15/10/2026
This is an Eaton Fuller 18-speed - it's the most common heavy duty box in the US, same principle as your 12/16 speed here, just with more splits.
▪︎Here is how it works in simple terms:
•The 3 controls:
•1. Gear lever - H-pattern: Low, 1,2,3,4 then 5,6,7,8
•2. Range button - the big switch on the front of the k**b. DOWN = Low range, UP = High range
•3. Splitter button - the small switch on the side. Back = Direct, Forward = Overdrive
Every gear position can be split into Direct and Overdrive, that's how you get 18.
▪︎Pattern from the sticker in your video:
•Low range (range DOWN)
•LO - L
•1 - 2
•3 - 4
•5 - 6
•7 - 8? No - in low range you use:
LO, 1,2,3,4 as 8 positions, then you flip to High Range
▪︎Actually printed pattern is:
- Low Range (switch DOWN):
- LO = Low
- 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 - wait sticker shows:
- LO is bottom left, 1= top left, 2= bottom left second, etc. But method is same.
▪︎How to shift - easy method:
•1. Start in LO range, Splitter in DIRECT. Start in LO or 1.
•2. To get the next half-gear: Flip splitter to OVERDRIVE, lift off accelerator slightly, push clutch. Don't move the stick. Then flip back to DIRECT for next full gear.
•3. So it goes: 1 DIRECT -> 1 OVERDRIVE -> shift stick to 2 DIRECT -> 2 OVERDRIVE -> shift to 3 DIRECT -> 3 OVERDRIVE -> shift to 4 DIRECT -> 4 OVERDRIVE.
•4. Now change range: While in 4 OVERDRIVE at about 1500-1600rpm, PRE-SELECT High Range (flip big button UP), move stick to Neutral then to 5 position, and flip splitter back to DIRECT. That's your 5th DIRECT (which is gear 9).
•5. Continue same in High Range: 5 DIRECT -> 5 OVERDRIVE -> 6 DIRECT -> 6 OVERDRIVE -> 7 DIRECT -> 7 OVERDRIVE -> 8 DIRECT -> 8 OVERDRIVE = 18th gear.
▪︎Key rule he says in the video:
Always PRE-SELECT the splitter. Flip the splitter button before you clutch, then when you clutch it automatically changes.
- RPM: shift at ∼1600, drop to ∼1300-1400 after shift.
- Don't force. If you miss, don't grind, go back to neutral and try again.
▪︎This as a short training note for drivers:
Here is a simple training note you can send to your drivers for *Eaton Fuller 18-Speed:
▪︎HOW TO SHIFT AN EATON FULLER 18-SPEED - EASY GUIDE:
•1. Know Your 3 Controls:
- Gear Lever: Main H-pattern
- Range Selector (Big switch in front): DOWN = Low Range, UP = High Range
- Splitter (Small switch on side): BACK = Direct, FORWARD = Overdrive
•2. Understand The Pattern:
The pattern is 5 positions. Each position has 2 gears.
LO, 1, 2, 3, 4 are in Low Range.
5, 6, 7, 8 are in High Range.
•3. How To Drive It:
STARTING:
Range DOWN (Low), Splitter BACK (Direct). Start in 1st.
▪︎LOW RANGE SHIFTING:
This is half-gear shifting. Do NOT move the stick for every shift.
•1. Drive in 1st Direct
•2. Flip splitter FORWARD to Overdrive, lift foot off accelerator, depress clutch -> You are now in 1st Overdrive
•3. To go to 2nd: Flip splitter BACK to Direct, move stick to 2nd position, clutch.
•4. Repeat: 2 Direct -> (splitter forward) -> 2 Overdrive -> (stick to 3) -> 3 Direct -> 3 Overdrive -> 4 Direct -> 4 Overdrive
▪︎RANGE CHANGE (4th to 5th):
When you are in 4th Overdrive at 1500-1600 RPM:
•1. PRE-SELECT: Flip Range button UP to High Range
•2. Move gear lever to NEUTRAL, then to 5th position
•3. Flip splitter BACK to Direct
▪︎You are now in 5th Direct. This is your 9th gear.
•HIGH RANGE SHIFTING:
Same as low range:
5 Direct -> 5 Overdrive -> 6 Direct -> 6 Overdrive -> 7 Direct -> 7 Overdrive -> 8 Direct -> 8 Overdrive (18th Gear).
▪︎GOLDEN RULES:
•1. PRE-SELECT: Always flip the splitter BEFORE you press the clutch.
•2. RPM: Shift UP at 1500-1600 RPM. After shift RPM should be 1200-1300.
•3. Don't Force It: If you miss a gear, go to neutral, release clutch, rev, and try again.
•4. Downshifting: Opposite of upshifting. Use splitter and range same way but rev the engine slightly when shifting down.
▪︎Remember: 18-Speed is easy. It is just a 9-speed that you split in half.
