.5 million miles or more . Now I know maintenance contributes to how well either transmission functions but both in my experience and just general observation it seems like after 3 or 4 hundred thousand miles the aitoshifts are going to shit while the manual is just finally broken in at that perfect sweet spot . But no automatic can ever truly replace a manual in my opinion no matter how much better they perform if reverse wont engage at idle speed and allow you to feather the pedal to control both reverse speed and shifting pattern as well . For example Bob tailing I shift around 900 rpms with my 13 speed . Empty with a trailer around 1050 rpm and I adjust my rpm shift point as needed for weight . An automatic wont give you that kind of smooth control and that advantage of fuel usage because they only seem to want to shift at same rpm no matter what the load weight is . Some people feel only macho super truckers drive and want to drive manuals but I would find it insulting to be called a SUPER TRUCKER yet I prefer manual because I know it's more reliable and as I pointed out about both reversing and shifting allows me greater control and adaptability.
There's two points I'll make on your automated transmission opinion. 1. If its in the most aggressive programming, yes....it will jerk you around a bit. 2. If you adapt to them and let them do their thing, they work pretty well. It may be something different than what you'd think it should do, but adapting to it will make you both a lot happier. Now, we aren't in the mountains, but I have driven on some hilly terrain around here and as long as I paid attention and let it do it's thing, I was happy with how it worked.
I just have to add......Road conditions & types of weather. Compare them both on winter roads & hill's. Which one has better control from starting up a hill and going down. Plus in triaxle truck's on job sites your in muddy and or soft ground also so again like to see the comparison. I must say I'm curious to know
That's where the big difference is. I drove a automated a few years ago up north and it was pretty nice until it snowed. Damn thing just wanted to upshift upshift upshift or get stuck in one gear in manual mode because it took to long to shift when you needed it to. It also felt disconnected going down hill. They may (hopefully) have gotten better in the past few years. Great in traffic and nice weather, bad on hills or bad weather.
I've driven over the years 9,10 super 10,13,&15 standard,I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"For adverse conditions like snow,ice,mud,etc.the automatic needs to be put in M for manual so it can be shifted like a manual and have control in those conditions and "MOUNTAINS"up and down use the + and -- signs to shift when needed.
@@truckpro5665 the problem is if you own it they aren't that horrible but if you work for a company and they lock out the manual mode in them.... That's a joke. The funny part about the entire thing is most companies lock them out sooo.... Manual if you are a company driver hands down.
its a driver thing. I like to have all the control with a shifter. I am 30 years old my grandfather who refuses to retire loves the auto less work and more comfortable. I also tend to take tougher jobs and prefer a stick shift. I dont have anything against auto just not my thing.
I can understand it....but I've found that if you work with the auto that you start to learn how to control it via the throttle and learning what it does via load.
Driving 2019 13 speed automatic they lunge when backing up hell it lunges like a drag car coming off the line all of them do it this needs to be fixed their dangerous
sheehy933 and that day is not too far away as soon as they can get fully auto cars and trucks on the road the truck driving industry will change forever
I personally perfer manual cuz it keeps me engaged with the truck. Id fall asleep behind the wheel of that automatic. Yes the clutch can be a pain in traffic butt it doesnt bother me at all... if the automatic is ur cup of tea then more power to you. I personally would refuse to drive those things.
I can understand the engagement of it all. I find that I stay just as engaged with the automated though as I need to make sure that I'm working with it.
I driven both Manual and Automatic. Automatic ... try backing a heavy load up a small incline. Not the best and so much struggling backing up a hill but using a Manual is so much easier and better backing up hills. on a heavy loaded trailer.
@@garrickpitts6306 Tell me about it :/ , I have to be lite on the pedal when backing up to the dock but that does not work you end up bumping the dock to hard anyways on an incline ramp to the dock. You get the very smooth backing with the Manual Trans. With Auto Trans it some times jerk back and forth a bit with a heavy load in the trailer. Its even worse when backing down a slop hill to a dock. The truck jumps when you press the brake pedal lightly for the trans to disengage from the revs. Once I'm lined up backing down a hill to a dock. I put the auto to neutral and use the brake for the smooth back.
You guys are totally right. That was the main reason I watched this video. The biggest issue with the auto is docking and of course it is never discussed. If they can make an auto that will not continously disengage at low speeds, especially in reverse, I would prefer one.
Eaton themselves proved that the autos out performed the manuals loaded and unloaded. The TECU knows exactly when to shift and how to optimize fuel economy and performance. A person cannot do that. People kill clutches and shock load the shit out the trans and drive line. Autos know better
@@KenworthofRichfield lol, that is true. You will ALWAYS see truckers dogging other truckers because of the transmission.. it is stupid. To say it is like driving a car is foolish, imo, because my car/pickup is pulling 45,000 lbs. Sure, the shifting is as easy as a car's automatic, but you are still driving a semi with 45,000 lbs behind you.
The question I have is will Eaton ever get the reverse fixed. The altrashift sucks when backing up to cliff and dumping your load where you need to have good control and a slow roll . It also sucks when you're trying to hook up to a tag trailer with a pintle hitch also there is way too much roll back when you're on a hill and starting off from like a stoplight.
Craig Tirrell The ultrashift as I understand it, is not a true planetary/torque converter automatic like we saw in normal (non CVT or DCT) 50s to 00s cars and trucks...it is an automated version of the manual...years ago, they had automatics that you used the clutch, to take off from a stop, and after that it shifted all the next gears without a clutch or drivers input, by cutting fuel and matching input shaft RPM to Engine RPM...I suspect this is similar but with new technology they have now eliminated the clutch pedal like a DCT in the newer cars.
Auto transmissions need to be put in manual mode when in adverse conditions so that it can stay in one gear and until you need the next gear like being able to use it like a manual.
@@truckpro5665 if I'm correct a lot of auto transmissions are like that, you either push a button to change a gear or you can push/pull the shifter back and forth for a different gear, it just depends on the transmission the truck has
@@Dunki113 Yes and no. The ECU of those transmission still doing is own thing. One of the freightliner 2015 that i drive has a manual mode. You can't downshift more that 1 gear at time, will not downshift going downhill and rarely will upshift going up. The manual mode is pretty rudimentary. On a Volvo 2014 you can't shift period. The jake brake as a downshift mode: you basically use it to go down in gear and then you put it on M and it's stuck on the particular gear that the computer brought you to. The volvo system is shifting well. The Paccar is in-between and the freighliner is total garbage up to 2017 where it became just bad. It does retarded downshift at low speed that will make you lose control in winter while turning at 5MPH. And of course all of those transmission are always broken at my company that operate in a big city.
@@farahnazx5955 Look at the the new Corvette as I mentioned....It's automatic online. As someone that races, a sequential transmission that can be controlled, but not one that I have to shift is ideal.
I'll stick with a 13, 15 or 18 Speed. Depending on what I am using the truck for, but cant go wrong with the 18 speed. Can use it as a 13 speed pulling and empty trailer, 9 speed bobtail, 15 pulling 80k flat, or 18 speed pulling hills. Doing the test at 80k will really show the difference.
...'''THANKS- for that ...now Tell ...'''em...AGAIN '''...'''cause'...i don''t think they HEARD...you...13'6''...&-...Tree-TOP-TALL...pedal to The metal...and that''s all...
Has been suggested and I'm not sure it makes much of a difference. The transmission senses the engine load and shifts accordingly. I think we end up with the same exact result
@@sonboogie It's not quite that simple. When people buy a new truck, they want a new truck. Even if it's a dump truck, they want it brand spanking new......I don't think I'd have a job if I filled up the beds and then we tried to sell them as new
@@KenworthofRichfield I fully understand "all" the reasons why a salesman will never do a full application review. Folks should just keep in mind that there is a difference under load.
You didnt click your heels times and say banana split chocolate chalupas 3 times, so I dont think I can take this review seriously. All jokes aside, this is a very interesting comparison
For you mr hd mech...what kinda heavy duty mechanic doesn't know tht 3406 and c15 is the same thing? So how could i have 1 or the other? Your the reason i keep my sht out of shops. And no i dnt run a cat i run a 99 n14 celect+. But since you brought it up id put my money on a 3406 over a x15 8 days a week
X hardtrucker92 pardon me but I don’t think I said anything about a 3406e, or that the the 3406e was different than the c15. For that matter, it definitely is to certain extent. Majority of the rotating mass and some of the bolt ons are different. Furthermore I took interest in this very debate about a year ago, and took time to ask customers who upgraded what their opinion was. The vast majority said the x15 performance with the correct cpl would easily outpull their previous caterpillar. A few may say the cat out pulled, but also proceed to say it had been modified
You know who complains about auto's in trucks. The driver who MAYBE drove a first generation auto for MAYBE a shift or a week at best. (yes 1st gen where garbage) The newer generation of truck auto's are beyond fantastic to drive. You will never be happier being in one until you are stuck in Toronto 7-9am traffic or 3-6pm traffic. ( for those that are about to say Toronto traffic isn't bad..A. busiest stretch in N.America B. Also the deadliest) 1.Being able to get out of the truck and actually walk not limp alone makes them worth their weight in gold. 2. You can stick a newer driver in one and instantly save money on fuel cost. Who might if they are really good/lucky get 5-6 MPG in a manual and now start getting 8-10 MPG in an auto. 3. No matter how good you think you shift a manual you will never do it as well as a auto and computer. Again saving you money on maintenance. Less wear and tear on the gears and sprockets.
I think some people feel threatened by it, and i can somewhat understand that. Overall, good drivers....heck, good people adapt and learn to use the tools available to them.
In the end its all about the prize(money) not who shifts better. I have a 2018 cascadia automated manual transmission and I’ll never go back to manual transmissions. Why punish yourself for no reason? The customer is going to get their product regardless.
It actually doesn't matter anymore...which is better that is. I have my opinion and 30+ years as a technician has had its influence. Standard shift transmissions have higher maintenance and repair costs due to abuse and poor driving habits. Drivers who either don't know how to properly shift, or who deliberately shift without using the features built into the truck to help them synchronize cause premature wear and shock-load damage to all components in the drive train. Plus, they waste fuel. Right now truck manufacturers are outfitting their basic production models with automated manual transmissions, not standard shift and not automatics. In the next few years (if not now) a new truck with a standard shift transmission will be special order only. That's the reality and it has more to do with the shortage of qualified drivers and overall ownership and maintenance costs. Sorry stick shift lovers, your gear grinding days are over.
Yup. Look at the brand new Corvette. Not even an manual option. :D About 2 years ago, we saw a switch from 70 percent manual......to suddenly 70 percent automated. Almost overnight.
I do not drive LGV/HGV or BIG TRUCKS, but after driving manual diesel cars, and having the sense to "let the torque talk", or keep changing up up up, at lowish engine rpm's. Last car was a 110BHP VW TDI. Replaced by a 105 BHP VW/Skoda with the DSG=Automated manual transmission. It picked gears against revs, like I was in full control, it was quite faultless even when towing 3200Kg(and only supposed to tow 1600Kg) Quite amazing on the open road. BUT a complete useless bitch, when asked to manouver at low speeds, ZERO "fine motor control" like I could finesse with a clutch(and I took 253,000 miles out of a clutch and it was still biting perfect when parked up) And zero use reversing uphill in constricted areas, simply dropped out of gear, without warning, to "protect" the clutch packs! So horses for courses?.
heres my opinion of the ultra shift 18. I drove a 567 6 axle dump grossing at 70-75K lbs daily. The ultrashift did do a surprising job managing gears going up and down hills. It rarely missed. But if it does miss, which happend once climbing the big hills close to West Virginia for the oil fields. Was climbing what I would have to guess was a 10% grade. She started at 35 in 13th gear and by the time I was half way up, I was around 20ish mph and losing fast. Up to this point its been downshifting great. But then It missed the shift to 6th. The truck jump off the ground I swear. I damn near hit my head on the roof of the cab when it missed and tried to grab a random gear. she then came to a stop on the hill and gave a "trans fault" code. I had to shut the truck off and disconnect the batteries just so it could reset and I can get gears again. She climbed the rest of the hill in 3rd gear at about 7 mph. Now that was a pretty extreme case. over all shift is ok. What I dont like about it is how often it will go through every gear from a dead stop unloaded even, or the amount of times I roll to a stop sign and then hit the gas to go, and nothing happens for a solid 3 to 5 seconds. Plus dont get me started with the amount of break downs Ive had with that trans. In the 10 months I drove it, putting on 80K miles in that time, that truck has been towed 3 times because of electrical issues and failures on the trans. its a great trans when it works but its a highways transmission. It does not like working on soft terrain and will often give up and pop out of gear when the tires sink 3 inches into mud, mean while our other trucks with an 8LL in deep reduction could plow through mud axles deep. Again, when it works, its great, comfortable and a nice luxury. I can eat my sandwich while leaving a stop light! But it just had too many faults that kept me stranded or cursing the thing out when ever something screws up. Until the kinks are worked out and they are more reliable, I will stick to a manual trans of any sort. Once they fix those things, I can welcome it with open arms. But the manual trans can never go. Manufactures need to realize that and they need to still offer it. Fleet companies may buy automatics these days but Ill bet you most owner ops will buy a manual.
