Volvo Launches New I-Shift Gearbox Range, Enhanced for Construction and Haulage Labour
Published On Mar 16, 2016
Volvo is known around the world for its acclaimed heavy duty truck range. Models such as the FM and FX have been employed by various corporations involved in the construction and haulage field. Apart from its range of robust models, the company is also acclaimed for its decisive and efficient shifting technology. Known as the I-Shift, the unsynchronised gearbox is known to ease the driver's burden, and at the same time, boosts the ride efficiency.
Volvo is now upgrading the I-Shift range with the launch of a new version announced recently. The new gearbox is incorporated with two additional crawler gears, meant to improve the starting capacity of its bulky vehicles. For easier handling, the firm has increased the length of the gearbox, and has imbibed them with stronger and more durable materials. The company claims that the gearboxes will help to alleviate stress in all kinds of terrains.
“I-Shift with crawler gears makes it possible to start off from standstill in extreme situations,” said Peter Hardin, a product manager in the Volvo Trucks. He added, “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.”
The gearboxes have been specifically built for the needs of construction and maintenance work. Under their new composition, the vehicle would be able to drift through rough patches of road at speeds as low as 1 kmph. Additionally, the machines would be able to transport weights as high as 325-tonnes, significantly improving haulage and construction roles. They are to come as standard with the 13-litres and 16-litre engines present in models such as the FM and FH.
“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,” said Mr Hardin.
See Also:
Solid 10% Growth for Volvo's Truck Business in 2015, Strong Headway in Middle East
