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There is a huge difference in automated and automatic transmissions. We sold all our automated trucks in favor of Allison autos. Far cheaper to operate.
Best Automatic combo I have drove...Volvo 860 with I-shift D13 1850 torque... Barely feel it shift plus no long delay between gears like the freightliner or Pete. Shifts just like a car...D13 is a beast!
I’m very happy with Volvo I-shift and I bought a Kenworth t680 10 Automatic 2018 and this transmission its makes me looks badly to an American trucks , I believe they don’t know how to doit better automatic transmission, and I will come back to Volvo 860 again,
Just came out a 2016 Volvo 670 with the D13 & 12spd i-shift. Loved it but I had the auto trans go out at 400k miles. It wouldn't shift right and it stalled. Got towed into Wenatchee WA where I spent a week in a hotel while it got rebuilt. About 1.5 weeks later it went out again outside Bakersfiy first truck with the co was a 13spd and it was fun, except in LA..
My truck has automated 10 speed, cost me $3200 rebuilt, $1200 for clutch and about $1200 for labor. Would not buy a manual again. My truck now has 1.7 million miles and transmission was rebuilt at 1.3 million. The problem this one did have was the speed sensors, 3 of them. I carry 3 extra sensors at $86 a piece. I usually change all of them at save time but since transmission rebuild no change of sensors necessary so far about 500,000 miles..
@@itumelengmahaole5890 I use synthetic and replace it every 100 thousand miles. We monitor the oil with test to see how it's doing, I do transmission and differential at same time
For anyone who likes a 9 or 13 speed, the 18 speed is virtually the same weight and only a little more expensive. Easy choice for me because it gives me a lower reverse gear for easy backing and I always have the right gear for any load on any hill. For a truck you will have someone else driving, automatics are appealing because idiots do lots of damage to a manual transmission truck.
I was wondering how durable the auto's were.But from all you people posted, I'm pretty confident.I'm gonna look into the autos And thanks for. The video man like I love when a driver mechanic driver mechanic is the one telling The pros and cons
I used to be all about manuals buy after 1million miles in a dt12 auto it's the only way to go and paired with the dd15 it's a match made in heaven the engine and trans last much longer because the rpms are always perfect.
I liked the older 16 speed Spicer in my 1975 freightliner overall a 13 but I drove for Walmart and had a 10 speed with a 465 cummins and that truck averaged 9.1 mpg for the entire year it impressed me but my loads averaged about 70k gross.
Again I agree with you. I've become a big fan of your channel Ryan. I know you to tell the truth, as I've had experience with so much of what you share. I hope you find sponsorship to keep you going. I appreciate your opinion & insight.
You can match any automated gearbox for fuel economy with a Manual box. But you have to use your driving skill to get the best out of them. As for reliability the automated box has been used for many many years in Europe, and they really do not cause more problems than a manual box. But an automated box will not let you abuse the box unlike an manual box that can and often is abused by drivers. I personally like either, but for sure if I was employing a driver it would be automated.
More relaxed in mountains and city areas. Truck does the work. Snow is better with manual because of quick control of RPMs to avoid spinouts or jackknife. I love automatic
You can't match it. You can only get comparable MPG levels at best. Not only does an automatic do a slightly better job at fuel economy than the most experienced driver you can find, but it also does it with little effort (you have to work hard in a manual to get high MPG), and most importantly... an automatic is perfectly consistent with any driver that you assign to it. Automatics can be beat fuel wise. Manuals are only better for affordability of maintenance and smooth operation on hills.
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior I won’t install automatic in mine….not even by mistake. Once in shop with automatic the shop is your new boss…. Manual can be fixed even in your driveway….big difference. And the final bill is about 25% for manual vs 100% for automatic or translation is about $5000 or slightly higher on manual vs $20.000 for automatic plus you can’t just fixed anywhere. Wait until the mechanic is scratching his head that his eggs until he decided when and how he is gonna repair or replace that cool automatic transmission
Allisons are actually true automatics with torque converters rather then clutches. Considering how well they do on severe duty trucks on/off road i don't think reliability is much of an issue.
Take a turn in an intersection with a loaded spread axle and get back to me if 18s aren’t something you really need. The tire scrub and bind will suck ur road speed down faster than ur rpm drop allows you to make successful shift.
The other plus for automated transmission is that shifting is so precise that they barely touch the clutch, most of the time gears floated. I saw trucks over 700k with the same original clutch. They pretty expensive though
I agree with the going 85mph in 80mph zones and etc. I also have the Paccar MX13, but it's a 2020 12 speed automatic. I also average 7.5-8.0 miles per gallon.
15 speed is basically a 10 speed , with a Second Reduction ratio in the bottom box . Equates to 12 sequential gears due to Overlap . Tipper truck Box . 5 Bog Cogs .
I like a 13 speed stick in a 9670 small bunk come with a 500 red top N14 390 rears on Hendrickson walking beam 200 inch wb with a long slide 48"high blockable 5th wheel. Head rack 2line wet kit. 11R22.5 rubber all around single tank need to keep the weight under 18000 lbs. . But I'm an intermodal dump tanker driver.
A truck was broke down on interstate in travel lane blocking traffic. I suggested on radio he could put in lowest gear and use starter motor to move over to shoulder and out of traffic. I guess on the automated trans the key won’t turn over engine unless in neutral though. (I’m not suggesting you use the starter motor to do this in most situations, but in a safety critical situation like this it will work and most starters will ha r a thermal protection to keep you from damaging your starter.)
I thank you for your information I prefer a 10 or 13 speed I have been driving for 45 years the only half decent automatic that I run up on is de Volvo the new one I’ve only drove one one time and I’d rather have my straight stick but thank you for your information
Drive my first semi yesterday, Manual Frieghtliner. I drive manual cars for many years. I found the semi very easy to drive. The split gears seems confusing but if I was driving every day, I'm sure it would be natural. Seems to me that the choice would have more to do with terrain than anything else. I hate autos in Hill country.
