Diesel-mechanic stock plays a minor role in many fleets. However, some operators do successfully use modern diesel-mechanic vehicles. For example Danish DSB has relied on diesel-mechanic transmission in their IC3 DMUs for more than ten years and is currently ordering the IC4, the next generation of diesel-mechanic MUs. The Deutsche Bahn AG has purchased a large number of diesel-mechanic trains (of the TALENT and DESIRO type) for regional service in recent years .

• Low price
• Low weight
• Fuel economy

Low price

Diesel-mechanic transmission is cheap for two reasons:

• Simplicity (compared to hydromechanic and electric transmission)
• "Off-the-shelf" solutions from mass markets (busses and trucks) can often be used.

Low weight

Mass of diesel-mechanic gear is low, especially compared to diesel-electric solutions, which involve additional traction motors and inverter equipment.

Acceptance

Diesel-mechanic transmission meets strong scepticism since it is often seen as an old technology with low reliability and high maintenance.

Vehicle design

In contrast to diesel-electric power packs (cf. Alstom Lirex), diesel-mechanic modules cannot be located on the roof but have to be installed completely underfloor. This is a barrier for low-floor vehicle design (which is sometimes preferred to facilitate access for elderly and disabled passengers).

Maintenance

Diesel-mechanic transmission requires more maintenance than hydro-mechanic transmission. However, these additional costs are usually compensated by lower initial and energy costs yielding equal or lower LCC.

Regenerative braking

Compared to diesel-electric stock, in diesel-mechanic propulsion the use of braking energy is much more limited (cf. Environmental criteria - Energy efficiency potential ). This comparison is however somewhat theoretical because brake energy recovery is an exception in diesel-electric stock as well.

In modern stock diesel-mechanic transmission is limited to DMUs. The power range of locomotives is difficult to realize with state-of-the-art diesel-mechanic gears.