Sustainability

Winter poses significant challenges for the railway industry. Freezing temperatures and harsh conditions test the resilience of locomotive fleets, making winter operations particularly demanding. One critical component of winter readiness is ensuring reliable engine starts.

For rail operators, tackling the challenges of locomotive starting is a top priority—and thankfully, the KickStart solution is revolutionizing how engines power up.

AESS systems, like SmartStart, automatically shut down and restart locomotive engines based on critical operational parameters.

In this article we explore locomotive uses in the mining industry, challenges faced by diesel locomotives, and dive into how Automatic Engine Stop-Start (AESS) systems can mitigate these challenges.

We aim to explore the intricacies of AESS for locomotives, understand its mechanics, and evaluate the potential benefits and adoption strategies.

In the fast-paced world of locomotive transportation, time is of the essence. Unfortunately, a problem frequently haunts railway operators - the dreaded dead-won't-start (DWS) events.

Fuel consumption is a critical concern in the rail industry, accounting for a substantial portion of operational costs. Locomotives have a significant appetite for fuel, with consumption rates ranging from 4-5 gallons per hour while idling to nearly 200 gallons per hour for larger locomotive engine sizes at higher-notch settings. A rough diesel price of $4 per gallon can cost a locomotive over $800 in fuel per hour of operation.