Precision-Engineered
UIC Compliant
Traction & Buffing Systems
High-performance Side Buffers, Draw Gears, and Screw Couplings certified to EN 15551, EN 15566, and UIC 520 / 526 / 528 specifications for passenger, freight, and locomotive applications.
Reliable Traction and
Buffing Solutions
for European & International Railways
Our UIC Standard Draft Gear System is specifically engineered to meet the stringent mechanical and safety demands of modern rail transportation. Built in strict accordance with UIC codes and European Standards (EN), our product line provides exceptional shock absorption, seamless train articulation, and maximum operational safety under high payload conditions.
Whether you are procuring for freight wagon fleets, mainline locomotives, or passenger coach overhauls, our components are designed for direct drop-in compatibility and long service life under demanding operational cycles.
Key Standard Compliance
-
UIC 526-1 / 526-2 / 526-3
Buffers for Freight Wagons & Locomotives
-
UIC 528
Buffers for Passenger Coaches
-
UIC 520
Draw Gear Equipment & Screw Couplings
-
EN 15551
Railway Applications -- Rolling Stock -- Buffers
-
EN 15566
Railway Applications -- Rolling Stock -- Draw Gear and Screw Coupling
Product Sub-Categories
& Technical Specifications
UIC Side Buffers
Category A / B / C / L -- EN 15551 / UIC 526 / UIC 528
Designed to absorb axial compressive loads between vehicles, reducing structural stress during coupling and braking. Available with crash elements, elastomer/rubber pads, or hydraulic friction dampening technology.
| Buffer Category | Energy Storage | Stroke (mm) | Static Payload | Standard | Main Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A | ≥ 30 kJ | 105 mm | 1000 kN | UIC 526-1 EN 15551 | Standard Freight |
| Category B | ≥ 50 kJ | 105 mm | 1000 kN | UIC 526-1 EN 15551 | Heavy Freight |
| Category C | ≥ 70 kJ | 105 mm / 150 mm | 1300 kN / 1500 kN | UIC 526-2 EN 15551 | Heavy Haul / Tank |
| Category L | Customized | 105 mm / 110 mm | 1000 kN | UIC 528 EN 15551 | Passenger Coaches |
Buffer Heads
Rectangular / Curved / Forged Steel / Cast Steel
Cushioning Types
Elastomer Pad / Rubber Block / Friction Spring / Hydraulic Cylinder
Safety Options
Integrated Crash Elements for enhanced collision safety
UIC Draw Gears & Draw Hooks
Drop-Forged -- UIC 520 / EN 15566
Transmits tensile forces across rolling stock. Manufactured from high-tensile alloy steel forgings with heat treatment to guarantee zero deformation under peak loads.
| Component / Type | Breaking Load | Proof Load | Cushioning Type | Standard | Material Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 kN Draw Hook | 1000 kN | 500 kN | Forged Steel | UIC 520 EN 15566 | 34CrNiMo6 / 42CrMo |
| 1500 kN Draw Hook | 1500 kN | 850 kN | High Tensile Alloy | UIC 520 EN 15566 | 34CrNiMo6 Forged |
| Elastic Draw Gear | Up to 1500 kN | Custom | Elastomer Spring | UIC 520 EN 15566 | Forged / Fabricated |
Drop-forged construction for superior fatigue resistance under cyclic loading.
Compatible with UIC standardized draw boxes and rubber spring packs.
UIC Screw Couplings
Standard & Heavy Duty -- UIC 520 / EN 15566
Connects adjacent rail vehicles by manually tightening the threaded spindle. Provides rigid or semi-rigid coupling between draw hooks.
| Coupling Type | Breaking Load | Weight (approx.) | Spindle Thread | Standard | Material / Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 850 kN Coupling | 850 kN | ~32 kg | Tr 55 × 7 | UIC 520 EN 15566 | Forged Alloy / HDG |
| 1350 kN Coupling | 1350 kN | ~36 kg | Tr 60 × 8 | UIC 520 EN 15566 | Heat Treated Alloy |
| Hybrid / Custom | Up to 1500 kN | On Request | Custom Metric | UIC / Specialized | Customized |
High-grade forged shackle, trunnion, and lever assembly.
