Shunting locomotives

Shunting locomotives, also called rail shunters, are applied at companies which themselves move wagons on (internal) track. For various customers tailor-made versions consisting of standard components have been designed. With modular construction many varieties in capacity, speed and pulling force are possible. The Bemo Rail shunters can specifically be found in industry, storage and transfer companies.

The rail shunters are designed and manufactured by Bemo Rail’s own staff with first-class components. With an in-house engineering department, a spaciously laid-out construction hall and the required know-how of rails and wagons, the possibilities are numerous. Starting at the first design stage of the machine much attention is paid to safety, ergonomics and environmental aspects.

Drive mechanism
The Bemo Rail shunters have been provided with a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic drive mechanism with diesel engine, or electric or hybrid drive mechanism. The shunting locomotives can be operated manually, but also radio remote controlled. The diagonal ergonomically designed control panels, in combination with broad view on all sides from the cabin complete the safe operation of the machine. All components are controlled by a well-balanced operation system.

The shunting locomotives are designed by using the most modern technology and by observing the current EC/UIC legislation and regulations.

Characteristics Shunting locomotives

Shunting

Continuously variable speed control from ‘0’.
Very smooth start off with particularly favourable slip limit because of absence of peak forces.

Operation

Standard Bemo-locomotive operation, specifically designed for use under heavy circumstances.
Trembling and temperature resistant.
Manually and/or radio remote controlled, if required with explosion proof encapsulation.
Accelerating and braking in accordance with pre-adjusted curves as a result of which:
– Always very steady behaviour (reaction) of the rail shunter.
– Incorrect control is virtually impossible.
– Consequently any operator can work with the rail shunter.

Environment and Health and Safety regulations

Limited noise level.
Very little fuel consumption.
Clean diesel engines.
Electrically or hybrid driven.
Ergonomic accessibility for operation and service.

Safety

Emergency buttons on all corners of the machine, especially in combination with radio remote control.
Integration of gas detection in control system, with application in Ex zones (optional).
Security with additional approach / reflection switches (optional).
Excellent view from the cabin.

Control

All shunting activities can be carried out by one operator.
Simply controllable operation system.
Conveniently arranged graphical display for service status and maintenance (GUI).

Mechanics

High-quality components are standard, e.g. A-class engines.
Overall spring axle suspension with fully closed reductors, resulting in:
– Reduction of damage to switches.
– Reduction of derailment risk.
Long technical life.
Short delivery times for components.

Maintenance

No special lubrication pit necessary.
Daily maintenance can be carried out by the company’s own technical service.
Intervals are adjusted as optimally as possible, dependent on the application.

Shunting couplers

Besides the standard UIC wagon-screw couplers, numerous automatic shunting couplers can be applied, among which AAR buckle-head couplers.

Pneumatic installation

Virtually all shunting locomotives are provided with a pneumatic installation for (wagon) brake systems, also to control the various components. Compressor output, tank capacity and version are chosen on the basis of the locomotive’s utilization.

Track gauge

Worldwide various track gauges are applied. Besides the track gauge of 1435 mm generally applied in Europe there are also broad and narrow gauge tracks in various sizes. The shunting locomotives can be supplied in every track gauge.