HOW TO Drive Semi Truck Automated (Automatic) Transmission

HOW TO Drive Semi Truck Automated (Automatic) Transmission

[kevindevinn]

I just got my cdl but they don’t teach you this stuff and my mentor doesn’t show me either so I did my own research it was hard to find a video like this thank you this was a great video!

[ReneMacias]

22 years driving and I'm finally driving an automatic soon. Wouldn't have known shit about it without this video. Thanks brother 👍

[chadmark]

My trucking career start in 1976 when I bought a 1971 GMC Astro 95 318 Detroit 13 speed - the career lasted SIX MONTHS - I was leased to a company that had only flatbeds. If I could have had a truck like this one and a box trailer ( no chaining down and tarping the loads ) I probably would have stayed with it. There were a few automatics back in 1976 - very few, though. The new truckers starting today with a nice truck like this one, will have NO IDEA how it used to be.

[geraldbaker]

I'm not a trucker but I salute you men and women thank you for what you do I have always wondered about the automatic transmissions in an 18 wheeler I was hoping you would actually drive the truck so we could see how it work but it was a good video thanks.

[abibodlogistics]

I really like the way you explained how this automatic transmission works with these big trucks so much so that somebody that has never driven one before can try it and honestly it is really surprising to me why and how some people say that they don't like the automatic transmission when as a matter of fact the manufacturers are doing all they can to use all that technology has to offer to make driving these trucks as easy as it can be especially considering the area of clutching which is the most challenging aspect of driving these trucks.Looking at the trucks built in the 1940s and 50s with all these double shift handles and the ones built in the 1990s and the 2000s one can clearly see how technology is really evolving and truth is that it will not stop, truth of the matter is that it is the people that will have to do the catching up, technology for sure don't wait for people, although there is nothing wrong in knowing how to drive the manual transmission because most definitely it will be an added advantage that can come handy at a point in time to come . One thing that I will like to know is that in which mode can the engine brakes be used, manual mode or automatic mode.Thanks for sharing from your wealth of experience and I look forward to more of it.

[bradrook]

I'm 63 now started off in a 3/4 cab Browny/mainbox Mack...at my age I'm like most and don't like change...I know the day is coming soon I'll be expected to drive the automatic...Thank you for the video...seems easy enough...

[kingstew]

I drove years ago and thought automatics were an abomination but I just found your video and can absolutely see the benefits to the automatics. U have converted me.

[Ellen]

As a woman thinking of getting into dump truck driving I wanted to see how the automatics work. We have to train in semi’s first. Excellent video. Thank you.

[jimowen]

I'm not a Truck driver. Nor could I be one. But I have a tremendous amount of admiration for you People. I just think based on what I hear. You People are way underpaid for the hard work you do. And yes. If I was doing what you folks do. I would want to drive an Automatic. Great

[jayvail]

I just got a new automatic cascadia after only using manuals for the last 11 years… for weeks iv been wondering why the truck “randomly” started in 3rd gear one day and 1st another day.

It’s crazy that it detects how much you’re hauling and starts in a more appropriate gear rather than just 1-12 every time you take off.

Thanks for the great information!

[BumbleBea]

I'm learning manual in school right now, but I can't wait to try one of these automatics. Thanks for the vid!

[Jaimeloera]

I have been driving a manual for a while and i have a driving interview in a few hours with an automatic truck. I've never driven one but this video is very clear and i feel like i have all the information i need. Thanks!

[Alain]

You made it very easy to understand.
Thanks for sharing, Cory

[AndrewJohnson-fmrj]

Thank you for taking the time to put this together. I’m one who learns by seeing/hands on.

[arcamean]

That's a pretty truck, if I had a job lined up with a truck like that I'd totally go get my health recertified for Interstate (I'd pass but I'm intrastate for reasons of unemployment). You explain things so calmly and matter of factly that it's like I'm in the truck with my old instructor (Hope you're doing well in retirement Bob lol). I'm not sure WHY this video was recommended to me but I really wanna either get some therapy to deal with my anxiety or hope I get someone like you as a partner/trainer.

[thatmanxguy]

Thanks driver. After 26 years I will be getting an automatic in April and I was very very unsure about it. Now...on to this crash mitigation tech

[dennislarson]

Thanks for a good overview of how to drive the new automatics. I've been out of the trucking industry for a number of years now, and always drove manuals - I wouldn't know where to begin with an automatic. This was very helpful in understanding changes in the trucking world (who would have guessed that that control stalk was a 4-way controller??).

While all of this automation does make things easier for new drivers (and probably more efficient too), the "art of driving" is gradually being lost. It took a deep understanding of how the transferred power to the rear wheels, and how gear changes happen in relation to road speed. Once you understood how all of that is connected, it's way more than just "jammin' gears" - it's an art.

Out of curiosity, how does an automatic work with snow/ice/slippery conditions? When you want to have absolutely the finest degree of control of engine/gear/braking to maintain very delicate traction in dangerous conditions, how does it respond? Is manual control best in those situations?

[shieldwarden]

I learned on manual (it was the first time using a manual transmission ever), I'm hoping to go into either Stevens or Schneider, and most if not all of their trucks are automatic. I think to just learn and the stress of making sure you kept your eyes on the road made my anxiety spike. BUT! I got my CDL, and I think I'll be far better on an auto.

It's really informative, I appreciate it!

[williamharris]

I've been delivering new trucks for 25 years. The first automatic transmission still had a clutch to start and stop. The newer ones like this are very intuitive, however I still prefer a manual and you can float gears on a manual.

[AustNRail]

I’m looking at buying a new M.A.N. Coach chassis with the 500hp Euro 6 motor and 12 speed triptronic for construction into a dog towing double deck motor home, and I had no idea what this transmission was. Helped heaps and thanks from Australia.