EquipmentWorld.com | November 2015
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tional and heavy-haul applications.
This year Volvo began offering a severe-duty version
of their transmission to match the demands of vocational
applications. The Volvo I-Shift automated manual has
hardened gears, improved split synchronizer compo-
nents, and main box parts made from reinforced materi-
als. I-Shift SD transmissions require higher-viscosity oil;
the oil cooler has been moved to the transmission.
The I-Shift transmission is used on Volvo's VNX tridem
tractor. Running three rear drive axles instead of two
improves traction in steep terrain and in ice, mud, and
other common jobsite conditions. The tridem can easily
manage rear axle loads of up to 69,000 pounds. VNX
tractors come with a D16 engine that can be confi g-
ured for up to 600 horsepower and 2,050 pound-feet of
torque. "The package of the I-Shift transmission, D16 en-
gine, and tridem rear axles provides for easier transporta-
tion of heavy-haul loads," says Gran Nyberg, president of
Volvo Trucks North America, "especially in the diffi cult
conditions often encountered on construction sites."
Mack mDRIVE is standard on Pinnacle models and
on Granite and Titan models. Both transmissions are
available in direct and overdrive confi gurations.
Volvo says 75 percent of its trucks sold in 2014 were spec'ed with an I-Shift transmission.
The I-Shift SD (severe duty) has been available on VHD models since May of this year.
