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Automatic vs Automated Transmissions: Making the Right Choice for Your Fleet

If you find yourself at a crossroads trying to decide which transmission best suits your commercial vehicle fleet, you're not alone. Maybe your trucks often navigate stop-and-go traffic, which leads you to prioritize driver comfort and system predictability. Or perhaps your team routinely drives challenging terrains, requiring maximum driver control at a moment’s notice.

Understanding the key differences between automated and automatic transmissions is crucial, so you can make the right decision for your fleet. Let's dive into the details of each option to help you make an informed choice that meets the needs of your vehicles and drivers. Having the right type of transmission is especially important for severe service work and situations when maintenance, productivity, and performance are key factors.

Understanding the Fundamental Differences

Automated Manual Transmissions (AMT)

Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) offer a unique blend of manual control and electronic convenience. They share many mechanical components with manual transmissions but rely on computers to automate clutch engagement and gear shifts.

This technology gives drivers more control, making AMTs particularly suitable when precise command on steep grades is essential, such as heavy hauling and construction. AMTs also boast advantages in maintenance and fuel economy, making them a solid choice for demanding vocational fleets.

Automatic Transmissions

In contrast, automatic transmissions prioritize ease of use. They rely on a torque converter to transfer engine power through a series of gears and clutch packs to shift gears. While automatic transmissions excel in stop-and-go traffic and are ideal for drivers with limited experience, they may not offer the same level of control as automated transmissions, especially in challenging conditions.

Automatic transmissions also have more complex systems because they have more components compared to manual transmissions or AMTs. Additionally, automatic transmissions may have lower fuel efficiency compared to manual or automated transmissions.

To give you a high-level breakdown of the key differences between the two types of transmissions, our team assembled a comparison chart. Read on to learn more about how these options stack up against each other in each category.

 

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More Transmission Comparisons and Operational Mechanics

Control and Performance

When it comes to driving experience, there's a notable contrast between automated manual transmissions vs automatic transmissions. Automatic transmissions don't give you much control over gears, but they can be a good fit for inexperienced drivers because they don’t require much training to learn how to drive.

AMTs similarly don’t require much training to learn how to drive because the computer does most of the work. They are a good fit for both inexperienced drivers and more advanced drivers who prefer the control that manual transmissions offer. In particular, automated transmissions offer increased control on grades thanks to the presence of the clutch.  

For fleets that need precise control and enhanced performance, such as those in heavy hauling or construction, automated transmissions emerge as the preferred choice. Their ability to shift automatically or manually through the gears provides drivers with the confidence and control needed to tackle tough jobs easily and efficiently.

Automatic transmissions offer accessibility and comfort, making them a good choice for drivers navigating urban environments or new to the industry.

Cost

The cost differences between automated and automatic transmissions extend beyond the initial purchase price, so it’s important to consider various aspects of ownership and operation. In general, automatic transmissions typically cost more than automated transmissions, but the dealer and truck manufacturer set the final price, so it’s best to discuss specifications and pricing with them.

Maintenance and Fuel Efficiency

Both types of transmissions need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Automated transmissions need routine work like fluid changes and clutch replacement. Automatic transmissions need fluid changes too, often more frequently and with significantly more lubricant.

When it comes to long-term maintenance costs, AMTs may prove more economical. Their simpler mechanical design and reduced wear and tear on components like clutches can translate to lower maintenance costs over time. Additionally, AMTs can optimize gear changes for improved fuel efficiency, further enhancing their appeal for fleets with extensive mileage and fuel expenses.

In the words of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, “AMTs decrease the variability in the fuel economy of trucks or drivers in a fleet, compared to the variability in fleets using manual transmission. Electronically controlled transmissions make poor drivers much better, average drivers better, and good drivers slightly better.”

The Final Word on Automatic vs. Automated Transmissions

In the end, the choice between automated and automatic transmissions ultimately boils down to your fleet's specific requirements and operational demands.

  • Automated transmissions usually emerge as the frontrunner for severe service, vocational, and construction fleets prioritizing maintenance, productivity, and performance. They offer the control, efficiency, and reliability drivers need to tackle challenging terrains and heavy loads without compromise.
  • Automatic transmissions provide the ease of use and comfort necessary for drivers who are new to driving and or who are operating mostly in urban environments so they can navigate city streets with confidence.

Whatever your fleet's needs may be, understanding the differences between these transmission options is the first step toward making the right choice for your business.