Railroad

Railroad

Rail freight and passenger trains crisscross the landscape daily, moving people and cargo from one point to another. This complex system must operate efficiently regardless of weather conditions. 

Idling locomotives in cold weather to keep the prime mover from freezing is costly and harmful to the environment. Railroad operations depend on reliable, high-quality heaters to keep the engine warm so that locomotives can start on demand. Using a HOTSTART heating system means railroads aren't forced to idle overnight, resulting in immediate fuel savings which bolster operation budgets.

HOTSTART Idle Reduction Systems heat and circulate both engine water and lubrication oil in locomotives. Electric powered heating systems connect to shore power when the locomotive returns to the yard each night; our diesel-driven heaters allow locomotives to be remote from the yard while still staying warm and ready to start. Whatever your operation needs, HOTSTART has a heating system that will keep your trains operating efficiently. 

 

Locomotive Product Comparison

HOTSTART locomotive products are available for either rail freight or passenger rail applications. Depending on your need to heat water or oil, charge a battery or interface with an AESS system, we have a solution. Refer to the chart below to see which option is best for your needs.

  Rail Freight Passenger Rail
  Diesel Driven Shore Power HOTflow®
Heater Model APU DLV CLV BCU CKM CSM
Heats Locomotive Water
Heats Locomotive Oil
Charges Locomotive Batteries
Requires Shore Power Hook-Up
Requires Crew to Shutdown Locomotive
Optional AESS Interface
Optional Cab Heat
Optional Modular Models

HOTSTART From the Field - Iwate Kaihatsu Railways

HOTSTART From the Field - Iwate Kaihatsu Railways

HOTSTART APU Locomotive Idle Reduction System

HOTSTART APU Locomotive Idle Reduction System

HOTSTART at Railway Interchange 2015

HOTSTART at Railway Interchange 2015

Testimonials

The HOTSTART equipment is the most dependable and effective locomotive APU system we have ever installed. They have great customer service and the fuel savings pays for the equipment in no time.

Tracy Ulm

Chief Mechanical Officer | Rio Grande Pacific Corporation

Years after installation, the HOTSTART units continue to be a valued enhancement to our fleet. With proper maintenance, they have provided years of reliable service.

Rourk Price

Chief Mechanical Officer | Montana Rail Link