Gear Changing Techniques For 18 Speed

Gear changing
Techniques
for
13 Speed
and
18 Speed
EATON
Roadranger
Gearboxes
Version: 1.0
Title: Gear Changing

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
SHIFT PATTERN DIAGRAM
SHIFT PATTERN DIAGRAM

18 SPEED ROAD-RANGER
GEAR CHANGING TECHNIQUES
CLUTCH USE
STEP DOWN-CHANGES
STEP UP-CHANGES
SKIP CHANGING
SPLIT CHANGING OVERVIEW
SPLIT CHANGING (UP SPLITS)
SPLIT CHANGING (DOWN SPLITS)
COMPOUND CHANGING
LOW SPEED GEAR CHANGING (UP HILL)
PROGRESS GEAR-CHANGING
ESTABLISHING GEAR SPEEDS
DOWN CHANGING USING THE TACHOMETER
REVERSE GEAR
LO GEAR
GEAR SELECTION TIPS
GEARS AND BRAKING
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3
3
3
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5
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7
8
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13
18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\3SEES133\Gear Changing Techniques for 18 Speed .doc
Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
18 SPEED ROAD-RANGER
GEAR CHANGING TECHNIQUES
The task you have set yourself is not an easy one. Your progress depends
largely on your following of instructions from your trainer. We all have to
learn and we all learn and accumulate new skills at different rates.
In order for you to consider yourself a competent heavy vehicle operator you
will need to have not only the desire to learn new skills, but also have a
competent level of hand/foot co-ordination, good observation skills and the
ability to maintain these skills once they have been learnt.
To be a competent driver you will need to be able to consistently and
competently change gear using all of the following techniques.
Step changes (step ups and step downs)
Skip changes,
Split changes,
Compound changes and,
Mastering the progressive
change technique.
CLUTCH USE
In order to change gears with a constant mesh gearbox you will need to
adopt an entirely different clutch technique to the one you may be currently
using on a synchromesh gearbox.
This involves what is known as double de-clutching or double shuffling.
This entails making two clutch depressions for each gear up-change, one to
get it out of gear and the second to get it into gear.
Effective clutch control is vital for smooth gear changing. Firstly, to engage
a gear when you are stationary you must ensure that the clutch is fully
depressed so that the clutch brake can be activated. The clutch brakes job is
to slow down spinning gears so that you can smoothly engage the gear you
want.

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
When changing gear however, it is vital that the clutch is not fully
depressed. Fully depressing the clutch when your vehicle is mobile will
very quickly damage the clutch brake. So when you are changing gear all
you will need to do is to depress the clutch to a point where it will break
torque with the engine.
What this equates to is a short depression of about 2-4 inches.
(or 5-10 centimetres) past the normal free travel.
Note: Never use the Clutch Brake when upshifting or downshifting.
Use only for initial gear engagement when the vehicle is standing still.
If you need to make a down change, you will have an additional task when
operating the clutch. This involves depressing the accelerator in between the
first and second clutch depression. The reason for this is that you need to
match the vehicles gear speed to its road speed, thereby synchronizing the
gears for a smooth change. How do we achieve this?
STEP DOWN-CHANGES
At the point when the engine delivers its maximum torque, e.g. 1000rpm, it
is time to change down. To do this, initiate the following actions:
1. When the engine reaches 1000rpm, simultaneously release
accelerator, depress the clutch and move gear stick to the neutral
position.
2. Release clutch and depress accelerator, revving the engine to 1500
rpm.
3. Re-depress clutch and move gearstick into the next lowest gear.
4. Release clutch smoothly.
STEP UP-CHANGES
Starting with the vehicle in the appropriate gear (that is the gear which will
get your vehicle-mobile without depressing the accelerator..as a rule of
thumb this will be 1st gear for uphill, 2nd gear for on the flat and 3rd gear if
going downhill) the procedure is as follows:
1. Accelerate engine to approx 1200 1700 rpm.

