Mechan Introduces Uk To Eco-Friendly Shunters

January 22, 2013

Sheffield-based Mechan is launching a range of energy efficient shunters onto the UK market, offering a greener alternative to the diesel engines used in rail depots.

Mechan has secured a deal to become the sole UK and Ireland supplier of the award winning Zwiehoff electrically powered road and rail shunters, which are carbon neutral.

The Rotrac shunters achieved third place in the concept vehicle category at the 2012 OkoGlobe awards in Germany, thanks to the high degree of energy efficiency produced by Zwiehoff’s 48V Technology. They use only a few battery cells and a small quantity of liquid to provide the necessary drive and achieve zero emissions through the recovery of energy during operation.

Following the success of the pioneering 250 tonne Rotrac E2, a larger 500 tonne version – the E4 – was premiered at last year’s global transport exhibition, InnoTrans, held in Berlin. This is where Mechan discovered the shunters and expressed an interest in adding the products to its own range of depot handling equipment.

Richard Carr, Mechan’s managing director, said: “Energy efficiency and carbon emissions are becoming increasingly important to rail operators and consequently, to companies that serve the sector. Mechan works hard to develop and source greener, cleaner alternatives to the gas guzzling locomotives that have been central to the operations of rail depots and the innovative Rotrac shunters fit this remit perfectly.”

A compact, simplistic design and low centre of gravity makes the Rotrac shunters small, yet extremely strong and robust. They are supplied with radio remote control as standard and have a boost function to improve pull-away performance, as well as sensitive steering for on the spot turning.

For further information about the Rotrac shunters or Mechan’s wide range of depot maintenance products, call us on (0114) 257 0563.