How to shift gears 18 speed

After a few requests a quick walk through on how I shift gears.

[@wotif11]

This has to be the most exceptional demonstrated way to learn , to listen to this guy explain and demonstrate how it's done made me feel confident as I went for my ( HR ) road ranger licence four years ago and never got the opportunity to get a job as you need at least two years experience and you tel me who will give you experience. This guy needs a award for this as I know it's only as hard as how you do it / make it. I just passed my driving test last Sunday for my ( HC ) licence in a Auto and I have been offered a job driving a truck and dog with a 18 speed road ranger. Watching this demonstration has given me the confidence to give it another go to make it work. So if at all what you do just think it's only as hard as what you make it , just give it a go and don't give up. To this guy , keep up what you do as I have found this the best of all demo on here. Regards. Frank..........

[@truckdrivertrainingnsw7858]

i just hope you were trained in a loaded truck/trailer set as its completely different braking accelerating and cornering to say the least from a empty unladen set

[@wotif11]

+Vic magro hi, no. Have not had any lessons on loading or secure a load. As far as jobs go no one will give me a go due to not enough experience in the driving side and loading. I will be moving to WA in about two weeks time. I would love to be tough to to do thing proper. Regards. Frank.😉

[@noelmee2725]

post up a video... this guy is helping us get the confidence to go get a higher license cheers

[@mohammedhabeeburrahman4584]

Maxwell Smart 😎

[@mohammedhabeeburrahman4584]

Beautiful explanation mate good on you

[@ahappymindperil]

I've been looking at quite a few videos on how to shift 18-gears, and found yours to be very informative. You explain it very well, the video shows the important views, and the process finally makes sense. Job well done!

[@yourenotqualified]

If I may say so, sir, that is a phenomenal video. The clarity and comprehensiveness of your thought and communication are incredible. Plus, you obviously know exactly what you're doing and *think* and reflect on your vehicle and on your driving more than most. Absolute joy watching this video, plus something that was unknown to me is now so clear in my head. Thank you.

[@gregwilson6306]

Well said

[@brlaser60]

First time in a truck today, nailed the non-synchro HR licence first time....but it wasnt without 3 shift errors, but i got there! This is a very Informative video, thanks for sharing! I have much more respect and patience for all truck drivers on the roads, now i have experienced first hand how easy it is to miss a gear and get flustered! Big thank you to all the people who were stuck behind me today and every single one of you were very patient with me!!! It isnt as easy as just hitting the clutch twice and everything falling into gear....road speed, gearbox and engine needing to match or it all goes to shit!!!

[@craigcottam]

I start my first driving job in 2 weeks in an 18s RR, I got my license in an auto and I'm packing myself lol. You video is probably the best explanation and the most encouraging I have seen yet. Thank you!

[@wmgthilgen]

Back in the day, we had two separate shift levers. By utilizing them in various combination we had 16 forward and 2 reverse. Total, 18. That was back in the mid 60's.

[@thomaspaterson2251]

Soup stirrers!

[@carsontheroad7280]

I done my UHR last December & the instructor was such a tense tosser if I missed a gear he’d freak screaming to rev right up, take the stick off me & keep screaming to rev to the point I was revving up to 17 then he’d slam the gear in then scream how I’m wrecking his truck & no one would ever hire me because I’ll be destroying their vehicle. I was so nervous about getting a job because in my mind I’ve missed gears and never drove perfectly. I had an interview today, I get trial days next week & today I’ve been watching video after video and while each one has helped, yours and another fellas about missing gears has absolutely settled my mind. I now know missing gears occasionally is just part of the drive. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@Armed2Truck]

Very handy, i never understood how the crash box worked completely until i watched this. Extremely well explained. Definatly worth the subscription.

[@cjos1019]

This guys got a good teaching ability, not all guys that are good at what they do can necessarily teach well. Thanks mate.

[@berooobeee]

I usually don't comment on videos, but I'd like to say thank you! this is extremely informative.

