Automatic vs Manual

No and no.

 

1. Not necessarily
2. Heck no

 

Its a lot easier to text while your driving in a automatic.

 

1) Yes, most likely. Know a local driver who just received a new KWT680 auto and is using an average of 12 gallons per day less fuel than with his former manual truck. He has years of experience and knows how to drive a manual. One of the main reasons many companies are switching to autos.

2) Can't answer that. Not aware of any maintenance or reliability issues with new modern autos. I previously drove a 2015 KW T680 auto myself, 305,000 miles with no issues whatsoever. Am now driving a Freightliner Cascadia auto with a different company. Personally never had an issue and no other drivers I know have either.

3) Haters always gonna hate. Do your research and get what you want and think will work for you.

 

Not about hate. I know a few O/O'ps with autos, they have been a headache to get right, to their liking, and some just kick themselves for buying one. My buddy that I talk to regularly loves his. But, he runs LA to Phoenix, sets the cruise and goes, usually light loads too.

As far as fuel mileage, that is up to the driver, along with the type of equipment and gearing. That you did not mention, the gearing of the old truck vs the gearing on the new truck. Then we have technology, did he go from a 2004 Cat Acert to say a 2018 Detroit? So many variables in the question. Personally, there are times I would love an automatic, and there are other times I am glad I have that 18 spd and lockers.

 

For city work, Automatic is now better. I still run my 18 speed, but my ex boss, whom I sort of 'partner' with now, will ONLY spec automatics.

And to be honest? For city driving, automatics work better, with no risk of a clown driver burning the clutch or shredding the gears.

 

I (my company) owns two freightliners. A manual and an automated with AutoShift and clutch pedal. The automated is infinitely easier to drive in traffic, city streets etc. On empty highways, there is obviously no difference. Eaton says that automated transmission shifts like your best driver, on his best day, every time. Never hear gears grinding or any other problem.

The manual truck is a lot stronger but this may be due to no emission and different engine.

Me (I have a CDL) and my driver often switch trucks and both prefer the automated one because you can concentrate on driving and not on what gear you are in. I drive the manual truck, mostly, to learn gear shifting, as my CDL is only a year old and I am 46 years old and want to get used to gear shifting while I still can learn something new.

 

I will agree with that. Like I stated, there are times I would love to have an auto.

 

If autos saved fuel, they would have bee the industry standard 20 yrs ago

When a auto breaks down just give them a blank check! Autos are heavier than manuals. Cost more to work on. And cost more overall to purchase vs. A manual.