Testing the New Eaton Cummins Endurant XD Pro!!! Trip to the Marshall Proving Grounds!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- Hello Ladies & Gentlemen and as always, thank you for watching. In this first in a series of videos, Ethan and I were invited by Eaton Cummins to test out their new Endurant XD Pro 18 speed automated transmission at their proving grounds in Marshall, Michigan. This was a joint effort with Miller Industries out of Chattanooga, TN, and Roberts Heavy Duty Towing, Inc., out of Lexington, KY. We definitely put this automated transmission through some difficult tasks. We used Roberts Peterbilt with a Miller Industries Century 5130 to tow a loaded dump truck on several section of the test track, including driving over a 15% grade!!! Not just that, but also backing up that same 15% grade!!! I was highly sceptical, but, after testing this transmission, I absolutely LOVE this thing. Good Lord willing, when we order a new heavy towing unit, we WILL outfit it with this transmission. More videos of our time at the track to come. Stay tuned!!! I hope you all enjoy this video!!! Thanks for watching and God bless!!!
Follow-up video # 2 can be found here: • Part 2 Testing the New...
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Ron, the fact that you and Ethan were invited to take part in the tests shows the regard and respect the towing industry has for you and your company. Your dad taught you and now you are teaching and mentoring Ethan to carry on the business at some point when you are ready to retire. And that transmission is in class by itself.
I have to agree with him, you for sure stand out in this profession...
Impressive to see veterans of the industry so impressed by the performance.
We were truly so honored to have been included in this. When they reached out, all they wanted was my honest evaluation. So, my honest evaluation is that transmission and engine are an awesome pairing. Thank you for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt
I wonder if your current trucks could accept this transmission. Although it would take some doing to remove the clutch and shifter in the cab, it would be possible.
@@cclngthr Ditto. And if they can... well, I don't expect Tator to blow a transmission any time soon, but if it did I bet I know what's going in as a repair...
@@cclngthr you can rebuild any truck to be automatic, it's just a matter of money and time. Which holes are punched out of the plastic panels in the cabin is the only real difference between automatic and manual transmission in a modern vehicle and the biggest problem if you want it to look nice (you may have to replace some pieces), while running the cables the control the darn thing is the biggest headache whenever you install anything - running an extra harness through an already built up vehicle is a massive pain in the behind - but usually they just plug into the existing wiring once the cables are run. The actual cab is built the same no matter what, the ones with automatic just have plugs in the holes where the clutch and gear shift would be.
I used to love jamming gears, hated the thought of going to an Auto. Our company switched in 2017, never looked back, So much more freedom and attention to the road, and man in traffic jams I love not having to constantly mess with gears. Hate to say it, but I love my Auto!
I wasn't sure how I would feel about it going into this project, but MAN what a game changer. It was a beast and rode so well. No issues at all and my knee and shoulder were screaming....."GET ONE, GET ONE." The checkbook said...."Not today my friend. " LOL Thanks for watching and God bless.
Love driving auto trucks after years of driving manual. Especially when in the city as it takes all the hassle out of constant gear changes
@@RonPratt Please excuse me if somebody asked that question, but was in the Dump-Truck the Drive-train removed, so that it could be towed around?
I had 20 years of driving jamming gears, and 3 years ago got an iShift automated transmission. I’ll never buy another manual truck. I love my auto too.
Even though a Roadranger was rarely opted in European trucks, over the ZF synchros, you can only drive European farm tractors clutchless. American farm tractors in the 70s and 80s didnt even have a foot throttle...
That is a neat wrecker. If you haven't done so already, it would be interesting if you could do a video of what the underside of your rotator looks like such as where the PTO actually is and the other workings of the truck.
I would love a to see a Video on what All the controls Do.
This brings back memories. I aced my CDL training through Eaton Road Ranger Truck Driver School in 92 (had prior experience from 84 with a chauffer's). We did get to Marshal and was given a chance to drive the track(of course I jumped at the chance). It was the first time I drove a truck equipped with a Super 10. My Instructor was a woman who had plenty of experience long before women drivers were more common. It was many years later before I too drove an auto shift( KW T660) working for US Express. Disabled now, but I like it when I can revisit the past through using the internet. My how times are flying by.
