[Rookie at 53]

I drove trucks 20 years ago and they were just coming out with automatics I never got to drive one. I'm now 53 and thinking of driving again. I got my CDL and passed my dot phys. I would like some help on deciding on an auto or standard. Also is there a difference between an automatic and auto shift. I have been looking at Volvo 2002 -2004 Cummings 450 hp. for OTR what does everybody think. I am in Texas and am going to hall in Texas and west. Would appreciate any advise I can get.

Thanks,
Rookie at 53

[Useless]

I think that it is more an issue of personal preference, and what your employer offers.

Personally, I preferred my Eaton Super10 for traversing the mountains, but an auto. is sure a lot easier on your left knee!!

[Uturn2001]

The transmissions, for the most part, used in the big trucks are auto shifts, manual trannies that shift themselves through servos. Some still have a clutch pedal and some do not. The ones with out a clutch pedal still have a clutch but it too is activated automatically through servos.

An actual automatic uses a torque converter, has no clutch what-so-ever. You rarely will see these is the big trucks as they do not stand up well to the high miles and road speeds.

[Justruckin]

Originally Posted by Rookie at 53

I drove trucks 20 years ago and they were just coming out with automatics I never got to drive one. I'm now 53 and thinking of driving again. I got my CDL and passed my dot phys. I would like some help on deciding on an auto or standard. Also is there a difference between an automatic and auto shift. I have been looking at Volvo 2002 -2004 Cummings 450 hp. for OTR what does everybody think. I am in Texas and am going to hall in Texas and west. Would appreciate any advise I can get.

Thanks,
Rookie at 53

Are you looking at buying a truck? If so, I can't help you there, I like the old fashioned manual.

If you are looking to drive for someone, you will get what you get. The newer manual trannies are pretty darn smooth, they float the gears very smoothly. :wink:

[classicxl]

the auto shifts are pretty smooth just takes some gettng use to after throwing gears.

[Mattangcobra]

I've been driving for 2 years and never had knee problems. If things keep up I'm gonna have to get a knee replacement before too long. I'm thinking very seriously about going to a company with auto's or get out of the truck all together.

[JoeyB]

I LOVE the automatics and for me, there's no going back. And I was amazed when you get into heavy traffic (I do a lot of NYC) what a stress-reliever it is. I can turn that really tight corner and just worry about steering the thing. I thought shifting becomes automatic after a while but it doesn't. I just never realized how much brain power was being utilized in the backround with shifting.

Here's another thing about them that you'll like that's more applicable to where you'll be trucking- They up and down shift without knocking the cruise control off. And the jake can be blended in there too, so now you have MEANINGFUL cruise. It's super.

It will take some getting used to though; five minutes ought'a do it.

[Mackman]

I drove a full auto 1 day and never want to go back. I feel i have more control of the truck with a stick. Downshifting and all that. As far as driving with a stick i dont even think about it it just comes natural. So making turns is not a problem. How you think all them old timers did it with the 2 or 3 stick tyranny's. Autos are overrated to me.
Just my 2cents. :wink:

[millersod215]

Auto's in semi trucks are just like glorified pick up trucks to me, i know personally 1 of the reasons i started driving a truck was to feel that i was doing something that took skill, and that most people can't do. I drove an Auto Mack for about 3 weeks, and was embarassed to do so, to me there's just something about shifting, and downshifting properly that just makes me feel like i'm doing something right, and i take pride in it. If i happen to scratch a gear, i get pretty down on myself, i think i've perfected the art of shifting and i wouldn't go to an automatic, but that's just my personal preference.

[Mackman]

everybody misses a gear now and then. miller