See Inside Your Transmission While You Are Driving !

WHAT IS THE GEARMASTER?

The GearMaster is a visual method of displaying what goes on in a transmission and what the relationship is between engine speed and vehicle speed. By referring to the GearMaster, a driver can instantly and intuitively observe which gears are available at the current truck speed and how fast the engine needs to be going to shift into any of those gears. The GearMaster can be used with virtually any truck on the road and can accommodate up to 20 gears. To see how the instrument is used, click on "How it Works" on the left side of this page.

The GearMaster II is the instrument's most recent development.  For a description of the improvements in this latest version, please click on the "Press Releases" link on the left side of this page.

WHAT IT CAN DO

The GearMaster is a relatively new technology in the heavy trucking industry and can benefit every fleet operator, owner-operator and the over two million American drivers on the road today.  On our home page we list some of the numerous benefits available through the use of the Gearmaster. The paragraphs below elaborate on these features.  

BENEFITS OF THE GEARMASTER:  

·  Significantly reduce driver turnover

  One of the primary reasons many drivers drop out of training or leave the industry each year is their inability to master the art of shifting gears and to feel comfortable with operating manual transmissions.  The GearMaster has been shown to be a great aid in reducing this frustration and helping drivers enjoy the feeling of confidence in themselves and their equipment.

·  Eliminate transmission intimidation for your new drivers

  Most new drivers (and many who are not so new) feel intimidated by the transmission.  Trainers have told us that they can see the level of tension and anxiety rise as a driver approaches a turn or a changing traffic condition and is not sure how to best accomplish the shift.  With the GearMaster, there is never a doubt about what gear to select and how to synchronize the shift.  This allows the driver to concentrate on other, much more important aspects of driving.

  ·  Dramatically reduce the cost of training new drivers

  A large percentage of the time required to train new drivers is dedicated to developing the skill of shifting.  The GearMaster is a wonderful training tool to help the new driver visualize and intuitively understand the mechanics of the transmission.  Many trainers have told us that the GearMaster can reduce the average initial training program by several days.  That translates into significant savings for the school or the fleet.

·  Reduce your fuel usage

  Because of the large variety of ever changing driving conditions, it is difficult to gather hard statistical evidence to determine the effect of any new practice or technology on fuel efficiency.  Nevertheless, studies have shown that a driver who consistently operates his vehicle according to manufacturer's recommendations can achieve a 2 to 3 percent increase in efficiency over one who does not.  By setting the operating range indicator on the GearMaster to the engine's most efficient range, a driver can tell immediately and precisely when an adjacent gear would give better results.  The driver is much more likely to optimize his driving than one without a GearMaster.

·  Eliminate the need and the cost of adding AutoShift to your trucks

  Because of chronic driver shortages, many fleets are specifying auto shifting mechanisms on their trucks in the hope that drivers will learn faster and be more comfortable with the shifting process.  The GearMaster can be a viable alternative to reaching the same goals.  

 

  One economic problem with the auto shift option is that, when the time comes to dispose of the truck, the after-market does not value the feature enough to adequately offset the initial cost.  The GearMaster, on the other hand, can be easily removed and reinstalled on any other truck. 

·  Reduce wear & tear on transmissions, clutches and engines

  Any driver trained on the GearMaster will develop a much more sensitive feel for synchronizing engine and vehicle speeds.  Grinding of gears and excessive clutching will be reduced and shock loads to the drive train will be minimized.  Continued use of the GearMaster beyond the training phase will help maintain the "kinder and gentler" treatment of this valuable equipment.

·  Help drivers stay in the optimal engine operating range

  The operating range line can be very easily calibrated to the manufacturer's recommended "peak torque" range, thus showing the driver very accurately when an adjacent gear would be more efficient.  As vehicle speed increases or decreases, the driver will be able to see the next gear approaching this range and will be able to time the shift to the split second.  Experienced drivers have told us that this feature is VERY helpful in hilly or mountainous terrain.

·  Improve safety and reduce accidents

  There are several situations where the use of the GearMaster can significantly improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.  These include the following:

•   When a driver loses his gear in traffic, his attention is immediately diverted from his driving environment and situational awareness to the urgency of getting back in gear.  Many drivers panic and sense that they do not have compete control of their vehicle.  They may be looking out the window, but their mind and attention are focused on getting back in gear.  If a GearMaster is available, a split-second glance at the instrument will enable the driver to KNOW what gear to select and how to engage it.  The effectiveness of the GearMaster in getting the driver's attention back to the road has been demonstrated over and over.

•   While we have emphasized the GearMaster's ability to indicate to a driver which gears are available, sometimes it is important for a driver to focus on which gears are NOT available.  Take, for example, the situation of a driver gaining speed on a downgrade and wanting to shift to a lower gear.  If that gear is out of the operating range or off the display altogether, the driver will immediately know that he should not attempt the downshift at that speed.  He should apply aggressive braking and make the downshift as each successive gear comes into range.  The GearMaster will tell him precisely the earliest point at which each shift can be safely accomplished.  This will save brakes,  maximize the effect of engine braking and could prevent a runaway truck situation.

•   Another condition where it is important to know which gears are not available is when upshifting under load on an upgrade.  In many cases, the vehicle speed bleeds off too rapidly for an upshift to be accomplished.  The GearMaster will indicate whether, and precisely when, an upshift can be made.  It will also indicate if a downshift would be a better option.  This will help prevent the all-too-frequent and dangerous situation where the driver has to bring his vehicle to a complete stop in order to resume the climb.

·  Facilitate and promote "progressive shifting" technique

   Progressive shifting has been shown to improve fuel efficiency and enable a truck to get up to optimum speed much more quickly than the old "wind it up" technique.  The GearMaster is much more effective than the traditional tachometer in showing when each shift should be made.

·  Keep your trucks on the cutting edge of technology

Industry studies indicate that many drivers base their decision of where to work on their perception of which employer or fleet has the better technology.  A fleet which provides GearMasters on its trucks demonstrates that it is committed to using the latest technology and is doing everything it can to make its drivers' jobs easier and better. 

The list price of the GearMaster has been reduced to only $945.00 !

Notice ! !

An additional discount of $100.00 may be available.  Please call for details.

The GearMaster is guaranteed to pay for itself in easier, safer and more comfortable driving, as well as in reduced maintenance expenses and  enhanced fuel economy.

Fleets and approved schools will also experience better training programs, as well as improved driver recruiting and retention.  Call for further information on fleet and school pricing.

We invite your comments and questions and look forward to serving you.

Please call us at 1-801-768-3445 (or Toll Free at 1-866-GEARSAV) for more information