Construction Gearbox: Reliable Transmission for Your Equipment

How a Gearbox Works on Construction Equipment

The gearbox is an integral part of the drivetrain, alongside axles and travel reducers: it converts engine power into force and machine movement speed.

On most articulated dump trucks and heavy loaders, the gearbox is an automated Powershift type: gear changes occur under load, without interrupting the engine speed. This design ensures the best possible traction regardless of terrain or payload—a crucial factor on sites where machines constantly operate on challenging ground.

The mechanism relies on a forward and reverse clutch operated by cable, and a dedicated hydraulic pump controlling gear shifts. Together, they transmit the diesel engine's power to the axles via the driveshaft and propeller shaft, which then connect to the ground and wheel movement.

What Types of Engines Equip These Gearboxes?

This Powershift technology is found both on small wheeled excavators and loaders, as well as on high-capacity dump trucks. On tracked machines, however, hydrostatic transmissions may be used: a hydraulic motor directly drives movement based on rotation direction, without a traditional gearbox.

Used Automatic Gearboxes: Powershift Technology on Construction Equipment

Unlike cars or trucks, where automatic gearboxes generally mean consumer transmissions, construction machines use Powershift technology for automation. ZF Traxon gearboxes, for example, offer up to 12 gears with advanced electronic management, ensuring long service life and optimal performance without manual clutch operation by the operator.

This automation provides a decisive on-site advantage: it eliminates engine speed interruptions during gear changes, unlike conventional manual gearboxes. That’s why nearly all modern dump trucks and heavy loaders are equipped with this type of automated transmission rather than a manual gearbox.

Caterpillar, ZF, and Volvo Gearboxes: Our Expertise

Our expertise covers the main brands in the sector, with special focus on three manufacturers.

Caterpillar gearboxes come from iconic models such as the 769D, 966K, 950K, 972K, M318D, M313D, and D6N series, known for exceptional durability. They incorporate the same Powershift technology, highly valued on loaders, wheeled excavators, and rigid dump trucks where continuous power delivery is essential.

ZF gearboxes represent German technological excellence for construction equipment and heavy trucks. Our catalog includes the Traxon, Astronic, and EcoSplit ranges. The ZF Traxon, the latest generation in automated transmissions, offers up to 12 gears with advanced electronic control, guaranteeing long life and optimum performance. The EcoSplit models stand out for fuel efficiency and user comfort.

Volvo gearboxes cover the full range of the Swedish manufacturer’s machines, from compact loaders to high-capacity articulated dump trucks — including models like the A30E, A25D, EW160D, EWR150E, L120F, and L110E. For example, the Powershift gearbox on the A25D dump truck was developed in partnership with Allison or ZF to ensure smooth gear shifts with no engine speed interruption.

Our expertise also extends to gearboxes from Komatsu, Liebherr, Case, and JCB, with the same meticulous refurbishment process.

Used Gearbox Pricing: Factors Influencing the Cost

The price of a construction equipment gearbox depends on several factors: brand and model, number of gears, overall condition, and exact compatibility with your machine. A gearbox refurbished by Codimatra undergoes strict quality control and offers a second life at a significantly lower cost than a new part, while maintaining comparable performance.

What Is the Price of a Used Gearbox for Construction Equipment?

The price varies according to brand, model, transmission type (automated Powershift or not), and part condition. A refurbished gearbox is a reliable and economical alternative to new, supported by quality control and professional warranty. For an accurate quote, provide your equipment’s exact reference to our team.

How to Choose the Right Gearbox for Your Machine?

Selection is based on exact compatibility with your equipment. Provide our technical experts with your machine’s brand, model, serial number, and if possible, the original gearbox manufacturer’s reference. This information helps quickly identify the transmission that fits your needs, avoiding ordering errors on such a critical part.

Signs That a Gearbox Needs Inspection

Several symptoms should raise concern before a more serious failure occurs:

• Unusual noises during operation or gear shifts
• Difficulty, harshness, or delay in gear changes
• Loss of traction while the engine runs normally
• Engine speed drop during gear changes — a sign that the Powershift technology may be malfunctioning

These symptoms can also indicate an issue elsewhere in the drivetrain: a damaged axle, worn propeller shaft, or a fatigued driveshaft may cause similar issues to a failing gearbox. Diagnosis by technical experts ensures precise identification before costly damage occurs.

Our Commitment to Quality and Logistics

Each gearbox undergoes a thorough refurbishment process in our specialized workshops, achieving performance comparable to new parts. Each unit comes with its serial number and manufacturer reference, facilitating identification and ordering.

Our refurbished transmissions come with a professional warranty tailored to construction businesses’ needs, with fast delivery across France and Europe. If your gearbox also requires a gearbox distributor, axle, propeller shaft, or driveshaft, our transmission parts catalog covers all components linked to your machine’s drivetrain.