I replaced my automated 10spd Eaton Ultrashift @ 858 K miles after it started acting up and it cost me $3.5 K . Prior to that I had replaced the clutch @ 515K miles. The things that I've learned about it over time makes me think that maybe I didn't have to replace the trany at the time, most of the problems accrue because of electronic failures such as bad sensors, or bad batteries. If the voltage is low due to a bad ground, dirty battery terminals, damaged wire etc. it will not shift right, but the clutch has a lifespan as a manual tranny of 500k miles, given you don't abuse it. The earlier models ( That I have) needs getting used to because they tend to jerk the truck when backing up, and that can be inconvenient when backing to a dock door, also after driving a long trip with a heavy load you'll need few miles to adjust the foot on the throttle after you're empty. The newer models have the creeping mode and much better control at low speed, like driving in heavy traffic, or backing to a door, or to keep it under 5 mp for your ELD 😊. In conclusion , my opinion is that if you're in it purely for $$$, The automated is the way to go, because the fuel saving is one of THE major factors in this business , the maintenance is tax deductible, and in- time preventive maintenance is the way to avoid costly breakdowns, but if it's a lifestyle for you, as it is for so many😊 the standard tranny with a long shifter that almost sticks out of the roof of your cab might be your choice. Convenience and efficiency VS Lifestyle and simplicity.
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior Just because you can't doesn't mean someone else couldn't. Not everyone driving a manual is "lazy", or incapable. Don't be so presumptuous.
The only thing that sucks on a automated is backing up because it is hard to get granular control. Other than that I suggest getting automated and I say as someone with nearly thirty five years of experience. Automated will help to save you a lot of money via MPG.
when you talk autos you have to specify which one, and which generation, the volvo i shift is awesome, the first couple gererations of eaton auto shifts were junky at best, the paccar endurant is doing okish but has some issues, allison makes a fluid auto, on a manual meritor eaton, volvo, mack, each one has there own issues, a manual wont leave you stranded with a xy shifter or clutch actuator failure or a battery power issue, there are also issues with hydraulic clutch stuff, vs the ole pedal and rod.
I stripped out one of my higher gears that would jump out of gear when I let off the accelerator but made it 1500miles back to my local shop to get it replaced, but I wouldn’t mind and auto in heavy traffic
Great vedeo and great explanation 👍 on my opinion I like a 18speed on my 379 with a CAT 3408 , on my international have a 13speed with a DETROIT S60 but I prefer a 18speed also mostly of the time I driving full loading 50ton!! and much mountains up here but automatic transmission NEVER EVER I buying that junk 🙄😐 we have around 9months winter conditions and a manual transmission it's a best ever like you said: no electronic sensors stuffs like that change a oil and going never broken 👍 the automatic transmission it's more easy to driving but when starting a problem well it's a really expensive and lose money!! I can use less fuel when I driving with a manual transmission 👏 👌 👍 a automatic transmission it's better for a new generation of the driver's 🤪 great vedeo mate 👍 cheers from Norway
Yeah, I appreciate your insight i’ve been out of the trucking industry for some years now I have some experience with the Volvo I shift transmission there OK I guess is less work like you say they are good in heavy traffic but overall, they do not perform like a good old fashion handshaker
Still have my CDL been out since 2015 my personal transmission to ise is super 10. I tried automatic and i dont like it feels like i dont have control of the truck. When i want to slowdown cant downshift. If you have jake brakes you will use that more and if you in city good luck on noise🤣🤣
@@longhauler8963 16 peterbilt 579 ppaccar 455 10spd eaton. When loaded, 30k and above, climbing mountains so engine oil temp gets above 230°. As rpms lower to 1300 and ready to downshift, instead it starts slamming like engine is misfiring, reach over and manually drop a gear, immediately stops and you are accelerating or holding steady, no "misfire" . Same when you are topping the hill and you start backing off throttle for it to upshift because you are gaining speed and know you are about to descend down other side. At the point where it's about to shift it starts slamming again like a misfire. Usually takes a couple hundred miles before it does it. No codes. Impossible to carry a tech with me for a day until it does it. Peterbilt says can't find it. Paccar and eaton says nothing wrong with engine data. New clutch. Trans reprogrammed 10 to 12 times. Egr cleaned. Turbo replaced.
I really wish Eaton still made the three pedal automated transmissions. As for the 15 speed, they are basically a 10 speed with a deep reduction set below the low side. The lower gears are useful for some specialized needs, but were more common in on/off road trucks, like dumps or dump and pups combinations.
Hello Doug Mitchell: "As for the 15 speed, they are basically a 10 speed with a deep reduction set below the low side. The lower gears are useful for some specialized needs, but were more common in on/off road trucks, like dumps or dump and pups combinations." X2! Great for farm trucks! It's nice to have that deep reduction when you're trying to get moving with a load of grain & your wheels have sunk 6 inches into the soft ground while the truck is sitting there while being loaded. Once you're up on hard ground on the road, shift out of deep reduction into low & you've got a 10 speed. Even taking off on hard ground with a heavy load it's nice to have, easier on the drivetrain to get that weight moving. Might be deep reduction 1, 2, 3, & then shift up to low 2, or deep reduction 1, 2, 3, 4, & then shift up to low 3. For my application, I won't give up my 15 speed.
@@robwhite3241 Hello Robert White: Freightliner FLD120 w/3406E & the 15 speed. Also nice to have the slower reverse when backing into tight quarters. Taking off empty on hard ground, I treat it as a 10 speed (5 low - 5 high).
Hey buddy it’s Goody from ACB-1 love the channel you forgot that Allison does make a true automatic. They love fuel I rocked a KW T800 with it loaded or not it did 4mpg
There's is an automatic transmission and its the Allison trans. To me thats the best trans that I drove is a 7 speed Allison or a 6 speed. It's in all of our 6,7 axle dump trucks.
I’m looking at a 2018 Volvo with a D-11 400k - automatic transmission miles, super singles and a drop axle. Been an owner operator most of 25 years- I have knee problem with clutch leg. I’ve always owned pre- def trucks. Please let me know what your thoughts are. Thank you and I appreciate your channel. God Bless.
Nice jacket. Who made it? I drove a Volvo I-Shift company truck pulling a pneumatic tanker. Was a great trans. Nice integration with the brakes in town, on a hill, at a stop light, bumper to bumper (hill-holder).
