Bermantec May Digest 2025: Heating Systems for Trains
Featuring Hotstart Solutions Now Available at BermanTec.
In the ever-evolving world of rail transportation, the demands on locomotive engines go far beyond horsepower alone—especially in extreme climates. At BermanTec, we’ve long been known for our high-performance starters and alternators for the rail industry. Now, we’re proud to expand our offering with advanced engine heating systems from Hotstart, built to increase uptime, reduce idling, and optimize cold-weather performance.
Whether you’re operating in Northern Europe’s freezing winters or remote areas without engine train depot, Hotstart’s heating technologies are an essential addition to your locomotive’s. Designed for integration with engines from global manufacturers like MTU, Cummins, MAN, and Caterpillar, Hotstart systems ensure engines stay warm, ready, and efficient—no matter the environment.
At the heart of Hotstart’s heating lineup is the APU Idle Reduction Heater, a diesel-fueled, self-contained heating system designed to keep locomotive engines and lubricants warm without running the main engine. With 19 kW of total heat output, this Tier 4 Final-compliant system delivers consistent heat via four heat exchange points and includes a built-in tank heater. It also features a heavy-duty alternator providing 80 amps of battery charging.
By enabling full shutdown of the engine—even in remote or cold conditions—the APU drastically reduces fuel consumption, emissions, engine wear, and wet-stacking. The system works seamlessly with Automatic Engine Start-Stop (AESS) systems and comes with an easy-to-use interface for automatic operation. Perfect for freight operators and any rail fleets operating in harsh climates, the APU gives your locomotives the freedom to park and start anywhere, anytime, while maximizing availability and reducing maintenance.
For operators preferring electric solutions, Hotstart offers the CLV Single Fluid and DLV Dual Fluid electrical heating systems. These heaters are designed to preheat coolant and/or oil in diesel and gas engines—ideal for trains, marine vessels, and generators. The CLV focuses on coolant preheating to eliminate cold starts and idling. The DLV goes further, heating both coolant and lubrication oil simultaneously, helping maintain engine readiness and extend component life. These units are a smart fit for operations where fuel savings, emissions reduction, and engine health are a top priority.
The HOTflow® CSM engine heaters offer compact, energy-efficient heating with pump-driven circulation for superior performance. The CSM features up to 12 kW of heating power and a 10 gpm flow rate, making it the most powerful unit in the HOTflow series. CSM Euro version is ideal for customers across Europe needing high flow and power in a compact footprint. This system ensures fast starts, reduced engine wear, and operational readiness in low temperatures.
The HOTSTART CKM model heater is designed to meet the demanding requirements of today’s rail industry, providing reliable engine preheating for diesel locomotives operating in cold environments. Built as a drop-in replacement for older convection-based systems, the CKM offers a straightforward upgrade path while significantly improving heating performance and efficiency. Its compact, durable design—with a mechanically-driven pump and stainless-steel tank—ensures it can be installed with minimal modifications, either vertically or horizontally, depending on space availability within the locomotive.
The CKM heater is available in multiple output configurations to meet the needs of different engine sizes and applications within the rail sector. Operators can choose from 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, or 6 kW models, all compatible with single-phase AC power in either 50 Hz or 60 Hz formats, and operating on 120V, 230V, or 240V inputs. These units are hardwired for dependable performance in rugged locomotive environments.
Each heater features a built-in thermostat control, maintaining coolant temperature between 100–120 °F (38–49 °C), with a high-limit shutoff at 205 °F (96 °C) for added safety. The design includes user-friendly features like a resettable thermostat and air bleed screw, enabling easy maintenance and reliable performance across long service intervals.
Importantly for European rail fleets, CE-compliant models are available, making the CKM a fully certified choice for integration across the EU and other CE-regulated markets. It also holds UL-C/US recognition, further proving its global reliability credentials. With NEMA 2 / IP44 ingress protection, the CKM is built for protected engine compartments and ensures a long service life even under demanding rail conditions.
Hotstart’s BCU Battery Charging Unit keeps starting batteries topped up and ready—crucial for engines exposed to long idle periods or cold climates. Offering reliable float charging, the BCU is compatible with locomotives, mobile equipment, and other heavy-duty applications.
To tie it all together, we also offer a range of control systems, including thermostats, junction boxes, contactors, and wiring harnesses. These ensure your heating systems operate safely, efficiently, and in line with your locomotive’s specific needs.
WHY BermanTec?
BermanTec is your one-stop supplier for locomotive alternators, starters, and now—premium heating systems. Whether you’re maintaining a fleet powered by MTU, Cummins, MAN, or Caterpillar, or you’re seeking smart upgrades for winter operation, we provide complete solutions trusted by global rail builders. Our team is ready to support your operations with the best components to keep your locomotives running—whatever the weather.
LET'S POWER AND HEAT THE FUTURE OF RAIL
For more information on Hotstart products or to discuss which heating solution is right for your fleet, contact the BermanTec team today.
Subscribe to our company update or follow us on LinkedIn to find out more about our new products in the upcoming months. Interested in our new product catalogue?
Send us a message for more information!
