I prefer the automatic transmission because it allows me to focus more on my surroundings and keep others safe also I can hold the wheel with two hands to stay centered in the lane and use other controls if needed
@@gelvosky yeah my personal car is but my big truck has a detroit 60 series 14 L with a 13 speed eaton fuller transmission 370 rears , and your point being what ?
You ever drive them big oversized loads? Super oversized loads s, they're so big. You shut down the highway. Yeah, and automatic, it's much better to go over curves and media things and maneuver that with an automatic then a manual. I would say depends on what job you're doing. What does it matter if you've driven a manual transmission?You can drive an automatic.It's just a Is difference of transmission. Low gear is low gear.High gear is high gear.It's how you press on the pedal
Great video Thanks , you are just completely missing on a huge aspect in relation with both transmissions is the Cost $$$$!!!! deference in price for new , rebuilt, maintenance, durability and clutch replacement.
The company I trained with sent me to a school that still started everyone in manual trucks. Even though I knew my company would be almost totally automatics I insisted on learning on a manual as I did not want the restriction on my license. I had never driven a manual of any kind before trucking school, so now I like to tell people that I learned how to drive stick on an eighteen wheeler. Honestly, despite my newness to trucking, I'd prefer a manual truck. In my car, automatic all the way, but a truck is so much better with a shifter.
Cool shit Homie when I get my CDL in the late 90s it was only stick ships, so that’s all I know even though I’ve been out of the industry for a while you just don’t feel right to be in a truck with a automatic
I just got through asking another driver at this pilot if I was the only one that hates automatics. These things are a nightmare in reverse. I miss being able to ease backwards while feathering the clutch. The only advantage that I’ve found with this thing is that it saves my knee in stop and go traffic.
I got a pro and a con for you Route 80 got shutdown I got detoured up Mt Zion in Pennsylvania during a minor snow storm. After passing two automatic tractors and cars on the side of the road going downhill. I’m glad I was able to be in low gear down the hill creeping at 2 MPH. In a automatic you have to hit the brake to control your speed and that’s why they were on the side of the road. Class dismissed.
Nah. Most automatic have manual control. Tiptronic or paddle controls for cars. It's usually colum shifting for semis. To say nothing of the big L setting on older cars for low gear.
@@REDBERRET1916 regardless of your preference of automatic or manual. Manuals are becoming a thing of the past. You can’t even by a new diesel pickup anymore with a manual
@@danielelij6997 its not manual thats dying, Driving is dying.It started with the auto then the cvt now the single pedal is coming soon(electric motors) what do you think is going to happen next?You wanna know check out the concept cars of the so called "future" no steering wheel,no pedals,then what'd you know cars are driving us, All thanks to people who feel driving needs to get easier
@@REDBERRET1916 you are exactly right on that, in time humans will just be in the vehicle like pilots are with planes. They will be driving themselves.
I’ve drive 5x4, 6x4 ( which I didn’t care for) 4x4 Married boxes, 10 speed spicers, 12 speed spicers, and obviously 8,10,13 speed trans in my over 30 yrs of trucking. I drove one dump truck back in the 80’s that had a 430 Detroit with an Allison automatic… IT SUCKED! Having said all that, right before I had my heart attack, I drove several Mack’s that had Eaton 13 speed automatics, and I am here to tell you I loved it! It’s hard at first as your left foot automatically goes for the clutch and your right arm is just lost! Reaching for anything to grab onto, but I’m here to tell you, if I was still driving today, (which I so wish I was), I would only want two options. If I’m driving over the road, I would love a 5 speed spicer with a 4 speed progressive Brownie. If it’s local? 300 to 500 miles a day? Damn straight!! Automatic all the way.
73 years old. Can drive manuals...had for 50 plus years, but in my OTR Freightliner, have DD12 auto/manual override. Hope to never have to use a clutch again in my life. Secondly, OTR driving where you are moving from seat to bunk area...sure is nice not having damned manual gear shifter in the floor to hinder movement.
I have driven several generations of the auto transmission and have to say they have come along way. I prefer and am currently driving a manual transmission. The manual keeps me engaged and aware of what my engine is doing and when. My biggest problem (other then the commonly known issues) with the auto was getting used to the braking. I found myself rolling up to stop signs and lights with way too much speed. Having way too much momentum and having to use heavy break applications. With the manual I always am slowed down using my brakes and engine before the stop. I am curious if anyone has noticed this or if it's just me? I will always keep my manual transmission as long as I can. Being as I don't own my truck, it's not my choice, I will more then likely have to switch to auto someday as I see the industry going this way for sure.
I've ran all kinds of transmissions over the years, both manual & automatic, but never had the pleasure of using an AMT. In my current job (municipal), I plow snow on some steep backroad hills. The manual transmission trucks excel in this kind of work, but the automatic trucks on the same hills give you the "Pucker" factor. Has anyone had any experience on the AMT transmission in municipal work in "Ice Control" conditions. I live in northern New England & there is no flat ground around this region. Great video!
One of the huge benefits of automatics, is driveline durability with novice drivers. Mud, snow, sand, gravel, ice and steep hills...are all opportunities for the manually handicapped to destroy drivelines with standards, where auto trucks are more likely to survive the same ham fisted drivers.
Great video and explanations! I learned how to drive a semi with a 10 speed manual, despite never having driven a manual car in my life 😂 while I prefer manual semis over auto-magics, I know that Autos have their benefits with fuel efficiency and that they're much easier to drive. Luckily, I work for a company that has both autos and manuals, and will have them coexisting for at least a couple more years ⚙️ 🚛
I wish the trucking school I went to give us more time to learn the manual transmission ,we only got three days to learn in one manual truck with 14 students
I went with automatic because i didn't get it my first week in class. Plus the automatic fails on the test were more with manual. My instructors told me they had to relearn manuel to teach the class because they rarely drove them.
Very outdated view. With raising fuel prices truck operated with automatic transmission is winning the race. People drive for money and not for the nostalgia...
