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Where is mechanical transmission mainly used in diesel locomotives and railcars?
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diesel engine
Diesel engine equipped with a precombustion chamber.
Mechanical transmission is the simplest form of power transmission used in diesel-powered rail equipment. It is mainly utilized in two specific applications:
- Very low-power switching locomotives: These units use a system similar to the clutch and gearbox found in automobiles.1
- Low-power diesel railcars: This includes light passenger railcars or rail buses (typically up to 200 horsepower), which are often four-wheeled.12
While other methods like electric or hydraulic transmission are preferred for higher power outputs, mechanical transmission remains restricted to these lower-power categories due to its design limitations.12