AndrewG:
it is fitted on the D16 engine as well if specced with the higher ratio long haul box as i did mine.
You best let the Volvo Head of Product Demonstration know, he seems to be under the illusion it’s not available on the FH16…
It certainly is, its not listed on the official standard spec sheet but comes as standard with the long haul version of the i shift. Mine also came from a Netherlands dealership. If you didnt know specs vary from one country to the next
Having driven vehicles for companies from four different countries I was well aware of that but I’ve been told they hadn’t worked out how to put the torque of the 16 litre engine though the dual clutch yet. Much like the first FH16 700’s were manual only until they created an iShift that could cope
AndrewG:
it is fitted on the D16 engine as well if specced with the higher ratio long haul box as i did mine.
You best let the Volvo Head of Product Demonstration know, he seems to be under the illusion it’s not available on the FH16…
It certainly is, its not listed on the official standard spec sheet but comes as standard with the long haul version of the i shift. Mine also came from a Netherlands dealership. If you didnt know specs vary from one country to the next
Having driven vehicles for companies from four different countries I was well aware of that but I’ve been told they hadn’t worked out how to put the torque of the 16 litre engine though the dual clutch yet. Much like the first FH16 700’s were manual only until they created an iShift that could cope
Maybe something special about a Dutch spec long haul Ishift box.
switchlogic:
So the other day I read something about someone ordering dual clutch Volvos in Truckstop news so I tweet how I’d love a go in one, and low and behold just over a week later Volvo have Lent me one for two weeks and it was in yard waiting for me in return for reviewing it. So I’ll do a written and video review once I’ve given it back but first impressions are- Oh. My. God! What a machine, the dual clutch is a work of genius, the power is seemless with only a slight pause between high and low boxes, the variable steering is really useful and the infotainment touchscreen is loaded with apps, spotify, web browser, deezer, tune in etc, DAB radio and TomTom truck and all works so well. Obviously cost options I imagine but this is the first truck I’ve ever driven that makes me wish I ran a lorry of my own so I could buy one! Previously I considered the S Series Scania the best truck on the road currently but in my opinion at least it’s been swept aside by this beauty!
She’s a 540 with every option boxed ticked so it’s fascinating to see the available options. All in all I’m a bit like a kid at Christmas (I know the forum depressives won’t understand this but they don’t need to comment…)
Volvo are on fire at moment. Dual clutch, variable steering, lift axle 6x4’s, separate cab batteries all seem to be things no other manufacturer is even trying let alone making available. Long may it continue and come on everyone else, time to catch up
Give me a wave if you see me, hoping to head to Italy from deepest West Wales Friday
How does the lift axle double drive work ,is it a new concept or a type error ?
switchlogic:
So the other day I read something about someone ordering dual clutch Volvos in Truckstop news so I tweet how I’d love a go in one, and low and behold just over a week later Volvo have Lent me one for two weeks and it was in yard waiting for me in return for reviewing it. So I’ll do a written and video review once I’ve given it back but first impressions are- Oh. My. God! What a machine, the dual clutch is a work of genius, the power is seemless with only a slight pause between high and low boxes, the variable steering is really useful and the infotainment touchscreen is loaded with apps, spotify, web browser, deezer, tune in etc, DAB radio and TomTom truck and all works so well. Obviously cost options I imagine but this is the first truck I’ve ever driven that makes me wish I ran a lorry of my own so I could buy one! Previously I considered the S Series Scania the best truck on the road currently but in my opinion at least it’s been swept aside by this beauty!
She’s a 540 with every option boxed ticked so it’s fascinating to see the available options. All in all I’m a bit like a kid at Christmas (I know the forum depressives won’t understand this but they don’t need to comment…)
Volvo are on fire at moment. Dual clutch, variable steering, lift axle 6x4’s, separate cab batteries all seem to be things no other manufacturer is even trying let alone making available. Long may it continue and come on everyone else, time to catch up
Give me a wave if you see me, hoping to head to Italy from deepest West Wales Friday
How does the lift axle double drive work ,is it a new concept or a type error ?
The dual clutch arrangement is quite easy to understand (I think) and it seems to operate using two input shafts with one fitted inside the other, both turning constantly but only one at a time driving the propshaft, depending on which clutch pack is engaged.
The double drive with lifting axle is an interesting concept also, and I’d love to see a cut away drawing of how the drive to the rear axle is arranged. In its simplest form, if the axle is lifted clear of the ground, and the handbrake can be applied to that axle only, the vehicle would drive along quite happily, although it would give the third diff a lot to do. I think it more likely that there will be some means of disengaging the drive in the front driving head, then, with the third diff locked, off you go. It would need some reliable interlocks in the system to avoid expensive smash ups though.
Old John:
The dual clutch arrangement is quite easy to understand (I think) and it seems to operate using two input shafts with one fitted inside the other, both turning constantly but only one at a time driving the propshaft, depending on which clutch pack is engaged.
The double drive with lifting axle is an interesting concept also, and I’d love to see a cut away drawing of how the drive to the rear axle is arranged. In its simplest form, if the axle is lifted clear of the ground, and the handbrake can be applied to that axle only, the vehicle would drive along quite happily, although it would give the third diff a lot to do. I think it more likely that there will be some means of disengaging the drive in the front driving head, then, with the third diff locked, off you go. It would need some reliable interlocks in the system to avoid expensive smash ups though.
In my imagination, it would be done using a dedicated gearbox and clutch, to split the two axles with a direct drive gear and a neutral, for when the axle is down or up.
I don’t know how to do links, but if you look on Volvo Web site under the lifting/driving topic, it gives quite a bit of info on how it works.
As far as I can understand from there, the system works as I suggested, ie by using a sliding dog in the front driving head to engage and disengage the drive to the fear axle. There seems to be a bit of wizardry involved in synchronising the engagement via the EBS braking system.
Sounds as though it will work well, and if it’s not too expensive, should be of interest to loggers who go off road but still do fairly long road journeys also, almost always returning unladen.
Old John:
I don’t know how to do links, but if you look on Volvo Web site under the lifting/driving topic, it gives quite a bit of info on how it works.
As far as I can understand from there, the system works as I suggested, ie by using a sliding dog in the front driving head to engage and disengage the drive to the fear axle. There seems to be a bit of wizardry involved in synchronising the engagement via the EBS braking system.
Sounds as though it will work well, and if it’s not too expensive, should be of interest to loggers who go off road but still do fairly long road journeys also, almost always returning unladen.
Looks like it’ll have a limited market (logs/ tippers /heavy haul) but could be a significant improvement on what exists. Could make more fuel savings there than in dual clutch supermarket trucks. But there’s obviously more trucks pulling fridges than round timber.
