Hunslet receive order from Lafarge Cement UK

Hunslet - continues to build its reputation as the UK's leading supplier of industrial shunting locomotives having received an order from Lafarge Cement UK, to supply two modernised locomotives to operate at their Dunbar Works replacing their ageing locomotives.


Work has already commenced to rebuild and upgrade two 50 Tonne diesel hydraulic locomotives for delivery in mid 2009. The donor locomotives date back to the early 1980s, making them an ideal choice for a refurbishment exercise, which will incorporate an engine repower to maximise performance.

The locomotives are currently used to transport cement wagons to the shunting area ready for main line collection. On completion, the rebuilt 'driverless' cement trains will haul up to 32 loaded wagons – a total weight of 1625 tonnes at controlled speeds - without a locomotive driver. Using wireless technology, the locomotives are controlled via a site operator using a transmitter. Locomotive control is simply executed with a joystick - a little like driving a model train only for real.

During the project repower, HUNSLET will comply with latest environmental legislation. Principally comprising of modernisation of the power-train – diesel engine, cooling system, torque converter, forward / reverse gearbox and driveline.

Through the exercise, the existing diesel engine will be replaced by the new generation Caterpillar C15 diesel engine rated at 298 kW (400 hp) at 2100 rpm. As a result, the locomotives operators can anticipate an improvement in fuel economy, lower emissions, reduced noise and significantly extended lifetime for the entire locomotive.

The project upgrade will also see HUNSLET modernise the locomotives in other areas. The integration of a new computerised electronic control system will incorporate fault diagnosis capability, alerting the driver of potential faults.

By combining identical and proven components with new modern assemblies, the demand for improved environmental protection has been fulfilled, while high reliability and availability are ensured for the operator.

Hunslet commences manufacture of new range of multi-purpose locomotives

Hunslet Engine Company, fully supported by its parent company LH Group Services Ltd, has now begun production on the first of a range of multi-purpose, diesel hydraulic, shunting locomotives ranging from 40 to 100 tonnes, and suitable for light, medium and heavy haul of industrial rolling stock.
The standard range will be modular in design making them highly flexible in terms of operation, area of application, performance and equipment specification. Designed to meet the latest environmental protection and safety standards, the range will be fuel-efficient by introducing clean burn diesel engine technology. The on board 'user friendly' computerised electronic systems will incorporate fault diagnosis capability, alerting the driver of potential faults or failures.

Furthermore, modern design trends will ensure simple maintenance and repair, and the use of technologically advanced components will reduce life cycle costs.

The first locomotive to be built is a three-axle, 60 tonne type and initial production has started on the mainframe, transmission and final drive assemblies. All other areas of the locomotive are at an advanced stage of the design.

Subsequent to exhaustive testing the first unit will be placed into service at an appropriate site for field trials. Prospective customers will then be invited to evaluate the locomotive under normal operating conditions.

For further information contact Hunslet Engine Company
on 0113 2774007 or alternatively info@hunsletengine.com