I believe we are just 1 study funded by the insurance industry that shows that a new driver with 1 day to 3 months in the truck is less likely to kill someone by 1/10th of 1% before all companies switch to driving automatics. I have trained drivers for 18 years. A new driver makes mistakes, but paramount among those, is failing to steer properly because he/she is distracted by missing a shift and trying to recover. The assumption that someone entering the industry is limited by the automatic restriction is not true. As mentioned, most truck schools are all automatic. If you owned a truck company and decided you will only have manual transmissions for the last 3 years you are either a 3-4 truck company or have gone out of business. I know of a company with 100+ trucks that was trying to stick with manual, they offered truck schools free manual training vehicles ($1 lease per year). That was 2 years ago, today they are all automatics. If you lease 100 trucks and 50 are sitting on the yard with no drivers because they are manuals you go bankrupt. Updated info on Freightliner (they have 40% of the new truck market in US).. last year 95% automatic. KW and Pete are not far behind. I cannot confirm but my experience from recruiters is more class B dump trucks made by these manufacturers are manuals and are included in the remaining 5%. Nail in the coffin for manuals.. only a tiny fraction of drivers can get a comparable MPG in a manual vs. automatic. One company told me it was a "no brainer", they save 10s of millions of dollars per year on fuel, have an easier time getting drivers, and have lower maintenance costs on clutches and brakes (most new drivers do not downshift , they just clutch and brake). If you are entering the truck driving industry my advice is to not bother with manual. If you do get the E restriction (no manual transmission) you only need to take the road test to remove it (not the pre-trip and backing). It is unlikely that you will ever need to do so, the FMCSA has been pushing to do away with the restriction for the last 5 years, and, unless you have driving/work history issues, you will not need to settle for companies that are working on the fringe and are running with very old manual trucks. Lastly, I have no clue what the video poster said about "extra fluids required for automatics".. I drove every type of automatic truck and 8, 9 and 10 speed manuals, no fluid difference.
That's some great information however in my state Michigan I was told by my tester that if you want to go for your restrictions removed to drive manual that you will need to take all 3 test over again. The pre trip , maneuvers, and road test. I don't know if he was just blowin smoke or if it is true. I just tested may 20,2022 on automatic. I kinda wanted to do manual but didn't know if I had enough time to learn and couldn't afford to fail on my testing. So I decided I would just do automatic and if need be can go back and do manual later. If I'd have know it was gonna take 7 weeks to find a tester I would have done manual but was told I only had 4 weeks to train, 5 if necessary, but I know I probably don't need manual I think manual trucks are probably fun and they look a hell of a lot sweeter and mean!
The FMCSA regulations only require a road test to remove the automatic transmission restriction. However, you may be correct. The states are allowed to be more restrictive. I would point out that roughly 1/2 of my students choose manual, but only (I only have limited date to base this on..) about 1-2% go to their first job in a manual. One student said he wished he had done automatic because he was forced to drive the old "nasty" manual trucks because he did not have the restriction and they were in the process of switching. One last and very important point. All large carriers and nearly all medium sized carriers have switched to auto. New drivers are extremely limited to these carriers. You could go with a local beverage company (that drives automatics) or a smaller company that drives manuals. As a driver "finishing" trainer that took truck school grads on my truck I can tell you that about 90% of your driving training occurs after truck school. The medium and large companies are required to give this extended training by their insurance providers. A good truck school gives you 12-16 hours of drive time. A good finishing program gives 170-200 hours of drive time. Small carriers can't afford that training time. So, if you go to a company that drives manual only, you very likely won't be given the training to make you successful in this industry.
Autos are taking over because it's easier to train new drivers and most younger people simply don't care enough about driving and see it as just a job. I also see all the benefits pointed out for autos as points to dupe people on. After driving several AMTs, I hate them. I can list off many issues I've run into with them.
I'm a newly licensed driver, age 19. I prefer manuals because it makes the job enjoyable for me. Autos can seriously take the fun out of trucks. My route has a ton of hills which I'm not used to in a manual so I am definitely happy for having an Auto but I could easily learn after a stall or two.
You won't stall a truck the way you stall a car. You'll just miss the shift. And lose a lot of speed. And try again. And miss. And lose a lot of speed. Eventually you'll get it.
Stop and go in a manual isn’t as bad as most people make it out to be. If you don’t ride someone’s bumper and putter around when in stop and go traffic the clutch use is minimized, especially once you get the hang of shifting. Automated manuals can get better mpg but that’s due to the computer generally being in control of gear selection. If a driver had the self discipline to shift in a similar way they can match or exceed the mpg by being able to select a more appropriate gear on certain situations. Of course being able to choose gears in an automated manual also can allow a discipline driver to gain better fuel consumption. As an owner op, if you can drive a manual effectively you can experience reduced maintenance and cheaper rebuilds, but a good automated manual these days are a good choice if the spec of the entire truck setup is appropriate for your hauling. If you’re a company guy automated manuals are locked in to the companies overall are more likely to get better mpg, this isn’t always true but more often then not it is true a little, so a company will happily go for the extra 1-2mpg that’s gained across a fleet
@@MamaMia84oo7 Yeah in a personal car. I deliver building materials (brick, stone, mortar, etc.) on a flatbed so I don't really feel like having to shift all day on top of lifting heavy bricks and stones and climbing up and down the truck and Moffitt. That's just me though.
@@oscarwarren9709 Yeah I get it. Im just a driving fanatic. Id always rather have a manual transmission. Even my car is a 5 speed. It’s just not something I even think about, muscle memory.
Manual transmissions are dead unless you race for a living or own a classic like a hurst in a 70’s muscle car. I don’t understand why so many people are ardent about manuals. Automatics are a great progression in less driver input. They now improve gas mileage across every band and do so much faster than a human could ever shift. I remember the first time I was stuck in Portland Oregon traffic with a 4 speed manual, non hydraulic when I was younger. Nope. I went with the th350 version of the muscle car. I will not suffer that level of nonsense 7 days a week. I personally think it must have been fun with a manual pre 1980, much less people around. Stop and go is the absolute worst and kills the fun of it.
I own both manual and automated trucks. I despise the automated one way more expensive to own problems regularly and I have no way of doing anything to it have had to have it towed 3 times in 4 years transmission every time. it's an electrical nightmare and you have to have Eaton software for every issue. if it stops in the middle of the road you're in the middle of the road till the tow truck arrives. But if you have a driver like I do you can at least control his driving habits to some degree with a automated transmission. I do think a fully automatic like a Allison would be a better choice but there just aren't many of them. Therefore in my opinion a manual is far more dependable longer lasting and much much cheaper in the long run.