Perfect timing with this video. This is my 4th week driving a semi. I'm working for a friend of mines. At 1st I wanted to get some experience under my belt but now I just wanna get my own truck and have more control of when I wrk, where I wrk and fam time. Truck prices are ridiculous, but I have seen that the manuals are more available on the market. You made a good point about hiring another driver, but I'm thinking to just go with a manual to get started. Then try and get an automatic. My question is this, is there that much of a difference in mpg if the gears are changed at low rpm and efficiently?
Don't be in a hurry to buy a truck, becoming an owner operator has a lot of headaches that come with it, drive for a company for a few years and build You a nice bank account because as a company driver if the truck breaks You tell someone and go home and they fix it, if You own the truck and it breaks You have to fix it or pay someone to fix it and truck parts are not cheap and the labor alone is $150 plus per hour and that doesn't include normal wear and tear, oil changes $400 ,tires $5,000 , breaks $500 per axle and so on.
For an owner operator I would say stick with a manual especially if you're buying used.... If you're able to buy brand new trucks for a fleet and recuperate lost revenue due to warranty repairs.... By lease purchases, fuel savings, driver abuse, larger driver pool and resale than an automatic is the way to go......
I'm thinking of being an owner operator but driving under the flagship of the company I currently work for. I drive a 2007 manual ten speed Volvo and all the trucks at this company are Volvo. I'm thinking of buying either a day cab or sleeper even though I do local work which I'm home buy 5pm everyday. What's your opinion on ten speed Volvo trucks?
Ok , I’m a heavy duty diesel and OTR driver with my Class-A. I’ve driven 10’s, 13’s and the Volvo I-Shift. I absolutely love the I-Shift with the shifter handle mounted on the right side of the drivers seat. At first I didn’t like the I-Shift transmission Until I went for a ride with my supervisor to pickup a load and WOW what a ride. I said to myself I’m driving this truck completely Wong. Newbies to the I-Shift need someone to show them how it works. The Volvo with the I-Shift is a race car on 18 wheels. Their are other things I can do in a I-Shift truck that will get me killed in any other truck. Theirs three modes in the I-Shift , economy, performance, then manual mode. When I’m in tight traffic I-5 north in Olympia, Washington going around the Capital theirs some tight turns then uphill , I can manually shift the transmission right when I need it and really fast. Guys in trucks with manual transmissions cannot shift as fast as I can in a Volvo with the I-Shift transmission, it’s impossible. Also you never miss a shift. Another neat factor if the I-Shift transmission is in the automatic mode it will downshift and Jake brake going downhill faster then you can blink a eye, try that with a manual. Now let’s talk about snow and ice . The Volvo truck and I-Shift transmission with their traction control is totally awesome, I’ve never driven anything better. I totally hate 10 speeds , try doing a run from Portland, Oregon to Twin-falls, Idaho with a ten speed it sucks , you are shifting all the time. In ending you guys can have your manuals transmissions , I’ll take a I-Shift any day if the week, period. If anyone badmouths I-Shift transmissions they have never driven one or never been instructed on how to drive one correctly. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, no compromise.
@@electroniccheeks I’ve driven 13speed’s. With a 18spd you get more gears on the low end. So if you are pulling super heavy loads in extreme conditions yes then ok. I was running 75k to 80k total weight all the time , no problem. My biggest blowout with Peterbilts was going uphill out in the Pacific Northwest we go uphill and downhill a lot and the Pet’s would get me because they on average had 100 horsepower on me with 550 hp Cat engines. The Volvo Vectro motor was 453 hp so they would pass me all the time, that’s the big blowout.
@@johncunningham4820 Any transmission can fail. I never had a issue with them. The one important thing is if you have to move the truck by towing it , their is special instructions on how to do it. Basically you’ve got to disconnect the driveshaft every time or you will burnout the bearings in the transmission. The cost of a new transmission is over 35,000.00 dollars, so you better know what you are doing.
@@MrMopar413 Like I said I like the I-shift the best. The rest of the truck is great until it breaks down. I would never own a Volvo. I would lease it for sure. That way when it breaks down I don't foot the bill.
There is not much difference in weight between manual and automated, because they are the same transmission, one is controlled by hand and the other is by computer. However, I would suspect the manual can handle a little better in weight, because you have more control over it.
You are wrong about the 18 speed. It only has one ratio that is lower than the 13 speed. That is first gear. I have had both 13 and 18 speeds. I much prefer the 18 speed over the 13 speed. You have the ability to split the low side gears if you need them. If you don't, you don't have to use them. Another advantage is you don't have to have your splitter button on the low side when you down shift into low range. Still another great advantage is, you can skip three gears in the low side when you don't need the extra gears. It is very versatile and very nice with lots of options of shifting. If I'm running empty or bobtailing I can go through the gears and only use 7 gears to get up to speed if I want to. Or if I need them I have 18 gears😊
I have a ultrashift and doing a swap to an manual. If your electronics are not 100% low voltage or have a slight draw on your batteries it can cause havoc on a automated transmission cost you thousands can't even roll start an auto for what it's worth manual is the way to go in my opinion.
With so many auto transmissions on the road now I figure they’re gonna become cheaper to fix. It is worth paying more and not having to shit gears all day.
Great job telling, I have two transmissions one is a 9 over road ranger and a 10 speed with a low range with 10 gears. The 9 over is a 1994 year truck it is out of 700.00 on the 9 over I have the truck a peterbelt . 3406 b motor cat, can you make a 13 speed out of one of these transmissions maybe the 9 over or the other one. Please send comment, well thanks for telling see ya later or next time see ya by.
Manual transmissions may be limped home . Automated or automatic transmissions are very expensive .Not many road breakdown repairs are successfully accomplished . Tow unit to garage and wait 2 weeks.
@@johncunningham4820 how? I don’t mean to have a gear splitter, just a deep reduction on the higher gears, so you don’t have to run through the synchros every shift only during in/out of reduction. A 15 speed is technically also a 13 speed, because it only have 13 useful gears in either sequence.
If you don't have 600 plus Horsepower , that Transmission is too heavy and will waste Fuel . There is a 18918 and a 16918 series as well . Also for the 750 Horsepower club 22 & 23918 .