Anti-corrosion treatments: Hot-Dip Galvanized, Zinc-Plating, or Black Oxide.
Ergonomic lever handle for efficient manual operation by maintenance crews.
Manufacturing Precision
& Testing Excellence
Advanced Forging & Machining
CNC machining centers, closed-die forging presses up to 6,000 tons, and automated heat treatment lines ensure dimensional accuracy and metallurgical integrity.
NDT Inspection -- 100%
100% Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), and X-Ray inspection on all key load-bearing forgings and castings before shipment.
Dynamic & Static Impact Testing
Rigorous drop-weight tests and static compression/tensile load verification up to 2,000 kN, with full traceability and test reports available per EN 10204.
Field-Proven Applications
Worldwide
Our UIC draft gear components are deployed across major railway networks in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America, serving operators, MRO workshops, and rolling stock distributors.
Freight Wagons
Open wagons, hopper cars, container flatcars, and tank wagons -- Category A, B, and C buffers with draw hooks for heavy haul operations.
Mainline Locomotives
Electric and Diesel-Electric freight/passenger locomotives requiring high-strength draw hooks and elastic draw gear assemblies.
Passenger Coaches & MRVs
High-reliability UIC 528 Category L side buffers and screw couplings for smooth passenger comfort and maintenance/rescue vehicles.
Deployment Regions
Global Supply
Technical Documentation
& Catalog Downloads
PDF Specification
Full UIC Draft Gear System Specification
Complete technical data for Side Buffers, Draw Hooks, and Screw Couplings -- all categories.
Installation Guide
Side Buffer Installation & Maintenance Guide
Step-by-step installation procedures, torque specifications, and preventive maintenance schedules.
CAD / PDF Drawings
Draw Hook & Screw Coupling Dimension Sheets
Detailed dimensional drawings and CAD files for integration planning and compatibility verification.
Documents are available upon request. Use the inquiry form below to specify the document(s) you need.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Can your side buffers replace existing UIC buffers directly?
Yes. Our Category A, B, C, and L side buffers strictly adhere to UIC 526 and EN 15551 mounting dimensions -- including standard mounting hole patterns and flange interfaces -- allowing seamless drop-in replacement without modification to existing wagon or locomotive structures.
Do you provide EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 material certificates?
Absolutely. All draw hooks, buffers, and screw couplings are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 material test certificates and NDT inspection reports as standard. EN 10204 3.2 third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas (BV), or TÜV is available upon request for projects requiring independent verification.
Can you offer low-temperature rated UIC buffers for arctic environments?
Yes. We provide specially formulated low-temperature elastomer elements and low-temperature alloy steels tested and verified for operations down to −40°C or lower. These components are particularly suited for CIS, Northern European, and Canadian railway environments where standard elastomers may lose performance at extreme cold.
What is your typical lead time for draw hooks and screw couplings?
Lead times vary by product type, quantity, and customization requirements. Standard catalogue items are generally available within 4-8 weeks. Custom or non-standard specifications may require 8-14 weeks. Please submit an RFQ with your quantity and timeline requirements and we will provide a detailed delivery schedule.
Can you supply complete buffer assemblies including crash elements?
Yes. We supply complete buffer assemblies including buffer heads (rectangular or curved), buffer stems, cushioning elements (elastomer, rubber, hydraulic), and integrated crash elements for enhanced collision energy management. Complete draw gear assemblies -- including draw hook, draw box, rubber spring pack, and mounting hardware -- are also available.
Request a Quote for
UIC Draft Gear Systems
Share your requirements -- part category, standard, quantity, and project timeline. Our team will respond with availability, lead time, and pricing within 24 business hours.
- EN 10204 3.1 material certificates included as standard
- Custom and non-standard specifications accommodated
- Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) available on request
- Technical documentation and dimension sheets on request