Thank you Paul for your comment. Been doing this for over 40 years now, and it ain't like it used to be. These Volvo 14 speed syncromesh gearboxes are just like driving a large car, but you can't shift without using the clutch. Not many manuals around any more, and I just hate automatic transmissions in trucks. I used to love the old 13 and 15 speed Roadrangers , but I must say my favourite was the Spicer SST 14. Four moves of the stick for 14 gears, and no need for the clutch, lovely box.
@@cal-king I've actually taken a step backwards and I'm now stuck with an automatic Volvo. But it is better than the Mercedes and Scania. On the upside, I did get to drive a 1983 White Road Boss with a C16 Cat and 18 speed a few months ago 🥰😍🤗
@@svenhvr I know, here in Europe all trucks have syncromeshed gearbox. I've never driven a north american truck with the eaton fuller so I don't know the feelings or pros and cons but I can say that here the driving is really comfortable and there's no stress for the knees because clutch pedals are soft and easy to press. You can't grind a gear.
@@svenhvr Nope, syncromesh is better. a duel clutch automatic is better than both actually, but if we are just talking about manuals, synchro is the way to go.
@@svenhvr So they are better only because fewer people know how to shift them? Does that make logical sense to you? Explain to me how granny shifting up and down 18 gears up a hill and grinding or missing the gears in the process... is superior to a dual clutch automatic truck transmission that: - shifts faster than even the best human shifter in the world, - that never misses or grinds a single gear at any time, -and causes way less strain on the drive-train compared to "floating gears" on a non synchro mesh. Even synchro is better than non synchro. Perhaps you are clinging to non synchro because for some reason you think only an elite few can learn to shift such an inefficient transmission?
Good evening, David! The main "black spot" in such gearboxes is downshifting. I saw three ways. The first way is just slowly release the clutch. The second way: give it gas appropriate for current speed and after that release a clutch. The third way: before releasing a clutch, driver blips the throttle and after that immediately release a clutch and press a gas at the same time. Using other words, imagine a situation: your pressed a clutch, your rpm is 700, your current speed needs 1300 rpm, how will you work with clutch and gas pedals?
Hello mate. The downshifting isn't that bad really, once you get used to it. I found it rather easy to pick up the revs just enough to match the gear ratios and road speed. Everything has to happen a little slowly and gently so that it all comes together smoothly. No problems. But I think not everyone would be able to make it happen this way. You have to get a feel for it and treat it gently, but at the same time get the power to the ground with no delay.
@@davidchitham9101 But anyway, you sad "pick up revs". You meant, you press and hold gas enough to road speed and after that gently engage clutch. Have I correctly understood your "pick up"?
@@АлександрКоловрат-и1н yes, correct 👍. Not tap to rev up quickly as this might rev up to much or not enough. But gently press and hold so revs come up to match gear and speed. While holding accelerator on, let clutch out gently just in case it's not quite perfect, then take foot off accelerator pedal to slow down. After doing this many times you develop feel for it and it becomes easier and smoother. 😁👍
@@davidchitham9101 I understood. Yes, I acted almost the same. I really feel bad because there is no one video on all youtube where camera shows pedals and shifter on synchro semi truck. Also oficial manuals of mercedes, volvo, scania and etc do not give iinstruction about downshifting. Everything they tell is "slowly release clutch". I would like to ask someone from volvo engineers, what they advice - press and hold, tap, or firstly release clutch fully... I fully agree with your method if rpm are not too high. But if my road speed is adequate to 1500 rpm, I think I should tap and press gas again, simultaniously releasing clutch.
hello, You in New Zeland have a lot of different trucks interesting if this volvo have synchros in gearbox and you need depress clutch pedal only once what about USA trucks they come without synchros like in USA or this type of trucks come diferrent for New Zeland market?
Hello Shocker. I'm not in New Zealand, I'm in Australia 🇦🇺 We have a lot of different trucks here with a lot of different engines and gearboxes. This Volvo gearbox is a synchro, not like the old Roadranger boxes where you either doubled the clutch or didn't use the clutch at all.
Thanks Satrio. I no longer have this truck. The boss gave me a brand new FH540 with a full auto transmission. Nice truck, but I hate the auto! Give me manual gearbox any day. I reckon the perfect gearbox for the new truck would be the old Spicer SST 14 speed. Love those gearboxes, so smooth.
