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Continuous speed control for rail yards

Introduction

Decades of precision engineering, built into a single system that controls every wagon, every time, without impact.

Technical line drawing of Decel's spiral brake with brackets for mounting on the rail.

Ready to upgrade your yard operations? Get in touch with our team.

About product

The technology that transforms your yard

DECEL's continuous speed control system replaces other braking methods with automated, energy-free deceleration. Every wagon is controlled continuously rather than stopped by force, reducing operational risk and increasing yard capacity.

Proven in extreme cold and warm climates alike, the system is engineered for consistent performance wherever it's installed.

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Yellow Decel spiral brake mounted on rails in a marshalling yard, with a wagon visible in the background.
Yellow Decel spiral brake showing a mounting detail with hydraulic connections and a guide bracket against a black background.
Close-up side view of a yellow Decel spiral brake with mounted components against a dark background.
Side view of a Decel spiral brake with yellow mounting parts and metal bolts for marshalling yard installation.
Yellow Decel spiral brake mounted on rails in a marshalling yard, with a wagon visible in the background.
Yellow Decel spiral brake showing a mounting detail with hydraulic connections and a guide bracket against a black background.
Close-up side view of a yellow Decel spiral brake with mounted components against a dark background.
Side view of a Decel spiral brake with yellow mounting parts and metal bolts for marshalling yard installation.

300-400% proven productivity gains.

Built for your existing rail. Installed with minimal disruption.

Our system is designed for integration into existing marshalling yard environments, with minimal infrastructure modifications required.

From first site assessment to long-term operation, we work closely with operators, EPC contractors, and integrators to deliver reliable, cost-effective wagon retarder solutions.

See how the retarder works

Spiral spring assembly

The core braking mechanism — converts wagon wheel momentum into controlled deceleration without any external power source.

Rail mounting bracket

Heavy-duty end brackets secure the spiralbrake to standard rail profiles — compatible with SJ50, K54, and UIC60 rails.

Friction braking surface

Hardened steel contact plates deliver consistent friction against wagon wheel flanges — ensuring smooth, repeatable deceleration in all weather conditions.

Calibration mechanism

Precision mechanical adjustment system allows operators to fine-tune braking force to match wagon load requirements and specific yard conditions.

Specifications

Technical specifications

Dimensions & compatibility

Length

approx. 2 m, including stand

Weight

approx. 200 kg, including stand

Rail profiles

UIC50, UIC54, UIC60/60E, R50, R65, S49, SJ50, K54 and more

Wagon weight

14 to 100 t

Mounting

Directly on the rail web, no foundation needed

Braking performance

Braking principle

Hydraulic and speed sensing, independent of friction and wheel size

Max braking energy

10.5 kJ per wheel pass

Speed accuracy

Within ±5% of the pre-set speed

Brake release

At approx. 85% of the pre-set speed

Max entry speed

7.0 m/s (25.2 km/h)

Operation & environment

Activation

Electric or pneumatic (air)

Power consumption

0 during braking

Operating temperature

−40 °C to +40 °C

Hydraulic fluid

Environmentally friendly synthetic oil

Service life

40+ years with DECEL service and repair

Certifications

ISO 9001, ISO 14001

DECEL spiral brake mounted on rail, top view
DECEL spiral brake on rail, side view
DECEL spiral brake on rail, side view in lowered position
Our values

Building to deliver real, measurable impact

Join a team where your work directly changes how rail yards run safer, faster, and with less waste, worldwide.

Real engineering, real impact

Every system you help build ends up solving a problem for someone else’s yard. Your work has a visible, measurable outcome, not just a line on a spec sheet.

300-400%
Aerial view of a large marshalling yard with many tracks full of freight wagons, where Decel spiral brakes provide energy-free speed control.

A team that stays close

Small enough that you’re never far from the people making decisions, and close enough to the field that you see your work in action.

Growing, globally

With projects expanding across Europe and Central Asia, there’s real room to grow, and to see your work matter in more places over time.

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A global leader in engineering the future of hump yard technology

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Örnsköldsvik
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Sverige

Huvudkontor

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Our continuous speed control systems are installed across Southern Europe and Central Asia, helping rail operators run safer, more efficient yards in both cold and warm climates, with a reported 300-400% productivity gain.

FAQ

The technology that transforms your yard

Portrait of Niklas Hörnell, DECEL

Need more information?
Contact one of our experts.

How much maintenance does the system require?

Our retarder technology is designed for long service life and low maintenance requirements, minimizing operational disruptions and life-cycle costs.

Can the system be installed in existing rail infrastructure?

Yes. The system is designed for integration into existing marshalling yard environments with minimal infrastructure modifications.

What operational benefits can be achieved?

Customers typically seek improved speed control, reduced wear, lower maintenance costs, increased safety, and higher yard productivity.

Can the system operate in demanding climates?

The technology is designed for reliable operation in harsh railway environments and has been deployed in a wide range of operating conditions.

How is a typical project delivered?

Projects are delivered through a structured process including site assessment, engineering, simulation, installation support, commissioning, and lifecycle services.

Fitters in helmets and hi-vis vests reviewing the work out on the yard

Capacity limits or rising safety risks?