NVX Series capacityis 38,000 lbs tractive effort, single or double coupled; approximately that of the NVX6030 diesel powered Navigator model. The Electric Navigator is capable of moving up to 30 loaded railcars without weight transfer coupling. The Electric Navigator highlights the only mobile railcar movers produced in North America to operate 100% electrically as well as utilize a pivoting drive axle and rail guidance system all in a single assembly. The system is very similar to the drive trucks on a locomotive which are allowed to pivot and turn along the rails. Product improvement focus includes enhanced rail stability, better performance in poor weather conditions, improved tire life and the ability to navigate up to 70 degree track curvature. Shuttlewagon expands the railcar mover market, providing fresh alternatives to higher-cost-of-operation locomotive power by providing the only mobile railcar mover/shunting applications that exceed 35,000lbs tractive effort and do so with direct, non-weight transfer locomotive like coupling.
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180-degree rotating console with color multifunction display.
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Dual four-way air suspension operator seats for either side on-rail operator control.
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Pull-out sander boxes with wide-mouth lids for easy loading. Air-activated sanders for smooth dispensing. Safely attach glad-hand hoses with ease; Shuttlewagon offers industry-leading space between railcar and mobile railcar mover.
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Two independent drive wheel trucks supported on rotating bearings with eight (8) 16" AAR profile guide wheels. ABS and traction assist provide more control while reducing maintenance cost.
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Wide-range AAR sliding couplers are air released and hydraulically positioned. Improves pulling performance in curves and grades.
Standard equipment includes the following:
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Zero Emissions
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Continuous Power Electric Motor
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Regenerative Braking
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Precision Drive Technology
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Lithium Ion Batteries
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Battery Management System
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SAE J1772 Connector
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Level 1, 2, & 3 Charging Capability
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External Recharge Strobe Light Indicator
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CAN-Bus Electric System
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Radiator – 12 VDC fans provide air flow for cooling; transmission, traction motors, electrical components and batteries
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66cfm Air Compressor
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Separate High Voltage Disconnect Boxes
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ABS Vehicle Brakes
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Air Knife
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Anti-Slip Traction Control
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Speed-Based Rail Guidance Pressure
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Lockable EV Electronic Door
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Two Air Ride Operator Seats
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180 degree Rotating Operator Console
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(4) Video Cameras with Monitor Inside Cab
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(2) 12 Volt DC Power Ports
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(2) USB Charge Ports
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(1) 120 Volt AC 15 Amp Outlet
Rubber vs. Steel
Repositioning railcars in a rail-switching operation has always been a formidable task. Before the advent of the mobile railcar mover, large locomotives were often used to move railcars. However, locomotives were expensive, immobile (limited to track use), and over-powered for this usage.
In the late 1940's, steel-wheel railcar movers were developed. These early devices had steel wheels and employed weight transfer technology to move railcars. Weight from the attached railcar was mechanically transferred onto the railcar mover by lifting the railcar by its coupler in order to gain tractive power. These smaller devices had off-track mobility and were considerably less expensive than a locomotive.
Unfortunately, the weight transfer process (which most manufacturers still employ) causes shock loading. Shock loading is created from rail vibration or sudden coupler movement. It is then transferred to the railcar mover, jars the operator, and ultimately causes component failure. The risk of lifting the railcar off the rail wheel truck was another notable shortcoming of railcar movers that depend on weight transfer from railcars.
Our rubber tire drive system eliminates the need to borrow weight from the railcar, permits the coupler to connect directly with the railcar coupler as well as move freely, reduces axle weight, and improves component lift by reducing shock loading.
Non-Weight Transfer Coupling
We use industry-standard direct-type coupling that readily connect to most American Association of Railroads (AAR) couplers. This means that our mobile railcar movers connect to railcars like a handshake. Our direct non-binding, non-lifting coupler permits unrestricted, side-to-side movement and permits limited up-and-down movement along the coupler face. A dense urethane shock absorber absorbs the fore-to-aft compression forces and reduces shock loads through the coupling mechanism. Unlike railcar movers that must borrow weight by lifting railcars via the railcar’s coupler, our movers use their own weight along with the superior tractive power of rubber tires to move railcars.
Our sliding coupler eliminates many of the problems inherent with the older pivot-style couplers. Not only are they easier for the operator to position, the increased range of movement of the coupler along the slide allows our movers to push or pull through tighter curves. The coupler’s attachment to our mover is more evenly spaced out, instead of being attached only by the pivot pin, making it stronger as well.
Modern Electrical Components
Our CANbus electrical system use state-of-the-art technology, offering features and benefits for operators and maintenance personnel that were unavailable in the past. The operator can now view all critical information about the readiness state of the railcar mover on the computerized display. Maintenance personnel can access diagnostic information for the engine and other components, reducing maintenance downtime.
Cab and Console
The full-width crossover cab has full 360-degree visibility, 72” ceiling height, sliding windows, and a 180-degree rotating console. On-rail operations can be conducted from either side of the two four-way positioning operator seats on either side of the cab. Ceiling-mounted defroster fans, map lights, red/white dome light, and power adapter receptacles are easily accessible.
The control console contains all on-rail controls, as well as the digital color display. The multi-function color display shows information about the vehicle, rail air pressure, hydraulic pressure, and other information important to the operator.
Every aspect of the cab and console has been carefully designed to provide the operator with the most control, least complexity, and greatest degree of flexibility - creating the safest possible environment.
ABS and ATC
Our anti-slip braking system (ABS) and anti-slip traction control (ATC) prevent sliding of the tires along the rail during braking, as well as over-rotation of the tires during movement. Because the system is automatic and reacts much faster than an operator can, it greatly improves tire life and allows the operator to concentrate on maneuvering activities.
Sanders
The pull-out air-activated sander boxes have wide-mouth lids for easy lifting and can be easily removed for complete access to the wheels and tires. In their normal position, the boxes remain clear of the wheels and tires for routine maintenance.