Looks like only o/o will have manual if they wish to but all the company trucks will have auto. Main reason being efficiency durability and good for rookies.
Automatics are popular with certain carriers because now you can hire someone off the street and don't even have to teach them to actually drive the truck...
Manual in winter and on the highway. The auto is nice in town but if given a choice I'd grab the manual anytime. After a repair a month ago manuals tend to get fixed quicker and there seems to be parts. My auto was in the shop for almost a month.
You missed one important part about automatic transmission, and I been driving since I was 17 ,now 53 . I learn to drive a rear mount engine box Denning coach / bus GM 6v Detroit 5 or 6 speed crash box with the pattern back to front and 40 foot of linkage . So I do know crash box’s pretty well . Now for automatic depending on the brand, and I haven’t drive a better auto then a Volvo auto ... we have brand new kenworth 410 with the so called paccar motor and box ZF ( DAF ) and has absolutely nothing on the Volvo. So it absolutely depends on the automatic manufacturer , they can be a real pleasure to drive if they do and work the way they designed to .. give me a auto any day well a Volvo one that is .
Also there are no new designs for manuals where as they r working all the time to improve automatic tranys . Because of that truks with automatics tend to be more fuel efficient because they carefully build the last gear ratio to minimize engine rpm at highway speeds. It's hard to find a manual that has the low rpm highway cruising of an automatic nowadays....
Youre wrong about manul transmission car sales, they have been rising since 2018, so much so that in the last few years, car manufacturers have added some manual trans options to some models.
If I had to choose which manual transmission it would be: first, the Volvo Synchronized 16 speed. Second, the 13 speed. The 18 speed is for Big Blocks. As for AUTOMATED Manual Transmissions, only choice is the I-Shift for Severe Duty even in a Line Rig, it is Liquid Cooled so as to operate in its proper temperature year round. The I-Shift is also available as a baseline model for puttering around locally as a 13 or 14 speed for heavier loads: you may need Geared Hubs for the heavier loads.
Stateside Volvo only offers 3 engines and one transmission now. For engines it's the D13TC in ratings from 400hp to 465hp, and for transmissions 12 speed i shift only
Newish/young driver and I absolutely hate automatics. At least in commercial trucks. Personally, I feel that autos belong in the city and nowhere else. I pull a super-b up and over mountains every day, and while an auto can do it, I vastly prefer a manual. Especially when the snow drops. I always drive in manual mode from start to stop because I feel that the computer just doesn't quite know what it's doing half the time. However there's still issues I gotta deal with. If my rpms drop too low or spike too high, the truck will auto shift regardless of what mode I'm in. This is especially problematic when going up or down hills. Occasionally the computer will straight up ignore my inputs to shift; and backing up, especially when hooking a trailer, is always a roll of the dice as to whether the truck does it gently or full force. Also, yes, I just do not feel engaged when driving an auto. I honestly feel like I'm two steps away from just being a glorified steering wheel holder sometimes.
I prefer a manual because I get tired driving an automatic. What’s crazy is I was trained in a manual and then after training I was thrown in an automatic. I’m honestly tired of driving an automatic and I’m ready to be back in a manual.
I read an article that said something like 67 percent of new highway trucks are specd with automatic transmission. If that's the case, in afew years, they will phase out manuals as they won't sell enough of them to be profitable. This is already the case with pickup trucks. There currently only 2 brands that offer manuals (Toyota Tacomas and Jeep Wranglers.) They have to be special ordered. No more full size have them. Doesn't look good for big trucks.
One thing about standard transmissions with the millennial and snowflake generations, they are great anti-theft devices unless they grew up on a farm. This guy must be a Canadian. It's sem-i not sem-e.
Just got my CDL around this time last year. I passed with a manual stickshift. When I drive an automatic, It just feels so awkward. I don't like it. I guess i'm the minority as i'm apart of the younger generation of truckers that prefer manual over auto.
Same here. I just got my CDL about a year ago. I insisted on learning in a manual even though the sponsoring company was almost entirely automatics as I didn't want the restriction on my CDL. I really did miss the feel of shifting when I got into the company truck. In my personal car I prefer an automatic, but in a truck I'd rather have a shifter.
Manual is more efficient when driving with fuel efficiency in mind it will get better fuel mileage and more power not to mention a transmission can't see what you see to make a choice
Actually, I don't know about semis, but, in automobiles, the automatics are supposed to get BETTER fuel milage than manuals nowadays. But....you know what? I STILL like manuals better. :)
If the automatic will do the same thing as a manual transmission then there isn't a difference on how you drive just the people that are old school are use to manuals just prefer that because that's what they're accustomed to They said the same thing about automatic transmissions and manual transmissions in sports cars automatics are Quicker now
I don't think it's a matter of comfort, because autos are statistically more comfortable than manual and allow you to focus on way more now that you don't have to think about your gears. The issue is that old school truckers don't acknowledge automatics as "real trucks" and that's why there is a non stop debate
There is no book or rule that describes a truck not being a truck if it's an automatic or it being a truck because it's a manual And maybe twenty years down the road from now if the old school drivers could be alive long enough to drive the automatics given the time of twenty years they might have a different opinion on it. I can understand that there isn't enough automatics out there But what I have search that l autos ooking really good
*An American semitruck should be just like driving all of its automatic light cars... with the difference in size and weight, but driving should be exactly the same, adaptable to any user. *The Eaton Fuller transmission is horribly outdated and even dangerous, they do not have a synchronizer like European trucks, therefore; it is very easy to lose control of your vehicle, accidents are certain. *What is the point of switching so many gears in short ranges manually? it is absurd! *The Eaton Fuller manual transmission is delicate in maintenance compared to the manual transmission of light cars, and they fail much more than automatic ones. *People who defend trucks with manual transmission do not have the same opinion as light cars that are all automatic in North America, why not trucks..? *In the long run it is not practical at all.
Some states(like NV) require that you test in a manual unless you want the automatic restriction on your license. This limits the Companies who will hire you. I've been driving manuals for 30 years and I guarantee I have better control than anyone with an automatic restriction on their CDL!