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
2. When you have reached the desired revs, simultaneously release

accelerator, depress clutch and move gearstick to the neutral position.
3. Release clutch and position gearstick over the next gear position.
4. Depress clutch and move gearstick into gear.
N B The change must be completed by a count of 1,2 or before the
engine revs have dropped below 1000rpm. If the engine revs have
dropped below 1000, and you have not yet selected the gear, you will
have to repeat the process by releasing the clutch, re-accelerating the
engine to 1500 1700rpm, re-depressing the, clutch and selecting the
gear required.
Always remember the engine is accelerated with the clutch pedal
RELEASED.
SKIP CHANGING
Skip changing is an important technique for you to learn. It will save you a
lot of work, energy and fuel! At the end of the day if the only gear changing
you do is step changing, then you will be changing gears up to 1200-1400
times a day. That is a lot of expended energy. By integrating skip changing
into your repertoire you can reduce your gear changing by up to 50%. To
skip change successfully you will need to do as follows:
1. Accelerate the engine to 1700 rpm.
2. At 1700 rpm, simultaneously release accelerator, depress clutch and
move gearstick to the neutral position.
3. Release clutch and position gearstick over the gear you are skipping
to.
4. When engine revs have dropped to 1000 rpm, depress clutch and
move gearstick into gear. (If the revs drop below 1000rpm, release
clutch, rev engine to 1500, depress clutch and put into gear!)

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
REMEMBER! Skip changing is always done by moving the gearstick in

the same plane, i.e. from left to right and right to left (Not fore and aft)
You can skip from 1st to 3rd from 3rd to 5th, from 5th 7th (All the odd gears are
in the forward part of the shift pattern)
Or from 2nd to 4th, from 4th to 6th from 6th to 8th (All the even gears are in the
rearward part of the shift pattern)
It is important that when skip changing you do not attempt to put the
gearstick into gear too early. When you make a step change the emphasis is
on making the change quickly (on a count of 1,2). Skip changing is different.
If you make the change too quickly the gears will clash, so one of the easiest
way to ensure a smooth change is to say to yourself Out wait in as you are
changing gear, and move the stick into gear as you say in. Another way is
to count 1,2,3, this will give you the time frame required for the gears to
mesh without clashing.
Do not over-rev the engine, wait until your revs have dropped to 1500
revs before depressing the, clutch and when the revs are at 1200 put it
into gear.
SPLIT CHANGING OVERVIEW

Up for High
Rearward for Direct

SPLITTER CONTROL
BUTTON
RANGE
CHANGE
Down for Low
Forward for Overdrive
Located on the gearstick you will find two buttons. The large black button
found the, front is your Range Change button; the down position is low
range, which allows us to Use 1st to 4th gear, as well as LO or crawler gear.
The up position allows us to use 5th to 8th gear.
The grey button on the right hand side of the gearstick is the splitter button.
This will allow you to split LO gear through to 8 th gear, thereby giving us 18
forward gears. With the splitter in the rearward position you have low
split/direct and in the forward position is high split/overdrive.
6

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
SPLIT CHANGING (UP SPLITS)

1. Accelerate engine to 1700 rpm
2. At 1700 rpm move splitter button forward
3. Release accelerator and then depress and release clutch in one smooth
motion
When using this method be sure to let clutch out gently and dont be too
quick going on the accelerator, otherwise the gearbox could neutralize!
SPLIT CHANGING (DOWN SPLITS)

When splitting down use the following method:
1. As your engine reaches peak torque e.g.1200rpm move splitter button
back to low split/direct position.
2. At 1200 rpm, release accelerator, depress and release clutch in one
smooth motion.
3. Re-depress accelerator.
The final action of depressing the accelerator is most important. The gearbox
needs an accelerating engine to provide the inertia for a positive gear
change!
COMPOUND CHANGING
What exactly is compound changing? A compound change is made when
you change up a gear and split down at the same time.
The compound change is different in that when you move the splitter back to
low split/direct and at the same time change up to the next highest gear, you
will only need to use a single clutch depression.
When would I make a compound change? Basically anytime a vehicle is
traveling up hill compound changing and split changing allows much more
flexible use of the vehicles horsepower and torque.
It will save you work (only one clutch depression as opposed to two for a
normal change) and it will save on fuel as well as wear and tear on both the
truck and driver.
Remember, however, that the single clutch depression only works when
you are going UP through the box, not down!

