Volvo Trucks North America recently introduced the Volvo I-Shift with Crawler Gears, a new option designed for applications where very slow speeds and maneuverability are needed. Appropriate for both vocational and on-highway applications, Volvo I-Shift with Crawler Gears provides crawler functionality for concrete mixers with curb-pouring capability, asphalt paving and other low-speed tasks, as well as improved startability for heavy haul. It also offers up to 220,000 lbs or more GCW based on application approval.
“With its unique blend of the best attributes of manual and automated manual transmissions, the Volvo I-Shift with Crawler Gears demonstrates our innovative approach to meeting our customers’ needs,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “The added capabilities of the new transmission will give our customers a tremendous advantage in driver productivity, whether at the job site or on the highway.”
The I-Shift with Crawler Gears will be available in two versions:
- 14 forward gears, including one low crawler (19.38 ratio) and one ultra-low crawler (32.04 ratio) with an overall ratio of 41.08
- 13 forward gears, including one low crawler (17.54 ratio) with an overall ratio of 22.35
The 13-speed and 14-speed version will be available as an overdrive configurations.
The gears and other hardware used in the I-Shift with Crawler Gears have been hardened to withstand frequent shifting in a rugged operating environment. The transmission received additional updates to improve shift performance and overall durability, including improved split synchronizer components, an updated engaging sleeve and main box parts fashioned from reinforced material. The transmission’s software has also been optimized for shifting in high-weight applications.
The I-Shift with Crawler Gears will be available on all models equipped with Volvo engines.
All Volvo I-Shift transmissions will be upgraded with revised hardware components for improved performance and increased durability. A revised countershaft design helps enable faster shifting between gears, while new software enhancements – Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control feature – can help improve fuel efficiency by learning and adapting to the road.
Model Year 2017 Engines
Volvo Trucks North America also introduced its model year 2017 Volvo engines, delivering increased power, performance and fuel efficiency to benefit customers. Volvo incorporated multiple engine improvements to extend fuel efficiency benefits, including enhancements to the Volvo D11 and D13 engines, as well as the development of the Volvo D13 with turbo compounding. As a result of the improvements, Volvo is delivering between 2.2 to 6.5 percent better fuel efficiency with the 2017 engines compared with previous generation power.
“Volvo’s 2017 lineup of engines is the most fuel-efficient we’ve ever offered in North America,” said Volvo's Nyberg. “Volvo engineered multiple engine enhancements to provide customers with the needed fuel savings without sacrificing power and performance.”
The Volvo D13 with turbo compounding was designed for customers in long-haul applications. Turbo compounding is a technology that recovers wasted exhaust heat and converts it to useable mechanical energy in the form of 50 additional horsepower that is transferred back into the engine. This results in up to a 6.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with previous engine models.
The D13 with turbo compounding can also be spec’d with Volvo’s XE – eXceptional Efficiency – powertrain packages or in super direct drive. Through downspeeding, XE allows the engine to cruise at up to 300 rpm less than the average truck sold today – significantly improving fuel efficiency. The D13 with turbo compounding is available on an XE driveline with a 2.47 rear axle ratio.
In addition to the new D13 with turbo compounding, Volvo also updated its 11L D11 and standard 13L D13, already two of the industry’s most fuel-efficient engines. Designed to be even more reliable, the engines feature a proven common-rail fuel system for reduced engine and cab noise, providing drivers a more comfortable ride. The common-rail fuel system also contributes to fuel efficiency improvements through finer control of the fuel injection, allowing for quicker, more accurate injection and a more efficient way to control fuel pressure.
An updated EGR flow sensor has a new double-wall casing that reduces condensation and soot buildup in cold weather, preventing downtime. A low-pressure fuel system features an improved aftertreatment dosing module that is integrated into the fuel filter housing for easier serviceability. Upgrades to the two-speed coolant pump for both engines also improve fuel efficiency as a result of reduced parasitic losses. The new intake throttle enables a faster warmup when the engine is started.
The 2017 Volvo D11 offers up to 425hp and 1,550ft/lbs of torque, an increase of 20hp. The engine also delivers up to a 2.2 percent fuel efficiency improvement compared with the previous D11 engine. With the right blend of power and a lighter weight, the D11 is ideal for regional, less than truckload (LTL) and pickup-and-delivery applications. The D11 is available in Volvo VN daycabs, VNM 430 and VNL 430 sleeper models, VAH and VHD models.
The 2017 Volvo D13 features a new wave piston, which increases the compression ratio and maximizes fuel efficiency. Improved flame propogation reduces soot, while also increasing cylinder efficiency. The updated D13, available in the Volvo VN, VHD and VAH models, offers a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 2.5 percent compared to the previous D13. These engine enhancements were also included in the 2017 Volvo D13 with turbo compounding.
The 16L Volvo D16, the largest engine in its class, offers power and reliability for hauling heavy loads, with horsepower ranging from 500 to 600, with 1,650 ft/lbs to 2,050 ft/lbbs of torque. Available in the VNL and VNX models, the D16 is the perfect choice for line-haul and heavy-haul operations.
Other News
Volvo Trucks North America is preparing for production of its updated 2017 powertrain at the Hagerstown, Md. powertrain manufacturing facility. The site, which assembles the full line of Volvo Trucks’ proprietary engines and I-Shift automated manual transmissions, will produce Volvo’s updated powertrain beginning in late 2016.
Volvo Trucks North America also introduced its new logo, a more contemporary Volvo iron mark, to North America. The new iron mark, which will be on all Volvo Trucks printed materials, web pages and dealer signage moving forward, features a more streamlined design, spotlighting the company’s dedication to innovation and quality.
