ZF in Diesel Multiple Units (DMU)

Efficiency meets proven technology

Diesel multiple units (DMU) remain essential for non-electrified rail networks worldwide. They provide reliable mobility in regional and rural areas where flexibility and efficiency are key. Operators require solutions that reduce fuel consumption while maximizing comfort and uptime.

ZF combines extensive expertise from rail and commercial vehicle applications to deliver highly efficient and robust driveline systems for DMU. This cross-industry know-how enables the development of solutions that are not only powerful and reliable but also optimized for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. With advanced automatic transmissions, integrated retarder systems and modular drivetrain concepts, ZF improves ride comfort while significantly reducing wear on mechanical components. The result is smoother operation, lower maintenance costs and increased availability across a wide range of operating conditions.

References

Irish Rail

ZF's EcoWorld six-speed transmission system by ZF is installed into MTU PowerPacks. For a Repower project, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail has retrofitted a diesel-powered InterCity Class 22000 train.

Porterbrook

ZF supplies the EcoWorld transmission for repowering projects of Porterbrook, a rolling stock owner in the UK. There, EcoWorld is also already used in a first diesel-battery train.

Alstom

ZF equips Alstom's Coradia Lint and Coradia iLint platforms with a gearset reversing transmission. The special feature: The Coradia iLint is the first hydrogen train worldwide.

Product highlights

Infrastructure and Driveline Monitoring System

Predictive maintenance planning for rail vehicles and infrastructure

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EcoWorld 2

Six-speed powershift transmission with integrated reversing function for DMUs and hybrid applications

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EcoLife Rail 2

Powershift transmission for DMUs

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Yaw damper

For more vehicle stability

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Frequency selective yaw damper

Passive solution without electrical connection

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Repowering

Repowering enables operators to replace outdated driveline technology with modern, more efficient systems. The result is improved vehicle performance, reduced operating costs and an extended service life for existing rolling stock.

Learn more about repowering

Products for Diesel Multiple Units

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Silhouette of a Diesel Multiple Unit with transmissions and dampers from ZF.