Mackay Sugar, Australia’s second largest sugar milling company, has awarded UK based Clayton Equipment Limited a contract to supply five Hybrid Locomotives and additional support Brake Vans for their fleet.
The order incorporates Clayton’s Hybrid Technology. The loco being supplied is a CBD40, which is self-contained with onboard charging capability to enable long-range use without mains charging and offers a low-to-no emission solution for transporting cane to Mackay Sugar’s factories. This allows Mackay Sugar the effectiveness of a loco twice the size but in a carbon-efficient way, with reduced maintenance and operational costs. In addition, the loco’s regenerative braking ensures reduced brake wear, and with the innovative Battery Technology, the loco charging time is reduced substantially when mains charging is used.
In addition, the locomotives are fitted with the very latest diesel engines, again providing the most efficient and cleanest technology available in the market today. This supports Mackay Sugars objective in achieving reduced carbon emissions during their rail operations whilst also helping to create a greener future for the local industry.
Along with the CBD40’s, Clayton will produce the brake vans that will run at the rear of the train, and with improved radio communication the vans can be effective when more than 1.7km from the loco.
Steve Gretton, Chairman of Clayton Equipment stated “We are very pleased with this new order to supply Mackay Sugar with sustainable, low emission, environmentally compliant equipment which meets their commitment to invest in technology and provide cost savings with long term durability. The collaboration with Mackay Sugar allowed us to gain the understanding of what they required to achieve the right solution and ensure the best return on investment. Protecting their business in a clean environmentally way.”
A spokesperson for Mackay Sugar added “We are thrilled to collaborate with Clayton Equipment on the development of hybrid locomotives and brake vans, benefiting not only Mackay Sugar but the broader Australian sugar industry. These innovative additions mark a significant milestone for Mackay Sugar, reflecting our commitment to integrating cutting-edge safety features and advanced technology into our locomotive fleet.”
For more than 90 years, Clayton Equipment have lead the way in offering advanced low emission locomotives for mainline, shunting and in the mining sectors.
For more information visit www.claytonequipment.co.uk