@@johncunningham4820 I subscribe to the build it sturdier than what the manufacturers want to build you club. I spent six years in the Marine Corps rebuilding every type of engine used in wheeled vehicles. I did not work on anything tracked. I pull dry vans out to the oil fields in the Dakota's and Rocky Mountain states to deliver slag lub. If it wasn't for those loads I would settle for a heavy duty 13-speed transmission.
@@truckingandfixing it mated to a cummins x15 565 hp 1850 torque. it's a T880 day cab, it's a 2022. i got it assigned to me in november and i absolutely love this truck
learning to drive a truck (or a car imo) must be on manual with no option to learn on automatic: you learn how to shift and syncronize you shifting , understand the machine behavor on different gears and stuff. automaitc is simpler and easier(it shift for you that's it).
What abput a 10spd or 18 with aux 3 or 4 speed aux box? It would definitely have 1 overdrive gear. I do mostly extreme offroad and then long highways. Thank you for your thoughts.
I bought a Kenworth t680 2018 automatic transmission 10 speed this truck it’s very dangerous going backwards it’s like wild horse but unfortunately needs improvement, I will trade it for 2022 Volvo 860 Ishif ,
I have an easy question for you. Maintenance ? 18 speed vs automated. besides the higher cost of parts and labor to fix.... Labor and gear lube how often on the manual 150K? What is the maintenance requirements on an automated?
Temporarily unlisted it due to possibly legal concerns. But we already signed the purchase contact, waiting for closing. Once closed, we will get the video up and will make more videos on the restoration of the building when it belongs to us completely. Thanks for asking.
And - oh yeah have you ever tried to haul a heavy load on snowy roads in the mountains with an automated tranny -pretty much a no-go, shifting up & down, tires spinning when it downshifts, etc. NO THANKS
In your experience as mechanic, for pumping products with pto(hydraulic) which is better transmission in short and long term?. Also between 12 and 18 spds automatic what is the differences on preform. Thanks
So is my understanding that an automated trans shifts like a pickup with manual and an automatic shifts like a fully automatic without the need for a clutch?
Not sure if there has been improvements, but when the automatics 1st came out, they were junk. Hard shifts, overspeeding the engine, etc. I hated them.
What are your thoughts about large 5th wheel RVers pulling their rigs with automated semi’s registered as RVs without CDL endorsements? I guess it’s not much different than buying a 45’ class A motorhome and towing a vehicle behind it. ??
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The perfect setup for me, would be a 13 manual that magically changed into an automatic in city traffic.
Sounds like a great setup 😀
That would be a great setup! Always reverts to manual if there is a malfunction
Keep your knee out of the way, lol. It would be fun to watch the stick move on its own.
Paddle shifters
I need the low side split.
Allison automatic for dump trucks. 13 speed over the road trucks. 18 speed for log and heavy haulers
Spot on! Great summary!
🎯
I agree!
There is a huge difference in automated and automatic transmissions. We sold all our automated trucks in favor of Allison autos. Far cheaper to operate.
All real heavy haul use automatics
Best Automatic combo I have drove...Volvo 860 with I-shift D13 1850 torque... Barely feel it shift plus no long delay between gears like the freightliner or Pete. Shifts just like a car...D13 is a beast!
I like the Volvo auto the most as well, very nice shifting.
Been in a 2017 730, 13 liter I shift, and it has spoiled me completely. The hill stop is the only issue, I hate it and turn it off 99% of the time.
I’m very happy with Volvo I-shift and I bought a Kenworth t680 10 Automatic 2018 and this transmission its makes me looks badly to an American trucks , I believe they don’t know how to doit better automatic transmission, and I will come back to Volvo 860 again,
Just came out a 2016 Volvo 670 with the D13 & 12spd i-shift. Loved it but I had the auto trans go out at 400k miles. It wouldn't shift right and it stalled. Got towed into Wenatchee WA where I spent a week in a hotel while it got rebuilt. About 1.5 weeks later it went out again outside Bakersfiy first truck with the co was a 13spd and it was fun, except in LA..
i think its beast first 3 years...
I'm hauling 140.000lbs tankers up in Canada. Dd16 paired with dt12 50k miles so far extremely happy.
My truck has automated 10 speed, cost me $3200 rebuilt, $1200 for clutch and about $1200 for labor. Would not buy a manual again. My truck now has 1.7 million miles and transmission was rebuilt at 1.3 million. The problem this one did have was the speed sensors, 3 of them. I carry 3 extra sensors at $86 a piece. I usually change all of them at save time but since transmission rebuild no change of sensors necessary so far about 500,000 miles..
What kind of truck you got?
07 Freightliner century
@@CatrachoDNYC how often do you replace your gear oil? Do you use synthetic or mineral oil?
@@itumelengmahaole5890 I use synthetic and replace it every 100 thousand miles. We monitor the oil with test to see how it's doing, I do transmission and differential at same time
@@CatrachoDNYC thank you so much 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
For anyone who likes a 9 or 13 speed, the 18 speed is virtually the same weight and only a little more expensive. Easy choice for me because it gives me a lower reverse gear for easy backing and I always have the right gear for any load on any hill. For a truck you will have someone else driving, automatics are appealing because idiots do lots of damage to a manual transmission truck.
Thanks for the comment!👍
Thank you.. very good I want to watch some of your others on maintenance.. and repairs
I was wondering how durable the auto's were.But from all you people posted, I'm pretty confident.I'm gonna look into the autos And thanks for.
The video man like I love when a driver mechanic driver mechanic is the one telling The pros and cons
I used to be all about manuals buy after 1million miles in a dt12 auto it's the only way to go and paired with the dd15 it's a match made in heaven the engine and trans last much longer because the rpms are always perfect.
I liked the older 16 speed Spicer in my 1975 freightliner overall a 13 but I drove for Walmart and had a 10 speed with a 465 cummins and that truck averaged 9.1 mpg for the entire year it impressed me but my loads averaged about 70k gross.
Always enjoy your content Ryan. Keep up the good work. God Bless you and your family.
Thanks 🙏
Again I agree with you. I've become a big fan of your channel Ryan. I know you to tell the truth, as I've had experience with so much of what you share. I hope you find sponsorship to keep you going. I appreciate your opinion & insight.
Glad to hear! Thanks for your support!