Super 10 speed? I hated that transmission with a passion! I drove one for several years, hated it. When i bought my own truck, the first thing i did was make sure i DID NOT have a super 10 speed.
I've been driving the new Detroit 12 speed automatic transmission, it's a good transmission.
As someone who just had a knee replacement I love this It won't wear out the new knee pushing in the clutch and easier on the shoulder and back not shifting so I'm in favor of the new transmission.
It was a dream. Over the last 30 plus years, I have been hard on my knees and shoulders. This option is a game changer!!!! Thanks for watching and God bless.
i agree i am only 25 and i love manuals but i take after my old man and his old man getting Arthritis at a young age even my land cruiser can be a pain to drive especially when its cold let alone the old trucks we have.
The ultrashift and autoshift has existed for a while and so does the Allison auto
@@RonPratt d
Thank you for sharing this. It is always impressive when new things come to the marketplace and seeing it in action.
We really enjoyed our opportunity to be a small part of this. It was an honor to have been included. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Several years ago I was driving a 13 automatic when they first came out. As you can guess they had a few problems still to fix. But I was hooked on them. I had a problem with it and was in the shop, just by coincidence the rep. from Eaton was there that day. We got to talking, he said they were working on an 18 speed. Hope they work out, loved em. Take care and may God Bless.
Thank you for taking me along with you both. Looking forward to the next video. keep up the good work Ron.
What a honor and pleasure! Thank you for taking us along!
It's always fun playing with new equipment.
It sure was!!! Thank you for watching and God bless.
That auto was amazing. I drove my first back in the 80's, and they are so much better now compared to then. When I get leg cramps, I use cbd cream, and the cramping stops within 5 minutes, and lasts for hours. I'm looking forward to seeing your next video on this amazing auto. Have a great day my friend ❤🙂.
What an honor for you and Ethan to be a part of!!! Whooo hooo!
Thank you Ron for sharing!
GOD BLESS!!!
My husband & I took on a new job about 6 years ago. Along with the new job came an automatic. 1st time he'd driven one in his 30+ years of truck driving. It was difficult for him to get used to not shifting & no clutch to push. By the time we had made our trip from Maine to TX & then AZ & back, he had gotten fairly used to it. After we hit the 1st traffic jam, he loved it. No sore arm, shoulder, knee & leg. We both loved driving it.
Thanks for always making amazing videos for all of us to watch👍
My pleasure! Thank you for watching and God bless.
Thanks for always making videos to follow up with your
We have got to be looking at the future and what it is going to bring. There is so many things to consider. What we have done in the past just may not work anymore as it has. Always considering labor, efficiency and what can be changed to keep the job moving forward.
Thanks Ron for letting us see this video. I was in the trucking business and now back in Agriculture and farming. It's best to be able to create and except change to move forward.
Glad to see you guys had fun up there. Looking forward to seeing the next video to see how it handles heavy haul.
Ron I am amazed every time I watch a video where the towing has improved. I worked from 1997 to 2006 in the office than did dispatching from home a night also. Our cell phones back than couldn’t do what you have today but worked good even out in Death Valley sometimes lol. But something are the same like improving equipment staying safe and get the job done as fast as possible. I cannot imagine the price tag on that truck but sure in the six digits. Stay safe all of you and I love the videos.
I am impressed at the size of the transmission, I expected it to be a lot bigger, but that is a nice set up! Can't wait for the next video to see more! God Bless Ron!
know you were honored to be a part of this. glad you had the opportunity.
Great video Ron definitely makes driving easier on the driver than having to worry about the clutch and shifting. Thanks for sharing stay safe Ron.
I've currently got the 11 speed line haul version behind a 400 Cummins in a 2022 International semi, other than the lack of pulling power because of the limited torque capacity of the transmission, I'm pleased with it. It's very nice getting a trailer backed in a space..........