Here in europe we use powershift for decades. Here is lot traffic, small curvaceous roads, cyclists, pedastrians and crasy drivers from east. Powershift is faster like manual and sensor controlled. At slippery roads you have a manual mode. Under load, the quality of the gear selection depends on the software. I had some problems with Mercedes with the parameters. The MAN switches smoothly and has a reduction gear for heavy terrain. It is a ZF TraXon 12 speed gearbox. More gears is a sign of low engine torque.
Ok I can tell he’s never been over the road. Most truckers.... not drivers want a manual for total control over the load and that vehicle. an automatic transmission is ok for short local driving, but not for long haul for a few reason, if you’ve ever gone up vail or wolf creek pass or on I-80 in the mountains period or in any kind of weather conditions you would know why truckers like manuals. Believe it or not we are much safer, 90% of the trucks you see flipped over in the median are all automatics. Spin outs jackknifes, skids, all of that you see are all major fleet carriers in automatics, I have a friend that lives in Denver doing short runs, he is in an automatic and he says half time in the winter he is manually shifting the son of a bitch with the selectors for control, so he may as well be in a manual transmission. He is also a CDL instructor and a tester, he says that truck ain’t worth the damn. I myself have been trucking off and on now for over 8 years and I have never been in an automatic and I never will be, I also have zero accidents because I know what in the hell im doing and what I’m talking about. And any livestock hauler or flatbed trucker would agree with me. So in short if you are a driver doing locals more power to you and you’re peace of shit automatic.
Interesting observations...but I have to wonder something. You said most of the trucks flipped are fleets. Could that also be because they have the most on the road and also are usually the least experienced drivers?
Kenworth of Richfield oh I’m sure inexperience has a lot to do with it, lol they aren’t truckers, they seem to want to give any dumb ass a cdl these days if they pay for it, they can’t even drive a manual. look man I’m not putting you down, and mean no disrespect. But I’m gunna tell you how it is. You made a comparison video of two trucks that you literally spent an hour in each of them. You picked the one that was easy and the most comfortable to drive automatic. And deemed that the winner. I stated previously yes automatics are good for some area’s to be local. But I tell you what man, why don’t we take it a bit further, maybe you should actually make a video of the trucks working, in extreme weather and climates, because in reality that will be the actual test. Instead of just strolling up and down the street joyriding on a nice sunny day, all that’s doing is giving people a false sense of reality. Why don’t you meet me in that son of a bitch up in Jackson hole or on Rabbit ear in dead winter, or hell even now we could still find some snow and ice. We can go about 300 miles up and around the mountains. I will be in my big ass 389 Pete , 18 speed Manual Eaton fuller, and then you can tell me all about how great you’re automatic is.... make sure you got chains😎
@JEFFREY HARMON True but when your in big cities with stop and go traffic it helps with a Automatic. If you never driven a automatic you wouldn't understand.
I drive a bicycle, been driving one fore years. And I have to say I prefer manual any day of the week. Not only does it help with the hills but also the love of the ride. For anyone wondering I drive a 2002 mongoose, got it on sale at Walmart.
I am blown away at the results, but I wouldn't drive an automatic truck ever.....The best part about driving a big truck is shifting and downshifting, SORRY. Automatics in cars or trucks have always been for Women. That's my advice.
@MAPLE SYRUP well i am fat and i do chain smoke but my 3 cars and my Harley are stick shift.... with that said the company i work for has all automatic trucks so not my choice but still nice
I totally agree. The ultrashift wins hands down. Enhanced safety AND efficiency in both easier on the drivetrain and reportedly slight improvement in mpg numbers, and I’d guess less emissions as well and greater tire and brakes longevity. And, yeah, with about 2.5 million miles in my career, sure I worked that 9speed overdrive pretty darn good in my BullDog. But I think the two pedal AMT is best.
Hmm! Yes this is what happened to otr bus companies switching over manual to auto shifts because the drivers these companies were hiring. Because they couldn't drive which is what happens when they're pushing to fill seats. 😐
@@orangeshell8 The only place you can gain on these is if you don't mind ripping on the clutch a bit more. It's hard to pull a stick faster than a pneumatic actuator.
My Daddy at 56 bought a 50 chevy with power glide and complained about the automatic. He never drove a stick again and lived to be 90. The world changes and comparing today with 2011 doesn't work.
I prefer driving the rig instead of it driving me. More or less, I prefer stick because I have more control over the rig. I also prefer the direct drive you get with gears.
The automated transmission uses the same gears that the manual does. Also, you have about 90% of the control over the truck that you do with a manual if you just learn to adapt to it.
With a dumpy the real question is how does it maneuver in a dump, worksite and city streets and how well does it stop. A few seconds faster acceleration is not going to make a difference to the bottom line.
I have 7 axle dump with allison 4500. I haul salt all winter long with no problem 22.5tn legal to 30tn. Not a problem with either one. In summer we hual milling, and asphal all legal weight 22.5tn. Very easy to get around in. I've seen the Eaton 10 speed auto's and they are quit a bit slower at what they do verses the Allison. But the still work. My father been drive since early 20's and know his very late 60's driving manuals.He's been to every state too. Drove my Allison a few times and liked it. about a year ago he said he wants to get an auto to drive. He's been pissed since that he didn't do it sooner. The technology is there. Allison automatic are the best. Try sitting under a milling machine for 15hr's. i laugh at all the guys that bitch.
My biggest problem with the automated trannies is clutch control. There is none. It makes the cab hop all over the place with any load over 5000 lbs. And low range is jerky, too. It's full throttle, no throttle, full throttle, no throttle. It's like riding with someone who just learned how to shift, except you're the one behind the wheel. To be honest, I could care less about shifting on a highway truck. You're going to be in the top two holes most of the time anyway. And if need be, you can force the auto down a gear. But I need to be able to control the clutch and low range. I can't stand the jerkyness of the automateds.
I like my cascadia but having auto is better in some ways, rush hour traffic. but turning a corner left at a stop light, I bump up to 2nd gear, when take off trans go back to 1st and then doesn't shift up quick enough so usually I wait on light to yellow clear on coming lanes till I turn. my 2013 mack px612 e7 10 spd would shift so effortlessly ! in winter being able to run up on the governor in lower gear to keep from breaking traction, my 10 spd manual was safe and comfortable on snowy roads! and last but not least my 2005 kw t800 cat power 10 spd she shifted like a dream! sweet but before our lease it was a rental unit, we needed a slot filled because of fleet expansion quickly. old girl had a hard life, but with a constant driver she got straightened around. she would got through the gears and give me the control and safety I liked. so both have benifets, I miss my 10 spds , personal preference I guess. I've never been a super trucker, just grew up with trucks all my life!
@@dewaynemiguel3349 My comments are far too logical for you to grasp! I grew up on a farm and learned to drive on a tractor. My uncle owned a concrete company, and by the time I was 13, I could operate anything from a tractor to a semi, including a concrete mixer, front end loader, bulldozer, crane, and ride the hell out of my motorcycles!! But I, at 60, have learned to grow with the times. I can see when tradition is better, and when progress is better. You are stuck in the 1970's. You probably still run on paper, have a flip cell phone, and get your news from network television!! In short, you're an outdated ass!! 😁😅😂🤣
@@Tony-5000im retired . well i grew up on a farm also i drove tractors harvesters owned a dump truck in 73 then started driing big rigs in 1976 and did so for 42 yrs so dont think yous special except may e ed automatics dont make it better a insurance study found automatic drivers are more destracted in there driving so go be what ever you are i dont care the truth is the new dont make it better so go fuck your self your more than likley a little bitch
@@dewaynemiguel3349 I measured my trailer to make sure. Guess what... It's STILL 53 feet long!! Driving an automatic didn't make it shorter!! I checked my delivery time. I deliver at 0400! Having an automatic didn't move it to a later time!! I KNOW backing a stick is EASY!!!! You couldn't back an automatic into a tight spot!! Much harder!!! I just watched a video yesterday where a man drove 2 brand new KW's with the same exact specs, but 1 was auto and one was a stick. They both reached 65mph at the same exact time!!! Don't blame me if you can't stay focused on driving without holding on to the stick. Maybe you have an obsession with holding onto a dick!! Don't take you perverted frustrations out on me! You're so old, you probably think a tablet is a bunch of paper! You are just a relic of the past!! Time to crawl into a casket and die. What's your Social Security Number....12??!!!! 😁😅😂🤣
Nope, sorry, 18 is a muscle and coordination memory, it's second nature, if you need automatic transmission to pay more attention to your surroundings, that means that you did a half ass job to begin with, For me the fatigue was before or after driving, dealing with the BS.
I've been driving for over 17 years automatic works for me and cruise control...😍😍😍 At the end of the day it's all about the money you make... That matters to me..
Was an owner / operator in the 1980’s getting paid % of revenue which means the more cargo I carried, the greater the revenue and my pay for the trip. When you start out, you think a custom extended sleeper, massive fuel capacity, 18 speed and an extended hood is everything. Then you realize how to make more money and that new tractor and trailer is spec’d to be able to carry an extra 5,000 pounds of cargo and that additional revenue just paid all the trip expenses.
Why would someone want something old fashion as a stuppid manual shifter, when you can have a automatic? Standing in a traffic jam sucks when you have a shifter, because all the time you're on the clutch pedal and grow more mussle on your left leg. And with a automatic, you always have a hand free and you don't need your left leg anymore, so a way more comfortable ride. Shifting is for young dudes who want's to show of what a master they (think they) are, and automatics are for older drivers who prefer comfort above the hassle of swinging an old fashion 3 foot pole around the cab.
Difference is fleet spec to O/O... Set up on shifts and engine load parameters will determine how well the ultrashift preforms.. Fuel mileage has not been impressive in heavy dump configuration.. manual takes it by almost 1 mpg
ultrashift has full manual mode capability if you turn it on in your parameters there is literally no difference between a manual transmission in an ultra shift if you are in manual mode. Shifts early shift late do whatever you want.. skip shift etc
My business is not exactly dealing with trucks but aircraft. Nevertheless I must agree with you about less workload. Drivers and pilots both have very much to care about and if the machine is to help, well.... be welcome.
Ironman. check out Jim Park and a segment he did on the 18 ultrashift at the Eaton proving grounds in Battle Creek, Michigan. They stopped him on a 16% grade with a 70,000lb steel coil on an 8 axle flatbed. Not only did the truck get it moving, but it upshifted 2 times!!! I hate these automated transmissions, I’m the first one to admit that, but credit where it’s due, there’s no way in hell I could make that shift and I have been doing this almost 20 years...
