Renault's splitter
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RENAULT Vehicules Industrials is developing a splitter version of its recently announced (CM June 5) gearbox for launching in 1984, writes GRAHAM MONTGOMERIE.
The new gearbox is an eightspeed plus crawler gear in double-H pattern, with the addition of the splitter giving 18 forward speeds.
In basic form, the B9 is a twin countershaft design with this configuration being chosen to keep the length and weight down.
It weighs 316kg (6951b) and is 878mm (34.6in) long although Renault has not released any details of the size or weight of the auxiliary splitter unit.
RVI says that its basic engine philosophy is still geared to high torque and low revs, and that the multi-speed version of the B9 does not indicate a move away from this.
Renault argues that the 18speed concept will permit a much reduced maximum rated engine speed to be used — in the region of 1800 rpm with a maximum torque speed of below 1,000 rpm.
The nine-speed B9 is currently fitted to Renault's GRH235 and GBH265 6 x 4 site vehicles, and its availability will be extended progressively to other Renault vehicles.