I wondered about that. Ours are between 400 and 450, and I just grumble with how slowly they shift. I don’t mind automated transmissions when they do exactly what I ask, when I ask, as quickly, reliably, and powerfully as I can get with a standard. In the heavy duty market, that’s Eaton, overlord of transmissions, their standards are fantastic, Allison, and Volvo. The only automated I actually enjoy is Volvo’s. Back to the point, that’s all I can say about Eaton’s automated’s. Slow. Not as jumpy as Daimlers, I’ll give it that.
I work at the Eaton plant in Syracuse, NY as a cnc machinist. I setup and operate various cnc bar and chucker machines. Our plant manufactures explosion and non explosion proof parts and lighting for the fuel and lighting industry, Underground mines, bridges, tunnels, oil rigs, oil refineries, gas stations etc. we have our own Ferris and non Ferris foundries right on site, and we get more of our casting products from Mexico and other plants. Eaton is all over the states, along with being in 13 different countries, so they are a massive outfit.
Very great video… amazing to see that new transmission in action… Ethan is definitely going to be an amazing operator for the family business one day!!
We have an 18 speed auto in our rotator, makes it nice for taking off on the hills
I've driven manuals for 15 years... I swore I'd never get into an auto. The past year I've been assigned a truck that's an auto and I'm loving it. Especially in downtown cities and rush hour traffic. It gives you total and complete focus on the road. I'm very spoiled by it.
You can have all of the power in the world, but without a good transmission, that power is wasted. The Eaton Cummins Endurant XD Pro looks pretty snazzy, and if it makes towing that much simpler, it will reduce the chances of task saturation happening, and make towing that much safer. And it looks like you had a good time, too. 🙂
It was a great time and an amazing piece of engineering. We were completely impressed (not paid to say that LOL). They asked for an honest and unbiased evaluation and I gave it. IT IS AWESOME!!!!! Thanks for watching and God bless.
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@@RonPratt fvb
Hey Ron! Glad to hear you made it up to Michigan and cereal city! Michigan is a beautiful state. Other than the roads its great to visit in summer with all the beaches. I hope you enjoyed your trip it looked cool at Eaton. Back in the day I made air brake hoses for Eaton trucks at a small company.
It really is a beautiful place. This was such a great connection to have made and what an amazing piece of engineering. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Amazing opportunity for you and Ethan, looks like you had a good time. Ethan looks like he has lost weight, looking good. Thanks for sharing.
Blessing to you and the family and your crew at Midwest towing, i been waiting for this to come out today
What a tow truck wow I am impressed on how the towing industry has come along way that is a beautiful wrecker. Awesome video and enjoyed watching it thanks for sharing it always watch your channel keep up the good work looking forward to see more exciting videos on this. Amazing I’m blown away
Thanks for the video. I enjoy the variety of things you show us. I was in the bus industry a long time ago, before electronic engines, and electronic transmissions were just being made. Our VP of engineering told us that soon there would be "automated" transmissions that were a regular, geared, mechanical transmission, but controlled electronically. He said it made you look like the best "stick shifter" in the world. Geez. That was 30 years ago.
I prefer an old fashioned clutch and manual transmission, but that's because I'm just a dufus. I drive for fun - playing around. If I drove a truck professionally, my opinion would be very different. I tool around in my manual car for the fun of it. If my leg hurts, or I get tired, I don't drive it. When you HAVE to, no matter what, things are a lot different.
That "rock-free" feature is so similar to ASR on European trucks.
Got out of a sand dune by letting the truck stop spinning it's wheels and actually driving. (The trailers were empty too which helped.) I was a loooong way from a tow as well!
Oh and the argument against an automatic gearbox is a non-event. So much easier, especially towing a heavy load. The truck begins to work at it's optimal output and fuel economy.
That transmission was most impressive for sure. I loved everything about this thing. Sure made it easier on the old shoulders and knees. There was little if an difference in performance. It is a great option!! Thank you for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt Then I guess the $10,000 question is, when are you getting one put in the rotator??
