Rob K:
Manual every time. Proper gearbox for proper drivers. Autos are for steering wheel attendants that have no interest in the job.
Its hardly a skill using gears…
il go along with whatever pays the most…
killsville:
Always used to prefer a manual box until I discovered I-shift. Currently driving a brand new Renault Premium and whatever the box is, it’s more than a match for the I-shift! Never thought I’d hear myself say that about a Premium!
It’s an I-shift mate 
Muckaway:
waynedl:
Now got a DAF(t) Auto and that ■■■■■ arse.The drivers of our 2 Cf 6wheelers have said they’re ok on the open road, but getting out on roundabouts is a pain, and reversing on tips, uneven ground and buffering the tyres upto feed hoppers is a pain in the arse (sort’ve Kangeroo effect in reverse).
Yeah, it’s like a random timer on how long it’ll take to decide whether it’s going to go, what gear it’ll choose etc. Even in manual mode, the bite point moves around so you’ve no idea when you’re just getting ready to go or you’re cutting everyone up because it decided to go.
Currently driving a 11 plate FH13 the I-shift is the mutts nuts. Driven crash box Foden on farm collection and everything in between including an old ERF with twin splitter we had as a shunter when I worked for Wincanton. The ZF box range change with splitter for ease of use would be my manual of choice. It may be my bad driving but I have noticed when you need the power down on the apex of a bend the I-shift can change down leaving you without drive for a split second. Generally on a hill. 
For tramping,trunking,general,give me the I-shift but for tricky off road and tight work on bad ground give me the ZF.
after driving a scani with opti cruse all day i have got back in my car an tried to put it in gear the same way only to set the wipers off 
anyone else done this
Aside from the ishift, it depends on the work you’ve got the truck on, e.g big difference between trunking rdc’s with a fridge etc and hauling logs in half a foot of mud with steep incline/decline’s in the highlands etc.
Saaamon:
Rob K:
Manual every time. Proper gearbox for proper drivers. Autos are for steering wheel attendants that have no interest in the job.Its hardly a skill using gears…
It IS for Robert!..remember, he has special needs.
cliffton 27:
after driving a scani with opti cruse all day i have got back in my car an tried to put it in gear the same way only to set the wipers off
Not that but I’ve been in the car and fumbled round the dash looking for the handbrake
Or tried to sleep in the back
Rob K:
Manual every time. Proper gearbox for proper drivers. Autos are for steering wheel attendants that have no interest in the job.
Auto everytime. My job has turned around since going auto. Only issues I have are tight reversing on full lock - in tortoise mode or not it seems to be all or nothing and the motor bounces all over the show!
Cruise Control:
autos at roundabouts and busy junctions
I plan well ahead and keep the old girl moving, walking pace even. See a gap and gun it. When I do lash up I ALWAYS wave to let them know it wasn’t intentional.
Cruise Control:
yes you can put it in manual but when see a space and quickly pull away and you forget to change up or switch back to auto you make lots of noise but dont get very far
Done that - several times
Saaamon:
Rob K:
Manual every time. Proper gearbox for proper drivers. Autos are for steering wheel attendants that have no interest in the job.Its hardly a skill using gears…
it is if you have no arms.
Manual for me. Spent 2 years with a MAN auto. Glad to get a scania manual. Would not want to go back to a auto.
limeyphil:
Saaamon:
Rob K:
Manual every time. Proper gearbox for proper drivers. Autos are for steering wheel attendants that have no interest in the job.Its hardly a skill using gears…
it is if you have no arms.
lol
bristolron:
Manual for me. Spent 2 years with a MAN.
but now he’s single, so that’s why he’s had to go to manual. 
As a recent auto convert ,i wouldnt like to go back to manual, and before anyone says it, done the whole Fuller/Eaton malarky. Said recently in another thread i prefer auto now. Its the way forward, well mostly, i need to reverse sometimes.
cliffton 27:
after driving a scani with opti cruse all day i have got back in my car an tried to put it in gear the same way only to set the wipers off
i have the habbit of waggling my left leg looking for exhaust brake when i get in my car …
and when i was bus driving years ago i had the urge to stop at bus stops in the car whenever anyone put a hand out .
I’ve caught myself fumbling about on the side of the car gear lever looking for the splitter when going up a hill before. I’ve also tried to adjust the car stereo from the steering wheel more than a few times. As for auto boxes, never driven one before but new lorry coming in october with i-shift which I’m looking forward to trying. I think I’ll miss the manual though, but maybe not going by what people are saying about the i-shift.
bowser:
and when i was bus driving years ago i had the urge to stop at bus stops in the car whenever anyone put a hand out .
Ha ha what a nightmare!
semi-auto for me 
daf is crap but the volvo ishift is slightly better, they will always suffer from the fact that they cant see upcoming hills etc at least as they are semi-auto you can change gear before the box decides to.
p.s. what does the e/p button and the button on the back do on a volvo gearstick?