I like automatics and I like manuals. I prefer an automatic because stop and go traffic annoys me and I get paid the same amount of money as the guy in the manual. But truthfully I wouldn’t be upset in manual or auto. Old schools I could see why they prefer manual, you guys got to think they started driving manual trucks as a young man and was an old man before automatics even got to the point they were even worth having. I don’t blame them for not needing/wanting an automatic. Us new schools coming up with both (for now at least) get to choose. Each have a purpose but unless I’m haulin some weight I have no use for manual. Backing can be worse in automatic in some trucks.
The insistence of using non-syncronized transmissions stateside certainly didn't help. European trucks were mostly synchromesh since the 80s or so until they went mostly automated even sooner than US fleets (in their case it frees up interior space in their COE rigs). Of course for large fleets, automated will give better fleet fuel economy overall, and fuel economy = profit
I don't want to sound like the get off my lawn guy. But even the tesla guy has had to stop the autonomous options on there cars cause its not what everyone thought ,and electric cars are not selling either, I've driven these automate, tic , whatever, if you only drive in a city , or multi stop application i could see it working fine , but if you're OTR, in all kinds of weather, mountains, and weights , then there's no automatic that can compute ,fast enough , to keep you were you need to be , when you drive a 13 , 18 , spd trans over time you become part of the machine your driving it's why we do what we do , you take that away then what's the point , money is not everything.
Just put a down-payment on a tesla semi. Interested in knowing if I would still be entitled to the same rates per mile as a tuck using diesel. And would I get priority on loads because of the safety of autonomous driving? I would like a small run down on the benefits of the tesla vs the traditional semi. Thank you.
A decent auto will out perform a decent driver with a manual, especially when weights get heavy and roads get narrow, steep and twisty. Add a decent gearbox retarder instead of a weak Jake brake and you have a far better package. 80,000lbs on a long straight, wide US interstate, anything will do, which is probably why folk still like manuals. Wont be an issue for long as the "driver" will soon just be an observer, as the truck drives itself.
Driving American trucks with non-synchronized manual transmissions could be dangerous, they should have had synchronized gearboxes just like European trucks...
Even though manuals are better than automatics personally I like the automatic because my right leg is weaker than my left leg so I get tired faster on my left leg than my right so I’m restricted to automatic
I don’t know what a big deal is. They can and are mass producing automatic transmissions like they do anything else. The only reason is because is because old school thinking, even now in 2022 corvettes are automatic only now. Secondly, all EV and hydrogen powered tractors are automatic only as well as city buses and luxury coaches have the same engines but have always been automatics mostly.
_Automatic trucks take away my ability to want RPMs, I want high RPMs when I need high RPMs for example, going up mountains initially automatic change whenever they want to. I need to change at a specific moment in time so I can keep my torque._
I drove automatics as substitutes for my truck. Brand new 2024 Kenworths and Freightliners. They are garbage. I know all the nuances too, like the limiter, and manual switch, this is ALL garbage. Conputerized garbage which can be solved with a manual truck. The only reason they invented automatics is so that they can hire women and children that aren’t born for driving.
Automated transmissions are just one more step towards totally automated trucks which is inevitable whether it would be 10 years from now or 40 years….
MANUALS. Its not even a debate. Automatics are only for people who shouldn’t be driving anyway. Maybe some good old truckers use automatics because of health reasons but I would argue they also need to retire. Automatic trucks are the worst thing they did to trucking. It has attracted people to trucking that have no business behind a wheel.
I have only Driven Auto shift once or twice did not like them would never ever by One I have been driving Volvos for 15 years I hear they're not going to offer the standard much longer so I guess I'll never buy another Volvo
I prefer the automatic transmission because it allows me to focus more on my surroundings and keep others safe also I can hold the wheel with two hands to stay centered in the lane and use other controls if needed
😂😂😂😂😂😂 I can already tell you’re a road hazard in any truck.
Your definitely a millennial, you sound like my daughter
@@MamaMia84oo7 dobt be jealous
@@porttrucker probably your personal car or truck is automatic... just like 100% of americans!
@@gelvosky yeah my personal car is but my big truck has a detroit 60 series 14 L with a 13 speed eaton fuller transmission 370 rears , and your point being what ?
I used to drive manual, now automatic, I don't really care, it's a job to get paid, that's it.
_That’s because you’re not a trucker you’re a truck driver there’s a big difference obviously_
Exactly man well said
You ever drive them big oversized loads? Super oversized loads s, they're so big. You shut down the highway. Yeah, and automatic, it's much better to go over curves and media things and maneuver that with an automatic then a manual. I would say depends on what job you're doing. What does it matter if you've driven a manual transmission?You can drive an automatic.It's just a Is difference of transmission. Low gear is low gear.High gear is high gear.It's how you press on the pedal
@@TacticalTrucker shut up...! it is not a religion either
Great video Thanks , you are just completely missing on a huge aspect in relation with both transmissions is the Cost $$$$!!!! deference in price for new , rebuilt, maintenance, durability and clutch replacement.
The company I trained with sent me to a school that still started everyone in manual trucks. Even though I knew my company would be almost totally automatics I insisted on learning on a manual as I did not want the restriction on my license. I had never driven a manual of any kind before trucking school, so now I like to tell people that I learned how to drive stick on an eighteen wheeler. Honestly, despite my newness to trucking, I'd prefer a manual truck. In my car, automatic all the way, but a truck is so much better with a shifter.
Cool shit Homie when I get my CDL in the late 90s it was only stick ships, so that’s all I know even though I’ve been out of the industry for a while you just don’t feel right to be in a truck with a automatic
I just got through asking another driver at this pilot if I was the only one that hates automatics. These things are a nightmare in reverse. I miss being able to ease backwards while feathering the clutch. The only advantage that I’ve found with this thing is that it saves my knee in stop and go traffic.
You are not. I do too. Plenty of jobs out there that still have manual trans. Don't give up
SAME!
I got a pro and a con for you Route 80 got shutdown I got detoured up Mt Zion in Pennsylvania during a minor snow storm. After passing two automatic tractors and cars on the side of the road going downhill. I’m glad I was able to be in low gear down the hill creeping at 2 MPH. In a automatic you have to hit the brake to control your speed and that’s why they were on the side of the road. Class dismissed.
Nah. Most automatic have manual control. Tiptronic or paddle controls for cars. It's usually colum shifting for semis. To say nothing of the big L setting on older cars for low gear.