That’s a nice unit Roberts has. Glad to see Jeff open up and talk, maybe he’ll start a youtube channel too 😉. That pickle juice definitely works wonders with cramps! I remember waking up with a Charlie horse cramp at 3am and trying to run to the fridge for the pickle jar. 😂😂😂 that’s a nice looking transmission and seems like a great transmission to have on a truck. I like part where he says when you’re trying to rock yourself out you don’t have to go from drive to reverse then drive again. Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to see the next video. God bless you and the family! 🤜🤛
something else that works good is mustard you can get some of those little packets like from a fast food place and one will help quickly
He is such a nice guy and I enjoyed working with the whole crew that was a part of this. He certainly has an awesome piece of equipment for sure. Pickle juice is my best friend during hot weather. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Very cool to see this! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!😀
Ron although the big toys are fun to see, the best part of this video was your time with Ethan. Blessings In Faith!
I used to drive for a well known company out of Joplin, MO and at some point they put me into a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia with a Detroit Diesel DD-15 & a Detroit Diesel DT-12 autoshift transmission. I was very apprehensive and as a result took it very carefully with this transmission. Once I got the feel of it I began to "play" around with it and see what it could do. That company did not lock out any features of the transmission so I was free to explore. I really enjoyed the manual mode. I found that I could set the cruise control and the transmission just kept on going. ON uphill pulls it would drop gears so fast to keep the proper rpm range. Going downhill was fun. Set the Jake brake and that transmission would downshift and/or apply the Jakes whenever needed without any input from me. I could go on and on about the joys of having an autoshift transmission. The only fly in the ointment for me was trying to back under a trailer to couple or backing into a dock. You had to learn to feather the throttle as to keep the truck from getting away. It was touchy.
I’d always go manual transmission but when you get a good automatic that doesn’t give you crap… it is nice in some circumstances I’ll say that
The older my knees and shoulders get, the more it makes sense. It was smooth and pulled nicely. I honestly was very impressed. Thank you for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt yeah I’m impressed on the Allison automatics transmissions
I am impressed on the technology has improved our ways of making our jobs better from the dump truck through the heavy haul trucks along with the towing industry. I am glad you and Ethan were invited to experience this.
Oh we were too. The best part of the trip was being able to experience it with my son. Being asked to participate in this test was such an honor, but making memories with Ethan was the icing on the cake. Thank you for watching and God bless.
my hometown is Lexington Kentucky and I see Roberts towing trucks everywhere. great bunch of guys he has workin for him. always see there trucks and there always clean and polished. you can tell alot about the company because they take alot of pride in there equipment because there always polished and clean.
I agree, those that I met are awesome individuals who take a great deal of pride in their equipment and services. That is what it is all about. We help folks, do our job with integrity and keep everything looking professional. I hope to work more with this group in the future. Thank you for watching and God bless.
I'm totally with you on the knees, Ron. I was hit by a car running a red light when I was 15 . My left knee was never the same. When I first started driving with twin-sticks I learned a technique that helped alleviate the constant pain in my knee, especially in stop and go. It became easier when Eaton brought in synchromesh, but basically I only used the clutch to put the truck in gear to start. All shifting was done by feel and RPM (by sound and feedback in the stick). When the freeway was really slow, I'd put the truck in bottom gear and crawl 10-20 yards back, trying to avoid a full stop. For down shifting on steep hill if I found I was gaining too much speed (poor planning on my part), I'd left foot the brake to release the tension on the gears for just a moment before making the shift. I got to use an old (piece of junk) corn-binder that had a brake pedal that wrapped around the steering column to help that. I was a gear jamming cowboy, until the whimsy finally wore off.
All that said, I would had thought I was in heaven to drive that powertrain comb you were testing. Like silk it was, especially on the steeper hills. I'm never going to drive again, stopped after 20 years in '98 . God's slowing me down one system at a time and I'd never get my commercial license back again. But I get taste of driving again watching you, doing it right.
People are probably asking when are YOU going to upgrade? Well folks, the grass is greener on the other side………and Midwest is a smaller family run for profit. If it ain't broke don't fix it, but if it no longer meets the need or is it start's costing too much to keep on the the road, I am sure you will replace equipment wisely. It is always a case of diminishing returns vs cost and benefits of upgrading/expanding.