Some nice changes going on there...did i spot a low 5th to high 3rd shift? Sorry to hear they've stuck you on an autobox now, it will never be as good or adaptable as you and any country that has roundabouts (I'm in UK) should ban the bloody things, the box doesn't know what to do for the best. I still know some companies buying manuals over here but most haulage companies have gone auto. Great shame, end of an era.
Thanks S J. I did enjoy driving that one. I totally agree with you on the roundabouts issue. Stupid thing didn't have a clew what to do. The scary thing is that the man from Volvo told me they've gone to autos so that clowns who don't know how to drive can now drive a truck. And yes, it most certainly is the end of an era. So many truck drivers of today have no idea about Roadrangers, Spicers, ZF........ let alone 2 sticks.
@@davidchitham9101 I only had a chance to drive manuals without a splitter (Mercedes 8 Speed - terrible gear box), but I like shifting manually so much over this auto-crap that I see the guy buying the trucks in my company as often as possible to tell him, that I want - no: need - a new truck with a manual transmission. May I ask you if it is possible to split the Volvo gears without using the clutch by just lifting the accelerator?
Coming out of yatala.?.yep.i dont see why poeple think that the euro trucks are heeps of ,they ride nice the steer nice they go just as good as the american running gear now too ,what more can you ask for ,maybe some bling?.nice video any way lad,when i first seen the video i thought you were coming out of wacol.
Yes Troy, it is Yatala, heading southbound onto the M1. I no longer have this truck. My boss gave me a new FH540 auto. Yeah it rides nice, yeah it steers well, but that STUPID auto is the biggest pain ever. I grew up on the old Roadrangers and Spicers, and I will never ever like these dumb autos. Unfortunately the good old days are gone, and computerized automated crap is the way of the future, and I hate it. How can a computer drive a truck better than old school knowledge and experience?
@@davidchitham9101 hey, autos is bad in economic mode but in manual mode is awesome ... is not the same like totally manuals but is very good !! especially volvo i-shift or scanias
😆 Yes, the hidden meaning. If it was out on the road it would be done correctly, but for rolling onto a weigh bridge I think it's more gentle for the platform (and the truck) to roll on slowly than to lift off upon entering.
@@elstondias9172 ,the maximum it would be allowed to pull under our laws here is about 160 tonnes. It is capable of pulling more but you would be breaking the law.
It's easy Paul. It's a basic 3 speed patern with a range change button on the front of the stick and a splitter switch on the side of the stick. Split the 3 low range gears gives you 6, split the 3 high range gears gives you another 6, plus 2 crawler gears gives you a total of 14. Then you also have 4 reverse gears by using the low/high range and splitter. The shift pattern looks like a 5 speed with no reverse.
Beautiful sound ❤
Professional at work with those really smooth gear changes 👌🏽
Thank you Paul for your comment. Been doing this for over 40 years now, and it ain't like it used to be. These Volvo 14 speed syncromesh gearboxes are just like driving a large car, but you can't shift without using the clutch. Not many manuals around any more, and I just hate automatic transmissions in trucks. I used to love the old 13 and 15 speed Roadrangers , but I must say my favourite was the Spicer SST 14. Four moves of the stick for 14 gears, and no need for the clutch, lovely box.
David Chitham not a problem love watching a professional at work I’ve got an auto daf might ask for a 16 speed manual next time stay safe 👍🏼
damn, sounds exactly the same as my dad's truck, this sound is so cool
@fiatfiorino964 , Yes mate, they do have a sound all their own, and nothing else has that same sound.
Loved driving the Volvo manual box.
Tristan, yes a nice one alright. I'd say they are the next best thing to the Spicer SST14.
this my favorite volvo truck driver
That moment when I was just curious to see this unheard of 14 speed stuff and I see you pass my workplace 😬. Stapylton everyone.
No longer do this run, and no longer drive this truck. Changed jobs and now drive an Aerodyne Kenworth.
StobbyEnduroMX 9
@@davidchitham9101 I bet you're glad to get into a real truck lol. American trucks with road ranger boxes are way better to drive
@@cal-king I've actually taken a step backwards and I'm now stuck with an automatic Volvo. But it is better than the Mercedes and Scania.
