The freelancer asked his opening question last November.
So this will not likely help him much.
Still, though, others may feel some curiosity about automated transmissions.
May I please suggest two alternatives?
Marda and I specified Eaton-Fuller AutoShift transmissions in our two Volvo tractors.
We immediately fell in love with them.
I'm a long-time manual shifter.
I greatly enjoyed doing it that way.
My father, a veteran Greyhound driver, taught me how to float shift -- not only how to do it, but also why and how it works -- when I was 8 years old -- and how to do it very gently.
Eventually, though, I became ready to allow a pair of computers to do my shifting for me.
Besides, by that time I had taken on Marda as my co-pilot.
Have I mentioned that she's a woman?
Well, she is.
Marda, along with most women -- and apparently a fair number of men newbies, judging from the sounds and sights in the parking lots nowadays -- has never yet arrived at a full understanding of or appreciation for the subtleties of double-clutching and downshifting -- especially while climbing a tough upgrade with a big load.
She tells people that the AutoShift saved our marriage.
That may be a bit of an overstatement.
But it did make some moments more pleasant.
When we wrote the specs for our present Columbia D truck, we included the Eaton-Fuller UltraShift.
UltraShift = AutoShift + AutoClutch.
AutoShift is a three-pedal system; UltraShift is a two-pedal system.
AutoClutch is a conventional dry clutch, not a slushbox or torque converter.
The AutoClutch enganges and disengages automatically without attention or action by a driver.
The AutoShift involved a learning curve, as did the UltraShift (even after our driving the AutoShift, because a few details are slightly different).
For those who prefer to shift, then do so by all means.
For those who -- for whatever combination of reasons -- prefer a somewhat less demanding life -- then go for it.
I've driven two Volvo demonstrators with ZF FreedomLine transmissions.
I much prefer UltraShift or AutoShift.
Best wishes to all,
Doc.
Keep in mind other than the Allison, many heavy duty truck automatics still have a standard clutch in them that needs to be adjusted and replaced. Mudflap