[@tommygun83]

To anyone that has/can master these crash boxes, you're a dying breed but I salute you for being able to do this. If you're going for your HR and have no experience with these, beware! I just got my HR license in SA and went for unrestricted (crash box). I've always driven manual in cars, and much prefer them over autos so thought I'd be fine... Two hours into the course and I opted to just go for a synchro instead. I was worried enough about what was going on around me in a 15 tonne vehicle let alone what gear/speed/ratio I was in - and heads up, the trainers will make you double clutch every gear and skip gears both down changing and up changing, both in and through Hi/Lo ratios (eg 6 to 5, 5 to 4 or 6 to 4) - No resting foot on clutch or hand on gear lever. They also deduct marks for every missed gear or incorrect gear selection. Vehicle must also be left in gear until it comes to rest, no coasting in neutral. If you had while to practice, you'd probably get this down in a matter of days - but on a 1 and half day course, especially if you have no experience, all I can say is best of luck.

[@brlaser60]

I had one day dude....and yeah, it aint anywhere as easy as it looks....4 gear change errors or rough (grinding) changes and you can kiss that licence test goodbye....50 minute test contains a considerable amount of gear changes....i got three errors, but got through in the end...Phew!!!

[@davidnielsen4264]

Tommy Dennis what a joke

[@Obliv69]

1 + 1/2 days? where did you do the training, i did mine a couple of months ago in wingfield, it was 3 days @8hr to get unrestricted HC (18spd) driving a shitty old sterling towing a water filled tanker. i went straight from car licence to unrestricted HC via the TILE course. currently doing dangerous goods and fatigue management training

[@scotthewitt5259]

British English - licence is the verb and license is the noun. American English - licence is both the verb and the noun. Technically, both of you are correct. Although, in Australia the American spelling now dominates - license is becoming obsolete. Just saying.

[@tanmtruong8262]

I knw, just passed my license 2ND time around... we wouldn't drive the way they teach us that's for sure

[@industrialkhaos]

It's a good tutorial mate. I watched your video before going to JADS driver training to get my HR licence and had a far better of idea of what I was required to do. I passed my licence first time with no restrictions. Thanks.

[@reknful]

Good vid mate. I'm a 3rd gen truckie myself and basically self taught and also watching dad in the trucks from an early age helped heaps. This will help a lot of new drivers like myself I just started driving semi's

[@iamcbf5312]

Outstanding! I've been driving 10 speeds for 8 months now and today they accidentally threw me in a 18 speed! Instead of telling my boss, i jumped on here and found this video. After one watch, im now a pro!!! Thanks mate!!!!! You explained the process very well. #cbf4life

[@rovcanada1]

Thank you for posting this video. Very clear explanation and descriptions of what's going on throughout the gear ranges and road conditions.

[@stevenjackson8205]

As a guy about to go on a course to drive these monsters, great video to explain the basics, and some of the finer points too. Thanks for taking the time.

[@aussiestumpy]

Explained it really well mate. Theres a lot of people out the explaining it, but I reckon you've done pretty good job.

[@rickhowell5192]

I wish my instructor had of told me it was 400 revs between gears, it would have made life a hole lot easier! Great video and spot on with the tips.

[@andrewhodgson3137]

Awesome vid bro very accurate and informative I have been driving trucks for the past 34 years and can only add a couple of tips A clutch is cheaper than a box Don't apply the clutch brake until the truck has completely stopped If the horton fan is on shifts will need to be quicker If downshifting down a hill apply the trailer brakes lightly to free up your feet and not miss your target gear Perhaps a vid on skipping multiple gears on approach to steep inclines would help bit complex to explain in words

[@billbadiha9836]

This is exactly how I shift my 13 speed, except when splitting down, I don't accelerate until after I flick the switch. Excellent video, cheers.

[@iambonker]

mate, your history is exactly the same as mine. got the license in a mack with the crash, drove sincro for years and tomorrow I'm being tested for a job driving tipper and dog as well as a prime and float. a bit nervous but like you, watching the you tube vids to get refreshed. top vid.

