I-Shift with crawler gears

I-Shift with crawler gears

Do you need the ability to start off from standstill with a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 325 t? The newest member of Volvo’s I-Shift automated transmission now features crawler gears for specialised start capability for trucks carrying heavy loads in demanding situations.

According to Volvo, the system is entirely unique for series-produced, extra-heavy trucks.

“I-Shift with crawler gears offers entirely new scope for extra-heavy trucks with automated transmissions to regulate their speed when crawling slowly and even reversing. The driver can haul a heavy load without worrying about getting into situations that may lead to costly standstills,” says Malcolm Gush, sales director at Volvo Trucks South Africa.  

With the new crawler gears, the truck can drive at speeds as low as 0,5 to 2 km/h. This helps immensely during precision manoeuvres such as in construction and maintenance tasks.

“The heavier the transport operation and the poorer the surface or the terrain, the more the driver gains from a truck with crawler gears. When combined with a suitable rear-axle ratio that optimises engine revs at high speeds, the result is lower fuel consumption on the highway. This is a significant benefit to haulage firms operating in these scenarios,” says Gush.

Depending on the application area, I-Shift is available with one or two forward crawler gears, and with or without two reverse crawler gears. The transmission is available as either a direct-drive or overdrive gearbox.

I-Shift with crawler gears is available for Volvo Trucks’ 13- and 16-litre engines in the Volvo FM, FMX, FH and FH16.

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Focus on Transport

FOCUS on Transport and Logistics is the oldest and most respected transport and logistics publication in southern Africa.
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