But Ron sure would look mighty fine in a band new "Midwest" Pete 'tator from Miller.
Just sayin'
Bless you
Wow, so glad you made it out of the crash!!! I don't see acquiring a new unit like this in the near future, but I would love to have one someday. I agree, we are blessed to have what we do. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Such a great honor for you to be brought in to test this system. It really shows the respect that you've earned in the towing and trucking industry!
That Robert's rig is beautiful!
Thank you very much! I am so grateful to have been a part of this, but the best part was that I was able to spend time with my son.....and big trucks!!!! What is better than that? Thanks for watching and God bless.
Great presentation Ron. Good to see a father/son learning experience in a business environment. Thanks for sharing. Wonder how this effects the fuel mileage. God Bless!
My guess, likely not all that much, judging from a quick research on these.
The bigger issue was in passenger cars when all you had were 3 and 4 speed auto boxes and a true manual was a 4 in some models to as much as a 5 speed, but you had to operate the clutch and then shift (unless you knew how to properly shift clutchless) and they had the advantage over the then automatics as they either had a gas mileage penalty, and/or were robbing power (especially the older 3spd models), We are NOT talking about the very slow and slushy if you will, 2 spd powerglides and their ilk. Now, with most automatics being 5-6 speed or more, those days of power robbing and mileage robbing are largely gone.
Now we just need to improve CVT transmissions for reliability and smoothen out the double clutch automated manual transmissions, of which may have been dealt with by now since their introduction in around 2008-2012 time frame.
The biggest fuel waste in early auto transmissions was that slippage in the torque converter. Regardless of speed, there was always some power lost there. Since about the late 1980s almost all automobile auto trans have had a torque converter clutch that above a set road and engine speed would engage and stop the slippage in the torque converter.
OMG. THANKS FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONE WITH YOU AND ETHAN. GOD BLESS YOU, THANKS VIC
Hey Ron. Keep posting the videos. They are interesting. Welcome to Michigan. Looks like you had a great time in Battle Creek and Marshall.
That is such amazing tow truck, and sounds soo good on the road
I am in Georgetown, KY, and Robert's Towing is just down the road from me. I see their trucks quite often on the road. I was pleasantly surprised to see that truck in this video. Looks like you have a new goal for your next new trucks... 😎😎😎
I agree, those that I met are awesome individuals who take a great deal of pride in their equipment and services. That is what it is all about. We help folks, do our job with integrity and keep everything looking professional. I hope to work more with this group in the future. I would be needing a blue and white truck though LOL. Thank you for watching and God bless.
Pretty Amazing. I didn't know they would put an automated transmission in a large truck. It sure does save you having to keep shifting. Great Video. I look forward to seeing the followup video.
That was a great video can't wait to see the next one and see more of that transmission at work.
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Great video thanks for sharing your story and thoughts with us always look forward to seeing more of your videos
Thanks for watching and God bless.
I live in Lexington KY, and get to see all manner of different Roberts Towing trucks doing amazing things, so its great to see one testing out a new transmission and hearing that it is awesome. You and the other recovery specialists out there stay safe and god bless!
Roberts seems to be an awesome company, down to earth and professional. Thank you for watching and God bless.
It is great that you and Ethan were invited to test drive the eaton automatic transmission is an honor. This is shows the high regard the towing industry has for you. Thank you very much for making us a part of this. May God Bless .
It was an amazing adventure for us both. We were honored to have been included. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Love the video, I get to see the Roberts truck all the time, have one of the drivers drive by my house every day. Their trucks are always looking great and well lite up.
Hello Ron and Ethen, nice video as always something different today, that tow truck was awsome towing the loaded truck, thanks for sharing that with us. as always be blessed, John and Family s. Wales UK. 🤓👍🙏
Ron, thanks for sharing this video
Thanks for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt He does every day
I love the eaton ultrashift 8 years driving standard super 10s and CFI gave me a truck with the automated manual thought i would hate it drove it for 5 minutes was in love lol
Drove a loaner truck with 10 speed i wanted my ultrashift back lol its a miracle worker in traffic thats for sure
From Lexington myself. Love seeing Robert’s trucks they always keep them Clean and classy.