[@jege41]

Great video thank you. I recently retired as a transit operator of 30 years and am looking for something part time but never driven 18 speed so your video will save me looking completely green. Cheers.

[@waynemurphy4210]

I am 62 and I have been driving In Melbourne in old trucks in all my trucking life, and never really knew how to change, never taught, and then when getting into a KneWorth,for the second time and the spitter and the low and upper speed ,never knew, just knew the reeves and what I was never taught,The double clucthing I knew, but everything else was self taught.I was only taught in 5 speed box.This is back in the late 80's,If you wanted to drive trucks they wanted experience, and it was very different back then.I drove buses, til I learnt to lie, then went into driving trucks and then its when you learnt to be a big boy.Back then it was a different game, very different, very different,Those that drive a Kenworth now are very lucky.So what did I drive and a very different game.i drove a LTL ford and it didn't have all the great stuff but I travelled interstate and all around the Eastern sea board, and yeah, and for up to 19 years ago I got back and drove a Frighterliner that was old and and the air temp In the rig was 45 degrees, for 11 years, no complaints just delt with it, then moved on to another same kind of truck, and the same temp,no relief,delt with it and no relief,but yeah so what 's the story.You are saying what I thought I was right is wrong .Thank you.

[@CypherOz]

I'm just learning this myself, Did my first 3hr session yesterday, thanks for the video! cleared up a few things I wasnt crystal clear on :)

[@DFRDRIFTPIG]

wow i did my HR in march too. i'll be going for my MC straight up. i dont have much experence behind the wheel of the truck and these videos help alot.

[@powerstateman]

Really impressive shifting... only truck here in Finland that have same eaton fuller 18 gear box is the finnish made truck Sisu. keep up the good work mate :)

[@TheAussieBusman]

Finally a truck with the steering wheel on the RIGHT (correct) side of a truck and an Aussie accent. Those Western Star's are actually a decent drive.

[@Kage-jk4pj]

Adam The Aussie who cares what side the steering wheel is on same ride just opposite side

[@truckertodd4567]

That's because you Aussies drive on the wrong side of the road. The correct side of steering wheel in America is on left of the gear box.

[@Kage-jk4pj]

@@truckertodd4567 i dont believe in correct sides of anything i can drive fine in america and australia and regardless of the postion of the steering wheel so i literally feel like it dosent matter at all

[@Nolan45000]

You mean wrong side

[@hotmojo1]

This made a ton of sense to me and I don't even drive rigs. Very well done. Thank you!

[@LegalizeMarijuanaa]

Great video mate, I'm starting trucking school soon and was wanting to learn some extra info on shifting. Best tutorial so far. Thanks.

[@fordholdennut]

What a bloody fantastic video! I don't drive trucks yet, but it's my ambition to do so in the not to distant future, and I've seen many instructional vids, but this was by far the easiest to follow, covered all the details and was non confusing. Some peoples instructions, although having the best intentions, are too technical and involved, and you can't take it all in! I've got a much clearer idea of how it all works now, so cheers from a Kiwi neighbour for taking the time to film this mate!

[@auximenes]

The tip on having notes on speed, 1000rpm and gear number is a game changer. Nice one mate

[@rupeshrele]

I am yet to take my first class of truck driving, but your instructions were excellent. There is every opportunity that the new learner will be confident driving a crash box the first time once he has viewed your video.

[@billalbion]

It's not a crash box; it's a constant mesh box, no syncromesh makes it a far cleaner lighter changing box that neens a man to listen to his engine to shift gears clean by double the clutch or without the clutch. Thanks for video.

[@mitchwoods1]

Best 18 speed eaton fuller explanation yet, good job mate, well done

[@Sweetaniel]

had this transmission with some MAN trucks and I loved it, its comfortable. Started almost with the 3rd or 4th gear and jumped two gears up, cause power was enough.

