Modern trams are characterized by large, mostly heavily curved windshields. Wald Antriebe has developed wiper systems that are suitable for these challenging windshield geometries. The development goal for our wiper systems for trams was to provide the driver with the best possible visibility while also taking into account modern sensors and cameras, which also require a clear “view” to the front.

Underground passenger transport has a number of special features for which Wald Antriebe has developed suitable solutions. Whether it’s additional manual drives for the windshield wipers in the event of a total power failure or particularly water-saving wiper systems for small water tanks that can be placed in the driver’s cab: Wald Antriebe has the right solution.

Whether single-deck or double-deck, regional trains and suburban trains with a cruising speed of up to 160 km/h and high operating capacity transport many people to work or on vacation every day. Numerous European and Asian train manufacturers rely on Wald Antriebe’s wiper systems when designing their regional trains.

With a cruising speed of up to 200 km/h, Intercity trains pose a particular challenge for windshield wiper systems. Wald Antriebe has developed suitable systems to ensure the stability and reliability of the windshield wipers even when trains are approaching and in double traction.

Locomotives are undoubtedly the workhorses of the railways. In both passenger and freight transport, locomotives cover millions of kilometers over many years. The windshield wiper system must therefore be extremely durable and reliable to ensure that people and goods reach their destination safely. For many years, Wald Antriebe has been building robust and durable windshield wiper systems for locomotives in various sizes and performance classes.

Rack railways, diagnostic trains, and construction locomotives are just a few examples of special rail vehicles. These can pose particular challenges for the windshield wiper system, including special EMC requirements, limited space, and unusual wiper blade geometries. Talk to us about your special projects—we are sure to find a solution.

Pantographs consist of a wiper system with a double arm, in which both individual arms are driven together. The arms are connected by a rider, achieving a very straight wipe pattern. Pantographs are particularly suitable for tall, narrow windows and are standard in most rail vehicles.

Parallel wiper systems consist of two individual arms that are driven simultaneously by a single motor. Parallel systems are used on vehicle windows that are wider than they are tall and where the driver’s side has a larger field of vision than the passenger side.

Single systems consist of only one wiper arm with a wiper blade. This system is particularly suitable for smaller windows or in very confined spaces. A single system allows for large wiping angles.

If the window is very flat and very wide, as is the case with many trucks, for example, a triple system is often used. All three arms move simultaneously, as in a parallel system, and are driven by a single motor.

Butterfly systems consist of two individual arms. The movement of the motor is transmitted via levers, rods, and a triangular plate to produce a counter-rotating movement of the wiper arms, with one of the arms reacting slightly delayed to prevent the arms from colliding. This system is mainly used for large, relatively flat windshields, such as those found on buses.

If the window is very flat and very wide, as is the case with many trucks, for example, a triple system is often used. All three arms move simultaneously, as in a parallel system, and are driven by a single motor.

For a wiper and washer system certified to DIN EN 45545, all of our washer fluid tanks are welded from stainless steel. As a company certified to DIN EN 15085-2, our welders are trained and authorized to carry out welding work for rail vehicles. All add-on components such as pumps, hoses, cables, and level sensors also comply with the stringent DIN EN 45545 standard.

To achieve complete cleaning results at any speed and with any windscreen geometry, we offer a wide range of washer nozzles. The nozzles can be positioned on the vehicle front mask, on the wiper arm, or directly on the wiper blade. In addition, we have a technology in our portfolio with Aquablade, in which the washer fluid can be discharged directly from numerous openings onto the wiper rubber of the wiper blade. This quickly provides good visibility and saves a great deal of water—meaning the tank can be smaller and therefore more space-saving.

We offer all connecting and transport hoses for washer fluid from our range. Of course, all hoses are also available in a fire-protection version in accordance with DIN EN 45545.

Powerful, extremely reliable, and durable pumps—optionally with internal and external level sensors—round out our portfolio.