Why do many vehicles used for heavy work, like trucks, bulldozers etc. use manual transmission instead of auto?
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It’s generally the cheaper option, and up until recently, drivers preferred the manual transmission option, especially for large trucks. The early automatic trucks were slow to shift and had limited gearing options. They would hold gears too long and not shift when you wanted them to. They were often the slowest thing on any hill. More automatic options are available now, and I heard drivers actually like them more than not.
Off-road equipment often benefits from automatic transmission and hydraulic driven motors. The smoother power transition is less likely to dig into soft surfaces. Some stuff is powered by a manual transmission still, but it’s usually geared stupid low to limit speed and maximize torque. The last tractor I drove had a 4 speed that could be split twice and topped out at a blistering speed of 25mph. The lowest gear was slower than a gentle walking pace.
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