You can match any automated gearbox for fuel economy with a Manual box. But you have to use your driving skill to get the best out of them. As for reliability the automated box has been used for many many years in Europe, and they really do not cause more problems than a manual box. But an automated box will not let you abuse the box unlike an manual box that can and often is abused by drivers. I personally like either, but for sure if I was employing a driver it would be automated.
More relaxed in mountains and city areas. Truck does the work. Snow is better with manual because of quick control of RPMs to avoid spinouts or jackknife. I love automatic
An automated transmission is the same as a manual. The difference is an ECU does the shifting. Hardware is identical.
You can't match it. You can only get comparable MPG levels at best. Not only does an automatic do a slightly better job at fuel economy than the most experienced driver you can find, but it also does it with little effort (you have to work hard in a manual to get high MPG), and most importantly... an automatic is perfectly consistent with any driver that you assign to it.
Automatics can be beat fuel wise. Manuals are only better for affordability of maintenance and smooth operation on hills.
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior
I won’t install automatic in mine….not even by mistake.
Once in shop with automatic the shop is your new boss….
Manual can be fixed even in your driveway….big difference.
And the final bill is about 25% for manual vs 100% for automatic or translation is about $5000 or slightly higher on manual vs $20.000 for automatic plus you can’t just fixed anywhere.
Wait until the mechanic is scratching his head that his eggs until he decided when and how he is gonna repair or replace that cool automatic transmission
LOL MATCH.
What a gem. Has been helpful in all aspects of trucking.
Thanks ❤️
Allisons are actually true automatics with torque converters rather then clutches. Considering how well they do on severe duty trucks on/off road i don't think reliability is much of an issue.
They suck fuel
Take a turn in an intersection with a loaded spread axle and get back to me if 18s aren’t something you really need. The tire scrub and bind will suck ur road speed down faster than ur rpm drop allows you to make successful shift.
The other plus for automated transmission is that shifting is so precise that they barely touch the clutch, most of the time gears floated. I saw trucks over 700k with the same original clutch. They pretty expensive though
I agree with the going 85mph in 80mph zones and etc. I also have the Paccar MX13, but it's a 2020 12 speed automatic. I also average 7.5-8.0 miles per gallon.
👍
15 speed is basically a 10 speed , with a Second Reduction ratio in the bottom box . Equates to 12 sequential gears due to Overlap .
Tipper truck Box . 5 Bog Cogs .
Totally came here to say this. Orsum bullet proof trans.
The Volvo ishift/mdrive best automated trans on the market .
I like a 13 speed stick in a 9670 small bunk come with a 500 red top N14 390 rears on Hendrickson walking beam 200 inch wb with a long slide 48"high blockable 5th wheel.
Head rack 2line wet kit. 11R22.5 rubber all around single tank need to keep the weight under 18000 lbs. . But I'm an intermodal dump tanker driver.
Yeah I do otr to Los Angeles alot. I do like manuals but because of traffic in la automatic is the go-to for me
Yep, agreed. Choose the right transimission for what you do is wise.
A truck was broke down on interstate in travel lane blocking traffic. I suggested on radio he could put in lowest gear and use starter motor to move over to shoulder and out of traffic. I guess on the automated trans the key won’t turn over engine unless in neutral though. (I’m not suggesting you use the starter motor to do this in most situations, but in a safety critical situation like this it will work and most starters will ha r a thermal protection to keep you from damaging your starter.)
I thank you for your information I prefer a 10 or 13 speed I have been driving for 45 years the only half decent automatic that I run up on is de Volvo the new one I’ve only drove one one time and I’d rather have my straight stick but thank you for your information
You are welcome!
Drive my first semi yesterday, Manual Frieghtliner. I drive manual cars for many years. I found the semi very easy to drive. The split gears seems confusing but if I was driving every day, I'm sure it would be natural. Seems to me that the choice would have more to do with terrain than anything else. I hate autos in Hill country.
Automatic can do better on hills. Don't have to hold same gear for climbing, the engine is constantly screaming on a stick
Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@michaelchason9170 . Auto using a Torque Converter will hold Max revs . Automated Manual works like a Manual .
I replaced my automated 10spd Eaton Ultrashift @ 858 K miles after it started acting up and it cost me $3.5 K . Prior to that I had replaced the clutch @ 515K miles. The things that I've learned about it over time makes me think that maybe I didn't have to replace the trany at the time, most of the problems accrue because of electronic failures such as bad sensors, or bad batteries. If the voltage is low due to a bad ground, dirty battery terminals, damaged wire etc. it will not shift right, but the clutch has a lifespan as a manual tranny of 500k miles, given you don't abuse it. The earlier models ( That I have) needs getting used to because they tend to jerk the truck when backing up, and that can be inconvenient when backing to a dock door, also after driving a long trip with a heavy load you'll need few miles to adjust the foot on the throttle after you're empty. The newer models have the creeping mode and much better control at low speed, like driving in heavy traffic, or backing to a door, or to keep it under 5 mp for your ELD 😊. In conclusion , my opinion is that if you're in it purely for $$$, The automated is the way to go, because the fuel saving is one of THE major factors in this business , the maintenance is tax deductible, and in- time preventive maintenance is the way to avoid costly breakdowns, but if it's a lifestyle for you, as it is for so many😊 the standard tranny with a long shifter that almost sticks out of the roof of your cab might be your choice. Convenience and efficiency VS Lifestyle and simplicity.
I did same exact thing.. manuals for life.. automatic has had me stuck at pumps or lights blocking traffic.. manual never would break.
You can get the same fuel economy with a manual if you drive it correctly.
@@jcsully Nope. You can't.
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior Just because you can't doesn't mean someone else couldn't. Not everyone driving a manual is "lazy", or incapable. Don't be so presumptuous.
@@angrysocialjusticewarrior can you help me understand why you believe this comment you made?
You should check out Allison transmissions. They have a torque converter, nothing like a regular truck transmission, with 4 "clutches".
The only thing that sucks on a automated is backing up because it is hard to get granular control. Other than that I suggest getting automated and I say as someone with nearly thirty five years of experience. Automated will help to save you a lot of money via MPG.
Personal truck, 13 or 18spd employee truck automatic. It helps reduce costs
going with another 13spd. new project truck is gettog a 13and 4 setyp.
