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Transmission System: Pictures Produced With Kind Permission

The document discusses transmission systems which convert engine output into different speed and power combinations for driving. It describes different types of transmissions including manual and automatic. It provides examples of gear ratios and discusses when to select gears and safety considerations for using transmissions.

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ABCDef
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132 views

Transmission System: Pictures Produced With Kind Permission

The document discusses transmission systems which convert engine output into different speed and power combinations for driving. It describes different types of transmissions including manual and automatic. It provides examples of gear ratios and discusses when to select gears and safety considerations for using transmissions.

Uploaded by

ABCDef
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Transmission System

The mechanism which converts the engine output


into different speed and power combinations at the
road wheels

There are many different types of transmission.

For driving licence purposes they are only classed


as Manual or Automatic

Pictures produced with kind permission


from Volvo Bus Sweden – copyright applies
In the transmission diagram different size gear ratios join
together to enable the road wheels to turn at a wide variety of
speeds within the engine limits.
Gear Ratios

In the picture to the right,


suppose the smaller gear has 13
teeth
The second, larger gear has 26
teeth.

The gear ratio is therefore 13/26


or 1/2 (written as a ratio of 1:2)

For every revolution of the


smallest gear the largest gear
has turned much slower –
only ½ a revolution
Typical Example
Gear Gearbox Road speed at 1000
Ratio revolutions of the engine
First – lots of engine power 2.97:1 7.7 mph
but not much speed
Second 2.07:1 11.0 mph
Third 1.43:1 15.9 mph
Fourth – here the ratios are 1.00:1 22.7 mph
the same
Fifth – more speed but not as 0.84:1 27.1 mph
much engine power

The gear selector is used to change gear ratios


Warning! - Because low gears have more power
but not much speed it is easy to lose traction
In easy terms – you can accelerate quickly in a low gear but you
can’t attain a high speed

You can reach a high speed in a high gear but you can’t
accelerate as quickly
There are many different types of gearbox and gear
selectors

– In general most buses and many coaches have some form of


automatic gears

– Often, this modern type of transmission senses and selects


the appropriate gear according to road speed and the load on
the engine

– The driver is usually able to override the system by use of the


gear selector or ‘kickdown’
‘Kickdown’

– By depressing the accelerator fully down this provides for


quicker acceleration and:

– It may also result in the vehicle automatically changing


down to a lower gear

– The engine may rev higher than normal before changing


gear
Selecting drive

– Application of the footbrake before selecting drive is a very


important safety feature for any automatic transmission

– It ensures foot placement is correct before releasing the


handbrake

– Some transmissions will not allow drive to be selected


unless the footbrake is applied and the handbrake is on
Using the handbrake

– Fully applying the handbrake whenever you are stationary


is important on an automatic vehicle

– Automatic vehicles may move forwards or backwards in


gear with the handbrake off – this is called ‘creeping’

– Secure the vehicle and select NEUTRAL when stationary


for a long period to avoid danger and damage. Never
leave the vehicle in gear with the engine running.
Manual selection

– This gives the same flexibility as a manual gearbox

– It is especially useful for uphill or downhill gradients

– It also allows you to hold the vehicle in the same gear

– On downhill gradients selecting a low gear will assist


braking, especially if the vehicle has a retarder fitted.
Driving safely

– You should know how to change gear

– When to select gears

– Which gear to select

– Some coaches have high and low ratio transmissions


which can total up to 16 different gears!
How to change gear

– Consult the vehicle manufacturers handbook

– Seek advice from a qualified trainer

– There are many different types of gearbox that will require


further training
How to change gear

• Engage the clutch smoothly when moving away and changing


gear

• Select the appropriate gear

• Avoiding taking your eyes off the road when you change gear

• Ensure your foot does not remain on the clutch pedal when
you are not using it
When to change gear

– Steep downhill gradients may require the selection of a


lower gear. This will increase engine speed but reduce the
vehicle speed

– Modern buses and coaches have a braking retarder.


Efficiency may be improved when the engine speed is
increased

– The engine braking effect and retarder will avoid excessive


use and overheating of the service brake
Which gear to select

– Select the correct gear(s) to combine safety, performance and


economy

– Avoid maximum acceleration through the gears where


possible. This may compromise safety, comfort and cause
excessive wear of mechanical components

– Reduce speed safely before selecting lower gears


Which gear to select

• Change gear in good time before a hazard or junction

• Choose the most appropriate gear for your speed and the
road conditions

• Avoid holding on to the gear lever unnecessarily

• Avoid ‘coasting’ with the clutch pedal depressed or the gear


lever in neutral. It is illegal
Understanding how the gears work will help you to get the most out of them.

You should be aware of the manufacturers advice for the particular vehicle that
you drive

Don’t forget to check your driving licence!


Many drivers are restricted to driving automatic passenger carrying vehicles
only
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