[@fknucklewit]

Thanks mate. I did my course last year. I got re-tested (and passed) but my first VicRoads tester was also my instructor and he was a shit teacher. I'm an ex ADF instructor and I learned more in your vid about the EF gearbox than he taught me in 2 days.

[@cgpilk]

So many steps for each gear change. I had no idea.

[@AJ-fi4it]

you gm16 ozstickman and alwaysoffroad are the best aussie youtube truckers !

[@Heyomattyo]

Good advice mate, watched this before my first HR lessons and was like, what the?? But after a few lessons makes a whole lot more sense with some good tips, will watch it a few more time as I go along to really get my head around gearwork. Cheers mate, top vid.

[@kevinmitchell706]

Got my HD license 3 years ago on a 18 speed and havent done any driving. My cousin has asked me to drive his tipper ,18 speed, to help him out on his property at Temora for the canola pick up. I,ve watched your video many a time, taken notes, and reckon it,s great . Luckily for people like me you take you time to post these videos. Leaving tommorrow and I,ll let you know how i go. Thanks again Regards Kev

[@tinbolt]

I like the end. Don't be too hard on yourself. Cause it can be very stressful when learning

[@JASMAZ77]

Eaton Roadranger, crashbox is the old talk that's was years and years ago!!

[@cameronjackson8623]

Great vids mate, as a new trucker these vids have helped me be safe and understand how it operate my truck to be safe for me and other road users,(you know the ones that don't see the massive truck beside them). Well done keep them comin

[@scottycarson26]

Thanks! You are a very good teacher, clear and succinct! I am just about to start lessons! Thanks a lot!!!

[@mozzmann]

I sometimes float as a Road Ranger even if it was not specifically designed to do , over the years this method has proven to be a Technic as valuable as Double clutching when needed both on the up-shift and the down-shift. IMHO being able to float gears is a great skill and has gotten me back to base (some 800 k ) with a buggered clutch due to failed Cylinder - and being the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere so to speak , I soldiered on home. Ended up saving a considerable amount on roadside service and additional charges. Just as every truck is and behaves slightly differently , some will float beautifully with not a sound and some get stroppy.

[@darrenoxley3452]

Thanks for the tips. Very informative for an inexperienced driver like myself.

[@gruntabro1]

using the exhaust brake helps when changing and also sounds cooool! and also pulls the ladys too ha

[@benrodricks7786]

dreamed as a little kid now im 35 and still dreaming of driving a semi. one day. grate video

[@gtxtx3]

then stop dreaming and do it :) do it because you can,do it because you want too. i got mine recently at 29 and now wish i done it years ago

[@rudischacher6562]

I dreamed the same dream, put I went out there and from a small Swiss Dump truck all the way up to a Road Train in Australia.I am happy to retire as a happy man one day.

[@codygrayson2494]

Dude you sholued stop dreaming and do it I'm sixteen an live on a station in northern qld driving theses is the best thing out there

[@harleydavidsonstreet5560]

It's all in the double clutch sequence and correct rev's mate .. spot on.

[@BentAnvilNZ]

Excellent video. Explained all those little things that I have been missing.

[@guitarsehole]

What a great instructional video! Thanks heaps mate. Better than most videos where they just show off how clever they are.

[@kcr8538]

Great post. I have to do a driving test for a job next week and only drove 13 speeds. The trucks at this new job are 18 speeds and your vid answered every question I had.

[@thesurfsflat]

Great vid. Clear and concise, also exactly they way I was taught. This should be a required viewing for new comers to the crashbox

[@leeelliott8611]

all car drivers who pull out infront of lorrys should watch this and see how much of a pain in the arse it is for a lorry to slow down and get back up to speed...this video should be on all driving tests to make people realise.. good work mate

[@PandauL]

Nice one buddy..i use to drive something complicatet as well ....for some people is hard to sincronise all these..

[@570NEPA]

Hey, thanks dude, there were a few things you said that I was not aware of. That there are three ways to shift an eighteen speed, the duel axles will slow you down on a turn and you don`t need to clutch to grab a gear. Just let off the throttle.

