Components and systems for rail vehicles

Rail transport worldwide has been benefiting from the advanced driveline and chassis technologies developed by ZF Friedrichshafen AG for over 55 years. Ever since its first "Rail Bus" project, the ZF Group has been producing innovative and efficient rail vehicle dampers, linking components for rail vehicles of all kinds, and drive systems that can be integrated in existing systems. Because only technical systems that make trains fast, safe, and comfortable motivate passengers to climb aboard.

High Tech on the rails

The cost-effectiveness of a train depends to a large extent on the service life of its components. Higher journey and transport speeds, greater driving safety, and more demand for comfort require continual component improvement. ZF engineers are taking on current challenges by developing pioneering technologies for rail vehicles. The results: greater ride comfort and safety, along with reduced fuel consumption, vehicle weight, and emission levels.

Modular kit system from a single source

With the 6-speed EcoLife transmission and a gear set reversing transmission, diesel multiple units glide quickly, quietly, and cleanly from station to station at engine torque ratings of up to 2500 Nm. The Rail Drive Control System (RDCS) is a central communication interface between the train control unit and the ZF system. RDCS controls the entire reversing shift process. It acts as the control unit between transmission and axle reversing gearbox. Damping technology is based on standardized twin-tube dampers. For more complex demands on bogie and carriage body, ZF offers yaw dampers and "Inter-Car" dampers. The electrically controlled yaw damper rounds off the product range.

Economical and ecological all along the line

ZF is setting new standards with products that reduce fuel consumption and noise pollution in rail vehicles, and that are also environmentally friendly. For example, in 2008, ZF became the first European company to start volume production of hybrid drives. With the hybrid version of EcoLife Rail, an ultra-modern transmission is now available offering all the benefits of hybrid technology. The intelligent interaction between electrical and engine-powered driving modes saves fuel and conserves resources; thereby substantially reducing CO2 emissions.

Powertrain components for more power

Make way for even more power! Manufacturers and operators of rail vehicles can find everything they are looking for in ZF products: more driving comfort and safety with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The key is highly integrated products and superlative systems expertise. All powertrain components are provided from a single source. The weight-optimized precision components are all perfectly matched within identical modules and can be combined to suit different performance classes.

Comfort and safety

Modern chassis technology for rail vehicles should be quiet, comfortable, safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly. No easy task, in view of the technical challenges. For example, in long-distance passenger traffic, trains are competing with aircraft. But once the traveling speed exceeds 250 km/h, wear and tear on the rolling stock and track system increases; thus maintenance costs rise exponentially. As a technology leader, ZF is also setting standards here, offering perfectly coordinated damping components and systems for various types of rail vehicles.