Pneumatic Gear Shifting System

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A pneumatic shifter is a mechanical device that uses compressed air to convey a shift in gear from the clutch near the driver to the engine of a vehicle. This is especially true for vehicles such as large buses or dump trucks, where the engine may be farther away from the driver than in most vehicles.

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Pneumatic shifters should be viewed as a safety device.

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There is no lag time in a gear shift occurring at the clutch and taking hold in the rest of the vehicle.

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Shifting gears on a manual transmission is a delicate balance. If you do it wrong, it will be glowingly obvious. It is very rare that a car will die during a gear shift, but it will not be a pleasant ride. But once you learn to do it properly, you will be able to shift gears as smoothly as an automatic.

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A pneumatic shifter works through compressed air power.

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When it receives the signal that gears need to be changed, the shifter opens or closes a magnetic valve assembly.

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This valve allows compressed air into the system, or pushes it out, in order to create the effect of shifting gears.

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If more compressed air is allowed in, then the gear is shifted up. If  compressed air is let out, then the gear is shifted down.

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This compressed air can come from an on-board tank or from re-routed engine exhaust, depending on the particular design of the pneumatic shifter

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Both hands can be kept on the steering wheel at all times.

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Capable of 5 down-shifts in less than 1 second, depending upon gearbox type & engine response.

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Leading to significantly increased performance.

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Leading to reduced lap/stage times.

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Uses pneumatic actuation, as favoured by almost all professional race teams.

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Includes safety strategies to prevent the driver from performing potentially dangerous shifts.

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Includes gear position indicator and integral 4 stage shift lights, individually configurable up to 16000 rpm.