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when you talk autos you have to specify which one, and which generation, the volvo i shift is awesome, the first couple gererations of eaton auto shifts were junky at best, the paccar endurant is doing okish but has some issues, allison makes a fluid auto, on a manual meritor eaton, volvo, mack, each one has there own issues, a manual wont leave you stranded with a xy shifter or clutch actuator failure or a battery power issue, there are also issues with hydraulic clutch stuff, vs the ole pedal and rod.
I stripped out one of my higher gears that would jump out of gear when I let off the accelerator but made it 1500miles back to my local shop to get it replaced, but I wouldn’t mind and auto in heavy traffic
I Appreciate you spreading your vast knowledge that didn’t come easy to you!
Thanks 🙏
Allison all the way for the dump trucks!
drove manual truck just 3 months after CDL school, i don't if i can still operate it again it has been 6 years now
Great vedeo and great explanation 👍 on my opinion I like a 18speed on my 379 with a CAT 3408 , on my international have a 13speed with a DETROIT S60 but I prefer a 18speed also mostly of the time I driving full loading 50ton!! and much mountains up here but automatic transmission NEVER EVER I buying that junk 🙄😐 we have around 9months winter conditions and a manual transmission it's a best ever like you said: no electronic sensors stuffs like that change a oil and going never broken 👍 the automatic transmission it's more easy to driving but when starting a problem well it's a really expensive and lose money!! I can use less fuel when I driving with a manual transmission 👏 👌 👍 a automatic transmission it's better for a new generation of the driver's 🤪 great vedeo mate 👍 cheers from Norway
Hello Norway! 🇳🇴
There's a fellow leased on where I'm at he's got a late model Western Star with the big Detroit and an Allison transmission,he loves it!
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I drive a manual 10 and 8 in the big city everyday and it sucked for the 1st year but now I barely notice when driving an auto vs manual.
Yeah, I appreciate your insight i’ve been out of the trucking industry for some years now I have some experience with the Volvo I shift transmission there OK I guess is less work like you say they are good in heavy traffic but overall, they do not perform like a good old fashion handshaker
Personally, I would not want anything but my 13 speed, 6nz Cat or 3:55 rears. Personal preference.
Still have my CDL been out since 2015 my personal transmission to ise is super 10. I tried automatic and i dont like it feels like i dont have control of the truck. When i want to slowdown cant downshift. If you have jake brakes you will use that more and if you in city good luck on noise🤣🤣
True on automatics, not been able to find anyone to fix my problem, throwed about $4500 @ it and weeks without it. Still not fixed
What type of trans and what problem?
@@longhauler8963 16 peterbilt 579 ppaccar 455 10spd eaton. When loaded, 30k and above, climbing mountains so engine oil temp gets above 230°. As rpms lower to 1300 and ready to downshift, instead it starts slamming like engine is misfiring, reach over and manually drop a gear, immediately stops and you are accelerating or holding steady, no "misfire" . Same when you are topping the hill and you start backing off throttle for it to upshift because you are gaining speed and know you are about to descend down other side. At the point where it's about to shift it starts slamming again like a misfire. Usually takes a couple hundred miles before it does it. No codes. Impossible to carry a tech with me for a day until it does it. Peterbilt says can't find it. Paccar and eaton says nothing wrong with engine data. New clutch. Trans reprogrammed 10 to 12 times. Egr cleaned. Turbo replaced.
@@davidwatkins6687 maybe worn/broken gear wheels inside transmission
your video made a difference thanx
Glad it helped
I really wish Eaton still made the three pedal automated transmissions. As for the 15 speed, they are basically a 10 speed with a deep reduction set below the low side. The lower gears are useful for some specialized needs, but were more common in on/off road trucks, like dumps or dump and pups combinations.
I seen a Peterbuilt cabover with one. I don't understand why anyone would want one unless you never go on hilly highway
Hello Doug Mitchell:
"As for the 15 speed, they are basically a 10 speed with a deep reduction set below the low side. The lower gears are useful for some specialized needs, but were more common in on/off road trucks, like dumps or dump and pups combinations."
X2!
Great for farm trucks! It's nice to have that deep reduction when you're trying to get moving with a load of grain & your wheels have sunk 6 inches into the soft ground while the truck is sitting there while being loaded. Once you're up on hard ground on the road, shift out of deep reduction into low & you've got a 10 speed. Even taking off on hard ground with a heavy load it's nice to have, easier on the drivetrain to get that weight moving. Might be deep reduction 1, 2, 3, & then shift up to low 2, or deep reduction 1, 2, 3, 4, & then shift up to low 3.
For my application, I won't give up my 15 speed.
@@MCatSHF That makes sense. What kinda truck you run? On our farm its too dry to get stuck so we run 13 speeds mostly.
@@robwhite3241 Hello Robert White: Freightliner FLD120 w/3406E & the 15 speed. Also nice to have the slower reverse when backing into tight quarters. Taking off empty on hard ground, I treat it as a 10 speed (5 low - 5 high).
@@robwhite3241 . The Old 13 sp Direct Box actually has Lower LOW/LOW ratio than a 15 . 13 OD not . Same as 10 in Low .
I really like the 12 speed Meritor from a few years ago.
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Hey buddy it’s Goody from ACB-1 love the channel you forgot that Allison does make a true automatic. They love fuel I rocked a KW T800 with it loaded or not it did 4mpg
Thanks for sharing
There's is an automatic transmission and its the Allison trans. To me thats the best trans that I drove is a 7 speed Allison or a 6 speed. It's in all of our 6,7 axle dump trucks.
I’m looking at a 2018 Volvo with a D-11 400k - automatic transmission miles, super singles and a drop axle. Been an owner operator most of 25 years- I have knee problem with clutch leg. I’ve always owned pre- def trucks. Please let me know what your thoughts are. Thank you and I appreciate your channel. God Bless.
Nice jacket. Who made it?
I drove a Volvo I-Shift company truck pulling a pneumatic tanker. Was a great trans. Nice integration with the brakes in town, on a hill, at a stop light, bumper to bumper (hill-holder).
Looks like bulwark.