Another very interesting video. I did not hear any mention of how it handles in situations where you need or would normally want to downshift to help in slowing down. Looking forward to seeing that follow-up video. As always, stay safe and healthy.
You have engine brake for it. Or a button to stay in any purticular gear.
@@scottbamasime4338 If you watch the roll back it does engine breaking and down shifts like that.
I can run my Ultrashift like a manual and hold a gear downshift do anything a manual can
Only difference is the clutch is actuated by the truck vs your leg and you can let the truck shift or do it yourself
Going down mountains i have it in manual mode i have the first gen U.S. so it sometimes hunts gears but can hold the gear with a button press
Eaton makes a solid power distribution device
As usual another awesome video Ron. That truck was truly amazing. Thank you.
Very cool! I’m glad you got to be part of this.
We were honored to even have been asked. It was such a great experience for me and Ethan both. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I'm really liking the Endurant Pro xd just how it operates so smooth!
Always professional. I would value your opinion on any research and development project.
I'm pretty sure Ron asked the Eaton Cummins and Peterbilt reps if they had any upgrade options he could fit into his 'Tator! I know for sure I'd ask, if I were in such a situation! It's a pity Ron's checkbook wasn't on his side at the time! 😊👍
looked like an interesting day out .. so many class 1 liners during the test drive Ron ' they're all inside doing interviews .. i'd rather be here driving ' & Dude from Roberts ' you can't be a cowboy driving an auto ' Ron ' at this point in my life i don't care '
LOL, I speak the TRUTH!!!! There was a time when ego was a factor I suppose, but now that I am in my 50's.....NOPE!!!! I loved this truck and I could have driven it all day long. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Fantastic Job Ron and Crew! Very informative.
I love my manual transmissions but, if I wasn't planning to retire in a couple years, I'd definitely be looking at an automated. I own 5 tractors, one is a backup in case we need it and it has a Super 10, my tractor has a 13 speed manual and, the other 3 all have Eaton Ultra-Shift 13 speeds. My drivers love them. What impressed me the most was backing up the grade with the dump truck. Doing that with a manual transmission would be pure hell!
As an aside to that, they're all Cummins powered. The backup tractor has the old M11 Celect Plus @ 370 horsepower, mine has the ISX15 @ 600 horsepower and the others all have the X15 Performance engine @ 565 horsepower.
The last truck I drove was a automatic. Loved it wish had it when I was out on the road. I was in Austin Texas one time on 35 and just as I got on that mile long bridge the traffic came to the stop. There was a wreck just off the ofter end of the bridge. I never got to move more than 20 ft at a time. By the time I got to the ofter end I must have put that clutch in at least a 100 time wish that old Peterbilt had an automatic in it. I stopped just south of Austin and got out of the truck and couldn't stand on my left leg for a little bit. When I got so I could put my weight on it on it I still limped as we walked in side.
Love you'll stay safe and God bless you'll. Dan
What an honor for you two to be invited. I have driven trucks and buses since I was 20 years old. I turn 50 in August. We have a church bus that has a Allison Automatic in it and I thought it was awesome here in between Batesville & Melbourne AR. I can't imagine what those trucks are like to drive.
It was an honor and an experience that we will never forget as a father and son. That was the most important part of this trip for me. Ethan is going to be quite the operator in his time. Thanks for watching and God bless.
As a tech the endurant transmission is very easy to work on and I enjoy it.
Ron, most people refer to these as automatic transmissions. Technically they are auto shift.
And you used the correct name, automated.
I got to drive an early automatic in 2004 that was in a Volvo 670. There was tow versions, with or with out a clutch pedal. I delivered to the no clutch to a dealer in New Jersey and driving in traffic was very easy. Over 14 years I got to drive different tractors with automatics or automated transmissions. I was not a fan of the Freightliners but I did like the Volvos. I had an air valve go out on a Freightliner and was able to get it to shift enough to get it back to the terminal for repairs, I don’t remember having problems it’s the Volvo. Having damaged both knees in my early 20’s, the automatics made driving a lot easer. I would hate to climb back into a tractor and have to shift. Now about all the other electronic gadgets that they are putting into the tractor it was one of the reasons I retired from trucking.
