CZ LOKO completed the modernisation of first batch of locomotives for ZSSK CARGO

The national Slovak freight operator ZSSK CARGO has already taken over all locomotives from the 20-strong batch of modernised Class 742 locomotives delivered by CZ LOKO under the EffiShunter 1000M designation. The last three machines were received at the end of January 2025 "This was the first such large-scale order for a Slovak operator. It is also one of our most successful modernisation projects and opens the door to other markets," said Jan Kutálek, Sales Director and member of the Board of Directors of CZ LOKO. 

The contract was signed in June 2022, with the actual work starting in February 2023. Four EffiShunters 1000M are equipped with ECTS OBU. The cooperation continues, as ZSSK CARGO exercised an option for 10 more locomotives in July 2024. These will be delivered from this August to April 2026, all equipped with on-board AURIGA ETCS from CAF.

The radical modernisation of the old Class 742 locomotives built by ČKD between 1977 and 1986 uses the original main frame and bogies. In the CZ LOKO works in Jihlava, the bogies were modernized and technological packages were prepared, from which the „new“ locomotive was born. The 1,000 kW Caterpillar engine complies with the European Stage IIIA emission standard and its power allows a locomotive maximum speed of 100 km/h (initially 90 km/h).