A Milestone Achievement: Oleo’s Hinged Friction Wheel Stop Approved by Yarra Trams
After two years of persistence, collaboration, and technical excellence, we’re proud to announce a major milestone on the world’s largest tram network – Oleo’s Hinged Friction Wheel Stop has officially received Type-Approval from Yarra Trams in Melbourne, in accordance with Victoria’s rail regulations.
A key requirement before installing any device on a rail network in Australia or New Zealand is obtaining a Type-Approval. This is a one-time review process where the product is examined, scrutinized, and approved for use.
This journey has been a testament to the strength of teamwork and innovation. Through a combination of virtual collaboration and on-site engagement at Yarra Trams HQ, our teams worked tirelessly to ensure the product met all operational, safety, and technical requirements.
Why This Matters
The Hinged Friction Wheel Stop is a critical safety device designed for end-of-line applications such as depots, workshops, and parking areas. With the ability to safely arrest rolling stock at impact speeds up to 5 km/h, it provides a reliable solution in environments where space is limited and safety is paramount.
Key features include:
- Proven safety performance with no risk of override
- Standard design validated on UK ISO 17025 test rigs
- Suitability for low-speed impact scenarios
- Integration into existing infrastructure with minimal modification
Supporting Safer Operations
The system has been approved for use at Brunswick Depot and other tram locations, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders -from drivers and depot operations teams to transport infrastructure authorities.
Human factors have also been carefully considered, including the requirement for manual reset after impact and ensuring compatibility with wheel dimensions and track conditions.
Looking Ahead
Going forward, this same model of wheel stop can be used freely within the Yarra Tram network, this achievement builds on our existing approvals with Sydney Trains and KiwiRail and represents just the beginning. We are actively working towards securing additional Type-Approvals for our Friction Buffer Stop and Fixed Buffer Stop, further strengthening our footprint in the Australia-New Zealand region.
A Team Effort
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved – our internal teams, partners, and stakeholders. Your dedication and expertise have made this success possible.
Together, we are paving the way for safer, smarter rail infrastructure and continued growth for Oleo across the region.