Maximizing Transmission Shift Performance on Certain M, M2, and M3 Series Motor Graders {3030, 7000} Caterpillar

Motor Grader

120M (S/N: R9A1-UP; B9C1-UP; B9N1-UP; B9W1-UP; D9W1-UP)

120M Series 2 (S/N: M9C1-UP; M9H1-UP; R9N1-UP; R9W1-UP)

12M (S/N: B921-UP; R9B1-UP; B9F1-UP; B9R1-UP)

12M Series 2 (S/N: F9M1-UP; R9S1-UP)

12M Series 3 (S/N: N9B1-UP; N9F1-UP; N9P1-UP; N9R1-UP)

12M Series II (S/N: R9R1-UP)

140M (S/N: B9D1-UP; B9G1-UP; D9G1-UP; B9M1-UP)

140M Series 2 (S/N: M9D1-UP; R9G1-UP; M9J1-UP; R9M1-UP)

140M Series 3 (S/N: N9D1-UP; N9G1-UP; N9J1-UP; N9M1-UP)

14M (S/N: B9J1-UP; R9J1-UP)

160M (S/N: B9E1-UP; B9L1-UP; B9T1-UP; D9T1-UP)

160M Series 2 (S/N: M9E1-UP; M9K1-UP; R9L1-UP; R9T1-UP)

160M Series 3 (S/N: N9E1-UP; N9K1-UP; N9L1-UP; N9T1-UP)

16M (S/N: B9H1-UP; R9H1-UP)

16M Series 3 (S/N: E9Y1-UP; N9Y1-UP)

18M Series 3 (S/N: N9A1-UP; E9W1-UP)

The following recommendations can improve transmission shift quality, in all the listed machines, by providing operating techniques for various conditions.

• All manual shifts above fourth forward and third reverse (roading gears) should be performed at or above 1600 RPM engine speed.

• Use Throttle Hold Mode, or maintain a constant throttle pedal setting, to improve manual shift performance, and reduce variability.

• The transmission inching pedal should not be used to make sequential upshifts or downshifts.

The transmission inching pedal should be used for the following functions:

• Can be used to allow smooth engagement when selecting initial gear or during directional shifts.

• Can be used during high controllability and maneuverability situations.

• Can be used to disengage power to the wheels.

The following recommendation and feature is specific to the M3 series Motor Graders:

Auto-shift is intended for loaded operation. By design, transmission shifts in auto-shift mode are quicker and more aggressive. Using auto-shift for light loads or roading is not recommended.

4F to 5F Shifting

Engine speed will decrease during the 4F-5F shift on all M3 series Motor Graders, in response to the shift torque management feature. The shift torque management feature limits the torque during a shift to ensure consistent power to the ground and limit shift harshness. The 4F-5F shift is expected to be more aggressive due to the following:

• Double clutch shift

• Highest transmission step ratio

• Movement between the low range and the high range clutch on the Transmission Output Shaft