FIRST 4 GEARS

When I drove 18 speed I always skipped the even numbered gears in low range... You dont need them unless you are very heavy or pulling a good upgrade. I also shift the low range gears at a much lower rpm.

What exactly about the first 4 gears is hard for you? What happens when you try to shift? Does it not want to let go of the gear? Do you miss the next gear?

Edit: oh I see now you miss a gear... When you miss do you have to raise or lower the rpms to catch it?... In still thinking that if you are trying to grab all 18 gears in order you are using more gears than you need to... If this is the case maybe try shifting the lower range like you would a 9 speed (skip even numbered gears).

 

In my experience you have to be really quick when shifting the lower gears in consecutive order... Can only think of a handful of times that I NEEDED to use all the lower gears, and they were all when loaded very heavy (100k +) while off road or pulling steep grades. Even if you dont let off the throttle much the rpms drop very quickly. Maybe try shifting at a slightly higher rpm.

 

You can pretty much do whatever you want in terms of gear selection as long as you aren't lugging or over-revving the engine or grinding the transmission gears.

 

Like @AModelCat said, as long as you don't lug, overrev, or grind your fine... I have skipped as many as 3 or 4 gears in an 18 speed when empty. You can also start in say 5th if not heavy.