Rail operator and service company Traxtion has refurbished five Class 39 locomotives at its workshop in Rosslyn, Gauteng, which it purchased from state-owned Transnet.
The fleet expansion is designed to meet the growing demand for rail freight services in Africa. Traxtion said it was preparing for the next phase of adding new locomotives to its fleet, which currently comprises 60 locomotives and operates in eight African countries.
During the refurbishment process, the class 39 locomotives underwent a comprehensive six-yearly major inspection, including the evaluation and overhaul of all major and critical components.
This ensured the detection and resolution of any underlying faults to minimize future breakdowns. The powerful 2,250 kW (3,000 hp) locomotives also received major overhauls, refurbishments, and modifications.
As part of the six-month project, the locomotives underwent a weight reduction intervention to optimize their performance on standard African tracks.
Technicians reduced the body and tank weight, enabling the locomotives to carry more tonnes per load without exceeding regional axle load limits or damaging the infrastructure.
Additional work on the class 39s included refurbishing fuel injectors, engine water and oil pumps, and replacing turbochargers. According to Traxtion, they also refurbished the entire brake system, conducted load testing, reprofiled the wheels, and refurbished the AP bearings.