If you have something to prove then I hope you do as for true truck drivers if an automatic can do the same job and easier I mean work smarter not harder ... separates men from boys ., obviously you only have a few years into truck driving lol
As an OTR truck driver to shift is the only way to operate a OTR truck. as a driver that has been at it for many many years with many safety awards. I would always pick a standard transmission every time. this video shows the amount of speed and the amount of time those are not factors I would even consider. one factor that I might consider is longevity.
110% right on driver mindset and education. Having worked in an ultra shift fleet the driver's style has a lot to do with the life of the clutch and how they shift.
@@genwatie2191 like I said automatic is better when you are in a city area like new York, Boston, and New Jersey, don't have to be doing all that shifting.
i drive milk tanker truck locally (tractor trailer). i consider myself lucky to have one of the last manual 18's he purchased, its a 2017 KW T880 18 manual paccar MX13. he has been buying "ultra" 18 trucks. i have driven them and dont care for them. it takes too much joy out of driving the truck. i actually enjoy what i do. not only that but im afraid those autoshift trucks are ill-equipped to deal with icy and hilly roads in the winter. im afraid they arent going to cope with non-treated farm driveways which in the winter can be quite bad. i dont like the delay, i like how when i take my foot off the clutch its instant power to the wheels. i have the ability to rock a stuck trailer using the clutch. also the auto shift trucks shift way too much. it isnt smart enough to realize the road might have leveled out, but it's going to go up hill again. a human driver will keep in in gear and build a little rpm. dont get me started on backing with one of these autoshift transmissions because they just plain suck at backing
@@captianjessie1 ill cling onto my cuurent truck as long as possible. it only has 77k on it and i average 35-40k per year. should last a long time. furthermore most of the milk hauling companies arent buying auto shifts. my boss is one of the few. these transmissions are best suited for OTR long haul, not hilly back country roads that arent exactly bare in the winter. they arent meant for shitty farm driveways either, nor heavy surge loads. recently one of my co-workers was given an almost brand new truck with an autoshift. he hated the truck and told my boss to fix his old truck (he was planning to trade) or he was going to walk. the truck in question is a 2010 KW T660 18 speed manual with an ISX cummings. my boss fixed the driver's old truck. i know of another driver that threatened to walk when told he was going to have to drive an auto. you might have to threaten but at the end of the day it appears my boss will work with drivers to keep them around. its sad that these stupid transmissions are well suited for those who refuse to want to learn how to shift. pathetic. if you cant shift and dont want to learn you should NOT be driving a truck
The real trucks, and the real drivers are almost gone. It's mostly the givernments fault. Pretty sad what it has come to as a whole. I wouldn't let most of these drivers today ride a bicycle I liked. Choked back, non power making motors, autoshifts, e logs. Screw it I've been out a while and never going back. The good old days of outlaw trucking are gone.
If you can't change gear then you should not be on the road. People work hard and graft all day. And you drivers are in the luxury of a cab all day long.
Seems like there would be less driver fatigue. I understand the macho thing but more energy and focus will allow a driver to focus on his surroundings and leaves more energy for when he climbs out of the truck and not be so exhausted. I enjoyed the manual in CDL-A training but I learned how to time and control the automatic transmission with my foot pressure, and timing on the diesel pedal and service brake while in tow/haul with full exhaust brakes. Works almost as well as a manual for control.
YES!!!! That's a true driver! Someone that adapts and learns how to use the equipment to the fullest advantage rather than just complaining about it. Kudos to you!
If shifting gears makes you fatigued then I'd suggest seeing a doctor because shifting is not strenuous
@@erics5952 it's not, but it is just one more thing to do, and also takes your hands from the wheel.
@@KenworthofRichfield // The automatic is my truck but I was very surprised at the difference the manual made in control. It took me about six weeks to understand how the automatic full exhaust brakes interact with the diesel pedal and how the automatic transmission "learns" how I drive - but I was learning how IT drove, so there was some adaptation and brain scrambling but I figured it out. Now, it's just a matter of paying attention to the terrain and traffic because I do a lot of partial shipments in this truck. On rolling hills and skinny country roads with a load, I really pay attention to every detail and time the exhaust brakes along with pressure on each pedal and timing on and off the pedals. It's fun to me. 🤷♂️
For me the ultrashift is a better option in aspects of a bad knee,my left knee has a pin in it,so shifting causes alot of pain,though I prefer it and yes I can float gears,however the clutch still gets used in certain areas
I’d like to see the same comparison under a load.
Earl Harman yeap and on a steep grade💪🏽
How about under 225000 lbs? With a 2017 Volvo VNX and an I shift. 12 speeds.
Yeah, I agree. The manual has more control over speed. Ultra shift is basically a glider under load... Most drivers like them because they can pull away from a stick shift just before a merge or construction, ECT... I have seen a dump truck get him self into trouble by racing up to and behind a four wheeler. He had to lay rubber, and peel off the road after passing me 2 minutes earlier... He was following to close! If some drivers could get it in their little heads that it's not about speed, it's about safety. Things would be better, and less accidents would happen... Restrictions on drivers have made them desperate...
@@paulbickley658 unless you have a high low shifter like i do. No real
Loss in hp and tourqe.
No shit. I had a carrier take away my manual Freightshaker and give me one of those iShit Vulvas with a snot green D13 sewing machine. Found out I couldn't manually control the transmission with 44,000 pounds chasing me down the Cascades eastbound. Which basically meant I could not get engine RPM up enough to let the engine brake do its job without overspeeding for the grade. I put my notice in the next day. If that's the way they set automated transmissions up, I will never drive another, they are unsafe.
It’s not always about power, it’s being comfortable behind the wheel for hrs on end. Every truck has its purpose, remember when there were no autos what so ever, hauling aggregate everyday, shift after shift..clutch in clutch out..! Time to enjoy the drive!
Agreed!!!
You actually use the clutch to shift?
@@MG-ks1qg ikr
Love how they park those dumps almost as close together as 2 swift drivers in a flyingJ lot
Real drivers know
not swifts fault pilot makes the parking so tight.
Swift can do some impossible stuff like i guarentee they can hit 17 foot bridge with a 14.6 foot truck
@@zandertappen6150 quickest way to empty a truck stop restaurant is walk in and say " wow that swift driver is gonna try backing in to that parking space"
@@zandertappen6150 don't you mean a 13'6" truck.
After 30 years of driving all kinds of stick transmissions, I’ve really learned to appreciate the luxury of the automatic transmissions.
It just flat makes that much of a difference at the end of the day.
Exactly right! So many years and I finally got one. I loved it pulling a reefer. Can't use one at current job though wish I could.
You still select manaul for of job s don't you.....
Think open tell the truth guys. Auto is not 100 correct.
@John Smith You haven’t driven a decent automatic it sounds like, a good one is very smooth shifting, and starts off in the right gear according to the load you’re pulling.
Shifting after a while is second nature, Eventually you dont even look or think about it it just becomes part of you
After 56 years, 2.8 million miles on 2continents and most of the pacific rim, I can say it in two words “muscular memory”. Chiefd
I couldn’t agree more. When an RTLO18 becomes a part of you.. you don’t think about it, you aren’t any more distracted.. and ultimately have more control. Why retrain your body to manipulate the decisions of your machine when you can make those decisions directly.
Auto are great but times depending on the grade on an interstate or pull autos will continue to shift dropping to the bottom of power curve when manals hold a better speed and better rpm when heavy. Maybe can retest with a load on a grade where the auto wants to change all the time thanks
@@griffindaniel3264 auto is crap I can just imagine being stuck in mud or ice with an auto and trying to rock it to get out. Having to somehow figure out how to use the brake and gas without just spinning the tires on an auto is actually way harder then manual
Tyler Chauvin after 4+ million miles of my dad driving. Shifting becomes extremely easy, and it is to the point where he drinks and eats while he drives. After 18 years of haulin ass. It has become a joke to him lol
To me, the most impressive thing about this video was how close you parked those trucks to each other. I know people who can't park a car between the lines in a parking space let alone what you did.
Also, am I the only one who was wondering what that red flashing light was in the speedometer? It took me a minute but I figured it out....
Thanks man!!!! I take great pride in precision driving. Mirrors never touched, but I couldn't fit my thumb between them. :D Yeah....to GoPro had the red light.
I was thinking the same thing. Great job lining them up.
@@johnrossi6212 Thanks. I've always taken pride in doing "precision driving". As a kid, I always wanted to be a stunt driver (blame the Dukes of Hazard) and I knew that precision driving was part of that. :D
One of the first things I noticed. I thought it was so it would fit in the camera frame better.
@@antpoo It was actually. It'd look bad with 10' in between them. :D
myself, i find the shifting therapeutic. Its a calm for alot of us that you miss out on with an auto. Really it is more a matter of preference.
There is a calming effect with it that I do understand....until I get in traffic. lol
theodoreisthebest;
I agree!- I don’t like automatics, I still prefer a stick👍🏽😈
@@Aleiria13 I can totally understand that still.
In Europe the trucks of Scania have an Auto but you can have a Clutch for the start off. Idk how to call that. Im Swiss so excuse my bad english
@@JopaxxOfficial We had that setup before, but not the computer controls the clutch also.
I've been driving 21 years CDL A and 10 of those years have been in automatics in The Cascadia and Peterbuilt and Kenworth models and they have not only performed without any real issue but have been surprisingly reliable. I do sometimes miss shifting at times but remember the chore it can be in tight spots on hills in traffic vs the automatic. Either one is fine for me so it's just a convenience to have the automatic. I think they have come a long way and if proven reliable a decent alternative to a standard transmission.
YES!!!!! Finally someone that has the experience in both and gets it. :D
Wait till you dock in a Freightliner, you will shake for your life😂😂😂😂
The proximity of those mirrors to each other is giving me anxiety.
hahaha. Even when I shut the trucks off, they never touched. :D
uh huh
Why?
Had some close calls?
I have an 2018 peterbilt 500 isx 13 speed ultra shift trans dump with 18 foot box super 10 like you say not thinking about shifting does give you as a time to pay attention to everything else around you plus around the job site you can use manual mode , I have however had mine reprogrammed to the second stage much effective putting the power down 30 plus years of driving I quite enjoy it , but I will tell you this I run Southern California so living Orange County or LA county in the afternoon it is so nice to only have 2 pedals
The issue is not acceleration with empty trucks, what matters is control of the truck when loaded. With a manual I know exactly what the truck is doing and going to do, which is extremely important in adverse road conditions.
Now personally I like autos for city work, but that’s it.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"
...right that''s ...on the clock...9-5-...city...LTL-Driver..!!
Dam right
...yeahhhh...and ...what''s He ...pulling...paper...Towels...or...candy...LOADS...for ...'''WAL-Mart-'''...
Modern-day transmissions and engines are well equipped with bunch of sensors. ECU reacts much faster than human brain. The only advantage of human brain is prediction, but that is the privilege of experienced drivers
I like manuals better in the snow and ice
Yea they just down shift when you don't think ther going to ....snow ice on off ramp ...not fan of auto
Agreed. Downshifts when going around an icy corner. No thanks.
You need to put the auto in manual mode when in adverse conditions.Thats what the M is for.
David Mccully The auto needs to be put in manual mode when in adverse conditions that’s what the M is for on the shifter or dash.
Victor Brown yet almost every mega carrier that has automatics turn off manual mode for their drivers, because “fuel savings”
I have yet to get better fuel mileage with an automatic over the manual I had before. In fact I’m planning on buying a manual just to get out of these shitty autos. They shift weirdly, don’t know what gear to pick, and either lug or overspeed the engine. I also know for a fact that it leads to more complacent drivers. All of my company’s trucks have collision avoidance radars and lane departure warnings. Combine that with an automatic transmission, and it becomes easy to see why so many people text, or watch videos going down the road, instead of paying attention to the road as they should be. Manual drivers tend to be the safest drivers on the road, because THEY ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE ROAD!
I dunno - I like to full control of what gear I'm in for up/down grades & road conditions. That just me tho
I can understand that Keith, but you'd be surprised as how much control you have with the throttle in terms of what the transmission will do.