Love the little video clips inserted
Glad to hear that! Just experimented the B rolls in the videos
Perfect timing with this video. This is my 4th week driving a semi. I'm working for a friend of mines. At 1st I wanted to get some experience under my belt but now I just wanna get my own truck and have more control of when I wrk, where I wrk and fam time. Truck prices are ridiculous, but I have seen that the manuals are more available on the market. You made a good point about hiring another driver, but I'm thinking to just go with a manual to get started. Then try and get an automatic. My question is this, is there that much of a difference in mpg if the gears are changed at low rpm and efficiently?
Don't be in a hurry to buy a truck, becoming an owner operator has a lot of headaches that come with it, drive for a company for a few years and build You a nice bank account because as a company driver if the truck breaks You tell someone and go home and they fix it, if You own the truck and it breaks You have to fix it or pay someone to fix it and truck parts are not cheap and the labor alone is $150 plus per hour and that doesn't include normal wear and tear, oil changes $400 ,tires $5,000 , breaks $500 per axle and so on.
Question 🙋♂️
About durability and reliability of both, average mileage before any major repair or rebuild 🤔
13 speed manual for highway driving and 18 speed manual for heavy haul ..
Correct.
Real heavy haul use automatics
@@catsbyondrepair . Rubbish . Not True . Perhaps true in Japan . Not in USA or Australia .
@@johncunningham4820 you are showing how ignorant you are.
For an owner operator I would say stick with a manual especially if you're buying used....
If you're able to buy brand new trucks for a fleet and recuperate lost revenue due to warranty repairs.... By lease purchases, fuel savings, driver abuse, larger driver pool and resale than an automatic is the way to go......
Well said
I'm thinking of being an owner operator but driving under the flagship of the company I currently work for. I drive a 2007 manual ten speed Volvo and all the trucks at this company are Volvo. I'm thinking of buying either a day cab or sleeper even though I do local work which I'm home buy 5pm everyday. What's your opinion on ten speed Volvo trucks?
@@truckingandfixing I want your opinion as well bro.
Been driving 13 years. Said I'd never drive an auto. Got one in 2020... I'll never go back now lol
I said the exact same thing lol. My boss got me an automatic 2021 twelve wheel mack pulling 70k lbs. Yeah, I'll never go back either. 🤙🏾
Ok , I’m a heavy duty diesel and OTR driver with my Class-A. I’ve driven 10’s, 13’s and the Volvo I-Shift. I absolutely love the I-Shift with the shifter handle mounted on the right side of the drivers seat. At first I didn’t like the I-Shift transmission Until I went for a ride with my supervisor to pickup a load and WOW what a ride. I said to myself I’m driving this truck completely Wong. Newbies to the I-Shift need someone to show them how it works. The Volvo with the I-Shift is a race car on 18 wheels. Their are other things I can do in a I-Shift truck that will get me killed in any other truck. Theirs three modes in the I-Shift , economy, performance, then manual mode. When I’m in tight traffic I-5 north in Olympia, Washington going around the Capital theirs some tight turns then uphill , I can manually shift the transmission right when I need it and really fast. Guys in trucks with manual transmissions cannot shift as fast as I can in a Volvo with the I-Shift transmission, it’s impossible. Also you never miss a shift. Another neat factor if the I-Shift transmission is in the automatic mode it will downshift and Jake brake going downhill faster then you can blink a eye, try that with a manual. Now let’s talk about snow and ice . The Volvo truck and I-Shift transmission with their traction control is totally awesome, I’ve never driven anything better. I totally hate 10 speeds , try doing a run from Portland, Oregon to Twin-falls, Idaho with a ten speed it sucks , you are shifting all the time. In ending you guys can have your manuals transmissions , I’ll take a I-Shift any day if the week, period. If anyone badmouths I-Shift transmissions they have never driven one or never been instructed on how to drive one correctly. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it, no compromise.
After you have to foot the Bill for a Repair , you might think differently .
As far as automated manual or automatic transmission. The I-shift is great. That being said I love the 18 speed the best.
@@electroniccheeks I’ve driven 13speed’s. With a 18spd you get more gears on the low end. So if you are pulling super heavy loads in extreme conditions yes then ok. I was running 75k to 80k total weight all the time , no problem. My biggest blowout with Peterbilts was going uphill out in the Pacific Northwest we go uphill and downhill a lot and the Pet’s would get me because they on average had 100 horsepower on me with 550 hp Cat engines. The Volvo Vectro motor was 453 hp so they would pass me all the time, that’s the big blowout.
@@johncunningham4820 Any transmission can fail. I never had a issue with them. The one important thing is if you have to move the truck by towing it , their is special instructions on how to do it. Basically you’ve got to disconnect the driveshaft every time or you will burnout the bearings in the transmission. The cost of a new transmission is over 35,000.00 dollars, so you better know what you are doing.
@@MrMopar413
Like I said I like the I-shift the best. The rest of the truck is great until it breaks down. I would never own a Volvo. I would lease it for sure. That way when it breaks down I don't foot the bill.
I’ve been around a 15 speed lately and I see some cons that a 13 would correct. The last two gears are flipped around on a 15. Takes getting used two
I actually liked the Super 10, only half as many shifter moves to get to top gear.
In a big truck you make money by hauling more weight. What is the difference in weight between an automatic and a manual transmission.
There is not much difference in weight between manual and automated, because they are the same transmission, one is controlled by hand and the other is by computer. However, I would suspect the manual can handle a little better in weight, because you have more control over it.
You are wrong about the 18 speed. It only has one ratio that is lower than the 13 speed. That is first gear. I have had both 13 and 18 speeds. I much prefer the 18 speed over the 13 speed. You have the ability to split the low side gears if you need them. If you don't, you don't have to use them. Another advantage is you don't have to have your splitter button on the low side when you down shift into low range. Still another great advantage is, you can skip three gears in the low side when you don't need the extra gears. It is very versatile and very nice with lots of options of shifting. If I'm running empty or bobtailing I can go through the gears and only use 7 gears to get up to speed if I want to. Or if I need them I have 18 gears😊
I have a ultrashift and doing a swap to an manual. If your electronics are not 100% low voltage or have a slight draw on your batteries it can cause havoc on a automated transmission cost you thousands can't even roll start an auto for what it's worth manual is the way to go in my opinion.
if you're driving mountains you need the 18 speed manual
Well said. personally 13 is my fave might consider at dt12 equipped cascadia for next truck the mpg increase is substantial
Manual every day always love it
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With so many auto transmissions on the road now I figure they’re gonna become cheaper to fix. It is worth paying more and not having to shit gears all day.
