ASR-23

THE INDUSTRY STANDARD

Model ASR-23 Skate Retarder for Railcar Braking and Control

The ASR-23 Skate Retarder is an electrically controlled railcar braking system designed for use in hump and classification yards. Built to standard 4’ 8½” gauge track, the ASR-23 provides reliable car control at critical points in rail yard operations. Its electro-mechanical actuated, spring dampened design ensures smooth, consistent braking performance while minimizing maintenance requirements. The ASR-23 requires no hydraulics for actuation and eliminates the potential for hydraulic leaks and unsafe walk way hazard between tracks.

Designed to be installed in tandem with a dual 20 foot units, the ASR-23 captures both trucks (wheelsets) of a railcar to safely control or stop movement. With the ability to reduce or hold cars traveling up to 6 MPH, the ASR-23 is an ideal solution for precise railcar positioning and safe yard operations.

Its modular design provides easy customization for shorter length retarders for use in many different applications. The ASR-23 can be used to hold cars for loading or unloading operations to ensure railcars are secure in place and minimizing the need to use railcar handbrakes.

ASR-23 skate retarder installed on rail yard track

YM-16

High-Performance Yard Switch Solution

Upgrade your yard safety and railcar control — contact us today to request a quote or technical consultation for the ASR-23 Skate Retarder.

Key Features of the ASR-23 Railcar Braking System

  • Electromechanical drive shaft actuation with spring-dampening brakeshoes
  • Two in-gauge brake channels with serviceable brake pads
  • Damping springs absorb shock loads during braking
  • Six low-profile cam gearboxes connected by a common drive line
  • Three-position operation: Open, Closed, and Shim for brake pad maintenance
  • Quick cycle time of under 30 seconds from Closed to Open
  • Proximity sensors provide an accurate retarder position status
  • Safe fallback mode allows railcars to be pulled through at up to 4 MPH during power loss
Close-up of ASR-23 cam gearbox module

rail switch retarder

Why Choose the ASR-23 Skate Retarder for Railroad Switching?

The YM-16 yard switch machine combines cutting-edge hydraulic design with a proven track record in the field. It replaces traditional railroad switches with a smarter, faster solution capable of completing a full throw in just 1.2 seconds. The dual-spring mechanism ensures that switch points stay closed under load and reliably complete every movement—even during run-throughs.

Designed for easy integration into rail automation systems, the YM-16 supports advanced features like auto-return, auto-line, and auto-restore when used with a switch processor. Whether you’re managing remote sidings or busy yard tracks, the YM-16 provides the reliability and control you need to keep your rail operations running safely and efficiently.