There is a "manual" setting for the Ultrashift. You drop/pickup gears to suit yourself, skip gears, etc.. I've driven manual and auto and semi-auto. And a few Quads.
On the automatic trucks now you can push a manual button where you can choose the gear.
With full lockers the automatic will crawl it’s way out of a bog. When you have only a 6*2, with no diffs, you’ll be relegated to the road. Also the run of the mill fleet spec with a ten speed automatic doesn’t do Ultrashift any justice.
I think you did a fine job shifting the manual...not that you need my approval.
Thanks Scott!!!! I'll take it!
I agree,did great, i didn't see,any problems with it .
As others have said, the test for these is NOT tooling around bobtail on flat ground.
The real test is 90% max load, on 10% grades up and down. That is where the true test is.
There are no Interstate roads that are 10% grade there's no more than 8% in America not argueing I've done some research on this.Knowledge is great
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"
@@truckpro5665 You seem to be implying that these trucks are only ever going to be driven on the interstates.....
Come on mate. You claim to be a Truck Pro. You know that these are going off the interstates, hell even off road in some cases.
Load it to 80 thousand and go up black mountain North Carolina come down and go up Fancy gap and down. Then go run Hwy 321 from kings tree TENNESSEE to Charels town SC then I will say it has been tested.
@@philthelawnman I've been there and done that when I was leased with Land Star I've driven over the years 9,10 super 10,13,&15 standard,I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"For adverse conditions like snow,ice,mud,etc.the automatic needs to be put in M for manual so it can be shifted like a manual and have control in those conditions and "MOUNTAINS"up and down use the + and -- signs to shift when needed.
hate automatic especially in the snow . companies like the auto because they can scrape the bottom of the barrel for drivers
I worked at a truck stop I hated seeing the imported drivers, most are entitled and entirely unprofessional. Also I've seen a lot more drivers struggle on ice.
I had trucks with the Stupid AT545 Allison auto (no lock up converter and no retarder) and the only way it would upshift, is if you had hit a specific RPM in each gear, it would then hit so hard in that next gear the rear tires would break loose in the snow and you would fishtail...there was no easing it thru the gears and on a slippery road...and yes it made the for the ease of hiring "inexperienced drivers" at a lower wage and it stinks!
You hit the nail on the head sir. I keep telling my company to stop settling. Just get good drivers.
The shitty part here guys, is the fact that drivers are getting harder and harder to come by. Finding people willing to make the sacrifice and drive around this country day in and day out just isnt appealing to the new generation. And the ol boys that been doing it for 40 - 60 years (mad respect for sure) just ain't gonna be in it much longer. So instead of giving the new gens a hard time about being "bottom of the barrel" let's pass the skills down and show them right.
@dez nutz you right man... people need to get in the ball tho or our nation gonna go through a helluva lack of freight movement
The real test is how many miles can each trans get under load and how much does it cost to replace or repair them.
That module on the automatic is $4000 to $6000 to replace, not cheap, I will stick with my old fashioned 18 speed. And mine does not tear up the docks when I gently bump the dock... ;-)
You are exactly 💯 right on that my reman, just cost $7,900 have no idea what a automatic would cost.
Depends who’s driving the 18 manual only take one people who S new driver to mess up your truck
These 2 questions to be answered are my biggest concerns on whether to choose an automatic or a manual trans; fuel differences and maintenance cost comparisons. For, the auto should be much less fatigue in a daily 500 mile run versus the manual but is it worth it or not?
Been driving since I was 18 hauling grain. I've hauled everything part time to full time and back to part time. The autos are getting better. And in traffic you cant beat them. Especially Atlanta rush hour. But going up a grade like Mount Eagle on I24? Cant beat the 18 manual. So flat ground the auto has its place but in the mountains. The 18 manual rains supreme. Just my experience.
Empty on ice
I’ll keep my manual
I just press the ice button on my auto box.. I take it your manual truck has stability control and traction control ..
Canadian driver here, so I drive like 6 months of the year dealing with snow and ice. More so since I drive a lot of northern Ontario roads. Never had a problem with an auto. The real issue is when they stick that damn bumper sensor for distance on a truck. Now that is something that will kill people. Having the tractor brakes lock up because of some jackass in a 4 wheeler cuts you off is absolutely terror.
Give me the stick shift its more fun plus it helps to keep you more alert
I just like shifting man.
@@roadrunner4910 👍
Same here @roadrunner
I'll keep my stick shift. Ya I'm a noob to trucking (less than a year). So far I've only shifted a 13 as school trucks and the company ones I've driven were all 13. Keeps me doing something, especially in the hills under load. Maybe a day when my shoulder says nope, but not yet.
You must LOVE tight stop and go traffic 😅😂🤣
It’s like the difference between wearing shoes with laces or shoes with Velcro. Both work just fine. In fact, Velcro may be better in some cases, but do you really want to be the guy with Velcro?
My favorite shoes have both. :D
Touché, sir.
hahahahahahahaha
If you were talking about the paint scheme, or how much chrome on the truck, or how many lights to put on the truck, then your argument might be valid (i.e. a fashion statement). I think that a closer comparison would be: Boxers or Briefs? You lady (etc) truckers will have to opine on other styles of undies...
That's not the same and plus velcro was old the automatic is new
Been driving automatics for three years now! They are less fatigueing and operate great!
Totally agree! As long as you adapt a bit to what they want, it makes for a great driving experience.
no matter what you need to get out and walk around erery 8-12 hours or you will lose your legs from the knees down from not flexing legs. i know a guy who had to amputate legs from knees down due to the run and gun days of no layover time resting and walking legs. so save legs and walk around often .
@@davidicousgregorian what does that have to do with Automatic or Manual?
@@Prost81 That has a lot to do with auto vs manual. If you're constantly shifting your leg is tired. If you aren't having to do that you are less tired/fatigued and able to do more outside the truck.
@@TehDigz how many times do u shift 🤣🤣 if ur leg goes to sleep while speeding up im sorry but u need to get checked out
I would of loved to had an automatic in my day,yes shifting gears was fun but after a while it got old, especially in heavy traffic,my main problem was arthritis in arms and legs , automatic would of been much better,
There's a ton of advantages to it....
im not a trucker, but stick to start and auto as you age.
Great point.
I work for a aggregate company and I drive a Peterbilt 579 automatic and I wish it was a 10 speed. Yeah It hauls ass when empty but loaded not so much.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"
They work just fine empty on ice if you put the trans. in manual so that it stays in 1 gear till you deside to change it to a lower or higher gear manualy and yes you can do this rolling at hwy speeds they are designed to do that.
Enzo Itzep depends on what automatic you have.... the Allison automatics are turds, and I feel like that’s where most people have the negative view of automatics in class 8 trucks comes from.
I drive a 2016 Western Star tri- axle dump with a ten speed ultra shift. I hate it! It doesn’t have the “Creep” feature that they have come out with that helps when feeding an asphalt spreader. Its not as slow starting as older versions, still slow, but a hell of a lot smoother starting off. Older versions dumped the clutch at 900 RPM, thought it would be great in Atlanta traffic, not so much! Nearly gave me whiplash from lateral torque trying to creep along in stop and go traffic, especially with an unbaffled tanker. Also, seems like it takes a lot harder pressure on the brakes to stop, i think because you can’t hit the clutch and disconnect from the driveline, you have all the fly wheels: tires drive line transmission all pushing the truck as you are stopping 27 tons of rock. Only way to disconnect is to put in neutral.
Then there is the delay starting off from a dead start, has hill assist that’s supposed to hold brakes on for a few seconds to keep truck from rolling until computer decides to go, but better keep that brake pedal covered, cause its going to roll before it begins pulling.
Pay attention to what gear you are starting in, 10 speed will start in 1st, second, or third, but you have to be completely stopped to select gear. Nothing like pulling out into traffic thinking you are in third , and its actually in first because you didn’t come to a full stop when you selected gear, and its taking its sweet time up shifting, and if you happen to be bouncing over a rough spot as you are holding your breath to get going, the damn computer cuts the throttle because it sensed wheel spin and now you are really in a pickle!
Yes i most definitely prefer straight shift for dump trucking and heavy haul, but would like to try an 18 speed ultra shift, just for the hell of it!
Drew w The Allison is a full automatic tranny. Ultra shifts are basic ten /18 speed boxes with computer controlled servos that engage the clutch, move the shift linkage.
The automatic is better because you can drink your coffee and drive at the same time
hahahaha. I"m not sure that it's the only reason, but it's definitely top 4 lol
You can put a coffee in a cupholder, shift your gears , then resume to drinking your coffee
@@leonholmes4584 That's true...... but why? :D
Just my humble opinion on the matter, Automatic for the COMPANY, and Manual for OWNER OPERATOR. The company may have 5 - 500 rigs out there with a variety of drivers and skills, but a O.O. is responsible for his or her rig SOLELY including all the maintenance and repair costs. When those Autoshifts stop shifting you're HELPLESS without dealer support. Again just my humble opinion. Any reputable repair shop can fix/rebuild/maintain a 9-10-13-18, 5×4 etc. trans.
Secondly, especially in the on/off road market as I drove for decades, I feel that you will always have a better level of drivers and driver skills with the stick shift operators when running off road.
I'll probably get a lot of haters here but I feel that NOTHING can or will ever replace the feeling of a direct Mechanical connection between engine and drive wheels, especially off road.
The video and comparison is of dump trucks which are often used on and off road, hence my input on the subject.
Makes sense as I can follow your logic on it, but we're getting more and more owner/operators that are going to automated for their own trucks also. Times are changing....
Agree 100% I work for a small company (2 trucks) and we will run 13&18 speed manuals as long as possible. They are far superior off road and pulling tanker. I’ve experienced too many problems with an auto to want to drive one and as a small company we don’t have the proper tools to trouble shoot or repair them.
That fleet truck will have, on average, 15 or 20 different drivers (at one of the "better" bottom feeder mega carriers) in one year.The autoshift, two or three pedal, along with the endorsement on the license is nothing more than dumbing down the skill level. More seat meat for the bottom feeder megas.
The "macho" comment is always first in the comments before resale value and application. Having driven ATL to the bay area and back in a 4070 with a 13 coupled to a 318 I dreamed of having an automatic since the autoshift was years from being even a dream. Allison did make an automatic but it was too heavy for a 73,280 pound gross weight to be realistic. Cruise control was an add on advertised on a clear channel (Charle Douglas anyone?) AM radio station. Point being don't be so quick to quote the "trainer" who can have years and years of experience if you're lucky, or, as little as six months experience and reading a script written by some college graduate. If I could use an autoshift at my current job I would welcome it.
10 4 on that brother!!
Working for an LTL company for 14 years I can say that I've spent alot of time in both manual and auto and prefer the manual over the automatics. Almost every automatic are company owns have had problems at around 400-600k miles. It's not about feeling like a billy-big-rigger it's about longevity on your investment. But LTL have to get butts in the seat so they will do anything to make it easy for someone coming out of driver CDL schools.
Personally, I'll always prefer manuals. But that's because I find it enjoyable, and I take pride in getting it just right. I always hear people say, "autos are so much better in stop and go traffic". For those who like autos, all the power to you. As far as stop and go, I still like my manual. Im a local driver and I'm rowing the gears all day long, still love it over an auto.
Now, our company has T800s in both auto and manual. As it pertains to our company, I prefer the auto. But this is solely because the manuals are 10 speeds, and the autos are 13 speeds, so they pull the hills better (got plenty of steep ones, even locally, where im from). But, if they had manual 13s or 18s, I would take them all day long.
All that said, if you have the choice, drive what you like.
I would agree except that Americans always heavily prefer automatics to standards, and there goes your choice of transmissions right out the window.
Terrific but I'd rather see the same video but fully loaded and going down a mountain road
...yeahhh...nobody answered my QUESTION...about ...I-80-...into SACRAMENTO-CALIFORNIA-...with no -jake-BRAKE...and ...stupid AUTOMATIC-TRANSMISSION...FULLY-LOADED ...coming ...off...that...Damn...Mountain...!!! ???