On the upside, I did get to drive a 1983 White Road Boss with a C16 Cat and 18 speed a few months ago 🥰😍🤗
Synchromesh, simple yet effective
@@svenhvr I know, here in Europe all trucks have syncromeshed gearbox.
I've never driven a north american truck with the eaton fuller so I don't know the feelings or pros and cons but I can say that here the driving is really comfortable and there's no stress for the knees because clutch pedals are soft and easy to press. You can't grind a gear.
@@svenhvr yeah, I know what floating gears is, in the USA they shift gears always this way.
@@svenhvr Nope, syncromesh is better. a duel clutch automatic is better than both actually, but if we are just talking about manuals, synchro is the way to go.
@@svenhvr What does my name have to do with manual transmissions? are you a brain dead moron?
@@svenhvr So they are better only because fewer people know how to shift them? Does that make logical sense to you?
Explain to me how granny shifting up and down 18 gears up a hill and grinding or missing the gears in the process... is superior to a dual clutch automatic truck transmission that:
- shifts faster than even the best human shifter in the world,
- that never misses or grinds a single gear at any time,
-and causes way less strain on the drive-train compared to "floating gears" on a non synchro mesh.
Even synchro is better than non synchro. Perhaps you are clinging to non synchro because for some reason you think only an elite few can learn to shift such an inefficient transmission?
Good evening, David! The main "black spot" in such gearboxes is downshifting. I saw three ways. The first way is just slowly release the clutch. The second way: give it gas appropriate for current speed and after that release a clutch. The third way: before releasing a clutch, driver blips the throttle and after that immediately release a clutch and press a gas at the same time. Using other words, imagine a situation: your pressed a clutch, your rpm is 700, your current speed needs 1300 rpm, how will you work with clutch and gas pedals?
Hello mate.
The downshifting isn't that bad really, once you get used to it. I found it rather easy to pick up the revs just enough to match the gear ratios and road speed. Everything has to happen a little slowly and gently so that it all comes together smoothly. No problems. But I think not everyone would be able to make it happen this way. You have to get a feel for it and treat it gently, but at the same time get the power to the ground with no delay.
@@davidchitham9101 But anyway, you sad "pick up revs". You meant, you press and hold gas enough to road speed and after that gently engage clutch. Have I correctly understood your "pick up"?
@@АлександрКоловрат-и1н yes, correct 👍. Not tap to rev up quickly as this might rev up to much or not enough. But gently press and hold so revs come up to match gear and speed. While holding accelerator on, let clutch out gently just in case it's not quite perfect, then take foot off accelerator pedal to slow down. After doing this many times you develop feel for it and it becomes easier and smoother.
😁👍
Same applies for downshifting to climb hills but you put power on instead of slowing. Much smoother.
@@davidchitham9101 I understood. Yes, I acted almost the same. I really feel bad because there is no one video on all youtube where camera shows pedals and shifter on synchro semi truck. Also oficial manuals of mercedes, volvo, scania and etc do not give iinstruction about downshifting. Everything they tell is "slowly release clutch". I would like to ask someone from volvo engineers, what they advice - press and hold, tap, or firstly release clutch fully... I fully agree with your method if rpm are not too high. But if my road speed is adequate to 1500 rpm, I think I should tap and press gas again, simultaniously releasing clutch.
hello, You in New Zeland have a lot of different trucks interesting if this volvo have synchros in gearbox and you need depress clutch pedal only once what about USA trucks they come without synchros like in USA or this type of trucks come diferrent for New Zeland market?
Hello Shocker.
I'm not in New Zealand, I'm in Australia 🇦🇺
We have a lot of different trucks here with a lot of different engines and gearboxes.
This Volvo gearbox is a synchro, not like the old Roadranger boxes where you either doubled the clutch or didn't use the clutch at all.
sir how about the clutch single or double it comes with?
Volvo has a full syncromesh gearbox so there is no need to "double the clutch". It works just like a car.
Sounds like a 500hp model, here the turbo whistle
That was a stop sign buddy
Volvo trucks are best!
nice driving
Thanks Satrio. I no longer have this truck. The boss gave me a brand new FH540 with a full auto transmission. Nice truck, but I hate the auto! Give me manual gearbox any day. I reckon the perfect gearbox for the new truck would be the old Spicer SST 14 speed. Love those gearboxes, so smooth.