[@pvultureb8341]

This is so old school. Only way to smooth out the power band and get yourself going.

[@pyrokinetic666]

Agreed. I've watched so many gear-shift videos on here I thought my head was going to explode with all the confusion. This was explained beautifully.

[@Truckinallovaoz]

arewethereyet is a parking bay we named at the end of the longest straight in oz 147klm we also call it the ninety mile a place called Balladonia across the nullabor good job on the video cob keep striving for the perfect day I've been trying for 28yrs it's another challenge for those of us that has made this industry a way of life safe truckin Cob

[@mattmttam15]

Gday mate im just gunna say this video was great help, your down to earth and your description and tips in unmatched by what ive seen on KZbin today... keep it up mate

[@mrfuzzynoob1045]

Thankyou so much for the in depth video. I'm currently learning how to drive a road ranger the person I'm learning from did not teach this correctly about the revs and stuff.

[@MarkATaylor]

Great video mate, I drive a truck in the UK but we don't have crash boxes, in fact they're nearly all totally auto these days. I'd love to have a go in one of these.

[@dolilicious]

Most informative video I'd ever seen bro best regards from calgary canada

[@stevemack5234]

just learned to operate 18 speed (crash box) in the last couple of weeksthrown in the deep end by doing deliveries around town with itfound your video really helpful as it was a case of sink or swim

[@gzwbyc]

The tip about noting which gear to select at 1000rpm depending on speed is something I wish my instructor taught me when I got my licence. It's something I struggled with for months until I worked it out. Just one thing... the scenario when you're coming into town and you're on the break and you want to shift down half a gear...you suggest jumping on the loud pedal, flicking the splitter then jumping back off the juice... personally I find that because my right foot is on the break, it's easier to flick the splitter and dab the clutch. Not saying you're wrong...just my personal preference....stops the drivetrain/backlash from getting a floggin'.

[@brittneyhall6706]

[@timmy8815]

i must say sounds easier doin it that way.

[@ThePaulv12]

This is a very, very good video. Oh btw, if you have to hold the clutch in for 2-10 seconds when stationary, the transmission doesn't have a brake on the input shaft. If it does have a brake, it'll go in almost straight away - that's the idea of it.

[@dranthappens]

Really good video, just shows the work involved in driving a truck, now I know why truckies get pissed of when driving in town.

[@Dwingie]

Awesome video mate, Im starting a new job in a tipper in brisbane next week. I havent driven 18 speed for 9 months now. Love the video, Im sure it will help me along the way. Cheers.

[@fredzephire4071]

Well done sir, i learnt to drive an 18 speed RR in a Mitsubishi (believe it or not) and that was to get my HC (about a year or so ago) and have driven a Scania auto ever since, but tomorrow i have to drive a kenworth so this video has refreshed my memory some what, so thank you very much. Arewethereyet 953.....(great name lol).

[@ColdWarWarriors]

Good vid. Once you become familiar with the box you can forget about watching the tacho and just go by sound and timming.

[@hot2use]

I've never driven a truck before, but with those instructions I bet I could.

[@whyallabrad]

G'day mate, how the bloody hell i clicked on this i have no idea but guess what, i loved it. Exactly the sorts of things i heard you saying are what i teach as an instructor in HR/HC and now i have another vid to recommend to my students here in regional SA. The uphill/downhill timing you spoke of is due to varying roadspeed, ie uphill the truck is slowing so instead of 400 rpm difference it may be 5-6-700, hence why we split. Downhill the opposite so a full gear may only be 2-300.

[@redtheman302]

TY FOR THE VIDEO watched my uncle shift hes been driving for 30+ years has 2 million miles under his belt! never got the hang of this box gear shift. how ever have driven a old semi from the 50s with the 2 sticks and thats nutz

[@1966human]

Thanks, im doing time as a small and medium truck driver ( isuzu 400 and 500 ) mainly in the Sydney CBD, i come from Meldourne and Bendigo so it's a bit of a challenge getting to know the entire area, i want to be a b double driver ( eventually - when i am up to that standard ) I have a HR licence and my first experience with a constant mash was not easy, thanks for your help.