@@bigcjm yea I’ve been in those and the transmission will still shift itself
US trucks have non synchro manual transmissions, in Europe we have had synchro manual transmissions for decades and they are fantastic.
that's the problem with american trucks...!
Automatic make my life easy..love it
Manual make my life harder...and I enjoy it 😈
Always the easy way out huh
That's the kind of man you are?
@@REDBERRET1916 regardless of your preference of automatic or manual. Manuals are becoming a thing of the past. You can’t even by a new diesel pickup anymore with a manual
@@danielelij6997 its not manual thats dying, Driving is dying.It started with the auto then the cvt now the single pedal is coming soon(electric motors) what do you think is going to happen next?You wanna know check out the concept cars of the so called "future" no steering wheel,no pedals,then what'd you know cars are driving us, All thanks to people who feel driving needs to get easier
@@REDBERRET1916 you are exactly right on that, in time humans will just be in the vehicle like pilots are with planes. They will be driving themselves.
I can Drive Both, don't have to have that Restriction on my CDL.
I’ve drive 5x4, 6x4 ( which I didn’t care for)
4x4 Married boxes, 10 speed spicers, 12 speed spicers, and obviously 8,10,13 speed trans in my over 30 yrs of trucking.
I drove one dump truck back in the 80’s that had a 430 Detroit with an Allison automatic… IT SUCKED!
Having said all that, right before I had my heart attack, I drove several Mack’s that had Eaton 13 speed automatics, and I am here to tell you I loved it!
It’s hard at first as your left foot automatically goes for the clutch and your right arm is just lost! Reaching for anything to grab onto, but I’m here to tell you, if I was still driving today, (which I so wish I was), I would only want two options.
If I’m driving over the road, I would love a 5 speed spicer with a 4 speed progressive Brownie. If it’s local? 300 to 500 miles a day? Damn straight!! Automatic all the way.
73 years old. Can drive manuals...had for 50 plus years, but in my OTR Freightliner, have DD12 auto/manual override. Hope to never have to use a clutch again in my life. Secondly, OTR driving where you are moving from seat to bunk area...sure is nice not having damned manual gear shifter in the floor to hinder movement.
My company uses autos but was trained on 10 spd,I feel we all should at least know how to drive a manual
Thanks for sharing! It's always great to have experience driving both automatic and manual.
I have driven several generations of the auto transmission and have to say they have come along way. I prefer and am currently driving a manual transmission. The manual keeps me engaged and aware of what my engine is doing and when. My biggest problem (other then the commonly known issues) with the auto was getting used to the braking. I found myself rolling up to stop signs and lights with way too much speed. Having way too much momentum and having to use heavy break applications. With the manual I always am slowed down using my brakes and engine before the stop. I am curious if anyone has noticed this or if it's just me? I will always keep my manual transmission as long as I can. Being as I don't own my truck, it's not my choice, I will more then likely have to switch to auto someday as I see the industry going this way for sure.
For the initial acceleration and backing, I prefer the manual. But for long distance highway and mountain driving, I love the Manual Automatic.
Automatic all day. Makes purchasing a truck easier. The way alot of company drivers abuse their manual gears scares me.
_It now cost over $12,000 to repair in automatic transmission versus $4000 to repair an manual transmission_
I've ran all kinds of transmissions over the years, both manual & automatic, but never had the pleasure of using an AMT. In my current job (municipal), I plow snow on some steep backroad hills. The manual transmission trucks excel in this kind of work, but the automatic trucks on the same hills give you the "Pucker" factor. Has anyone had any experience on the AMT transmission in municipal work in "Ice Control" conditions. I live in northern New England & there is no flat ground around this region. Great video!
I got a manual truck and learned. I want to be able to operate manuals.
One of the huge benefits of automatics, is driveline durability with novice drivers. Mud, snow, sand, gravel, ice and steep hills...are all opportunities for the manually handicapped to destroy drivelines with standards, where auto trucks are more likely to survive the same ham fisted drivers.
Great video and explanations! I learned how to drive a semi with a 10 speed manual, despite never having driven a manual car in my life 😂 while I prefer manual semis over auto-magics, I know that Autos have their benefits with fuel efficiency and that they're much easier to drive. Luckily, I work for a company that has both autos and manuals, and will have them coexisting for at least a couple more years ⚙️ 🚛
I wish the trucking school I went to give us more time to learn the manual transmission ,we only got three days to learn in one manual truck with 14 students
I went with automatic because i didn't get it my first week in class. Plus the automatic fails on the test were more with manual. My instructors told me they had to relearn manuel to teach the class because they rarely drove them.
Truthfully, manuals are a preference before they are a necessity
Very outdated view.
With raising fuel prices truck operated with automatic transmission is winning the race. People drive for money and not for the nostalgia...
I believe we are just 1 study funded by the insurance industry that shows that a new driver with 1 day to 3 months in the truck is less likely to kill someone by 1/10th of 1% before all companies switch to driving automatics. I have trained drivers for 18 years. A new driver makes mistakes, but paramount among those, is failing to steer properly because he/she is distracted by missing a shift and trying to recover.
The assumption that someone entering the industry is limited by the automatic restriction is not true. As mentioned, most truck schools are all automatic. If you owned a truck company and decided you will only have manual transmissions for the last 3 years you are either a 3-4 truck company or have gone out of business. I know of a company with 100+ trucks that was trying to stick with manual, they offered truck schools free manual training vehicles ($1 lease per year). That was 2 years ago, today they are all automatics. If you lease 100 trucks and 50 are sitting on the yard with no drivers because they are manuals you go bankrupt.
Updated info on Freightliner (they have 40% of the new truck market in US).. last year 95% automatic. KW and Pete are not far behind. I cannot confirm but my experience from recruiters is more class B dump trucks made by these manufacturers are manuals and are included in the remaining 5%.
Nail in the coffin for manuals.. only a tiny fraction of drivers can get a comparable MPG in a manual vs. automatic. One company told me it was a "no brainer", they save 10s of millions of dollars per year on fuel, have an easier time getting drivers, and have lower maintenance costs on clutches and brakes (most new drivers do not downshift , they just clutch and brake).
If you are entering the truck driving industry my advice is to not bother with manual. If you do get the E restriction (no manual transmission) you only need to take the road test to remove it (not the pre-trip and backing). It is unlikely that you will ever need to do so, the FMCSA has been pushing to do away with the restriction for the last 5 years, and, unless you have driving/work history issues, you will not need to settle for companies that are working on the fringe and are running with very old manual trucks.
