Rangierloks

Rangierloks are locomotives specialized for shunting in rail yards and industrial sidings. Their primary tasks include moving individual railcars, coupling and uncoupling wagons, assembling trains, and positioning rolling stock for loading, unloading, or onward routing. They operate on tightly curved tracks at low speeds and require high starting traction and precise control.

Most Rangierloks are diesel-electric or electric; some use diesel-hydraulic or battery-electric propulsion. Electric variants draw power from overhead lines or third rails and are common in electrified networks, while diesel-electric units are widespread where electrification is absent. Key design traits include a compact body, a short wheelbase for tight curves, good cross-country visibility, and heavy axle-load distribution for strong tractive effort at low speed.

Modern versions may feature multiple-unit operation, remote control from the yard office or the locomotive, and energy-saving technologies such as regenerative braking or battery storage. In addition to traditional freight yards, rangierloks also serve container terminals, steelworks, and industrial facilities, where flexible, reliable shunting helps maintain line capacity and logistics flow.

The concept is widespread in German-speaking regions and worldwide, with numerous manufacturers producing purpose-built shunting locomotives. Although the term rangierlok is common in Europe, similar vehicles under different naming conventions exist globally.