Ok, I know there is atleast one person here who drives big rigs, but there could be others.

I need help with the shift patterns on Eaton Fuller 7,9,10,13,15,and 18 speed manual transmissions. I am mainly looking for how you use the two range switches on these transmission, and also if there is a lockout that keeps you from going into a position that might not have a gear associated (such a position #4 with the range select switch on in a 9 speed.) Does it just keep you in the same gear? Does it give you a neutral? Does it blow the transmission up?

I will probably have more questions in the future, but that'* the main one right now.

Thanks for the help.

I've only driven 10 spds and 18'*, but for the first 6 gears you run up to 6th, flip the range selector, and then when you go to shift to 7th, the range goes to "High" range when you pop out of 6th, and then you go back to what was your 1st gear.....

On the 18 speeds that I have driven it'* the same thing, but some gears are "Spilt" or like two gears in one position of the shifter in high range. Then one I've driven was you get to say 14th, and you're ready for 15th, you let off the the throttle and actuate a different switch on the shifter and get back on the throttle again. The next shift after that would require moving the shifter into the next gear, and then splitting again..

the splitting I don't think you could really screw up too much and I would think that it would allow you to do that without the proper permissives in place...but the range selecxtion you could goof up pretty easily if you're not paying attention. Most trucks empty can take off just fine in 7th gear (1st gear/Range "High") but if you're loaded you could stall it. If you're driving along in high range and accidentally hit the switch into low range, you can just flip it back and you're fine, but if you hit the switch and move the shifter the range will switch and it won't let you into the lower gear if you're going to fast, you'll grind the **** of it and just wreck stuff.

Hopefully this makes sense....but all I can really say is practice makes perfect.

A 7 speed is just like a 6 speed, there'* no low/high range, you just keep shifting. I've driven a lot of 9,10, and 13 speeds, they're simple, the biggest difference between the 9 and 10 speeds is that when you shift into high range, in a 10 speed you re-use the granny gear (all the way towards you and back). The 13 speed you just split the high gears, while in an 18 speed I think you can split all the gears.

To answer your question, though, I don't know of an lockouts that protect the transmission. They just grind. They're pretty tough, however, especially the 9 and 10 speeds. I think that'* what you're asking.....

This is helpful. I am not actually learning to drive one, but actually working on creating a simulator for those transmission ranges. That'* why I needed to know what happens when you shift into a range where there is no gear as I am trying to use an 18 speed shift **** for all the transmissions. Thanks.

Over the years I have driven just about every truck transmission made, one stick and two.

For the life of me, I can not explain how to shift any of them. I just do it, I don't think about it or I'll screw it up. Always been that way. Same as backing up a B-train (or A-train) just can't explain how it'* done, I just do it.

Them that can........ do.
Them that can't.........teach.

i work for thegearcentregroup.com
We specialize in all Eaton Fuller Transmissions, and I could tell you everything you need to know about them from both a parts and service stand point.
They are pretty simple once you figure out how they work.
But, everyone has you coverd here so far, any questions on the inner workings of them, let me know, they certainly arent a commonly discussed item on this forum as most RTLO 18918 B transmissions wont work in a bonneville

You might just be the person I need to talk to. I am working on making a simulator for them, and trying to get the correct information for how each one locks out the places that are not gears (like LO when the High Gear switch is enabled, or locking out the range switch when in Low gears.

Do you have any documentation on the shift patterns, or possibly how much would it be to get the actual labels that would go on the dash for each of them?

Probably will end up PMing you tomorrow from work.

Pm me and let me know. I can certainly fax or provide you with information over the phone. There are many features within these transmissions, that are quite god to know.

Here'* a great example of how to do it...read the subtitles...this guy can't count...but he'* at least honest about it lol. The vid isn't a 1st through 18th....but hopefully could give you a good idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM-kcFxsyCk&NR=1

Best I could find for ya so far.