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IMPRESSIONS
Page 10
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• Perhaps the best way to understand the control of the automatic system is to back the tractor under the trailer as the first task. Once reverse gear is selected the driver can perform tight manoeuvring by tickling the accelerator into the intermediate zone, or as a standard manual version by engaging the gear fully.
From a standing start in 2L we took off into 3L and 4L before selecting split gears through to 6H. The gear changes at the bottom end of the box are very quick, making take-off from a standing start a piece of cake.
The drive is very smooth as the system offers the driver the option of always selecting the right gear for any given situation. This implies reduced wear and tear on the transmission as well as improved fuel consumption.
Operators are bound to wonder what would happen if this type of system landed in the lap of a one-day agency driver with no previous experience. However, fears that the system might be vulnerable are illfounded; if anything it will encourage better driving.
It took an outward trip for our tester to feel confident—but less than 15 minutes' tuition to understand its concept.