Here's a thought...

[Jim Blackwood]

Funny how trucks and busses are so advanced in  some ways and so behind in others. When did synchros become a standard in cars, the 30's maybe? So it took another 50 years to catch on in trucks. Not that it bothers me, I learned to shift an unsynchronized box and shift without the clutch at a young age. At one time that was considered a kind of test of Manhood. (If you could go from 2nd to 4th on the old farm tractor without touching the throttle or grinding the gears you really knew your stuff, especially if it was uphill under load.) But given a choice I'll take the synchros. Or better yet, the automatic. Those have become exceptionally good. It was really always just a matter of time though.

Jim

[buswarrior]

No synchros in the heavy stuff.

Only managed to make it to the medium duty, and they are problematic once the miles pile up.

Too much spinning mass, too many duty cycles.

Doesn't really matter, huge percentage of the new build going out the door with an automated transmission anyway. Let the computer take care of it all...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[luvrbus]

I had the pleasure of driving a J4500 with the Allision TC 10 speed  they are testing for bus use,it is amazing no pause between shifting like the other automatic shift 10 speeds and so smooth really it is the best of both worlds   

[windtrader]

Clifford - going soft in your old age, eh? Guess newer technology sometimes makes life easier. 

[TomC]

USA heavy duty manuals are the only non synchronized transmissions left. European trucks and buses have fully synchronized manual transmissions. Some with shift assist. BUT you have to use the clutch at every shift-that isn't a problem with air assist clutch pedal. I was on a DAF bus tour in Europe and it had an 8 speed with shift assist-meaning you couldn't pull it in until it was at the right rpm and all in one stick-no air shift button. Good Luck, TomC