There is a button with an M on the dashboard. That gives you the same percentage of control as the manual (100%). It's so easy.
I started driving in the early 80's with an 18 speed. Loved having half gears when needed. Didn't care for 9 speed transmissions. I never used the clutch while moving forward so matching rpm and syncros is an art and actually removes boredom at times. Never driven an automatic rig, it seems cheap to me.
What about an automatic in the mountains with a full load of 80,000 lbs.? Is there a big chance of burning out the brakes?!?! Is a manual transmission better for this scenario?
@@lukedkleinful You can still shift gears manually with an automatic, plus engine brakes. Shouldn't be too much different. I don't drive in the mountains, but if I'm going down a big hill, I shift down to control my speed. I drive a 10 speed Eaton Ultrashift automatic.
@@lukedkleinful not with engine braking, three sets of engine braking with the 3rd one being recommended for downgrades as you mentioned hauling 80k pounds.
@@Evan_Horvath yes.
I feel more safer in the mountains in a manual
Do it uphill, fully loaded
What>? Gonna get to your destination 10 minutes sooner?
I think its personal preference not how fast it gets to 60
How fast it accelerates is important to me....if I don't get moving fast enough everybody and their mama think it's ok to swerve in front of me.
*70
On flat ground maybe, but I’m never on flat ground. On a 11% grade I’m choosing the manual every time.
I've driven both on grade. You can actually shift the autoshift manually.
You are very right. Autos never know when to shift on hills
I have yet to see a auto shift properly on a hill, any gearbox.
@Tyson Mars Ill just set my cruise to 70 and i always have my jakes screaming down hills
@@sheldon_fivenine That's where the driver goes from driving to operating the rig! Much harder to dock an automatic. I prefer manual when backing and on hills, but auto on road and in traffic. I miss shifting, but not when drinking coffee! Hahaha
I've been driving for 34 years....any tech that keeps a cup of coffee in my hand.....sign me up
YES! Gotta stay fueled up!
Take a sip. Set the cup down. Shift. Take another sip. Repeat. Do not spill a drop. Easy on fuel. Easy on the drive train.
Shouldn't have a cup in your hand the whole time your driving.
@@genwatie2191 Meh. All it take is co-ordination, steady application of the foot on the long thin one on the right. You can even shift gears, brake, steer, check mirrors, push the clutch in and out. When turning or stopping put cup on the the flat dash. Oh wait they don't make them like that any more. But back when they did make them like that. If you spilled it you were wasting fuel. Even worse shifting the load. That is if the dumb asses in the 4 wheel go fasters are not driving stupid as usual.
@@warrenpuckett4203 I didn't have a problem with your comment I agreed with you. It's the other one that thinks he needs a automatic to drink coffee. It's not like the cup is in your hand the whole time you drive. That's way they make cup holders.
Ultrashift operators Manuel.
1. Release park brake
2. Apply pressure to service brake pedal
3. Select desired gear being forward or reverse
4. Have truck towed to local repair facility because transmission will not go into gear
xD
For paving the 2018 auto shifters are a nuisance! The pave has to come to a COMPLETE stop before the truck will engage into forward gears to leave the pave! With the manual transmissions I DON'T need the pave operations to stop so I can leave the paver. I just slip the transmission into gear, & leave.
Yeah. You get that damn blinking
Light. Uh oh!!
Michel Reineking the ultra shift has 4 sensors and their all the same sensor ,and not that hard to get to if you don’t mind getting under the truck. It’s a good idea to carry one with you.Sometimes you can get it going by disconnecting the battery cables and let it sit a while.
Problem is the sensors are more often than not, not the problem.
Hmm! Oh my word manual transmission the more gears the best. 😐
They both have same amount of gears
...NOW THAT""S A TRUE ...STATEMENT''..!! ...i was ...''O.T.R.-48...states...35...years...before they went and BROUGHT THOSE ...sissy...fuel...squeezer...TRUCKS...J.B.-HUNT...SCHNEIDER-...WERNER-ENTERPRISES-...and...ARNOLD-TRANSPORTATION...where i once ...worked..!!
Yeah!! But you don't use all 18 gears on a manual very often Unless you be a Cowboy with the LOOK at me Syndrome !!!
@@jamesorr2404 ...yep...my...silly...Girlfriend...Thought i was ...AIRPLANE-PILOT-...when she saw all those GEARS-...and Looked inside ...says ...But it does ...Look Like ...cockpit of ...Airplane...'''
Elijah Mumford Why are you typing like that? Its like I’m reading the physical embodiment of a stroke
Just give a truck that don’t breakdown. After a while type of trans is not that important.
I would love to see a comparison with a full box
Unfortunately automatics don’t teach you to drive they teach you to steer, driving with gears allows you to feel the truck, you don’t get that from an auto, if you have never drivin with an 18 speed you only ever be a steerer not a driver
Do you also like stick the shifter up you're ass too jk
It depends on what truck and gearbox you have. I drive a Volvo FH420 with a I shift gearbox but you still need to feel what you are doing. Because you can screw these gearboxes up really easy. And if you press the throttle like a idiot you won't pull up as fast as you want.
I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"For adverse conditions like snow,ice,mud,etc.the automatic needs to be put in M for manual so it can be shifted like a manual and have control in those condition and "mountains"use the + and -- signs to shift when needed.
I'd rather hire a safe steerer than a not so safe driver... The transmission has nothing to do with being a driver or not.
having only used a 2 pedal truck once I cant like them. My main complaint is it is very hard to finesse. You dont have the control when hooking up a trailer especially. You cant be gentle like you can using a clutch. And making these trucks easier and easier to drive is just opening the door for people with less and less talent and ability to drive a truck.
Ha, yeah that lack of finesse when hooking is terrible. I had a McDonald's coffee explode on me and fill the entire cab after the one of my first attempts hooking with one of these autos. I've learned to do it smoother since, but that was a real mess.
If there isnt a stick in the floor, I'm out the door. I've learned to finesse automatics with the two companies I've been with but I still prefer my 10 speed over an automatic. I've slammed enough pins and docks to back my beliefs haha.
There’s too much going on in the cab of a modern over the road truck,,,heavy traffic QUALCOMM going off,,,trying to figure out where you’re at and where you’re going and again heavy traffic,,, for myself personally I thought an automatic truck was really nice. That was a brand new freightliner century class for P a.m. transport out of Tontitown Arkansas about 14 years ago I don’t know what they’re using now I don’t even drive truck anymore however I did appreciate the fully automatic transmission back when I drove.you dont need to worry about speed with power and low-end torque and all that stuff,,,an automatic transmission is safer all the way around you can give your full attention to driving that truck and not playing around with the gearshift
yes.....and they've gotten so much better since then also.
manuals lose their charm when you run in a lot of stop and go traffic
Not if you know how to drive.
@@grumpy4577 has nothing to do with knowing how to drive. You could certainly call it lazy
Learn to keep your distance from the car in front of you and pick a low gear and cruise.
IMHO driving a manual in stop and go traffic depends a lot on the clutch. When I did DSD on my long day I had 27 stops and a ridiculously stiff clutch, after a few months my left hip was always sore. Otherwise a great truck, an old Freightliner tractor that was stretched with a reefer box on it, it rode like a Cadillac and had some wierd 4cyl in it, strangest sounding diesel I've ever heard but had plenty of power as a straight truck, though I was told it was underpowered as a tractor, which I have no doubt. - Sorry this ended up longer than I expected.
@@Desertpacrat92 Must be a lot of polite folk where you're from. Even in my car, leaving any kind of safe distance in traffic means getting cut off and having to hit the brakes even more! lol
I’ll take the cup holder...on a manual...screw that automatic crap.
I would say this was a lousy test of Auto vs Standard.
Now I don’t have any fancy trophies, but I have driven for 40+ years Accident free, zero CSA score.
Lets try to do a real comparison of Auto VS Standard.
The big one is driver control, automatics remove control, the plus side is the computer can keep the engine rpms in the most fuel efficient range at all times, something a driver can’t do.
Some of the Negatives are, downshifting when braking, the computer is trying to help as you slow down by downshifting, however on slick roads, this locks your wheels, putting you in a slide.
Snow and ice, you get stuck, very common after sitting or unloading, with an Automatic call a wrecker, your stuck, no ability to rock your truck out.
Backing under a trailer, with an automatic, you very slowly apply throttle, trying to
back under a trailer, then suddenly, it moves, slamming you into 5th wheel pin.
Reverse, get a loaded trailer and try backing up an incline at an angel ( Such as backing into a dock). Likely outcome is your truck will violently jump up and down, trying to rip your drivetrain out, not move at all or go into Critical fault mode.
Hesitation, when you put the throttle to the floor, you have a 1/2 -2 second pause before things start going, in that time, in a standard transmission, you could be 2-3 gears.
One of the very things that Automatics are touted for is a drawback.. lessen driver fatigue. In an over the road truck, boredom is the key factor, your not supposed to be on electronics, phone, eating.. nothing. So how many hours can you sit with your mind numb before you fall asleep? If you have to shift gears, it keeps you alert and going.
Expense, Automatics are more expensive but tout longer life, this would be somewhat reflective of driver care, In my experience, I get almost a million miles out of a standard. Some drivers tear them up much faster.
So would I recommend an Automatic, yes exactly for what this video showed, a local, stop and go straight truck. This would be a terrific truck. For an over the road truck, these are a horrible idea. Just my 2 cents.
Tony, You make some great points, but we've found that a great driver can adapt. When it comes to these automated transmission, they become very predictable if you pay attention to them. They are quite a bit more sensitive to road conditions than you think also. A deft right foot can make up for the lack of a clutch in terms fo the control of the truck.
There are modern truck autos that support rocking mode, mud, crawling, towing and more. You just activate the program for it on the shifter.
The trucks you drove must of been shitty, i drive auto and while slowing down have "slipped", auto isn't as bad as people make them seem, but yes you would have to adapt!!
You also make a valid point with the backing, but i think newer trucks are fixing that problem, i drive company and had a 2017 t680, and for some reason it would jerk up and not move, i would had to let the truck start rolling backwards and real lightly engage the throttle, but now I have the same truck and its a 2020, much more smoother, doesn't jerk up at all and I'm always able to back up smoothly, its all about finding the right equipment i guess!!
@@Kemozabe and also since the US truck market looks a bit different from Europe
, you can get alot of mixed brands in a truck with a overall quality that differs.
Different suppliers of engine, transmission, rear axles and cab.
How are you able to get a optimum quality and functionality with that?
My thought are... This guys thinks he is REALLY cool. and I like the manual. More versatility vs "Ease of use"... I feel like autos are harder to use because they never do what you want. Less work is not sufficient. Seeing whats around me is not at all difficult with a manual. There is no difference. O never take my eyes off the road when I shift... Thats a dumb reason to pick a fucking auto.
First off, I could care less if I'm perceived as "Cool". I'm me. I'm happy with that. :D
Second off, autos can do exactly what you want. Great drivers learn and adapt to their equipment, and this takes some adaptation. The more I drive and pa attention to what an automated transmission is doing, the more I come to love it and the more I find that I can do with it. It's all about learning and growing with it.
I drive a super B train through the mountains of BC. There's no way I'm going to trust a comper chip to take me down an 8% grade on icey roads. There are too many variables that can go wrong.
RIGHT?
leave the automatics in Wisconsin 😤
Those aren't even driving conditions to be driven in anyway, so there's that.
You got that right, when has a, or any computer not broken down, when needed most. My favorite was a 5 x 4 Spicer spect in my new 1963 Autocare Twin screw with a 300 Cat and a doghouse sleeper. Chiefd
Well I have drove both I say both have good and both have bad I will take the trade and be the one NOT STANDING ON A CLUTCH
The real test is a loaded truck same amount of weight on each truck that tells the story
Bo Ward yes full tilt, 80,000lbs...uphill 5 degrees
And soft ground.