Lastly, I have no clue what the video poster said about "extra fluids required for automatics".. I drove every type of automatic truck and 8, 9 and 10 speed manuals, no fluid difference.
That's some great information however in my state Michigan I was told by my tester that if you want to go for your restrictions removed to drive manual that you will need to take all 3 test over again. The pre trip , maneuvers, and road test. I don't know if he was just blowin smoke or if it is true. I just tested may 20,2022 on automatic. I kinda wanted to do manual but didn't know if I had enough time to learn and couldn't afford to fail on my testing. So I decided I would just do automatic and if need be can go back and do manual later. If I'd have know it was gonna take 7 weeks to find a tester I would have done manual but was told I only had 4 weeks to train, 5 if necessary, but I know I probably don't need manual I think manual trucks are probably fun and they look a hell of a lot sweeter and mean!
The FMCSA regulations only require a road test to remove the automatic transmission restriction. However, you may be correct. The states are allowed to be more restrictive.
I would point out that roughly 1/2 of my students choose manual, but only (I only have limited date to base this on..) about 1-2% go to their first job in a manual. One student said he wished he had done automatic because he was forced to drive the old "nasty" manual trucks because he did not have the restriction and they were in the process of switching.
One last and very important point. All large carriers and nearly all medium sized carriers have switched to auto. New drivers are extremely limited to these carriers. You could go with a local beverage company (that drives automatics) or a smaller company that drives manuals. As a driver "finishing" trainer that took truck school grads on my truck I can tell you that about 90% of your driving training occurs after truck school. The medium and large companies are required to give this extended training by their insurance providers. A good truck school gives you 12-16 hours of drive time. A good finishing program gives 170-200 hours of drive time. Small carriers can't afford that training time. So, if you go to a company that drives manual only, you very likely won't be given the training to make you successful in this industry.
"Manual Lovers, Hit like, let's see how many of you are out there."
You can keep a cold beer in your right hand instead of a shifter. I take that any day.
I prefer standards
I love my 13 speed
Autos are taking over because it's easier to train new drivers and most younger people simply don't care enough about driving and see it as just a job. I also see all the benefits pointed out for autos as points to dupe people on.
After driving several AMTs, I hate them. I can list off many issues I've run into with them.
I'm a newly licensed driver, age 19. I prefer manuals because it makes the job enjoyable for me. Autos can seriously take the fun out of trucks.
My route has a ton of hills which I'm not used to in a manual so I am definitely happy for having an Auto but I could easily learn after a stall or two.
You won't stall a truck the way you stall a car. You'll just miss the shift. And lose a lot of speed. And try again. And miss. And lose a lot of speed. Eventually you'll get it.
after driving auto for 5 years changed jobs great to drive a road ranger again.
safe trucking
Perfect !
Thank you !
Stop and go in a manual isn’t as bad as most people make it out to be. If you don’t ride someone’s bumper and putter around when in stop and go traffic the clutch use is minimized, especially once you get the hang of shifting.
Automated manuals can get better mpg but that’s due to the computer generally being in control of gear selection. If a driver had the self discipline to shift in a similar way they can match or exceed the mpg by being able to select a more appropriate gear on certain situations.
Of course being able to choose gears in an automated manual also can allow a discipline driver to gain better fuel consumption.
As an owner op, if you can drive a manual effectively you can experience reduced maintenance and cheaper rebuilds, but a good automated manual these days are a good choice if the spec of the entire truck setup is appropriate for your hauling.
If you’re a company guy automated manuals are locked in to the companies overall are more likely to get better mpg, this isn’t always true but more often then not it is true a little, so a company will happily go for the extra 1-2mpg that’s gained across a fleet
I can drive both. I prefer the automatic. I just get in and drive. Manual makes driving a chore.
Manual makes driving a JOY and you’re in control.
@@MamaMia84oo7 Yeah in a personal car. I deliver building materials (brick, stone, mortar, etc.) on a flatbed so I don't really feel like having to shift all day on top of lifting heavy bricks and stones and climbing up and down the truck and Moffitt. That's just me though.
@@oscarwarren9709 Yeah I get it. Im just a driving fanatic. Id always rather have a manual transmission. Even my car is a 5 speed. It’s just not something I even think about, muscle memory.
@@MamaMia84oo7 I hear ya. I wouldn't mind getting a manual sports car one day. That would be fun.
Cost of a rebuild manual, 2 to 5 K installed, cost of a new automatic because you can’t rebuild them, 13 to 15 k.
End of story
So what ?? You got money pay for it
So for 2022, is it out of the realm of possibilities to obtain a manual 2022/2023 model?
Think next year after that, with all the backlog.
It is possible, but good question.
Auto is good for the city. Over the road and in bad weather I like the manual so much better. More control when you need it.
just got my class one in Alberta, have to take the test on a manual. quite enjoyable to learn but axcited to drive anything
Manual transmissions are dead unless you race for a living or own a classic like a hurst in a 70’s muscle car. I don’t understand why so many people are ardent about manuals. Automatics are a great progression in less driver input. They now improve gas mileage across every band and do so much faster than a human could ever shift. I remember the first time I was stuck in Portland Oregon traffic with a 4 speed manual, non hydraulic when I was younger. Nope. I went with the th350 version of the muscle car. I will not suffer that level of nonsense 7 days a week. I personally think it must have been fun with a manual pre 1980, much less people around. Stop and go is the absolute worst and kills the fun of it.
I own both manual and automated trucks. I despise the automated one way more expensive to own problems regularly and I have no way of doing anything to it have had to have it towed 3 times in 4 years transmission every time. it's an electrical nightmare and you have to have Eaton software for every issue. if it stops in the middle of the road you're in the middle of the road till the tow truck arrives. But if you have a driver like I do you can at least control his driving habits to some degree with a automated transmission. I do think a fully automatic like a Allison would be a better choice but there just aren't many of them. Therefore in my opinion a manual is far more dependable longer lasting and much much cheaper in the long run.
If it ain't got 3 pedals on the floor it ain't nothing I wanna drive.
Looks like only o/o will have manual if they wish to but all the company trucks will have auto. Main reason being efficiency durability and good for rookies.
