Replacement Programme

In the early 1990s a Bord na Móna locomotive replacement programme was initiated and a new locomotive was designed by the Company‘s engineers. The new machines, which were designed to pull a 110 tonne trailing load along a level track at a maximum speed of 18km/hr (11 mph), are powered by a 115 hp diesel engine. They have electronic gear shift, and power to the two axel gearboxes is transmitted through a torque converter and drop box unit incorporating "lock up" to permit the use of engine braking. Braking is by means of pneumatics and brake discs mounted on the axle box. To eliminate noise the new locomotive‘s suspension employs chevrons instead of leaf springs.