The real test since he was using dump trucks is soft ground spreading gravel.
@Mr Sunshines You seem like a really swell guy.
He's right though. The transmission is the same as the manual one with a robot that shifts the gears for you. Performance-wise, the only difference is the speed of shifting and gear selection logic. Can't beat an experienced driver, regardless of how optimized the tranny software is. All those "semi-autos" are junk.
Do another comparison video but use tractors with loaded trailers. Focus on backing smoothly and precisely into tight spots and docks on even the slightest incline. Real world daily trucking situations. Not a 0-65 acceleration test in an unloaded dump truck. Then tell us which is better.
There are some situations that are trickier than others. I did do a follow up video that covered low speed maneuverability, but that was also unloaded. With them being new trucks, it's tough for me to get/find loaded situations. I do realize that they can be trickier for some spots, but there are some programming fixes that can help with that. Have you gotten any updates done on yours?
I've been driving 10 years . I've driven 9 , 10 , super 10 and (currently drive a ) 13 speed manual. I've driven a couple automatics . My issue is every automatic has given me problems with the Jake Brake properly engaging and holding the right gear in mountain terrain. The other issue is all 3 automatics have been very aggressive shifting . You have to tie down everything , including your coffee and yourself to keep from getting thrown around and maybe even out of the truck when it shifts ( mainly up shifting ) and they wont engage reverse at idle speed or allow you to feather in reverse which is needed to dock without slamming the dock . In a standard I bump the dock and connect to trailers so lightly that you barely feel it . I also notice reversing with an automatic leads to more accidents at truckstops because reverse wont engage at idle speed .
That said as far as driving foward .... when they shift softly , I think the automatics are great for and only useful in city driving .
Maybe newer autoshifts are getting better because in this video it shifted beautifully but I also noticed it appeared to have 300 miles on a truck designed ( historically) to be used for 1.5 million miles or more . Now I know maintenance contributes to how well either transmission functions but both in my experience and just general observation it seems like after 3 or 4 hundred thousand miles the aitoshifts are going to shit while the manual is just finally broken in at that perfect sweet spot .
But no automatic can ever truly replace a manual in my opinion no matter how much better they perform if reverse wont engage at idle speed and allow you to feather the pedal to control both reverse speed and shifting pattern as well . For example Bob tailing I shift around 900 rpms with my 13 speed . Empty with a trailer around 1050 rpm and I adjust my rpm shift point as needed for weight . An automatic wont give you that kind of smooth control and that advantage of fuel usage because they only seem to want to shift at same rpm no matter what the load weight is .
Some people feel only macho super truckers drive and want to drive manuals but I would find it insulting to be called a SUPER TRUCKER yet I prefer manual because I know it's more reliable and as I pointed out about both reversing and shifting allows me greater control and adaptability.
There's two points I'll make on your automated transmission opinion. 1. If its in the most aggressive programming, yes....it will jerk you around a bit. 2. If you adapt to them and let them do their thing, they work pretty well. It may be something different than what you'd think it should do, but adapting to it will make you both a lot happier. Now, we aren't in the mountains, but I have driven on some hilly terrain around here and as long as I paid attention and let it do it's thing, I was happy with how it worked.
I just have to add......Road conditions & types of weather. Compare them both on winter roads & hill's. Which one has better control from starting up a hill and going down. Plus in triaxle truck's on job sites your in muddy and or soft ground also so again like to see the comparison. I must say I'm curious to know
That's where the big difference is. I drove a automated a few years ago up north and it was pretty nice until it snowed. Damn thing just wanted to upshift upshift upshift or get stuck in one gear in manual mode because it took to long to shift when you needed it to. It also felt disconnected going down hill. They may (hopefully) have gotten better in the past few years. Great in traffic and nice weather, bad on hills or bad weather.
I've driven over the years 9,10 super 10,13,&15 standard,I owned a 2011 Volvo with an I shift and a Volvo engine 425 HP and was working in the oil and natural gas industry leased to Bruce Oakley inc. out of Little Rock Ar.(Pneumatic Tank Divison) hauling any where between 42000 lds.and 48000 lbs. of frac sand up the side of single lane dirt mountain roads some with gravel to get to the well site in the the North East Pa. in snow and muddy condishtions in the winter "chains in the winter some time of corse"and these roads are anywhere between 8 and 10 percent grades not your average interstate roads at all and most of the time we start from a dead stand still at the base off the mountain road with no running start like on the interstate and my truck pulled just as good as any other truck with a standard shift and did this for 2 years without "ANY" problems at all.There is not an "INTERSTATE ROAD"in America that has 10 or 9 percent grades. I'm a driver sence April 9th of 1999 this my 21st.year I comment on my actual hands on experiences not what I hear on the cb radio or the grapevine bs talk "I have actually done it"For adverse conditions like snow,ice,mud,etc.the automatic needs to be put in M for manual so it can be shifted like a manual and have control in those conditions and "MOUNTAINS"up and down use the + and -- signs to shift when needed.
@@truckpro5665 the problem is if you own it they aren't that horrible but if you work for a company and they lock out the manual mode in them.... That's a joke. The funny part about the entire thing is most companies lock them out sooo.... Manual if you are a company driver hands down.
I like manuals. My 2017 beat alot of automatics coming back through BC also 600hp 2050 tq
Here in England Manuals are on the way out. Only over 50s have Manual Licences. Young drivers have 'Automatic only licenses.
@@robertcroft8241 if you don't do your test here in a manual now its automatic only
its a driver thing. I like to have all the control with a shifter. I am 30 years old my grandfather who refuses to retire loves the auto less work and more comfortable. I also tend to take tougher jobs and prefer a stick shift. I dont have anything against auto just not my thing.
I can understand it....but I've found that if you work with the auto that you start to learn how to control it via the throttle and learning what it does via load.
Driving 2019 13 speed automatic they lunge when backing up hell it lunges like a drag car coming off the line all of them do it this needs to be fixed their dangerous
The 2018 auto shifters are the same way. They are ESPECIALLY dangerous when paving!
The 2020 doesn't have this problem, backs like a car.
@@vernpalechek9314 that's good to hear. Thanks for the info.
when you put the trany it to gear and it wants to launch that's the programming witch can be changed
@@rodmack4682 Maybe they should get it right the first time. People's lives are on the line here.
Ultra shift for urban and city driving, road ranger for long distance hauling.
Hmm! Yes it's my preference manual tranny city/highway. 👍
Heavy loads in hilly areas manual transmission all day long driving truck down in Florida automatic all day just because of the traffic
Steve Jory I agree. to take the automatic for City driving
...OLD-SCHOOL-...saying...you take ...a...10-spd-ROADRANGER-350-CUMMINS-...pull...anyLOAd...anyTIME...anyWHERE..!!
Manuel or Otto ? Which one is single, drug free, loves to stay on the road and is about 30 years old. I'd hire that one every time.
Love this. :D Less about ego...more about $$$ :D
sheehy933 and that day is not too far away as soon as they can get fully auto cars and trucks on the road the truck driving industry will change forever
I personally perfer manual cuz it keeps me engaged with the truck. Id fall asleep behind the wheel of that automatic. Yes the clutch can be a pain in traffic butt it doesnt bother me at all... if the automatic is ur cup of tea then more power to you. I personally would refuse to drive those things.
I can understand the engagement of it all. I find that I stay just as engaged with the automated though as I need to make sure that I'm working with it.
I driven both Manual and Automatic. Automatic ... try backing a heavy load up a small incline. Not the best and so much struggling backing up a hill but using a Manual is so much easier and better backing up hills. on a heavy loaded trailer.
Plus Bumping a Dock. Ouch!!!
@@garrickpitts6306 Tell me about it :/ , I have to be lite on the pedal when backing up to the dock but that does not work you end up bumping the dock to hard anyways on an incline ramp to the dock. You get the very smooth backing with the Manual Trans. With Auto Trans it some times jerk back and forth a bit with a heavy load in the trailer. Its even worse when backing down a slop hill to a dock. The truck jumps when you press the brake pedal lightly for the trans to disengage from the revs. Once I'm lined up backing down a hill to a dock. I put the auto to neutral and use the brake for the smooth back.
You guys are totally right. That was the main reason I watched this video. The biggest issue with the auto is docking and of course it is never discussed. If they can make an auto that will not continously disengage at low speeds, especially in reverse, I would prefer one.
Eaton themselves proved that the autos out performed the manuals loaded and unloaded. The TECU knows exactly when to shift and how to optimize fuel economy and performance. A person cannot do that. People kill clutches and shock load the shit out the trans and drive line. Autos know better
Yup. Unfortunately, a lot of people feel threatened by a couple of little computer chips.
@@KenworthofRichfield lol, that is true. You will ALWAYS see truckers dogging other truckers because of the transmission.. it is stupid. To say it is like driving a car is foolish, imo, because my car/pickup is pulling 45,000 lbs. Sure, the shifting is as easy as a car's automatic, but you are still driving a semi with 45,000 lbs behind you.
The question I have is will Eaton ever get the reverse fixed. The altrashift sucks when backing up to cliff and dumping your load where you need to have good control and a slow roll . It also sucks when you're trying to hook up to a tag trailer with a pintle hitch also there is way too much roll back when you're on a hill and starting off from like a stoplight.
@@chrisspeer3257 Those issues can make sense. In this, I'd suggest turning on "Urge to move" as this makes it much, much more controllable.
(Opinion) comes down to control. I have trust issues with an automatic.
Craig Tirrell The ultrashift as I understand it, is not a true planetary/torque converter automatic like we saw in normal (non CVT or DCT) 50s to 00s cars and trucks...it is an automated version of the manual...years ago, they had automatics that you used the clutch, to take off from a stop, and after that it shifted all the next gears without a clutch or drivers input, by cutting fuel and matching input shaft RPM to Engine RPM...I suspect this is similar but with new technology they have now eliminated the clutch pedal like a DCT in the newer cars.
Auto transmissions need to be put in manual mode when in adverse conditions so that it can stay in one gear and until you need the next gear like being able to use it like a manual.
@@truckpro5665 if I'm correct a lot of auto transmissions are like that, you either push a button to change a gear or you can push/pull the shifter back and forth for a different gear, it just depends on the transmission the truck has
@@Dunki113 Yes and no. The ECU of those transmission still doing is own thing. One of the freightliner 2015 that i drive has a manual mode. You can't downshift more that 1 gear at time, will not downshift going downhill and rarely will upshift going up. The manual mode is pretty rudimentary. On a Volvo 2014 you can't shift period. The jake brake as a downshift mode: you basically use it to go down in gear and then you put it on M and it's stuck on the particular gear that the computer brought you to. The volvo system is shifting well. The Paccar is in-between and the freighliner is total garbage up to 2017 where it became just bad. It does retarded downshift at low speed that will make you lose control in winter while turning at 5MPH. And of course all of those transmission are always broken at my company that operate in a big city.
Same argument was used 50 years ago with cars now just about every car is automatic
Look at the Corvette even.... lol
Yes So. But.. People want it All Easy Nowadays.
Actually sport cars should be manual. Automatic you loss that sport car performance.
@@farahnazx5955 Look at the the new Corvette as I mentioned....It's automatic online. As someone that races, a sequential transmission that can be controlled, but not one that I have to shift is ideal.
@@KenworthofRichfield im open to the idea. I wont disagree with you im a fan of technology so I'll try it.
I'll stick with a 13, 15 or 18 Speed. Depending on what I am using the truck for, but cant go wrong with the 18 speed. Can use it as a 13 speed pulling and empty trailer, 9 speed bobtail, 15 pulling 80k flat, or 18 speed pulling hills.
Doing the test at 80k will really show the difference.
...'''THANKS- for that ...now Tell ...'''em...AGAIN '''...'''cause'...i don''t think they HEARD...you...13'6''...&-...Tree-TOP-TALL...pedal to The metal...and that''s all...
