Manual or Automatic in Semi

[Flatlander9]

Looking to upgrade our Semi tractor and am looking for feedback on which transmission to look for.

Truck will be in and out of field with tri axle during harvest and seeding.

We've found plenty of automatics around but are concerned with how it will pull in a soft field if the wet years come back. Have always had manual transmission prior to this but don't mind the idea of an automatic as long as it won't cause issues in wet fields. Is anyone running an automatic in and out of fields at harvest? How do they perform?

Thanks

[RD414]

Going to cost you more for automatic but make sure you get one with a clutch pedal

[fjlip]

"Automatic" need to be either Auto shift, or Allison automatic. It's confusing.

Have each, Allison perfect, Ultrashift maybe longer haul, but not even close.

[Taiga]

If you are looking new enough the recent Mack/Volvo have optional 13 and 14 speed with crawler gears that are lower reduction than Low/Low on an 18speed and no problems in soft ground. Allison is good but fuel hungry.

[Taiga]

Used truck prices are at insane levels right now, high mileage trucks being listed for more than what they were originally sold for. I would wait a year if you can or else buy from auction because much of the used inventory is just being flipped from recent auction purchased.

[SASKFARMER]

Standard is better but transmissions are changing.

Deep snow on a auto with no load isnt good.

[GDR]

I have an auto shift tandem and pull a tri axle pup, you can lock them in low (or any other gear) Still have a clutch to rock it. To each there own but works just fine and just about anyone can move it if need be. Only way it can get you into trouble is because it's easy sometimes you forget you aren't driving a pickup, still have to think ahead to gear down or when is the right time to shift up. Can all be done manual if preferred.

[blackpowder]

Not sure of skill level of operators.
Or how new you're looking.
High mile eastern auto shifts can give a myriad of wiring/electric electronic etc problems.

[J88]

We have two Mack’s with auto 12 speed. They take a while to retrain the thinking as our older Mack has a 18 manual which the Older generation can drive easier. You can switch the auto’s to manual for better control of starts and starting to crawl up hills because if you don’t keep your foot steady they hunt for different gears. Our International has the 6 speed Allison and it pulls well in field and road but has no Jake so we manually push buttons to gear down it tends to eat brake linings.

[Guest]

for me , the "kiss formula" comes to mind
no wire, switches, circuit boards , etc on a gear jammer and the guy down the road can rebuild it

[therealnorthernf]

have a freight liner with an Allison, it has Jakes and everyone wants to drive it.. the Eagle with the 18 speed sits most of the time except during harvest, even then it is only used on the really long hauls back to the bin yards..

We love the Allison, but like someone else mentioned it is a fuel guzzler, But from my research the Allison is bullet proof

[blackpowder]

Any computer takes a relearn for me.
ECM settings on my Detroit coupled with suspension style keeps my T800 as a fair weather unit.
My druthers would be double lock ups high on list. Autos will keep your driveline in one piece maybe if someone screws up.

[crusher]

We have a KW T800, 525 Cummins, 18 sp auto. Pulls superbee. Not a huge fan of it in the yard pulling up to the auger, it doesn't like to lock up. In the field it's ok because one can shift manually. Really like it on the highway. If I were to do it over again, likely take the auto.

[OvernOut]

Have an Allison in 98 tandem grain truck, Eaton 10sp autoshift (with clutch) in another 06 tandem, a 12sp Meritor autoshift (no clutch) in 06 tractor, and just grabbed a 16 shaker tractor with 18 Eaton Ultrashift. We're all auto of some kind basically for ease of use as to who can drive it but they come with a cost. The Allison is bullet proof but it sure robs a lot of power and makes a truck feel sluggish and underpowered. The Meritor has given trouble in soft ground but on the road it sure shifts nice up and down. The older autoshift has been good but has given a few issues the past few years either with air or electrical problems. The newer ultrashift has been good so far but does take some getting used to when downshifting. I demoed a couple newer shaker day cabs last summer; couple with a Allisons and one with Detroit DT12. To my surprise the DT12 was my favorite one. If getting a new unit I'd look hard a DD16 with DT12 trans or Kenworth T800 or 880 with 18 Ultrashift and X series performance series Cummins.