For KLW, Cummins, ‘The Next Step in Tier 4 Repowers’ (UPDATED)
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
KLW (Knoxville Locomotive Works, Inc.) and Cummins Inc. on March 6 announced completion of its first KLWX 4400 ACT4, a remanufactured line-haul locomotive equipped with an EPA Tier 4-certified, 4,400-hp Cummins QSK95 prime-mover. The prototype locomotive is currently operating on CN, where it is undergoing reliability and performance testing.
The KLWX 4400 ACT4, described as “the next step in Tier 4 locomotive repower programs,” employs CAF Power & Automation AC traction inverters with individual axle control; TSA (Traction System Austria) traction motors that are smaller and spin faster than other AC motors; a TMV (Canada) engine control system with integrated CANBUS and AESS system; New York Air Brake CCBIIe electronic air brakes; Knorr Bremse/Microelettrica (Italy) dynamic brakes; dual starting system (compressed air and alternator with electric starting motors and Rolls Battery lead-acid starting batteries); lithium-ion batteries for auxiliaries; and an AKG of America thermostatically controlled split-cooling system. The locomotive “builds on successful sales of KLW EPA Tier 4-certified and CARB-verified locomotives across the U.S.,” the companies said. The locomotive was remanufactured from an EMD SD70MAC.
“While much of the industry focus has been on developing new technologies to meet 2030 sustainability goals, KLW has developed solutions to help Class I operators move closer to their 2030 and 2050 sustainability commitments,” KLW Chairman Pete Claussen said. “The combination of a Cummins QSK95 Tier 4 engine and SCR aftertreatment system, along with other components in the locomotive, provide better fuel economy and more reliability over other Tier 4 power packages.”
“We are excited to showcase our clean diesel technology in freight locomotives” said Regina Barringer, Cummins Global General Manager, Rail and Defense. “Many rail operators have committed to reach net zero emissions, and we are confident that the QSK95 will play an important role to helping rail operators improve emissions for their current and future locomotive lineups.”
KLW and Cummins anticipate commercial availability of the KLWX 4400 ACT4 in second-half 2023.
View a video on this locomotive:
KLW “specializes in repowering, remanufacturing, refurbishing, repairing, and upgrading a wide variety of traditional locomotives. With customers spanning the U.S., KLW’s repower offerings are EPA Tier 4-certified and CARB-verified. KLW is affiliated with the Gulf & Ohio Railways, Inc. family of short line railroads and has performed work on approximately 1,000 locomotives for customers ranging from Class 1 railroads to small industrial sites.”
Cummins Inc., “a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen generation and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 57,800 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity.”