Need to see this test with them loaded.
Has been suggested and I'm not sure it makes much of a difference. The transmission senses the engine load and shifts accordingly. I think we end up with the same exact result
@@KenworthofRichfield all you got to do is prove it
@@sonboogie It's not quite that simple. When people buy a new truck, they want a new truck. Even if it's a dump truck, they want it brand spanking new......I don't think I'd have a job if I filled up the beds and then we tried to sell them as new
@@KenworthofRichfield I fully understand "all" the reasons why a salesman will never do a full application review. Folks should just keep in mind that there is a difference under load.
@@sonboogie There is a difference when loaded. The trucks do act different. The transmission adapts for it just the same as a driver would.
You didnt click your heels times and say banana split chocolate chalupas 3 times, so I dont think I can take this review seriously.
All jokes aside, this is a very interesting comparison
hahahaha. Dammit. I knew I forgot that part. Thank you!!!!
Lmao 😂
I'm going for my CDL this week and the fact that automatics exist makes me so happy lol. Respect to the guys that can bang gears.
I love a manual transmission it's just something about rolling thru them gears, I love it.. btw love that beat
I agree especially if you got a real motor under the hood
X hardtrucker92 what I bet you got a 3406 or c15. That was a bragging point one day but not with the x15 around. Step down yellow belly time moves one
For you mr hd mech...what kinda heavy duty mechanic doesn't know tht 3406 and c15 is the same thing? So how could i have 1 or the other? Your the reason i keep my sht out of shops. And no i dnt run a cat i run a 99 n14 celect+. But since you brought it up id put my money on a 3406 over a x15 8 days a week
X hardtrucker92 pardon me but I don’t think I said anything about a 3406e, or that the the 3406e was different than the c15. For that matter, it definitely is to certain extent. Majority of the rotating mass and some of the bolt ons are different.
Furthermore I took interest in this very debate about a year ago, and took time to ask customers who upgraded what their opinion was.
The vast majority said the x15 performance with the correct cpl would easily outpull their previous caterpillar. A few may say the cat out pulled, but also proceed to say it had been modified
You know who complains about auto's in trucks. The driver who MAYBE drove a first generation auto for MAYBE a shift or a week at best. (yes 1st gen where garbage)
The newer generation of truck auto's are beyond fantastic to drive. You will never be happier being in one until you are stuck in Toronto 7-9am traffic or 3-6pm traffic. ( for those that are about to say Toronto traffic isn't bad..A. busiest stretch in N.America B. Also the deadliest)
1.Being able to get out of the truck and actually walk not limp alone makes them worth their weight in gold.
2. You can stick a newer driver in one and instantly save money on fuel cost. Who might if they are really good/lucky get 5-6 MPG in a manual and now start getting 8-10 MPG in an auto.
3. No matter how good you think you shift a manual you will never do it as well as a auto and computer. Again saving you money on maintenance. Less wear and tear on the gears and sprockets.
I think some people feel threatened by it, and i can somewhat understand that. Overall, good drivers....heck, good people adapt and learn to use the tools available to them.
In the end its all about the prize(money) not who shifts better. I have a 2018 cascadia automated manual transmission and I’ll never go back to manual transmissions. Why punish yourself for no reason? The customer is going to get their product regardless.
It actually doesn't matter anymore...which is better that is. I have my opinion and 30+ years as a technician has had its influence. Standard shift transmissions have higher maintenance and repair costs due to abuse and poor driving habits. Drivers who either don't know how to properly shift, or who deliberately shift without using the features built into the truck to help them synchronize cause premature wear and shock-load damage to all components in the drive train. Plus, they waste fuel.
Right now truck manufacturers are outfitting their basic production models with automated manual transmissions, not standard shift and not automatics. In the next few years (if not now) a new truck with a standard shift transmission will be special order only. That's the reality and it has more to do with the shortage of qualified drivers and overall ownership and maintenance costs.
Sorry stick shift lovers, your gear grinding days are over.
And here in England it is really hard and $$$ to get a Manual drivers license.
Yup. Look at the brand new Corvette. Not even an manual option. :D About 2 years ago, we saw a switch from 70 percent manual......to suddenly 70 percent automated. Almost overnight.
Just one question what is the cost for a new altrashift trans
@@chrisspeer3257 It's between $3-5,000 more is all.
@@KenworthofRichfield That makes it an easier decision..........I'm cheap! lol
I do not drive LGV/HGV or BIG TRUCKS, but after driving manual diesel cars, and having the sense to "let the torque talk", or keep changing up up up, at lowish engine rpm's. Last car was a 110BHP VW TDI. Replaced by a 105 BHP VW/Skoda with the DSG=Automated manual transmission. It picked gears against revs, like I was in full control, it was quite faultless even when towing 3200Kg(and only supposed to tow 1600Kg) Quite amazing on the open road.
BUT a complete useless bitch, when asked to manouver at low speeds, ZERO "fine motor control" like I could finesse with a clutch(and I took 253,000 miles out of a clutch and it was still biting perfect when parked up)
And zero use reversing uphill in constricted areas, simply dropped out of gear, without warning, to "protect" the clutch packs!
So horses for courses?.
At the end of the day I don't care which one's faster I just love rolling through 18 gears
Totally makes sense. If it's fun and makes the job better for you, roll with it. :D
heres my opinion of the ultra shift 18. I drove a 567 6 axle dump grossing at 70-75K lbs daily. The ultrashift did do a surprising job managing gears going up and down hills. It rarely missed. But if it does miss, which happend once climbing the big hills close to West Virginia for the oil fields. Was climbing what I would have to guess was a 10% grade. She started at 35 in 13th gear and by the time I was half way up, I was around 20ish mph and losing fast. Up to this point its been downshifting great. But then It missed the shift to 6th. The truck jump off the ground I swear. I damn near hit my head on the roof of the cab when it missed and tried to grab a random gear. she then came to a stop on the hill and gave a "trans fault" code. I had to shut the truck off and disconnect the batteries just so it could reset and I can get gears again. She climbed the rest of the hill in 3rd gear at about 7 mph.
Now that was a pretty extreme case. over all shift is ok. What I dont like about it is how often it will go through every gear from a dead stop unloaded even, or the amount of times I roll to a stop sign and then hit the gas to go, and nothing happens for a solid 3 to 5 seconds. Plus dont get me started with the amount of break downs Ive had with that trans. In the 10 months I drove it, putting on 80K miles in that time, that truck has been towed 3 times because of electrical issues and failures on the trans.
its a great trans when it works but its a highways transmission. It does not like working on soft terrain and will often give up and pop out of gear when the tires sink 3 inches into mud, mean while our other trucks with an 8LL in deep reduction could plow through mud axles deep. Again, when it works, its great, comfortable and a nice luxury. I can eat my sandwich while leaving a stop light! But it just had too many faults that kept me stranded or cursing the thing out when ever something screws up.
Until the kinks are worked out and they are more reliable, I will stick to a manual trans of any sort. Once they fix those things, I can welcome it with open arms. But the manual trans can never go. Manufactures need to realize that and they need to still offer it. Fleet companies may buy automatics these days but Ill bet you most owner ops will buy a manual.
For sure. Owner-ops so often need to do a bit of rough work and I'll take a manual every time, also for engine braking and jake brake.
Here in europe we use powershift for decades. Here is lot traffic, small curvaceous roads, cyclists, pedastrians and crasy drivers from east. Powershift is faster like manual and sensor controlled. At slippery roads you have a manual mode. Under load, the quality of the gear selection depends on the software. I had some problems with Mercedes with the parameters. The MAN switches smoothly and has a reduction gear for heavy terrain.
It is a ZF TraXon 12 speed gearbox. More gears is a sign of low engine torque.
Yup......but people are resistant to change over here....so there are some things that are tough to get changed.....
Ok I can tell he’s never been over the road. Most truckers.... not drivers want a manual for total control over the load and that vehicle. an automatic transmission is ok for short local driving, but not for long haul for a few reason, if you’ve ever gone up vail or wolf creek pass or on I-80 in the mountains period or in any kind of weather conditions you would know why truckers like manuals. Believe it or not we are much safer, 90% of the trucks you see flipped over in the median are all automatics. Spin outs jackknifes, skids, all of that you see are all major fleet carriers in automatics, I have a friend that lives in Denver doing short runs, he is in an automatic and he says half time in the winter he is manually shifting the son of a bitch with the selectors for control, so he may as well be in a manual transmission. He is also a CDL instructor and a tester, he says that truck ain’t worth the damn. I myself have been trucking off and on now for over 8 years and I have never been in an automatic and I never will be, I also have zero accidents because I know what in the hell im doing and what I’m talking about. And any livestock hauler or flatbed trucker would agree with me. So in short if you are a driver doing locals more power to you and you’re peace of shit automatic.
Interesting observations...but I have to wonder something. You said most of the trucks flipped are fleets. Could that also be because they have the most on the road and also are usually the least experienced drivers?
Kenworth of Richfield oh I’m sure inexperience has a lot to do with it, lol they aren’t truckers, they seem to want to give any dumb ass a cdl these days if they pay for it, they can’t even drive a manual. look man I’m not putting you down, and mean no disrespect. But I’m gunna tell you how it is. You made a comparison video of two trucks that you literally spent an hour in each of them. You picked the one that was easy and the most comfortable to drive automatic. And deemed that the winner. I stated previously yes automatics are good for some area’s to be local. But I tell you what man, why don’t we take it a bit further, maybe you should actually make a video of the trucks working, in extreme weather and climates, because in reality that will be the actual test. Instead of just strolling up and down the street joyriding on a nice sunny day, all that’s doing is giving people a false sense of reality. Why don’t you meet me in that son of a bitch up in Jackson hole or on Rabbit ear in dead winter, or hell even now we could still find some snow and ice. We can go about 300 miles up and around the mountains. I will be in my big ass 389 Pete , 18 speed Manual Eaton fuller, and then you can tell me all about how great you’re automatic is.... make sure you got chains😎
Auto shift is great in heavy traffic. And don't have to worry about driver error.
...or grinding...or missing....or lugging...or overreving...or...or....or... lol
@JEFFREY HARMON True but when your in big cities with stop and go traffic it helps with a Automatic. If you never driven a automatic you wouldn't understand.
@@scubatrucker6806 bro tell me about it
i love taking 5 attempts to grab a gear. it's funny
@JEFFREY HARMON please stop using caps lock...
I drive a bicycle, been driving one fore years. And I have to say I prefer manual any day of the week. Not only does it help with the hills but also the love of the ride. For anyone wondering I drive a 2002 mongoose, got it on sale at Walmart.
Why didn't you go with the Huffy?
LOL
Lets hear it for Cru Jones!!!
there is very little reason for manuals anymore, the ultra shift can be what ever you want I to be, specilly with the loaded and unloaded shift maps.
Jeff Aboularage you can still down shift in the Manuel that’s an experience issue not a transmission issue
Off road, pulling tanker and slippery roads. Manual 100%
@@JeffAboularage That is true!!!
I am blown away at the results, but I wouldn't drive an automatic truck ever.....The best part about driving a big truck is shifting and downshifting, SORRY.
Automatics in cars or trucks have always been for Women. That's my advice.
Let me tell you that those automatic transmissions come in handy in heavy traffic.... just saying
@MAPLE SYRUP well i am fat and i do chain smoke but my 3 cars and my Harley are stick shift.... with that said the company i work for has all automatic trucks so not my choice but still nice
I totally agree. The ultrashift wins hands down. Enhanced safety AND efficiency in both easier on the drivetrain and reportedly slight improvement in mpg numbers, and I’d guess less emissions as well and greater tire and brakes longevity. And, yeah, with about 2.5 million miles in my career, sure I worked that 9speed overdrive pretty darn good in my BullDog. But I think the two pedal AMT is best.
I grew up on manual, imma stay on manual! I can shift much faster, but again... im experienced. I like manuals more.
@Mr Sunshines Shure, that would be cool!
