KickStart Battery and Starting Manager (BSM) is an advanced solution for improving locomotive start reliability, extending battery life, and optimizing fleet performance. Built to address the increasing demands on lead-acid batteries, KickStart BSM integrates a robust supercapacitor system and intelligent battery management to eliminate battery related dead-won’t-start (DWS) events and reduce overall maintenance costs. Designed for high-horsepower locomotives, especially those delivering long-haul service, it ensures that your locomotives are always ready to perform, no matter the journey length or operational demands.
KickStart BSM Benefits
Enhanced Starting for High-Horsepower and Long-Haul Locomotives
KickStart BSM is engineered for larger, more demanding locomotives. The integrated supercapacitor delivers powerful cranking assistance, ensuring reliable engine starts even when batteries are depleted or under heavy loads.
Integrated Battery Management System
KickStart BSM’s battery management system extends the life of lead-acid batteries by managing charging cycles and reducing deep discharges. Rail operators can expect up to 3x the battery life, significantly lowering the cost of replacements and maintenance.
Eliminate Dead-Won’t-Start Events
Battery-related failures are a leading cause of downtime. KickStart BSM addresses this with features like Bus Boost™ and One More Crank™, which ensure your locomotive starts reliably—even under low battery conditions. These features allow operators to avoid costly delays and improve fleet availability.
Reduce Fuel Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By optimizing the locomotive's starting system and integrating with Automatic Engine Stop-Start (AESS) systems, KickStart BSM reduces idling times and fuel consumption. Rail operators experience fuel savings while also cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainability goals.
Key Features
- Supercapacitor System: Vastly improves start reliability, even when batteries are severely depleted (below 40VDC).
- Bus Boost™: Ensures stable voltage to locomotive electronics during start-up, preventing power cycling even under low voltage.
- Battery Management System: Actively monitors and manages battery health, optimizing charging and cranking performance.
- One More Crank™: Ensures sufficient battery power for an additional successful start by disconnecting parasitic loads during standby.
- Extended Battery Life: Increases lead-acid battery lifespan by up to three times, reducing replacement frequency and associated costs.
- Reduced AESS Idle Time: By maintaining battery health, BSM shortens idle time needed for charging, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
How KickStart BSM Works
KickStart BSM integrates seamlessly into your locomotive’s battery and electrical system. It provides peak cranking power through its supercapacitor module, while the Battery Management System monitors and manages battery performance in real time. Features like Bus Boost™ ensure your electronics remain powered during start-up, and One More Crank™ guarantees a final successful start, preventing stranded locomotives even under low battery conditions.
Get Started with KickStart BSM
KickStart BSM is the ideal solution for rail operators looking to enhance starting reliability, eliminate DWS events, extend battery life, and reduce fuel and maintenance costs.
KickStart BSM Brochure