The chip grinds into gear
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SCANIA could have its micro-processor-controlled gearshifting system in full production within two years.
Goren Estman (right), Scania's 1 project leader on this transmission programme, told a conference organised by the Eastern district of the Road Haulage Association (see p9) at Cambridge last week: "We are of the opinion that we are well to the forefront of developments in this area and for the past three years we have been testing on the roads a number of vehicles fitted with what we refer to as computer-aided shifting equipment."
Scania uses its own standard synchromesh gearboxes with the conventional gear lever linkage replaced by pneumatic cylinders, which will engage and disengage gears. These cylinders are controlled by a micro processor which selects the optimum gear according to road speed, engine speed and loading and the rate of change of road speed. A small control stick in the cab allows the driver to override the micro-processor in certain situations.
Scania's computer-aided shifting system will be more fully described in CM on January 29.