ZTR Offers a New System Designed to Improve Locomotive Starting

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The KickStart battery assist from ZTR Control Systems uses super capacitor technology to offload the starting amps required from batteries to start the locomotive. This results in more reliable locomotive starts and extended battery life.

“Also, with less cranking time, there is less strain on the motor which reduces maintenance and replacement costs.”

“ZTR developed KickStart to supplement the locomotive battery during engine start up to provide maximum energy at the beginning of the cranking sequence,” explained Matthew Scott, ZTR Rail Division General Manager. “Also, with less cranking time, there is less strain on the motor which reduces maintenance and replacement costs.”

Additional benefits include:

Operation with weaker batteries
Reduction in battery maintenance time
Reduction in SmartStart® battery voltage thresholds, which increases AESS
shutdown times
Less time to charge batteries

KickStart is part of ZTR Control Systems’ Intelligent Starting Technology™ family. This family of products is designed for locomotive utilization improvement—easier starts, fuel savings, and emission reductions. ZTR Intelligent Starting Technology helps railroads operate more efficiently and typically pays for itself in a matter of months.

Learn more about KickStart at the RSI/CMA Show in Chicago, September 23-25, Booth #406 or visit http://www.ztr.com/kickstart.php. You may also e-mail railinfo@ztr.com, or call 1-952-233-4340.

About ZTR Control Systems

Since 1987, ZTR Control Systems has been providing intelligent equipment management systems for railway and industrial applications. Our integrated Locomotive Control System Solutions improve the performance of your existing locomotive fleet at only a fraction of the cost of buying new locomotives. Our Intelligent Starting Technology saves you fuel, reduces emissions, and reduces starting problems.