The new gears, according to Volvo, are unique for series-produced heavy trucks and will enable a vehicle to move off from standstill with as much as 325 tonnes gcw.
Depending on the application, I-Shift is available with one or two forward crawler gears and with or without two reverse crawler gears. Vehicles can travel at speeds as low as 0.5kmh.
“The heavier the transport operation and the poorer the surface or the terrain, the more the driver gains from a truck with crawler gears,” says Peter Hardin, Volvo’s product manager for FM and FMX.
“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 in the construction, forestry or mining sectors,” he adds.
Heavy haulage operators can also benefit from improved fuel economy, Hardin explains: “I-Shift with crawler gears makes it possible to start off from a 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.”