Firstly Congrats on being chosen to come and evaluate these new gearboxes. That means something in itself, to be respected by a manufacturer to want your opinion on the new device for your field is fantastic. I used to do security at the Ford Proving Grounds in Lara Melbourne and it was a very big eye opener for me seeing what they do and how they do it.. I have driven manual semi's for 30 years and one day a few years ago I had to drive an automatic and it just didn't feel the same and I thought it had less range in the gear ratios that were preset, as in when using a manual you can use all of the rev range when needed or chosen whereas an automatic changes gear at specific set rev ranges... I'm personally not a fan of automatic gearboxes, but for some, it does the job of what they want. If you are in a major city an auto would be good for the purpose like you said of all the stop start at traffic lights and the extra pressure on the left clutch leg. I look forward to seeing and hearing more about this.
I see Robert’s all the time! Cool to see them on video.
Amazing. Automatics have apparently come a long way. I drove a freightliner columbia with an eaton auto in 2007 and i cursed our trucks every day and swore i would never drive another automatic truck. Seeing that tow truck push a 65k dump truck up that grade in reverse was amazing. Too bad i have retired because i might just reconsider an automatic. Other than reliability issues that we had, i didnt feel like i had control of the truck especially when it came to downshifting and it would drop out of the power band too early. Something tells me you might be looking to trade your rotator or add another one to your fleet. I guess we will find out in part 2.
Notice, Ron says his pocket book says no, so while he'd love to get one, now may not be the time for budgetary reasons. So we'll have to see if he changes his mind in Pt 2, or not.
There have been automatic transmissions in large truck and buses for decades. It makes sense that they are finally penetrating the rest of the market.
As for the left leg, I can feel your pain. It was not in a truck, but a Ford Escort Station Wagon with 5-speed manual trans. We were trying to into downtown Toronto on city streets during afternoon rush hour and during a thunderstorm. It took us about two hours to go about four miles. It was a couple of days before my left leg right.
Oh my....my wife owned a Ford Escort in the 80's....we won't even begin to go there. I'm sure your leg was never the same after that LOL. Thank you for watching and God bless.
very interesting. The eaton transmission has come a long way in the last few years.
It is an amazing thing to operate!! Thanks for watching and God bless.
Morning Mr Ron its Friday video be safe and prayers for your family and all your employees
Thank you for watching and God bless.
Wowsers! I remember when I first started driving back in 1988. I had an '86 Freightliner cab-over with a 3406B hooked up to an Eaton/Fuller RT-RTX 9 spd transmission. I went through the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. Seems like I caught every traffic signal at every intersection through the city. I really polished my shifting technique that day. But an automatic transmission like this IS the bees knees!
I agree, save the body parts and think about an auto. My knee and shoulder scream at times shifting. Ya gotta float when you can LOL. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I worked for Eaton for about 7 1/2yrs from 07 to 2014 in the electrical sector of the company before deciding to leave on good terms.
Got a Mack automatic in august last year I pull different trailers in Nebraska and I love it it’s nice not having to worry about downshifting on the hills
This was very exciting to watch thanks Ron
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron I would say it's an honor for you and the boy to be ask to be part of such an event but to each own I will stick with the manual transmission less to go wrong with
That had to be a really fun day playing with that truck! Thanks Ron!
Yes it was, especially since it included my boy. Ethan and I made some memories over those two days. Thank you for watching and God bless.
Awesome video. Amazing the technology advancements happening in the trucking and towing industries. Thank you for sharing.
I agree with the awesome advancements. It was an honor to be a part of this experience. Thank you for watching and God bless.
A beautiful piece of machinery. tfs❤
Prayers to you and your business Ron. May God move speedily in your favor and on your behalf. Blessings friend 🙏😇🌺.
