Company

Who we are

The LOK range is based on 11 models, which are equivalent to locomotives from 10 tons up to 100 tons, and trains from 600 tons to 6000 tons. The bimodal locotractor can be used on- and off-rail in most areas in one quick and easy maneuver. This enables it to cross tracks to perform cross-terminal movements quickly and efficiently.

Extensive trials performed by our customers resulted in saving more than 50% of the total cost of the equivalent standard locomotive.

The LOK (rail only) range is a rail-dedicated vehicle and is able to replace small shunting locomotives with a weight up to 40-50 tons.

There are two different versions of this range: one with steel wheels that allow for higher speeds, and the other with steel wheels with replaceable rubber friction bands that allow for higher tows at lower speeds.

The revolutionary CRAB and KUBO ranges include 7 and 5 basic models respectively, diesel or battery-powered electric. These vehicles are designed for indoor use, optimized for versatility and low operating costs.

All machines are built according to the latest European standards.

Zephir vehicles are designed to be customized, with a wide range of options, such as remote controls, automatic couplers, data loggers, safety devices, and more.

Zephir has produced more than 2,900 vehicles, with more than 90% still working worldwide in all kinds of environments in a wide array of logistic and industrial applications.

Thanks to this extensive experience, ZEPHIR is uniquely suited to create tailored solutions according to customer needs and adapt to different national requirements.

Zephir designs and produces its products in 2 different workshops situated in Modena, Italy, working with the highest-quality suppliers in the industry.

Mission

  • To be a global company providing innovative solutions in the railway shunting field, assisting intermodal applications, large industries, and metropolitan railways; and offering customized solutions to better support the efficiency and success of our customers around the world.
  • To constantly learn more about our customers and improve the technical knowledge of our employees to more effectively develop our products.
  • To forge new pathways in innovation, especially with environmentally friendly products.

History

Zephir was founded in 1969, designing and manufacturing heavy-duty towing vehicles for industrial applications, from steelwork to intermodal terminals and airports.

In 1977, Zephir became the first world producer of an innovative tractor: the LOCOTRACTOR, a rail – road vehicle able to be on and off – railed from tracks, vastly increasing efficiency and reducing working costs.

After many improvements over the years, today the LOK range has 11 different models suitable for working in many areas, such as industrial plants logistic centers, interports and ports, rail deposits, and more.

In 1991 two new Electric ranges were created: CRAB (bimodal rail/road vehicles) and KUBO, innovative electric vehicles which could operate in small areas, such as tunnels, metropolitans railways, and railway workshops.

To adapt to market development and new customer requirements, Zephir has created the latest ranges: LOK E (electric bimodal rail/road vehicle) and LOK (Rail Only).

LOK E combines the first Zephir range (LOK) and the electric engine, guaranteeing high performance with low environmental impact.

In December of 2016, Zephir was acquired by Marmon Holdings Inc., to become a part of their Rail and Leasing Sector. Marmon is a Berkshire Hathaway company, comprised of 11 diverse industrial sectors and more than 125 autonomous manufacturing and service companies.

Beginning in January of 2019, Zephir became a pillar company in the newly-formed Global Railcar Mover Group. Today, as part of Berkshire Hathaway and Marmon Holdings, Inc.’s Global Railcar Mover Group, Trackmobile, Zephir, and LEAF Locomotive continually set new standards for railcar movement equipment with innovations in efficiency, reliability, safety, and ease of operation.

Certifications