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Kim Hotstart Mfg. Co. and ZTR Control Systems Inc. Aug. 14 began marketing a combined Hotstart-SmartStart package aimed at reducing locomotive idling and conserving fuel.


The package links together Kim Hotstart's Diesel Driven Heating System (DDHS) and ZTR's SmartStart® locomotive shutdown-management system.


DDHS is a compact, diesel engine-based system designed to heat a locomotive engine's coolant and oil, charge its batteries and power its cab heaters; SmartStart is designed to automatically shut-down and start-up both the locomotive engine and Hotstart system as necessary to maintain engine temperature, battery voltage and brake pressure.


The combined system is designed to minimize the number of hours a locomotive engine runs, which in turn would minimize fuel and oil consumption, emissions, noise, engine wear and wet-stacking.


Although the companies plan to market the Hotstart-SmartStart package together, each firm also would continue marketing its individual products.


A Class I recently placed an order for the combined system and plans to install it on a GP38 locomotive in late August, according to a prepared statement.


Meanwhile, the companies also announced a long-term strategic alliance agreement: "We will continue to collaborate together to develop the best solutions for our customers," said Terry Judge, Kim HotStart sales and marketing director.