Productivity push
With the arrival of more sophisticated fully-automatic transmission, there is now an argument to reconsider their adoption. Steve Banner reports from Allison’s European HQ in Hungary
Reaching the parts
In challenging economic times, it's no surprise to find operators tempted by the promise of significant savings by going down the non-OE parts route. Brian Tinham reports
Paradigm shift
Quietly and without fanfare, transmission designers are making significant improvements to their products, which offer operators interesting opportunities. Toby Clark reports
Safety in numbers
It's not only truck launches that command attention. Production improvements that bring better functions and safety are worth keeping up with, too. Ian Norwell reports from a quarry near Barcelona
Iveco Le Dakar
The advanced edges of truck racing may look like a vanity pit for sponsors' cash, but the engineering could soon turn up on a tractor near you, says Ian Norwell
Hall selects Volvo FM480 and Allison combo
Improved productivity and cost reductions are being reported by Hall Brothers, since specifying a "sensational" Volvo FM480 truck with Allison automatic transmission – the first such unit in Europe.
Lost in transmission
An unblinking spotlight has been shining on engines for so long that commercial vehicle transmissions have been put in the shade. They have a big impact on operating costs, but will innovation be stifled by evolution? Ian Norwell selects drive
Shift workers
More than a decade after the first automated manual transmission appeared on a truck, the technology continues to evolve. Keith Read delves into the latest efforts that are being made to improve reliability and performance
Shifting gear
In this second of our two-part series on automated manual transmissions, Brian Tinham talks again to Scania technical instructor Keith Gallon about gearbox construction and operation, and modern fuel-saving shift strategies
Spare the rod
As truck manufacturers seek to dominate R&M, so many are also beefing up their all-makes parts offerings. Steve Banner reviews the rationale and options for workshops and operators