Volvo announces I-shift with crawler gears: Video

New I-Shift with crawler gears can start off from standstill with 325 tonnes

Volvo Trucks is launching a new member of the I-Shift family: I-Shift with crawler gears. The new gears, which are added to the automated transmission, provide exceptional takeoff for trucks carrying heavy loads in demanding situations.

Volvo Trucks’ new version of I-Shift makes it possible to add up to two new crawler gears. This means, among other things, that the truck can move off from standstill and transport a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 325 tonnes.

"I-Shift with crawler gears offers entirely new scope for heavy trucks with automated transmission to regulate their speed when crawling slowly and reversing. The driver can haul a heavy load without worrying about getting into situations that may lead to costly standstills," says Peter Hardin, Product Manager FM and FMX.

With the new crawler gears, the truck can drive at speeds as low as 0.5-2km/h. This helps immensely during precision manoeuvres such as in construction and maintenance tasks.

"The vastly improved driveability and startability with the new crawler gears makes the driver’s job far easier when operating in difficult terrain on slippery surfaces with heavy loads, such as at construction sites, in mines or in forests. The heavier the transport operation and the poorer the surface or the terrain, the more the driver gains from a truck with crawler gears," explains Hardin.

For haulage firms carrying out heavy transport operations on demanding surfaces as well as regular highway driving, crawler gears also offer considerable flexibility and the possibility of improved fuel economy.

"I-Shift with crawler gears makes it possible to start off from standstill in extreme situations. Combining them with a suitable rear axle ratio that optimises engine revs at high speeds results in lower fuel consumption on the highway. This is a significant benefit to haulage firms doing this kind of work," says Hardin.

Depending on application area, I-Shift is available with one or two forward crawler gears, and with or without two reverse crawler gears. Reverse crawler gears make it possible to reverse extremely slowly, which is a major advantage when reversing manoeuvres require immense precision.

The low crawler gears are integrated into the I-Shift transmission. In order to handle the high loads involved, several components are made of high-strength materials. The gearbox is 12cm longer than a conventional I-Shift unit. I-Shift with crawler gears is available for Volvo Trucks’ 13- and 16-litre engines in the Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH16.

"The new I-shift with crawler gears is a significant innovation, particularly well-suited for the Australian market. It will provide Volvo customers in the heavy-haul segment the ability to significantly increase their GCM capabilities. For Volvo to be able to provide products that can significantly improve productivity, coupled with the potential of fuel savings, is extremely pleasing. It will be a very attractive option for transport operators looking for the next competitive advantage for their business”, said Mitch Peden, Vice President of Volvo Trucks Australia.

Ratios, I-Shift with crawler gears

• In a gearbox with one crawler gear the ratio is 19:1 in a direct-drive gearbox, or 17:1 in an overdrive gearbox. (The ratio of the lowest gear in a regular I-Shift direct-drive gearbox is 15:1.) In a direct-drive or an overdrive gearbox with two crawler gears the lowest ratio is 32:1.

• The ratio of the lowest reverse gear is 37:1 in a direct-drive gearbox.

Volvo announces I-shift with crawler gears: Video

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