Manual💯
Automatics are popular with certain carriers because now you can hire someone off the street and don't even have to teach them to actually drive the truck...
AKA steering wheel holders.
Manual in winter and on the highway. The auto is nice in town but if given a choice I'd grab the manual anytime. After a repair a month ago manuals tend to get fixed quicker and there seems to be parts. My auto was in the shop for almost a month.
I haven't drove for about ten years. Im going to roehl school late april. Im going to get my cdl n they drive automatic i never drove one in semi
I see I see
Automatic transmission all the way 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
You missed one important part about automatic transmission, and I been driving since I was 17 ,now 53 . I learn to drive a rear mount engine box Denning coach / bus GM 6v Detroit 5 or 6 speed crash box with the pattern back to front and 40 foot of linkage . So I do know crash box’s pretty well . Now for automatic depending on the brand, and I haven’t drive a better auto then a Volvo auto ... we have brand new kenworth 410 with the so called paccar motor and box ZF ( DAF ) and has absolutely nothing on the Volvo. So it absolutely depends on the automatic manufacturer , they can be a real pleasure to drive if they do and work the way they designed to .. give me a auto any day well a Volvo one that is .
Also there are no new designs for manuals where as they r working all the time to improve automatic tranys . Because of that truks with automatics tend to be more fuel efficient because they carefully build the last gear ratio to minimize engine rpm at highway speeds. It's hard to find a manual that has the low rpm highway cruising of an automatic nowadays....
Retired after 45 years driving and would love to try a automated transmission.
Youre wrong about manul transmission car sales, they have been rising since 2018, so much so that in the last few years, car manufacturers have added some manual trans options to some models.
If I had to choose which manual transmission it would be: first, the Volvo Synchronized 16 speed. Second, the 13 speed. The 18 speed is for Big Blocks.
As for AUTOMATED Manual Transmissions, only choice is the I-Shift for Severe Duty even in a Line Rig, it is Liquid Cooled so as to operate in its proper temperature year round.
The I-Shift is also available as a baseline model for puttering around locally as a 13 or 14 speed for heavier loads: you may need Geared Hubs for the heavier loads.
Stateside Volvo only offers 3 engines and one transmission now. For engines it's the D13TC in ratings from 400hp to 465hp, and for transmissions 12 speed i shift only
so my question is on the automatic how long do they last how long will the clutch go out in it
Newish/young driver and I absolutely hate automatics. At least in commercial trucks. Personally, I feel that autos belong in the city and nowhere else.
I pull a super-b up and over mountains every day, and while an auto can do it, I vastly prefer a manual. Especially when the snow drops. I always drive in manual mode from start to stop because I feel that the computer just doesn't quite know what it's doing half the time. However there's still issues I gotta deal with. If my rpms drop too low or spike too high, the truck will auto shift regardless of what mode I'm in. This is especially problematic when going up or down hills. Occasionally the computer will straight up ignore my inputs to shift; and backing up, especially when hooking a trailer, is always a roll of the dice as to whether the truck does it gently or full force.
Also, yes, I just do not feel engaged when driving an auto. I honestly feel like I'm two steps away from just being a glorified steering wheel holder sometimes.
Autos are nice for heavy traffic. But if i'm climbing hills or driving in crap weather I want a Stick.
I prefer a manual because I get tired driving an automatic. What’s crazy is I was trained in a manual and then after training I was thrown in an automatic. I’m honestly tired of driving an automatic and I’m ready to be back in a manual.
You do less in an automatic? How are you tired more???
How bout if you have knees problems??
I prefer manual even tho I am young
I issue is with longevity. I've never had one last past 500 thousand miles
I read an article that said something like 67 percent of new highway trucks are specd with automatic transmission. If that's the case, in afew years, they will phase out manuals as they won't sell enough of them to be profitable. This is already the case with pickup trucks. There currently only 2 brands that offer manuals (Toyota Tacomas and Jeep Wranglers.) They
have to be special ordered. No more full size have them. Doesn't look good for big trucks.
One thing about standard transmissions with the millennial and snowflake generations, they are great anti-theft devices unless they grew up on a farm. This guy must be a Canadian. It's sem-i not sem-e.
My uncle had an old truck with a 10 speed trans with 2 gearshifts but would yell at me for driving it. I told him he had a double standard
Just got my CDL around this time last year. I passed with a manual stickshift. When I drive an automatic, It just feels so awkward. I don't like it. I guess i'm the minority as i'm apart of the younger generation of truckers that prefer manual over auto.
Same here. I just got my CDL about a year ago. I insisted on learning in a manual even though the sponsoring company was almost entirely automatics as I didn't want the restriction on my CDL. I really did miss the feel of shifting when I got into the company truck. In my personal car I prefer an automatic, but in a truck I'd rather have a shifter.
Manual is more efficient when driving with fuel efficiency in mind it will get better fuel mileage and more power not to mention a transmission can't see what you see to make a choice
Actually, I don't know about semis, but, in automobiles, the automatics are supposed to get BETTER fuel milage than manuals nowadays. But....you know what? I STILL like manuals better. :)
@@NiceMuslimLady only in the city. If you drive long distance, a manual is more efficient.
@@cliffterrell4876 Ok. That's good to know.
@@cliffterrell4876 that’s not true
@@trucker_jayycee you obviously don't know the mechanics of transmissions.
If the automatic will do the same thing as a manual transmission then there isn't a difference on how you drive just the people that are old school are use to manuals just prefer that because that's what they're accustomed to They said the same thing about automatic transmissions and manual transmissions in sports cars automatics are Quicker now
I don't think it's a matter of comfort, because autos are statistically more comfortable than manual and allow you to focus on way more now that you don't have to think about your gears. The issue is that old school truckers don't acknowledge automatics as "real trucks" and that's why there is a non stop debate
There is no book or rule that describes a truck not being a truck if it's an automatic or it being a truck because it's a manual And maybe twenty years down the road from now if the old school drivers could be alive long enough to drive the automatics given the time of twenty years they might have a different opinion on it. I can understand that there isn't enough automatics out there But what I have search that l autos ooking really good
*An American semitruck should be just like driving all of its automatic light cars... with the difference in size and weight, but driving should be exactly the same, adaptable to any user.
