Volvo Trucks North America released a rugged version of the I-Shift automated manual transmission for severe-duty applications. The reinforced I-Shift will be available for order in May on Volvo VHD vocational models.

The I-Shift for severe duty is designed for on-and off-road work in construction and other similar applications that require frequent shifting. Gears and other hardware have been hardened to withstand frequent shifting in a rugged environment. The SD version also includes a high-range hardened cone, improved split synchronizer components, and main box parts fashioned from reinforced material.

“The heavier loads, uneven terrain and frequent shifting typical of heavy-duty vocational duty cycles require a more rugged transmission,” said Chris Stadler, Volvo Trucks regional haul marketing manager. “The reinforced components and improved serviceability of the I-Shift for severe-duty applications translate to lower maintenance costs and more time on the worksite producing revenue.”

The transmission uses a high-viscosity oil made for higher ambient temperature and features a transmission-mounted cooler. Volvo also reduced the oil line length and added quick disconnect fittings. This was done to improve serviceability and allows the transmission to be serviced or removed without needing to drain the oil.

The SD I-Shift transmission is available on VHD models powered by the Volvo D11 and D13 engines and is standard on VHD models with a certain weight rating. The I-Shift transmission was in 75% of Volvo trucks sold last year, according to Volvo.

“With this new rugged Volvo I-Shift, we now offer the efficiency and productivity benefits of our automated manual transmission and integrated powertrain to customers operating in tough vocational applications while providing improved uptime and longer component life,” said Gӧran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo Trucks is committed to delivering solutions tailored to our customers’ specific applications.”