[@tenghz]

Thanks for explaining this, wondered how it was done. I'm not a trucker, just a curious citizen.. :D

[@batsali99]

when i'm alone I always shift perfectly :D

[@harpreetdhillon5759]

batsali99 I thought I m the only one who drives perfect while no one watching😂👍👍

[@amanheer5725]

Same here bro

[@williamtaylor1412]

Always 😂

[@jasonbrown6637]

Perfect bahahhaha

[@Oddball_KellysHeroes]

Excellent explanation, a big thumbs up. I've been spoiled with automatic transmissions but am about to become a float driver and will need to drive manual again. Up shifting no problem and hopefully down shifting will also be no problem!

[@psytze555]

good video, I have been trouble shifting gears, this will help thanks. going from 4th to 5th the lever in the front is a shift changer and a splitter on the side.

[@1881hardcore]

Probably never going to drive a truck but found the video very cool and interesting, keep up the good work :)

[@VikingMiguel]

Guy I was working for in Dalwallinu had one of these gear sticks and I had no idea how he did it haha I've only ever used a 5 speed gearstick :)

[@paulmcnally9424]

Teaching car drivers how to steal a truck! Thanks for explaining the switches, now they can do more than 25kph. lol

[@krystalweaver4464]

Shh it’s for my cover

[@alancameron8897]

Thanks for the demo.Superb.I have trouble with this and you have given me some more insight into this mystery.Sometimes perplexed Canada mate.

[@Engineer9736]

Although i will never in my life drive a truck, it is interesting how this stuff works :-)

[@flakey7832]

same, never been on a truck, probably never will, but here I am learning how to shift an 18 gear trans

[@samoolred1245]

damn best explanation iv heard better than alot of truckies and how they explain it haha

[@xHoRoKx]

Very well spoken. Never driven a truck but after this I feel like I could go get my license right away ;D

[@ehpunka]

This was exactly the type of explanation I was after. Thankyou

[@adambeardmore2894]

thank you so much mate, just so you know your video is still helping us noobs out

[@edwardhumphries8806]

Thanks driven autos taking next step up ,plan to watch a few times helped a lot clear. Concise

[@therealchayd]

I knew trucks had a load of gears, but didn't know they were non-synchro; that just doubles the complexity of something already tricky enough as it is!

[@chrispy104k]

Great video. Going for my HR licence next week so I have a bit of an idea what I;m facing. Going to be a baptism of fire.

[@benthor5839]

Thanks...just on my hr and will move on to mc after a year. vids like this really help and I liked the idea of writing the revs down on paper to suit the rite gear at the speed. gota start somewhere...see how I go

[@yanniw9007]

The beauty of this gearbox is that you don’t have to use the clutch. You use the clutch only to pull away. Ones on the move you don’t have to use it again.

[@maddogbrisbane01]

taking off in a road train, or a super heavy (oversize) loads, its called crawler gear and once you get a little movement on your P.M. the rest of the gears can be applied.

[@tomshannon6695]

Best description i have seen yet

[@Mr.M1STER]

This is a great video. It is nice to see how things work.

[@massari4u]

I am not a truck driver! but subscribed and liked, a very well explained video and I learned something

[@mareeharries1823]

Best one i have seen.

[@tristanmccauley2318]

Thank you mate you're so right, iam very hard on myself if I get a slight grind I'm irritated I've noticed everyone has their own method or style I dont use clutch going up but use it going down and in between hi and low box I also notice I change differently when loaded and empty and I find it easier to use the clutch when I'm Bob tail

[@axell366]

pretty much Australian truck drivers are super good at this stuff thank u!!! for explaining it... #AllthewayfromCanada

[@allanpratt652]

Very educational video I'm going to use this method I'll keep referring back. Thank you.😊