Cool and how do you float gears in a Volvo truck 15 gearbox
you dont lol
Some nice changes going on there...did i spot a low 5th to high 3rd shift? Sorry to hear they've stuck you on an autobox now, it will never be as good or adaptable as you and any country that has roundabouts (I'm in UK) should ban the bloody things, the box doesn't know what to do for the best. I still know some companies buying manuals over here but most haulage companies have gone auto. Great shame, end of an era.
Thanks S J. I did enjoy driving that one. I totally agree with you on the roundabouts issue. Stupid thing didn't have a clew what to do. The scary thing is that the man from Volvo told me they've gone to autos so that clowns who don't know how to drive can now drive a truck. And yes, it most certainly is the end of an era. So many truck drivers of today have no idea about Roadrangers, Spicers, ZF........ let alone 2 sticks.
@@davidchitham9101 I only had a chance to drive manuals without a splitter (Mercedes 8 Speed - terrible gear box), but I like shifting manually so much over this auto-crap that I see the guy buying the trucks in my company as often as possible to tell him, that I want - no: need - a new truck with a manual transmission. May I ask you if it is possible to split the Volvo gears without using the clutch by just lifting the accelerator?
You still with these guys Dave.?seen the truck around .
No Troy. Finished up a week ago. Just started a new job today. Less hours more $. Gotta be better than before. 👍
Coming out of yatala.?.yep.i dont see why poeple think that the euro trucks are heeps of ,they ride nice the steer nice they go just as good as the american running gear now too ,what more can you ask for ,maybe some bling?.nice video any way lad,when i first seen the video i thought you were coming out of wacol.
Yes Troy, it is Yatala, heading southbound onto the M1. I no longer have this truck. My boss gave me a new FH540 auto. Yeah it rides nice, yeah it steers well, but that STUPID auto is the biggest pain ever. I grew up on the old Roadrangers and Spicers, and I will never ever like these dumb autos. Unfortunately the good old days are gone, and computerized automated crap is the way of the future, and I hate it. How can a computer drive a truck better than old school knowledge and experience?
@@davidchitham9101 hey, autos is bad in economic mode but in manual mode is awesome ... is not the same like totally manuals but is very good !! especially volvo i-shift or scanias
Ahhh, those pesky Stop signs that actually mean slow down.
😆 Yes, the hidden meaning. If it was out on the road it would be done correctly, but for rolling onto a weigh bridge I think it's more gentle for the platform (and the truck) to roll on slowly than to lift off upon entering.
How does this compare to driving a aerodyne kenworth?
George Jackson no double clutCh if your going manual but you can’t get any manual from Volvo anymore
@@joshcook8586 Yeah, which is a good thing. Manuals are ancient junk. I'm glad they are getting rid of them in cars too.
Social Justice Warrior I’m happy Volvo has automatics as I want one and they’re amazing. I have thought about learning how to drive a manual truck.
So confused to shift gear
ISTE DIREKSIYON BU !...
Fh 12 460 or 520. Good driving.
FH520 kevin. Last of the manual transmissions.
@@davidchitham9101 how much could this thing pull max in terms of Tons?
@@elstondias9172 ,the maximum it would be allowed to pull under our laws here is about 160 tonnes. It is capable of pulling more but you would be breaking the law.
Was this with Logichaul or?
No. I was with DanTrans then. That was loading out of Adbri masonary at Yatala.
Which year was this volvo
This is a 2006 model. The only truck left in the fleet with a manual transmission.
Lost me,made it look easy though.
It's easy Paul. It's a basic 3 speed patern with a range change button on the front of the stick and a splitter switch on the side of the stick. Split the 3 low range gears gives you 6, split the 3 high range gears gives you another 6, plus 2 crawler gears gives you a total of 14. Then you also have 4 reverse gears by using the low/high range and splitter. The shift pattern looks like a 5 speed with no reverse.
.
Is the Volvo a synchro box?
Yes, it's just like driving a car.
nice driving
Thanks Ian. It was a nice truck to drive. The company sold it a couple of years ago and I still miss it.