How to Shift Gears in a Manual Truck: A Professional Guide

Double “H” Type Shifting System

In a double “H” transmission, gears 1-4 are low gears, and gears 5-8 are high gears. To switch between high and low gears, quickly tap the shift lever with the palm of your hand. Both the low and high ranges have a neutral position set by a locking spring. The neutral position in the low range is between the 3rd and 4th gears, while the neutral position in the high range is between the 5th and 6th gears. The shift lever will automatically spring back to the corresponding neutral position after exiting a gear. To engage 1st, 2nd, 7th, or 8th gear, overcome the spring force, push into the corresponding gear, and then engage it. Control the shifter with an open palm.

Half Gear Operating Specification

The half gear switch is controlled by a switch on the shift handle. Select upwards for high half gear and downwards for low half gear. Pre-select high or low half gear on the shift handle according to the driving conditions of the truck, then depress the clutch pedal to switch between high and low half gears.

Adding and Subtracting Gear Operation Specification

Follow these steps to operate the preselection switch and shift gears:

1. With the shift lever in neutral, turn the preselection switch to resist, step on the clutch, push the shift lever into 1st gear position, and release the clutch for 1st gear low.
2. Turn the preselection switch into high gear, step on the clutch for 1st gear high.
3. Turn the preselection switch into resistance, step on the clutch, push the shift lever into 2nd gear position, and release the clutch for 2nd gear low.
4. Put the preselection switch into high gear, step on the clutch for 2nd gear high.

Continue this method of operation to reach 4th gear. For 5th gear low, turn the preselection switch into resistance, step on the clutch, push the shift lever over the neutral position to the 5th gear position, and release the clutch. The following operation is identical to that in the low gear range, allowing you to shift up to 8th gear.

Reverse Gear Operation

For a 16-speed gearbox, the reverse gear is next to 2nd gear. To engage reverse gear, depress the clutch and push the reverse gear lever to the left. Ensure the truck is stopped before switching to reverse gear. Wait for 5 seconds after stepping on reverse gear to avoid gear collision sound.

Correct Shift Operation Method for Trucks

1. Select an appropriate time to shift gears based on vehicle speed and road conditions. Press the clutch pedal all the way down when shifting gears, then gently shift gears and slowly release the clutch pedal.
2. Avoid resting your hand on the gear shifter or keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving to prevent premature wear.
3. Use the parking brake (handbrake) instead of the clutch when parking on a slope.
4. Shifting up too quickly or down too slowly may cause loading deceleration and engine knocking.
5. Shift gears on a flat road while driving; shifting gears on a sharp turn may cause slipping.

By following these professional guidelines and minimizing the use of modifiers, you can master shifting gears in a manual truck and ensure a smooth driving experience.