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
LOW SPEED GEAR CHANGING (UP HILL)

When moving off on a steep grade, the change you make from either low
gear to first gear; or first gear to second gear will be made more difficult if
you over-rev the engine in an attempt to give the vehicle some speed, or you
move the gearstick too fast to engage a gear. To avoid missed or clashing
gears try using either of the following techniques:
(Technique #1)
With the vehicle in 2nd gear, bring the clutch up to the friction point, when
you feel this, release the handbrake completely. (Dont try easing the brake
off slowly, as soon as you feel the friction point, handbrake OFF)
Accelerate to 1800 rpm (no more!). At 1800 rpm, change gears using a time
frame technique similar to that used when skip changing. That is, you need
to wait until your engine revs drop from 1800 to 1200 rpm before selecting
the next gear. Count it in using 1 and 2 as a guide; Your engine revs will
drop from 1800 to 1200rpm in that time, enabling you to smoothly engage
the next gear.
(Technique #2)
Again, with the vehicle in 2nd gear, clutch up, release the handbrake and
gently accelerate to 1000rpm (no more).
At 1000rpm, using a single clutch depression, quickly change to the next
gear.
When you get your vehicle into the next gear the subsequent changes will
need to be made using what is known as progressive gear-changing.
(Technique #3)
Use a progressive technique to change gears. This is described in detail in
the following heading. Always remember that low gears need low revs to
enable a smooth change. High revs in low range coupled with fast gear
changes dont work. Therefore LOW GEARS LOW REVS.

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
PROGRESSIVE GEAR-CHANGING
By using this technique you will save yourself some work, save fuel, and get
into top gear quicker than you would if you took each gear out to maximum
revs.
It works like this: You have just made a low speed change from 1 st to 2nd
gear at 1000 rpm using a single clutch depression, now accelerate to 1200
rpm and using a double clutch, now change to 3rd gear.
For each subsequent gear change you will need to increase your engine revs
by 100 rpm, so your change to 4th gear will be at 1300 rpm, 5th gear at 1400
rpm, and 6th gear at 1500 rpm and so on until you reach top gear or the speed
you require. By using this technique you will be through the gears faster and
smoother.
ESTABLISHING GEAR SPEEDS

In order to be able to select the gear you will need to negotiate a corner or
roundabout, you will first need to establish what gear you will need and at
what speed you can select this gear.
Firstly, and most importantly, your cornering speed must be no more than
20/25kph. Any faster that this and you run a very high risk of rollover.
Your next step is to establish what speed your vehicle does in each gear at a
consistent rpm (say 1500rpm).
What you will probably find is this:
1st gear @ 1500rpm = 5kph
5th gear @ 1500rpm = 30kph
2nd gear @ 1500rpm = 10kph
3rd gear @ 1500rpm = 15kph

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
So looking at the chart we can see that in order to negotiate a corner or

roundabout at a safe turning speed we will need to be in either 4 th or 5th gear.
Assuming you want 5th gear to turn, and remember that your system of
driving requires that you are in gear before you turn, all you need to do is
brake your vehicle to 30kph, at 30kph, out of gear, clutch up, rev to 1500,
clutch in, into 5th gear. For 4th gear, brake to 20kp, for 3rd brake to 15kph.
DOWN CHANGING USING THE TACHOMETER

YOU WILL CONTINUALLY HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS UNLESS
THIS DEVICE IS USED AT ALL TIMES!
For the best results in your down-changes use the following techniques:
(1) To change down one (1) gear:
Brake or slow to 1000rpm in gear, at 1000rpm, out of gear, clutch up, rev to
1300, clutch in, into gear.
Single gear down changes can be made between 1000 to 1400rpm; just look
at the tacho, establish what revs you are at, and then add 300 revs.
(2) To change down two (2) gears:
Brake or slow to 800rpm in gear, at 800rpm, out of gear, clutch up, rev to
1400, clutch in, into gear.
Using this technique will enable you to smoothly change gears from 8 th to
6th, 7th to 5th, 6th to 4th, or 5th to 3rd.
(3) To change down three (3) gears:
Brake or slow to 600rpm in gear, out of gear, clutch up, rev to 1500rpm,
clutch in, into gear.
This is possibly the least used of the three techniques. You will-need it if
changing from 8th to 5th, 7th to 4th, or from 6th to 3rd.
So the thing to remember when changing down is how many gears I am
going down, first and foremost.
Then what revs do I need to slow to, and finally how many revs do I need to
engage the gear I am selecting.
10