For the businessman, the equation is: Better Fuel Economy + Less Driver Fatigue - Increased Repair Costs = Auto or Manual.
Great job telling, I have two transmissions one is a 9 over road ranger and a 10 speed with a low range with 10 gears. The 9 over is a 1994 year truck it is out of 700.00 on the 9 over I have the truck a peterbelt . 3406 b motor cat, can you make a 13 speed out of one of these transmissions maybe the 9 over or the other one. Please send comment, well thanks for telling see ya later or next time see ya by.
The 10 speed is definitely no. Some of the 9 speeds are convertible, you have to check the model number with Eaton.
Manual transmissions may be limped home . Automated or automatic transmissions are very expensive .Not many road breakdown repairs are successfully accomplished . Tow unit to garage and wait 2 weeks.
Agreed.
Automatics don't break
I wish Eaton would make a 15 speed but instead of a deep reduction it would have a mid range gears to lower the high range gear drop.
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You just described a 13 speed Overdrive Eaton .
@@johncunningham4820 how? I don’t mean to have a gear splitter, just a deep reduction on the higher gears, so you don’t have to run through the synchros every shift only during in/out of reduction. A 15 speed is technically also a 13 speed, because it only have 13 useful gears in either sequence.
I haven't even started the video and I will tell you I only drive standard!!
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What do you think about automated manual transmission truck
There is only one transmission I care for the RTLO-20918B. Everything else you can keep.
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If you don't have 600 plus Horsepower , that Transmission is too heavy and will waste Fuel .
There is a 18918 and a 16918 series as well . Also for the 750 Horsepower club 22 & 23918 .
@@johncunningham4820 I subscribe to the build it sturdier than what the manufacturers want to build you club. I spent six years in the Marine Corps rebuilding every type of engine used in wheeled vehicles. I did not work on anything tracked. I pull dry vans out to the oil fields in the Dakota's and Rocky Mountain states to deliver slag lub. If it wasn't for those loads I would settle for a heavy duty 13-speed transmission.
I'm a company driver hauling bulk milk in a tanker. I drive an 18 manual and wouldn't have it any other way
18 is great!
@@truckingandfixing it mated to a cummins x15 565 hp 1850 torque. it's a T880 day cab, it's a 2022. i got it assigned to me in november and i absolutely love this truck
An Amish kid wants to know what the maintenance cost for the Allison RDS is vs an 8ll for a 5th wheel log truck?
The transmission is the same. The thing that makes a difference is a xy shifter and trans icu/ecm.
agreed
learning to drive a truck (or a car imo) must be on manual with no option to learn on automatic: you learn how to shift and syncronize you shifting , understand the machine behavor on different gears and stuff. automaitc is simpler and easier(it shift for you that's it).
What abput a 10spd or 18 with aux 3 or 4 speed aux box? It would definitely have 1 overdrive gear. I do mostly extreme offroad and then long highways. Thank you for your thoughts.
I bought a Kenworth t680 2018 automatic transmission 10 speed this truck it’s very dangerous going backwards it’s like wild horse but unfortunately needs improvement, I will trade it for 2022 Volvo 860 Ishif ,
Super 10 is on my dads 2015 freighterliner.. super smooth and nice. I love super 10 just like 13 speed kinda
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I have an easy question for you. Maintenance ? 18 speed vs automated. besides the higher cost of parts and labor to fix.... Labor and gear lube how often on the manual 150K? What is the maintenance requirements on an automated?
Yes. Good questions. I would say to both. Scheduele to preventive maintenance to manual and auto?
What happened to the video of the old plumbing building you were looking at?
Temporarily unlisted it due to possibly legal concerns. But we already signed the purchase contact, waiting for closing. Once closed, we will get the video up and will make more videos on the restoration of the building when it belongs to us completely. Thanks for asking.
@@truckingandfixing ok I figured. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t going crazy
good video thanks lots, to think about. hope you guys are ok
Thank you! 🙏
And - oh yeah have you ever tried to haul a heavy load on snowy roads in the mountains with an automated tranny -pretty much a no-go, shifting up & down, tires spinning when it downshifts, etc. NO THANKS
In your experience as mechanic, for pumping products with pto(hydraulic) which is better transmission in short and long term?. Also between 12 and 18 spds automatic what is the differences on preform. Thanks
I’m sure this is a dumb question to you but can I put a 1993 Toyota RE22 standard engine in an automatic 22RE automatic truck
22 kw 450cummins 12speed auto first 25000 mi 9.7mpg now broke in 10.3 mpg all at1180rpm
Speaking as a diesel mechanic a manual is the way to go . Less issues in the long run .
Agreed!
Autos don't fail
@@catsbyondrepair they fail all the time . They are way more high maintenance that a manual. . Plus most are not real automatics .
@@tyke6351 bull fucking shit
@@catsbyondrepair I think you might have had a little too much wine at dinner if you believe that. Lol
No mention of twin sticks? Half my trucks have them.
I’m getting a new transmission have a 13 speed with a Cummins and running the PDI tuner. Is it worth upgrading my clutch to a 2050 torque?
Man. Missing your videos. Tks share your knolodge. Help me too much. See you soon.
Thank you 🙏
So is my understanding that an automated trans shifts like a pickup with manual and an automatic shifts like a fully automatic without the need for a clutch?
Not sure if there has been improvements, but when the automatics 1st came out, they were junk. Hard shifts, overspeeding the engine, etc. I hated them.
What brand is the worst automatic trans and what brand is the worst?
Great quality content.
Thank you!
Thank you Ryan for your work and effort, good info!
You are welcome
Very helpful videos
Thank you!
What are your thoughts about large 5th wheel RVers pulling their rigs with automated semi’s registered as RVs without CDL endorsements? I guess it’s not much different than buying a 45’ class A motorhome and towing a vehicle behind it. ??
Hmmmm... What about Allison?
I have a super 10,
cheap & bulletproof, but i prefer a 13 speed...
Paccar stopped making their own and Eaton fuller makes them for Paccar