---
title: "The Complex Operation of an 18-Speed Manual Transmission"
description: "A combination of ten gates, a high and low switch, and a 'splitter' button make things slightly complicated."
date: "2018-05-03"
modified: "2018-05-04"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/20585/watching-an-18-speed-manual-transmission-at-work-is-intimidating"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Trucks"
  - "Watch This"
tags:
  - "10 Speed Transmission"
  - "driving"
  - "Engineering"
  - "Semi Truck"
  - "semi-automatic transmission"
  - "video"
---

# The Complex Operation of an 18-Speed Manual Transmission

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/05/screen-shot-2018-05-02-at-10-20-10-pm.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Have you ever wondered how 18-wheelers are able to carry 60,000, 70,000, and even 80,000 pounds of cargo somewhat effortlessly down the highway, and sometimes even up steep mountain-side roads? The big and powerful diesel engines hiding under their massive hoods play a big role, but in reality, it's the [transmissions that work the real magic](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/20483/the-dwindling-list-of-manual-cars-you-can-buy-new>).

There are nine different classes of trucks rolling on the road today, but most of the ones you see cruising down the highway with a big rectangular box attached to the back of them are [categorized as class eight](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/16734/sorry-tesla-fanboys-the-best-zero-emissions-semi-runs-on-fuel-cells>). Also, depending on their trailer configuration, they usually have a total of 18 tires making contact on the ground, with 10 of them being attached to the actual truck—eight rear and two front.

Class eight trucks are typically equipped with 10-, 13-, and [18-speed manual transmissions](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/13305/toyota-patents-a-unique-automated-manual-transmission>). Now, I say manual because they do require a clutch and manual shifting, but much like high-performance racing engines, the clutch is only used to get rolling from a standing start. From that moment on, the shifting is done through a pneumatic system that engages and disengages the clutch based on throttle positioning.

This explainer [video](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mBgrsS5rDU&feature=youtu.be>) by a professional [truck driver](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/20552/youtuber-livestreams-while-driving-runs-stop-sign-gets-hit-by-semi-truck>) shows that operating one of these modern 18-speed transmissions may not be all that difficult, but it surely and positively is *very* complicated. I won't get into the nitty-gritty of the operation as the actual instructions are better left to the professional on camera, but I'm sure that you will find the level of engineering behind it truly mesmerizing.

Enjoy.

https://youtube.com/embed/8mBgrsS5rDU

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)