Hmm! Yes this is what happened to otr bus companies switching over manual to auto shifts because the drivers these companies were hiring. Because they couldn't drive which is what happens when they're pushing to fill seats. 😐
I know for a fact you cant shift faster than an auto
@@orangeshell8 The only place you can gain on these is if you don't mind ripping on the clutch a bit more. It's hard to pull a stick faster than a pneumatic actuator.
@@orangeshell8 some experienced drivers most certainly could. Which would be be efficient than an automatic transmission.
My Daddy at 56 bought a 50 chevy with power glide and complained about the automatic. He never drove a stick again and lived to be 90. The world changes and comparing today with 2011 doesn't work.
I prefer driving the rig instead of it driving me.
More or less, I prefer stick because I have more control over the rig.
I also prefer the direct drive you get with gears.
The automated transmission uses the same gears that the manual does. Also, you have about 90% of the control over the truck that you do with a manual if you just learn to adapt to it.
With a dumpy the real question is how does it maneuver in a dump, worksite and city streets and how well does it stop. A few seconds faster acceleration is not going to make a difference to the bottom line.
I have 7 axle dump with allison 4500. I haul salt all winter long with no problem 22.5tn legal to 30tn. Not a problem with either one. In summer we hual milling, and asphal all legal weight 22.5tn. Very easy to get around in. I've seen the Eaton 10 speed auto's and they are quit a bit slower at what they do verses the Allison. But the still work. My father been drive since early 20's and know his very late 60's driving manuals.He's been to every state too. Drove my Allison a few times and liked it. about a year ago he said he wants to get an auto to drive. He's been pissed since that he didn't do it sooner. The technology is there. Allison automatic are the best. Try sitting under a milling machine for 15hr's. i laugh at all the guys that bitch.
My biggest problem with the automated trannies is clutch control. There is none. It makes the cab hop all over the place with any load over 5000 lbs. And low range is jerky, too. It's full throttle, no throttle, full throttle, no throttle. It's like riding with someone who just learned how to shift, except you're the one behind the wheel. To be honest, I could care less about shifting on a highway truck. You're going to be in the top two holes most of the time anyway. And if need be, you can force the auto down a gear. But I need to be able to control the clutch and low range. I can't stand the jerkyness of the automateds.
You must have never been in an Allison automatic i take it?
I like my cascadia but having auto is better in some ways, rush hour traffic. but turning a corner left at a stop light, I bump up to 2nd gear, when take off trans go back to 1st and then doesn't shift up quick enough so usually I wait on light to yellow clear on coming lanes till I turn. my 2013 mack px612 e7 10 spd would shift so effortlessly ! in winter being able to run up on the governor in lower gear to keep from breaking traction, my 10 spd manual was safe and comfortable on snowy roads! and last but not least my 2005 kw t800 cat power 10 spd she shifted like a dream! sweet but before our lease it was a rental unit, we needed a slot filled because of fleet expansion quickly. old girl had a hard life, but with a constant driver she got straightened around. she would got through the gears and give me the control and safety I liked. so both have benifets, I miss my 10 spds , personal preference I guess. I've never been a super trucker, just grew up with trucks all my life!
Damn he can shift automatic vs. Manual the shifts were exactly the same
I would never buy a automatic, i started driving trucks in 1973 and even my corvette has a six speed manual
That's your fault.
@@Tony-5000 your comment makes no sense you must have went to truck driving school automatic person🤪🤪🤪
@@dewaynemiguel3349 My comments are far too logical for you to grasp! I grew up on a farm and learned to drive on a tractor. My uncle owned a concrete company, and by the time I was 13, I could operate anything from a tractor to a semi, including a concrete mixer, front end loader, bulldozer, crane, and ride the hell out of my motorcycles!! But I, at 60, have learned to grow with the times. I can see when tradition is better, and when progress is better. You are stuck in the 1970's. You probably still run on paper, have a flip cell phone, and get your news from network television!! In short, you're an outdated ass!! 😁😅😂🤣
@@Tony-5000im retired . well i grew up on a farm also i drove tractors harvesters owned a dump truck in 73 then started driing big rigs in 1976 and did so for 42 yrs so dont think yous special except may e ed automatics dont make it better a insurance study found automatic drivers are more destracted in there driving so go be what ever you are i dont care the truth is the new dont make it better so go fuck your self your more than likley a little bitch
@@dewaynemiguel3349 I measured my trailer to make sure. Guess what... It's STILL 53 feet long!! Driving an automatic didn't make it shorter!! I checked my delivery time. I deliver at 0400! Having an automatic didn't move it to a later time!! I KNOW backing a stick is EASY!!!! You couldn't back an automatic into a tight spot!! Much harder!!! I just watched a video yesterday where a man drove 2 brand new KW's with the same exact specs, but 1 was auto and one was a stick. They both reached 65mph at the same exact time!!! Don't blame me if you can't stay focused on driving without holding on to the stick. Maybe you have an obsession with holding onto a dick!! Don't take you perverted frustrations out on me! You're so old, you probably think a tablet is a bunch of paper! You are just a relic of the past!! Time to crawl into a casket and die. What's your Social Security Number....12??!!!! 😁😅😂🤣
Nice comparison and contrast. I'll take the manual until my shoulder says no. Oooh, and "Cleveland Rocks!"
OK, whatever. Boxers or Briefs though? Everyone is afraid to answer the real questions.
Nope, sorry, 18 is a muscle and coordination memory, it's second nature, if you need automatic transmission to pay more attention to your surroundings, that means that you did a half ass job to begin with, For me the fatigue was before or after driving, dealing with the BS.
I've been driving for over 17 years automatic works for me and cruise control...😍😍😍 At the end of the day it's all about the money you make... That matters to me..
Yes!!!! It's funny on here. So many guys are more concerned about looking good and "being manly" than they are making money :D
@@KenworthofRichfield Amen...if it gets the job done, why not..I am just looking to get pay not looking to make a statement... 👍 🚛
Was an owner / operator in the 1980’s getting paid % of revenue which means the more cargo I carried, the greater the revenue and my pay for the trip.
When you start out, you think a custom extended sleeper, massive fuel capacity, 18 speed and an extended hood is everything. Then you realize how to make more money and that new tractor and trailer is spec’d to be able to carry an extra 5,000 pounds of cargo and that additional revenue just paid all the trip expenses.
Why would someone want something old fashion as a stuppid manual shifter, when you can have a automatic? Standing in a traffic jam sucks when you have a shifter,
because all the time you're on the clutch pedal and grow more mussle on your left leg. And with a automatic, you always have a hand free and you don't need your left leg
anymore, so a way more comfortable ride. Shifting is for young dudes who want's to show of what a master they (think they) are, and automatics are for older drivers
who prefer comfort above the hassle of swinging an old fashion 3 foot pole around the cab.
Lmao no autos are for lazy ass people like you. Get in a smooth bore tanker and tell me how the auto does.
Difference is fleet spec to O/O... Set up on shifts and engine load parameters will determine how well the ultrashift preforms..
Fuel mileage has not been impressive in heavy dump configuration.. manual takes it by almost 1 mpg
ultrashift has full manual mode capability if you turn it on in your parameters there is literally no difference between a manual transmission in an ultra shift if you are in manual mode. Shifts early shift late do whatever you want.. skip shift etc
My business is not exactly dealing with trucks but aircraft. Nevertheless I must agree with you about less workload. Drivers and pilots both have very much to care about and if the machine is to help, well.... be welcome.
I'll take all of the help I can get! :D
Disappointed bro. U need load, u need up hill down hill movements 🤨
That was my thought also.
Ironman. check out Jim Park and a segment he did on the 18 ultrashift at the Eaton proving grounds in Battle Creek, Michigan. They stopped him on a 16% grade with a 70,000lb steel coil on an 8 axle flatbed. Not only did the truck get it moving, but it upshifted 2 times!!! I hate these automated transmissions, I’m the first one to admit that, but credit where it’s due, there’s no way in hell I could make that shift and I have been doing this almost 20 years...
Manual transmission is still the best.
Separates men from the boys.
We used to drive teams of mules to deliever the goods. Now that seperates the men from the boys. Get in the future before it passes you up.
If you have something to prove then I hope you do as for true truck drivers if an automatic can do the same job and easier I mean work smarter not harder ... separates men from boys ., obviously you only have a few years into truck driving lol
@Mr Sunshines Manuel transmission with training wheels.
@@Trucha218 obviously you never paid for repairs....
You rowed the 18 speed like a boss. Seems like the ultra shift got to 65 a tad faster. That being said my hats off to you on the awesome comparison.
As an OTR truck driver to shift is the only way to operate a OTR truck. as a driver that has been at it for many many years with many safety awards. I would always pick a standard transmission every time. this video shows the amount of speed and the amount of time those are not factors I would even consider. one factor that I might consider is longevity.
110% right on driver mindset and education. Having worked in an ultra shift fleet the driver's style has a lot to do with the life of the clutch and how they shift.
Love the automatic because I do a lot of backing, and always in traffic
Maybe you should learn how to drive. I never have a problem with either or.
@@genwatie2191 what does what I said have to do with driving. Check yourself fool
@@bossthadal ???? you said "I like the automatic because I do a lot of backing, and always in traffic." Last I checked that's called driving.
@@genwatie2191 like I said automatic is better when you are in a city area like new York, Boston, and New Jersey, don't have to be doing all that shifting.
@@bossthadal and I said I never had a problem shifting in the city area's with a standard. I prefer it. Less brake wear.
i drive milk tanker truck locally (tractor trailer). i consider myself lucky to have one of the last manual 18's he purchased, its a 2017 KW T880 18 manual paccar MX13. he has been buying "ultra" 18 trucks. i have driven them and dont care for them. it takes too much joy out of driving the truck. i actually enjoy what i do. not only that but im afraid those autoshift trucks are ill-equipped to deal with icy and hilly roads in the winter. im afraid they arent going to cope with non-treated farm driveways which in the winter can be quite bad. i dont like the delay, i like how when i take my foot off the clutch its instant power to the wheels. i have the ability to rock a stuck trailer using the clutch. also the auto shift trucks shift way too much. it isnt smart enough to realize the road might have leveled out, but it's going to go up hill again. a human driver will keep in in gear and build a little rpm.
dont get me started on backing with one of these autoshift transmissions because they just plain suck at backing
Sound like you will have to become an owner operator if you want anothe manual truck
@@captianjessie1 ill cling onto my cuurent truck as long as possible. it only has 77k on it and i average 35-40k per year. should last a long time.
furthermore most of the milk hauling companies arent buying auto shifts. my boss is one of the few.
these transmissions are best suited for OTR long haul, not hilly back country roads that arent exactly bare in the winter. they arent meant for shitty farm driveways either, nor heavy surge loads.
recently one of my co-workers was given an almost brand new truck with an autoshift. he hated the truck and told my boss to fix his old truck (he was planning to trade) or he was going to walk. the truck in question is a 2010 KW T660 18 speed manual with an ISX cummings. my boss fixed the driver's old truck. i know of another driver that threatened to walk when told he was going to have to drive an auto.
you might have to threaten but at the end of the day it appears my boss will work with drivers to keep them around.
its sad that these stupid transmissions are well suited for those who refuse to want to learn how to shift. pathetic. if you cant shift and dont want to learn you should NOT be driving a truck
@George Vinson most of our drivers that drive the damn things run them in manual mode. kind of defeats the point does it?
The newest version of the ultra shift is a breeze to back up. I had a 2017 and it was a bear to backbut the 2020 is like backing a car.
The real trucks, and the real drivers are almost gone. It's mostly the givernments fault. Pretty sad what it has come to as a whole. I wouldn't let most of these drivers today ride a bicycle I liked. Choked back, non power making motors, autoshifts, e logs. Screw it I've been out a while and never going back. The good old days of outlaw trucking are gone.
If you can't change gear then you should not be on the road. People work hard and graft all day. And you drivers are in the luxury of a cab all day long.