Volvo Trucks Introduces I-Shift Transmission for Severe-Duty Applications

Volvo Trucks in North America has introduced a rugged version of the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission for severe-duty applications.

The reinforced I-Shift for severe-duty (SD) is designed for on- and off-road work in construction and other applications requiring frequent shifting.

A record 75 percent of Volvo trucks sold in 2014 were spec’d with an I-Shift transmission. The I-Shift SD is available on VHD models powered by the Volvo D11 and D13 engines and is standard on VHD models at a certain weight rating.

“With this new rugged Volvo I-Shift, we now offer the efficiency and productivity benefits of our automated manual transmission and integrated powertrain to customers operating in tough vocational applications while providing improved uptime and longer component life,” said Gӧran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America.

Engineered for a wide range of vocational applications like construction, oil field, logging, snow plow or heavy haul, the Volvo VHD offers an easily customizable chassis. The VHD family includes the VHD 200 day cab and VHD 430 with a 42-inch flat roof sleeper, and both models are available in axle forward and axle back configurations.

Gears and other hardware in the severe-duty I-Shift have been hardened to withstand frequent shifting in a rugged operating environment. In addition to the hardened gears, this version features a high-range hardened cone, improved split synchronizer components and main box parts fashioned from reinforced material.

The I-Shift SD uses higher-viscosity oil that allows for operation at a higher ambient temperature, and it features a new transmission cooler mounted to the transmission. Reduced oil line length and quick disconnect fittings improve serviceability since there is no need to drain oil in order to service or remove the transmission.

“The heavier loads, uneven terrain and frequent shifting typical of heavy-duty vocational duty cycles require a more rugged transmission,” said Chris Stadler, Volvo Trucks regional haul marketing manager.

Category: Engines & Drivetrains, Featured, General Update