How to use a ZF 16 Speed 2520 Gearbox

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by ikalja, Mar 28, 2010.

  1. ikalja

    ikalja Bobtail Member

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    Mar 28, 2010
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    Hey,

    I would really appreciate if someone could give me some instructions on how to drive a ZF 16 Speed Gearbox (Model 2520, Eco Split).

    Also the important things you should not do, advice on when to shift gears and stuff like that.

    Thanks A Lot
    Matt
     
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  3. ikalja

    ikalja Bobtail Member

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    Mar 28, 2010
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    Can someone help me please :)

    Thanks
    Matt
     
  4. josh.c

    josh.c Road Train Member

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    Feb 22, 2009
    Knoxville, Tn
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    I googled it because I've never heard of it. Is this on an American truck? The info I found said it was in DAF trucks, so I could be looking at something totally wrong. Are you in a situation where you have to drive a truck you don't know how to shift? Just grind 'em till you find 'em.
     
  5. ikalja

    ikalja Bobtail Member

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    Mar 28, 2010
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    Hey

    The truck is a Renault Kerax 380 dxi 11

    Gearbox is a zf eco split 2520 with a button for 1 low, 1 high, 2 low, 2 high, 3 low, 3 high, 4 low, 4 high (range select button) 5 low, 5 high, 6 low, 6 high, 7 low, 7 high, 8 low, 8 high
     
  6. josh.c

    josh.c Road Train Member

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    I don't have a clue about those European transmissions, I hear some of them are synchronized like a car. I would guess that 2 low might be a good place to start, and go from there, maybe skipping to 3 low. You'll just have to drive it and get a feel for when you can skip gears and when you can't.
     
  7. 98989

    98989 Road Train Member

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    this is synchronized gearbox

    so you can change gears using the clutch only once.because the transmission recently produced.on older models, it was recomended to double-dectucthing( then you can change gears faster and is much easier to change speed(Smoother)

    but anyway even to newer gearboxes is better to change with 2x clutch.


    as I see it Kerax ( construction truck) probably a bit slower than the transmission of road trucks.you can start in 2H skip to 3h or 4L....... after this in high range you will probably skip 1(full) speed and split last gear

    f.e


    2H 4L 5L 6L 7L 8L 8h or

    or 2h 4L 5H 6H 7H 8L 8H

    but nobody can tell you how to shift it all depends on the situation.....


    for example 4axle mercedes ( tipper) has 16speed gearbox ( zf -not mercedes gearbox) and it has 1500rpm @80kmh (50mph) overdrive gearbox (14.29-0.82:1 )

    and when i am empty i start in 4H fully loaden i start in 3h (45ton )100 000lbs


    when I loaded it easier, for example with the ground or legal weight (32tons-70500lbs) i start in 4H.......

    then 5H 6H 7H 8H or 8L 8H


    When starting on the soft ground i use lowest gear

    we work on a lot of heavy excavation ( These pictures are with good conditions- with hard surface and a long gentle uphill) but on some sites ramp (uphill) is very short and steep and be made of gravel -and it was really soft ( in lot of cases booth front axles can stack in gravel (up to 1.5ft)

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    so this is 8x4 truck and i have a lot of trouble with traction on such conditions so i start in 2L or 2h in this situations ( even uphill) (up to 30%)

    and adds full throttle-RPM come right up to the red area (2500) becouse it is only way to go out......

    but in many cases there is not enough traction so that you will return back and scratch


    on this video is example of very nice ramp but very soft ( march last year)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF3XPBWsf6k

    on some really steep slopes (10-15%) when going uphill i sometimes skip 1.5-2 gears when downshifting) for example 5L-3H or 5L-3L or 5H-3H



    I hope I helped a little
     
    josh.c Thanks this.
  8. 98989

    98989 Road Train Member

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    and there is one really important thing:

    when you're in the high group and in neutral and for example slowing down due to red traffic lights.....I recommend not changing to a lower group until you reduce your speed up to speed you can achieve normal driving in 4H ( 20-25kmh 12-15mph......


    and if ever will drive MAN ( has a same gearbox) you must not use the clutch on the gear lever in low range.....

    here is an example of shifting ecosplit gearbox with double -declutching

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCzkB0muap0


    edit: lot of older zf gearboxes (worked long enough)with synchronous in poor condition do not want to go into the gear ......so when you gain by going from place first go in 3 gear and dont release clutch and after go to the speed in which you will start .....

    older zf transmission have problems when they are cold to get in 5th gear so you will skip 5th ( 4h -6L ) or shift more gentle ,slower and with double declutching....
     
  9. farmerleach

    farmerleach Light Load Member

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    wow thats a lot of clutching.
     
  10. melpromud

    melpromud Medium Load Member

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    camden ny
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    Its just like an 18 speed in an american truck only no low possision all the way left and back.
     
  11. 98989

    98989 Road Train Member

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    yes but it is syncro gearbox
     
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