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
REVERSE GEAR
On all Road Ranger gearboxes you will find a reverse gear. Because of the
way these gearboxes are designed it is possible to have access to high and
low range reverse as well as the possibility that this gear can be split as in
the 13 and 18 speeders.
The only reverse gear to be used is in low range, so when you find you need
reverse gear, it will always be a case of stop then drop the range change
button.
If you do attempt reversing in high range you will very quickly discover that
the vehicle will bolt on you, thereby running the risk of an accident.
NEVER attempt to move either the range change button or the splitter
whilst the vehicle is moving!
LO GEAR
The 9, 13 and 18 speed Road Ranger gearboxes have a crawler gear. This is
known as Lo Gear. Again because of their design LO gear can be accessed
in either low or high range.
Lo Gear must only ever be used in Low Range!
NEVER SELECT LO GEAR IN HIGH RANGE!
The splitter function on the 18 speed can be used to split LO gear if
necessary, but again only in low range.
GEAR SELECTION TIPS

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
When moving off on an uphill grade, ALWAYS use 2ND gear. For
exceptionally steep hills or when fully loaded use 1ST gear.
The appropriate gear is the gear that will get you moving without
toughing the accelerator.
When moving off on level ground, you can use 2nd gear.
When moving off on a down hill grade, you may use 3 rd gear. If
you continue going down hill, then skip to 5th, then to 7th.
Use skip changing when travelling on a down hill slope (3 rd, 5th,
7th) or when on level ground (when empty or partly loaded) use 2 nd,
4th, 6th.
Never up-skip when travelling uphill. Skip changing is for
downhill only.
11

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09
(7)
(8)
(9)
When approaching a steep decline, always ensure that you have the
vehicle in the appropriate gear before descending. Depending on
the gradient, the gear required would normally be 3 rd, 4th,5th or 6th
gear. A rule of thumb is whatever gear you use to go up the hill,
choose 1 or 2 gears lower to go down a similar descent.
When traveling uphill always use the splitter. This will reduce the
gap between the gears and it will make your trucks job easier.
Remember if you make its job easier, it will help to make your job
easier.
Some heavy vehicles (Mercedes-Benz, Scania and Isuzu) have a
low torque curve and these engines can lug down to as low as 900
rpm in the case of Mercedes V8, and 1000 rpm in the case of
Isuzu. What this means is that when your revs get to that point,
instead of changing down one gear, you go down two gears. To
make this change you will need to accelerate your engine from 900
to 1500 or from 1000 to 1600, an increase of 600 revs.
(10) If you wish to make a single down change, before you make the
change, look at your tachometer. Say youre at 900 revs in gear, to
make your change simply out of gear, and with the clutch up, rev
the engine to 1200 revs, clutch in, into gear. It will always be an
increase of 300 revs.
GEARS AND BRAKING.

As a final point, always remember when you are braking your vehicle to
stop, always brake in the gear you are in when starting to brake. Dont
change down;
GEARS ARE FOR GO..BRAKES ARE FOR WHOA!
12

Version: 1.0

Techniques
Code: AQTF-GCT-1.0
Author: Lavina
Goatcher
Date: 26/05/09

Gear Changing Techniques For 18 Speed

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Gear changing

Title: Gear Changing

SHIFT PATTERN DIAGRAM

SHIFT PATTERN DIAGRAM

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

2. When you have reached the desired revs, simultaneously release

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

REMEMBER! Skip changing is always done by moving the gearstick in

SPLIT CHANGING OVERVIEW

Rearward for Direct

Forward for Overdrive

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

SPLIT CHANGING (UP SPLITS)

SPLIT CHANGING (DOWN SPLITS)

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

LOW SPEED GEAR CHANGING (UP HILL)

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

ESTABLISHING GEAR SPEEDS

5th gear @ 1500rpm = 30kph

2nd gear @ 1500rpm = 10kph

6th gear @ 1500rpm = 45kph

3rd gear @ 1500rpm = 15kph

7th gear @ 1500rpm = 80kph

4th gear @ 1500rpm = 20kph

8th gear @ 1500rpm = 90kph

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

So looking at the chart we can see that in order to negotiate a corner or

DOWN CHANGING USING THE TACHOMETER

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

GEAR SELECTION TIPS

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

GEARS AND BRAKING.

GEARS ARE FOR GO..BRAKES ARE FOR WHOA!

18 Speed Road Ranger Gearbox

Title: Gear Changing

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