Transmission Shifters

We offer proven base models, including mechanical T-handle designs and electronic platforms, but we can tailor most shifters to each vehicle’s specifications.

These base options act as starting points, giving OEMs a foundation for faster development while still allowing adjustments to geometry, detent feel, cab layout, or electronic interfaces. This balance of standardization and customization helps shorten lead times while ensuring performance meets exact program requirements.

Timelines can vary depending on the level of customization required and the scope of validation testing involved. Once you contact us with your project details, our team will walk you through every step—from initial design consultation and prototype development to testing, validation, and production launch. We provide clear expectations on lead times and milestones upfront, ensuring you know exactly what to expect and when. Throughout the process, our team maintains open communication so you stay informed, confident, and supported at every stage of the project.

Yes, absolutely! We engineer complete shifter systems—mechanical or Shift-X-Wire™—tailored to your AT/AMT transmission, packaging, HMI, and SAE J1939 integration.

Our team handles concept, CAD, detent/ratio tuning, cables/brackets, electronics, and interlocks, then prototypes and validates (durability, vibration, thermal, chemical, corrosion) before production in Moberly, Missouri. Share your gearbox, envelope, duty cycle, environmental targets, voltage, and safety goals to kick off a proposal.

Each transmission shifter undergoes extensive validation in our in-house test lab, including:

• Vibration
• Thermal cycling
• Salt spray
• Chemical exposure,
• Water ingress testing

This rigorous process ensures long-term reliability in demanding applications from heavy-duty trucks to military vehicles. Our shifters endure millions of shifts, decreasing downtime and lengthening service life.

Of course. We engineer our electronic shifters and Shift-X-Wire™ systems to be compatible with EV and hybrid platforms. Featuring programmable Hall effect sensors, IP67 sealing, and SAE J1939 communication, they integrate seamlessly with next-generation drivetrains while maintaining the durability and precision Orscheln products are known for.

We design our shifters for both automatic transmissions (AT) and automated manual transmissions (AMT). Mechanical T-handle units deliver proven performance for traditional drivetrains, while our electronic and Shift-X-Wire™ platforms integrate seamlessly with AMTs using SAE J1939 communication. This flexibility allows OEMs to support multiple powertrain strategies with a single trusted partner, whether for heavy-duty trucks, buses, construction equipment, or defense vehicles.

We work alongside OEM engineering teams from concept to production to streamline integration. Support includes CAD models, packaging studies, prototype builds, and full validation testing for vibration, corrosion, thermal cycling, and chemical exposure.

By providing design collaboration and thorough validation up front, we reduce the risk of late-stage redesigns and help OEMs bring programs to market faster with shifters that are already field-proven.