In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the use of automatic transmissions in semi-trucks due to the numerous benefits they offer. While manual transmissions were once the preferred choice for long-haul trucking jobs, automation is rapidly becoming a viable alternative due to its enhanced safety, reliability, and cost-saving potential. Drivers can also shift gears quickly, which can be beneficial when driving on hill slopes. Combined with these factors, it’s no wonder why semi-trucks are increasingly equipped with automatic transmissions.
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How Semi-Truck Automatic Transmissions Work
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) technology provides software and hydraulics to control the gears, giving drivers superior performance over manual transmission trucks. With AMTs, semi-trucks can react quickly, ensure efficient fuel-saving gear changes, and respond more effectively to safety scenarios, such as sudden stops or rapid acceleration. This technology even helps drivers react to difficult traffic conditions without exhausting themselves or experiencing severe fatigue.
Compared to traditional manual transmissions, AMTs improve the vehicle’s overall performance and safety and optimize fuel consumption. Furthermore, the cost of maintenance and repairs is significantly lower with AMTs than with their manual counterparts since the fully-automated transmission does not need frequent adjustments or repairs. As a result, not only do AMTs provide smoother performance, but they are also cost-efficient.
The Trend Towards Phasing Out Manual Transmissions in Favor of Automatic
While manual transmissions have been the standard for many years, they are slowly being phased out and replaced by automatic transmissions. This shift is happening due to advances in automation; not only does an automated transmission provide smoother acceleration and easier handling for drivers on long hauls, but it also improves fuel economy and reduces vehicle wear and tear. Ultimately, as technology advances, manual transmissions in semi-trucks will likely become obsolete since companies will prefer to shift to automatic ones.
The Importance of Knowing How To Drive a Manual Transmission
Due to the increased dependence of semi-trucks on computer-driven automation, there is likely to be a millennial gap between long-haul drivers and newcomers to the industry. Manual transmissions remain essential for long drives to minimize engine wear and tear and allow experienced truckers an edge over their newbie counterparts. Manual transmissions’ continued presence and relevance in semi-trucks rely heavily on hands-on experience with different vehicles and environments. However, modern truckers will find themselves at an advantage if they can master manual transmission basics despite its waning prevalence within the industry.
The Persistence of Manual Transmission Options in the Used Semi Truck Market
Although the prevalence of manual transmissions in current semi-trucks is slowly declining, used semi-trucks with manual gearboxes constantly remain in the market, with many truckers preferring their straightforward and intuitive function over their automated counterparts. Thanks to their low initial cost and long lifespan, those looking for practicality and precision look as far as these time-tested vehicles when equipping themselves with an economical hauling solution.
The Continued Preference of Manual Transmissions by Some Career Truckers
The debate surrounding the future of manual transmissions in semi-trucks is ongoing, as some truckers strongly prefer the durability and control they offer. While automated transmissions have become increasingly popular as technology advances, career truckers remain devoted to manual operation, citing their reliability and better fuel efficiency as key advantages. As automakers invest more time and money into developing automated options, it will be interesting to see how the preferences continue to shift in the industry over time.
The Evolution of Automatic Transmissions in Semi Trucks
The use of automatic transmissions in semi trucks has come a long way since they first debuted 20 years ago. They quickly became the go-to option for truck drivers and companies, offering increased drivability, safety, and fuel efficiency compared to manual shifting options. Over the last few decades, semi-truck automatic transmission designs have significantly evolved to meet the ever-increasing demand for higher performance. New automatic transmissions shift faster and smoother, and their capabilities entail greater torque control and improved fuel economy.
Automated transmissions also have various advanced technological features, including adaptive shift algorithms, integrated powertrain controls, and specialized software. As a result, they offer greater efficiency than ever before while placing less strain on their respective powertrains. This helps improve their overall service life and vehicle emission levels while delivering improved fuel savings. As new developments are made daily, this evolution of automatic transmission technology continues to revolutionize the transportation industry.
These automatic transmissions have become standard features on most semis in a few years as companies seek to improve safety, efficiency, and performance. Several aftermarket upgrades are available that introduce enhanced technology, such as pressure regulators and transmission coolers. With advancements in engine science and automatic transmission components, semi trucks can increasingly take advantage of improved fuel economy and fewer breakdowns. Companies should consider investing in such upgrades to enhance the performance of their vehicles for years to come.
Companies Who Have Made the Switch to Automatic Transmissions
Large companies such as Averitt Express, CT Transportation, Maverick Transportation, DOT Transportation, US Express, JB Hunt, Watkins & Shepard, and TransAm trucking have switched to automated transmissions in their semi-trucks. They cite increased efficiency, improved safety, and lower emissions as reasons for switching.
The choice of automatic transmissions has enabled them to reduce the time spent shifting gears and accelerate more quickly while enjoying improved fuel economy at high speeds. With automated transmissions becoming ever more reliable, many companies have seen significant cost savings due to this switch.
Final Thoughts
Automatic transmissions in semi trucks have come a long way since they first debuted 20 years ago. They offer increased drivability, safety, and fuel efficiency compared to manual shifting options. Businesses that have made the switch have reported substantial cost savings, greater efficiency, and decreased emissions.
While automated transmissions may be the go-to option for many truck drivers and companies today, there are still great opportunities for further improvement regarding their performance capabilities, such as pressure regulators or transmission coolers.
Ultimately, it is up to individual truckers to decide if an automated transmission will better suit their needs than its manual counterpart. Both have unique benefits and drawbacks depending on what one wants from their vehicle.
Sources:
- https://veltriinc.com/blog/the-advantages-of-driving-an-automatic-semi-truck/
- https://www.truckinginfo.com/157497/automated-transmissions-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow
- https://www.truckingtruth.com/wiki/topic-93/type-of-transmissions-used-by-trucking-companies
- https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/benefits-automated-manual-transmission
