Kynoch Feeds Kimberley 9 ton 4WDH

Bessinger 124/1976

Updated - 15th May 2006

This small four wheel shunting locomotive was built by HJ Bessinger (Pty) Ltd of Joahnnesburg and delivered new to Kynoch Feeds where it was used for shunting in their small yard and the neighbouring Kimberley Engineering. It weighs 9 tons and has a 3 cylinder Deutz air cooled engine with hydraulic transmission.

As it is quite small it is only suitable for light shunting and has no vacuum brake system for wagons or coaches so it operates at low speeds. This is one of only three examples of Bessinger 3'6" locomotives as the manufacturer, which is now defunct, produced mainly underground mining locos.

The unit is painted blue and is working order at Sandstone's Ficksburg facility.