The GearMaster is a relatively new technology in the heavy trucking industry that uses a dashboard-mounted LED display to show current gear, RPM and speed, as well as a graphic representation of the gears in relation to the engine’s operating range and “sweet spot,” so the driver can precisely time the shift, the company said.

The device can help drivers enjoy confidence in themselves and their equipment and eliminate transmission intimidation and anxiety for new drivers still developing the skill of shifting. With the device, there is never a doubt about what gear to select and how to synchronize the shift, the company said. This allows the driver to concentrate on more important aspects of driving.

Other benefits, according to GearMaster:

• Improved fuel economy: By setting the operating range indicator to the engine’s most efficient range, a driver can tell immediately and precisely when an adjacent gear would give better results.
• Reduced wear-and-tear on transmissions, clutches and engines: It can help drivers stay in the optimal engine operating range. 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.
• Can improve safety and reduce accidents: A split-second glance at the instrument will enable the driver to know what gear to select and how to engage it, getting the driver’s attention back to the road.
• Decreased training time: By helping the new driver visualize and intuitively understand the mechanics of the transmission, the unit can reduce the average initial training program by several days.
• Facilitates and promotes "progressive shifting" technique: It tells the driver precisely the earliest point at which each shift can be safely accomplished for smoother, more efficient shifting.
• Indicates which gears are NOT available: When gaining speed on a downgrade or slowing under load on an upgrade, if a gear is out of the operating range or off the display, the driver will immediately know that the shift should not be attempted. The unit will indicate whether, and precisely when, an upshift or downshift can be made.
• Can easily be removed and reinstalled on any other truck.

For more information, visit http://www.gearmaster.com.