CQ University researchers have been working with manufacturers to test draft gear units, or the coupling systems that join carriages, in order to lengthen the trains while maintaining safety and durability - making it possible to haul bigger loads.
The team has already built a hydraulic system that can put forces of up to 45 tonnes on the joining components, as well as coping with bumps and fluctuations in load.
Minister for Science and Innovation Ian Walker said it was a huge achievement for Queensland scientists.
“We're on the verge of commercialisation but the researchers here think that may be still be a matter of years off rather than months off, but it's very much at its closing stage," he told ABC.
He added that the research would lead to improvements in sectors outside the coal industry.
"The research that is being done is useful for rail of all kinds so even passenger rail in the end might become safer and more comfortable” he said.
