Shunting vehicles for
plant and loading operations
plant and loading operations
Flexible shunting and efficient loading with shunting vehicles
Reliable and on-time loading and shunting of freight cars: That’s what matters in intramural logistics, from bulk cargo to general cargo to liquids and gases. Vollert shunting vehicles reliably move materials between the rail spur, the loading area, and intramural transfer points.
They combine high tractive force with flexible application options and can be tailored to different track layouts, train loads, and operational processes.
Compared to stationary shunting systems, shunting vehicles are not limited to a fixed shunting section. They can serve multiple track areas, offering particular advantages for varying shunting tasks, complex plant track layouts, or the modernization of existing sites.
Versatile shunting solutions for every application
Whether battery-electric, corded, or powered by another drive concept: Vollert develops shunting solutions tailored to operational requirements — for cost-effective processes, reliable material flows, and future-proof plant logistics.
Shunting robot COMPACT
Small, practical and extremely rugged – these are the characteristics of the Vollert compact class. With its all-wheel drive this small power pack enables the Performance of economic and ecologically sound shunting operations. Despite its compact size, an optimal traction is guaranteed thanks to a high service weight – which translates to enough power for up to 750 tons pulling load.
Depending on the track conditions and the application area, the power supply is optionally provided through a rechargeable high-capacity battery (variably utilizable, emission-free, quiet) or through a particularly environmentally-friendly diesel-electric drive unit, that is flexibly utilizable in any outdoor area.
Shunting robot STANDARD
2-axle – up to 2,400 t pulling load capacity – electric (cable or battery-powered) or diesel-electric drive system – EX / semi-EX version
The classic – the ideal solution for economical loading and shunting operations. Low operating and maintenance costs, highly automated processes, and a high system availability, make this solution ideal for all internal loading, handling and weighing operations.
The power supply is optionally implemented either through a cable drum, trailing cable, conductor line, high-performance battery or a diesel-electric drive unit. Vollert offers ATEX certified technical packages for shunting and loading processes in explosion-proof work environments, for example, the loading of highly explosive hazardous substances.
Shunting robot PRO
2, 4 or 6-axle – up to 8,000 t pulling load capacity – diesel-hydrostatic, diesel-hydrodynamic or diesel-electric drive system
Vollert offers extremely ruggedized solutions for particularly rough and tough environmental conditions which are predominant, for example, in bulk loading ports or mines. A maximum traction force of 300 kN for pulling loads of up to 8,000 t ensures that a vast variety of goods can be transported and loaded. An accurate positioning of wagons with shunting speeds of approx. 5 cm / s as well as travel speeds up to 40 km / h are possible. The environment also benefits: new propulsion technologies reduce the fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions.
An extensive range of equipment options is also available: Customized track width, suspension for a high level of travel comfort, pivoted bogies for an outstanding cornering performance, radio remote control, compressed air supply (brake air), sanding, anti-skid protection, shunting coupling, electronic controllers from well-known brandname manufacturers.
Shunting robot PRO ECO
The electric drive doesn't just offer an excellent efficiency, it also guarantees a constant torque. The performance is therefore immediately available even at low engine speeds, and provides a completely new shunting robot driving experience with an incredible torque from the very start. The high efficiency reduces the fuel consumption as well as the NOX and CO2 emissions. Additionally, a reduction of the emitted soot particles into the environment by 99 % can be achieved with the particle filter.
The combination of combustion and electric drive techniques provides an outlook on future technological developments, and combines the best characteristics of the two systems. In the past few years, the hybrid drive has become synonymous for environmentally friendly mobility.
The benefits at a glance
Shunting vehicles offer a flexible and versatile solution for on-site rail freight transport. They can be adapted to different rail sidings, varying operational requirements, and specific transport tasks—thereby enabling efficient shunting processes without requiring extensive modifications to the existing infrastructure. Whether modernizing existing plant tracks, optimizing material flows, or automating shunting processes, modern shunting vehicles create the flexibility needed for cost-effective and sustainable plant logistics.
Selecting the right propulsion system and power supply
Depending on the vehicle design, battery-electric, cable-powered, diesel-electric, or other propulsion solutions are possible. This allows shunting technology to be tailored to operational duration, route profile, train load, charging infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
Also suitable for existing sites
A shunting vehicle can be an attractive option when a yard track system needs to be modernized without fundamentally restructuring the infrastructure. The specific modifications required depend, among other factors, on track geometry, train loads, gradients, and operational safety requirements.