*The Eaton Fuller transmission is horribly outdated and even dangerous, they do not have a synchronizer like European trucks, therefore; it is very easy to lose control of your vehicle, accidents are certain.
*What is the point of switching so many gears in short ranges manually? it is absurd!
*The Eaton Fuller manual transmission is delicate in maintenance compared to the manual transmission of light cars, and they fail much more than automatic ones.
*People who defend trucks with manual transmission do not have the same opinion as light cars that are all automatic in North America, why not trucks..?
*In the long run it is not practical at all.
I started on a 6x4 then went into 18's and 13 speed trucks I dove atomatics but I sure do like rollin coal with the stick
Thanks for sharing!
Some states(like NV) require that you test in a manual unless you want the automatic restriction on your license. This limits the Companies who will hire you. I've been driving manuals for 30 years and I guarantee I have better control than anyone with an automatic restriction on their CDL!
I like automatics and I like manuals. I prefer an automatic because stop and go traffic annoys me and I get paid the same amount of money as the guy in the manual. But truthfully I wouldn’t be upset in manual or auto. Old schools I could see why they prefer manual, you guys got to think they started driving manual trucks as a young man and was an old man before automatics even got to the point they were even worth having. I don’t blame them for not needing/wanting an automatic. Us new schools coming up with both (for now at least) get to choose. Each have a purpose but unless I’m haulin some weight I have no use for manual. Backing can be worse in automatic in some trucks.
would Automatic Manual slip out of gear if left on a hill without a parking break set?
The insistence of using non-syncronized transmissions stateside certainly didn't help. European trucks were mostly synchromesh since the 80s or so until they went mostly automated even sooner than US fleets (in their case it frees up interior space in their COE rigs). Of course for large fleets, automated will give better fleet fuel economy overall, and fuel economy = profit
Unless I didn't hear it, the AMT can be used like a manual anyhow, no difference then a manual clutch
I don't want to sound like the get off my lawn guy. But even the tesla guy has had to stop the autonomous options on there cars cause its not what everyone thought ,and electric cars are not selling either, I've driven these automate, tic , whatever, if you only drive in a city , or multi stop application i could see it working fine , but if you're OTR, in all kinds of weather, mountains, and weights , then there's no automatic that can compute ,fast enough , to keep you were you need to be , when you drive a 13 , 18 , spd trans over time you become part of the machine your driving it's why we do what we do , you take that away then what's the point , money is not everything.
Wholeheartedly agree!
Just put a down-payment on a tesla semi. Interested in knowing if I would still be entitled to the same rates per mile as a tuck using diesel. And would I get priority on loads because of the safety of autonomous driving? I would like a small run down on the benefits of the tesla vs the traditional semi.
Thank you.
So you want priority because you bought a particular brand of truck??
Food for thought 🤔
A decent auto will out perform a decent driver with a manual, especially when weights get heavy and roads get narrow, steep and twisty. Add a decent gearbox retarder instead of a weak Jake brake and you have a far better package. 80,000lbs on a long straight, wide US interstate, anything will do, which is probably why folk still like manuals. Wont be an issue for long as the "driver" will soon just be an observer, as the truck drives itself.
when you drive a 80000 lbs machine on road you need control i don't think automatic gearing gives you the control you need.
Manuals are better. No argument. Only a 10 year vet...so not old school. Autos are ruining this industry and it's depressing as all hell.
Agreed 💯
Agreed, 13 year vet. here
Both transmission types have their advantages and disadvantages
Boomer alert
Okay jet lol I'm 29 years old bud
Manual is way better
Driving American trucks with non-synchronized manual transmissions could be dangerous, they should have had synchronized gearboxes just like European trucks...
Without a clutch my feet get tangled up in the pedals , , ,
Is mannual truck have cheper repair than automatice?
Usually, yes it is!
Even though manuals are better than automatics personally I like the automatic because my right leg is weaker than my left leg so I get tired faster on my left leg than my right so I’m restricted to automatic
How old r u
whatever makes me money
I don’t know what a big deal is. They can and are mass producing automatic transmissions like they do anything else. The only reason is because is because old school thinking, even now in 2022 corvettes are automatic only now. Secondly, all EV and hydrogen powered tractors are automatic only as well as city buses and luxury coaches have the same engines but have always been automatics mostly.
Are you a truck driver? No you’re not, so you won’t understand.
Manual it's cheaper maintenance
I curse my automatic truck just about every time I gotta take it in reverse I would never buy automatic
Must be a kenworth
_Automatic trucks take away my ability to want RPMs, I want high RPMs when I need high RPMs for example, going up mountains initially automatic change whenever they want to. I need to change at a specific moment in time so I can keep my torque._
I heard Mack doesn't even make manual anymore.
Eaton ROAD RANGER all the way!
A lot of manual drivers don't know how to properly drive an automatic. There are nuances involved that old dogs just won't learn.
I drove automatics as substitutes for my truck. Brand new 2024 Kenworths and Freightliners. They are garbage. I know all the nuances too, like the limiter, and manual switch, this is ALL garbage. Conputerized garbage which can be solved with a manual truck. The only reason they invented automatics is so that they can hire women and children that aren’t born for driving.
Manual transmission all the way
Manual is the only way that's just my opinion
Save the manuals…
My last 3 trucks has been automated. And I like it. Specially in traffic. Paccar MX-13 and 12 speed aut. 😎
You mean those engines that sound like a bucket of nails rattling? lol
Automated transmissions are just one more step towards totally automated trucks which is inevitable whether it would be 10 years from now or 40 years….
People who like autos are the people that actually used the clutch to shift lol
Ya ya. And many many moons ago you weren't a real truck driver if you drove one of those new fangled road rangers instead of a two sticker.
MANUALS. Its not even a debate. Automatics are only for people who shouldn’t be driving anyway. Maybe some good old truckers use automatics because of health reasons but I would argue they also need to retire. Automatic trucks are the worst thing they did to trucking. It has attracted people to trucking that have no business behind a wheel.
_America has become more and more soft. Now we have soft truck drivers and that comes with automatics._
I have only Driven Auto shift once or twice did not like them would never ever by One I have been driving Volvos for 15 years I hear they're not going to offer the standard much longer so I guess I'll never buy another Volvo
automatic good for swift drivers manual if youre a real driver
😂😂😂😂😂😂