That truck is beautiful...that is a HUGE leap forward in making things easier for the operators. I always love field trips and who could say no to checking out the latest equipment...2 thumbs way up Ron!! I can't wait to see the next video :-)
It sure is a beautiful piece of equipment and a dream to operate. We were so honored to have been included in this experience, but the best part was doing it with my son. We made memories that you can't buy. Road trips and big trucks with my son, doesn't get much better. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron that was a great video. I really like those new trucks and transmissions. I’ve still got my CDL and keep everything current. I drove big rig for 35+ years and it’s still in my blood. You do an awesome job. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️
Thank you so much and I am glad you enjoy the channel. Keep safe out there. Thank you for watching and God bless.
I've been around the trucking industry almost my whole life in one way or another, and I have to say that that transmission is the cat's meow, I've watched the automatics come a long way and this transmission is a serious game changer, for all of the trucking industry, I have to wonder how it would work in a garbage/trash/refuse truck i
Allison Transmission at one time was a division of General Motors and they created the heavy duty automatic transmission for use in passenger buses and coaches. And yes, refuse trucks have had them for quite some time now. Over the road and vocational trucks are the last ones to adopt them.
@@williamjones4483 This is an automated 18 speed manual trans. Totally different ballgame.
@@thojer81ify different ball game yes, but AMT head to head against Allison, Allison wins. Due to Allison’s torque converter, they can multiply torque in low rpm situations. Also more maneuverable and reliable
That was fun to watch. Hope you and the family have a safe 4th of July!
Iam a retired truck driver I could never get use to auto Trans in a semi but my brother drives one every day and loves i Will stick with a manual am to old school, awesome video and God bless from GA
Always enjoy your videos,getting to try out new transmissions,Sergie Dratchev was invited to try out a new overthe road truck transmission and engine combination at one of those proving ground Places,Getting to try on hand is always enjoyableThumbs up,everyone else has said it very well
Thank you for the positive comments. It was an amazing trip and experience. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I know what you mean about wanting things to be easier as you get older. I used to have clutches in all of my pickup trucks. Then I towed my popup coast to coast in the summer of 99 with one. Replaced that truck in 2003 with an F350 PSD with the TorqShift 6 speed automatic. Still driving that truck and won't go back to a clutch.
As much as I hate to admit it, my body has taken a lot of hard hits over the years and I feel it!!! This option is certainly a game changer. Thanks for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt You are so right-Ron. Gotta preserve what we have left-
That was a cool diminstration & I would like to see the other videos when they come out
Great review and comments, Ron. The engineers were looking for real world experience & you were able to provide it. Betting you're going to be getting more invitations like this.
I don't know about more invitations, but it was an awesome experience. The group was very kind and welcoming to us and only wanted an honest opinion. It was great all the way around. Just wish the drive was a bit shorter but a road trip with my boy was worth it. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I love your vids and content!! Keep up the great work!! Love the channel!!
Thanks so much for the positive comment. I sure hope to continue. Thanks for watching and God bless.
As for me I have been driving for 25 plus years and like you I am at that time of life to make things easier. I have been driving automatic trucks for about 8 years and love the relaxing feeling of driving especially in heavy traffic.
Thanks for sharing. I won't say no if the opportunity presents itself to save my old knee and shoulder LOL. Thank you for watching and God bless.
That was an awesome share Ron. Bet you were like me at a new firearm manufacturer with a new product.
I think, considering it's age, the western star would be the one to replace. I know it was your Dad's truck. I say restore it as a tribute to him and what he started! A new 50 ton,with the western star as back up, would suit Ethan just fine!
As long as it's another one with full lockers in the rear. Can't remember if it also had front drives too, or it was just the full rear lockers that made it more capable.
Have to agree, those Western Star trucks are tough,Those are what Jamie Davis drove ,in the super cold and warm just coldnt keep them busy enough
That is a BEAUTIFUL TRUCK! She handles extremely well and Ron, I know you were enjoying the heck out of it, too! Love your videos, take care and God Bless!
It was amazing on every level. The driving, the truck and most of all spending time with my son. Thank you for watching and God bless.