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We present new results on multi-nucleon transfer reactions in low-energy collisions of $$^{48}\hbox {Ca}+{}^{238}\hbox {U}$$ 48 Ca + 238 U measured at the velocity filter SHIP of GSI Helmholtz Centre, where we observed around 90 different nuclides from Tl to Am ($$Z=$$ Z = 81–95). We followed the idea to use uranium targets for the synthesis of neutron-rich MNT products, particularly in the region below lead, which was triggered by model calculations. The $$\gamma $$ γ , $$\alpha $$ α and spontaneous fission activities of the populated nuclides have been analyzed for their identification. The cross-sections of the observed isotopes for elements $$Z = $$ Z = 81–93 as a function of their mass number have been investigated. Excitation energy, total kinetic energy and the influence of nuclear shell effects on the production cross-sections of the observed transfer products have been studied. Also we present a compact review and comparative analysis of various multi-nucleon transfer and fragmentation reactions which are aimed at the synthesis of neutron-rich nuclides along the $$N=126$$ N = 126 shell closure in heavy nuclei.