In trucks, Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) offer several advantages over conventional non-synchro manual transmissions, such as Eaton’s Roadranger.
In fact, we recommend Roadranger training, even if you’ve been driving one a while, as it will help you reduce wear and tear, and get better fuel economy.
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
Fuel Efficiency
- AMT: Optimises gear shifts to improve fuel efficiency by selecting the right gear at the right time, based on engine load, speed, and driving conditions.
- Manual: Requires the driver to manually select gears, which can lead to less efficient shifting, especially under varying load conditions.
Advantage: AMTs typically result in better fuel economy due to precise control over shifts, and the gearbox’s algorithm being optimised for the truck, plus it’s indefatigable (it never gets sleepy!)
Reduced Driver Fatigue
- AMT: The system automates the clutch and gear shifting, relieving drivers from constant clutch operation and manual gear changes.
- Manual: Requires constant clutch and gear changes, especially in stop-and-go traffic or challenging terrains, leading to increased driver fatigue.
Advantage: Less driver fatigue over long hauls, especially in heavy traffic or rough terrain. As a Roadranger can have quite a heavy clutch, the constant gear changing in rush hour traffic is very fatiguing.
Lower Maintenance Costs
- AMT: Because the system automates gear changes, it reduces the likelihood of human error like “grinding gears” or mis-shifting, which can cause wear and tear.
- Manual: Drivers can make mistakes, leading to potential clutch and transmission damage, requiring more frequent repairs and maintenance. Some drivers still think they are awesome at floating the gears (changing without a clutch), but in reality, it wears the gearbox out.
Advantage: AMTs generally have lower long-term maintenance costs.
Consistent Performance
- AMT: Delivers consistent gear changes every time, regardless of the driver’s experience. This is especially beneficial in fleet operations, where multiple drivers may use the same truck.
- Manual: Gear shifts are dependent on the driver’s skill level, and performance can vary widely between drivers.
Advantage: AMTs provide smoother and more consistent performance across different drivers and driving conditions.
Increased Productivity
- AMT: Allows drivers to focus more on driving and less on shifting, which can improve overall concentration and safety. It also enables smoother driving on inclines, in city traffic, or during complex manoeuvres like backing up.
- Manual: Shifting in difficult conditions, like hills or heavy traffic, can slow down operations and increase the workload on the driver.
Advantage: AMTs can lead to higher productivity, especially in time-sensitive operations.
Improved Safety
- AMT: Since it automates the gear shifting process, drivers can keep both hands on the wheel and maintain better control of the vehicle, particularly in emergency situations.
- Manual: Requires one hand to operate the gear shifter, which may reduce the driver’s ability to respond to sudden changes on the road.
Advantage: AMTs improve safety by allowing drivers to stay focused on steering and road conditions.
Driver Accessibility
- AMT: Makes driving large trucks more accessible to less experienced or newer drivers, as it removes the learning curve associated with manual transmission shifting, clutch operation, and timing.
- Manual: Requires drivers to be skilled in clutch control, gear shifts, and engine RPM management as not to cause premature damage.
Advantage: Easier training and onboarding of new drivers.
Is there any argument for manual gearboxes?
Automated manual transmissions offer substantial benefits over conventional manual transmissions in trucks. They provide better fuel efficiency, reduced driver fatigue, lower maintenance costs, and increased safety and productivity, making them an attractive option for both fleet operators and individual drivers.
However, some drivers prefer manual gearboxes, and some drivers find them easier to get the performance out of the truck when in challenging conditions, such as a backcountry logging track that’s drenched. There’s a certain nostalgia for some types of gearbox, but as most new trucks are coming with AMT gearboxes, the skills required to drive them are gradually dying out.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
