Brandt launches the New R4 Power Unit at AREMA 2012 Exposition in Chicago
September 19, 2012
Brandt Road Rail Corporation is proud to introduce the new Brandt R4 Power Unit - the newest and most advanced Power Unit yet. Officially launched to the public during the annual AREMA Conference and Exposition this past week, the R4 is built to provide the mobility and versatility railways expect from a Power Unit, with improvements to key areas like operator comfort, serviceability and reliability.
"The first Brandt Power Unit was designed over 20 years ago with direct input from the Railways," explains Jason Klassen, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Brandt. "Our success has always been a result of our ability to focus on the needs of our customers. It seems to be a winning formula, so before we started the design of our fourth generation Power Unit, the R4, we took the same approach and asked our customers how we could make the Power Unit even better for their operations. We interviewed many current Brandt Power Unit operators, service managers and mechanics, and asked them how we could make the Brandt R4 Power Unit even better for them. They told us they wanted improved reliability, easier serviceability, and more operating comfort. With the R4, we have delivered all of that, and more."
The backbone of the R4 is a Freightliner chassis. With a roomy cab, ergonomically placed controls, and plenty of headroom and storage, the new Power Unit offers the comfort needed to perform well on the job. For added convenience the R4 has more cabinet space than ever, allowing for ample storage of luggage, materials, tools and any other equipment that may require storage. Neil Marcotte, Sales Manager, Brandt Road Rail Corporation, says "Operators have really expressed the need for more space in the past. They are going to be really excited about the improvements to the cab and the increased storage space. And the mechanics are going to be happy too. Maintenance is such a key issue with any piece of equipment and the Power Unit is no exception. We have really improved the serviceability of the R4. We have also added the new Brandt Control System to make operating and maintaining the R4 simple and easy. A user-friendly screen keeps the operator informed on important information such as pressure, temperature, auxiliary equipment hours, maintenance interval information, and fault codes - all right at your fingertips."
"Reliability is always a key issue for our customers," explains Jeff Doka, Engineering Team Leader, "We spent countless hours testing the R4 Power Unit, to make sure it delivers the reliability that our customers expect. This is by far the most tested Power Unit ever."
The R4 is powered by the 600hp Cummins ISX 15 Tier 4 emission compliant engine allowing it to achieve up to 50,000 lbs of tractive effort without additional weight added to the deck. The tridem drive axle design, combined with the adjustable shelf coupler, means 50% more tractive effort can be obtained with the touch of a button allowing for heavier loads up steeper grades at higher speeds without losing traction.
Brandt Road Rail Corporation has been designing and manufacturing top quality, industry leading maintenance of way, revenue service, and emergency response equipment for railways for over twenty years. Specializing in innovative, purpose-built equipment, Brandt is focused on responding to the needs of our customers, with durable and reliable solutions. The power of Brandt is now also available in a service package with contracting services from Brandt Rail Services.