MTW 100

When it comes to the installation and maintenance of overhead line systems, the MTW 100 is the machine of choice. The four-axle motor tower car excels in versatility and allows for individual configuration.

In the world of track construction, MTW 100 is synonymous with the installation and maintenance of overhead line systems. For three decades, Plasser & Theurer has produced the four-axle MTW motor tower cars. The MTW 100 model from this successful series is used in many countries. The latest models show what the machines from this output category can achieve today. Plus, the HTW 100 E³ hybrid machine with electric drive has been put into operation after extensive testing. Supplied just recently, the MTW 100.216 - that’s the machine’s full name - and the HTW 100 E³ stand for technologies that have become standard and allow for versatile operation. The new exterior design of the cabins is also state of the art. Together with the inner values, it makes the machines stand out.

All it takes to be successful

A machine’s equipment, design and look can vary depending on the contract, customer and country. However, the powerful four-axle machines have a lot in common. All MTW 100.216 and HTW 100 E³, the so-called heavy-duty motor tower cars, are equipped with freely moving work platforms, multi-part work platforms, spacious cabins with workshop room, a powerful and versatile crane, measuring equipment and concentrated technological know-how. The latest machines from these series will be put into operation in several European countries. In the first half of 2019, two machines were completed, put into service and handed over to the operators: In January 2019, an MTW 100.216 was supplied to Rhomberg Fahrleitungsbau GmbH in Austria. The machine has also been approved for operation in Germany and Switzerland. Rail Power Systems (Germany) will receive its vehicle in May 2019. The machine is also suited for the operational conditions on worksites in Northern Europe.

The MTW 100 track working vehicles with diesel-hydraulic drive (Hydrostat) are optimised for safe, ergonomic, efficient and economic works on the entire overhead line system of electric railway lines. The heavy-duty MTW 100 motor tower car is used for the installation, renewal, maintenance and inspection of overhead lines. It is also used for repairing disruptions. The MTW 100 is more powerful and versatile than small, two-axle machines. The standard railway vehicle design and transfer speeds of 100 km/h make it possible to transport staff and material straight to the worksite in no time. The MTW 100 can also tow assembly cars, freight wagons and transport wagons thanks to its high starting tractive effort. Constant optimisation for individual applications and worksites as well as the collaboration with customers and their staff result in perfected overhead line machines for universal application.

Safe works at all heights

Thanks to the thoughtful positioning of all components, there is no need to leave the vehicle during work. A laterally displaced platform, such as on the HTW100 E³ and the MTW 100 of Rhomberg, provides for an extended catwalk between the vehicle ends. This benefits staff safety and saves time. A front door allows for direct access to the transport wagon coupled to the machine at the side of the crane. Powerful surrounding lighting at the frame illuminates the area around the MTW without blinding. The accessible cabin roof is fitted with foldaway railings at the sides. The catwalk between both cabins also allows for safe passage. A three-part elevating work platform at the centre of the vehicle enables simultaneous work at different heights and distances from the centre of the track. Alternatively, the machine can be equipped with a hydraulic, freely moving elevating work platform that extends the working radius even further. In most cases, the crane is also fitted with a work basket available in different designs: Fitted with a lowerable railing, the work basket can be deposited on the roof of the MTW 100. Alternatively, it can be placed on a coupled wagon. The load of the crane, platform, basket and the contact wire holding device are recorded and monitored automatically during operation. This ensures staff safety, protects the equipment and prevents overstressing. Thanks to the heavy-duty design and the high stability, the MTW 100 can perform almost all works without support. This saves both time and personnel as the machine can be moved via remote control. Only heavy loads and large operating ranges require hydraulic support.

Series model with room for individualisation

Available in different sizes, the cabins house the driver's desks for the machine operator and the pilot. Depending on the requirements, the cabins can also be equipped with a crew compartment, further seats for staff, a workshop room and storage facilities. Although the machines from the MTW series are very similar, each machine is tailored to the individual needs of the operator, the operational concept and the works to be performed. A wide range of options allows for specialisations, ranging from the size of the workshop room to the crane output and the type of elevating work platform, equipment and the contact wire measuring unit.

When it comes to the drive, the heavy-duty motor tower cars show all features of modern, versatile and economic working vehicles. The main diesel is mounted underfloor in the vehicle frame. Two of four wheelsets are powered hydrostatically. The hydrostatic working drive with multiple-disk clutch has several advantages:

  • Shifting during travelling
  • High tractive force
  • Loss-free breaking almost until the machine has come to a standstill

In addition to the hydrodynamic drive for transfer travel, the HTW 100 E³ is fitted with an electric drive for working travel. It runs fully electrically thanks to powerful battery packs aboard the machine. They allow operating the machine for long hours, emission-free working and travelling at the worksite. Depending on the requirements, the machines are equipped with low-emission, sound-insulated diesel engines which meet the highest emission standards, SCR catalytic converters with AdBlue and an integrated particle filter.

Pantograph for earthing and measurement

The pantograph on the MTW 100 is not used for current collection. Depending on the machine configuration, it is used to earth residual current from the overhead line system or, in addition to the static contact wire height measuring unit, as a measuring instrument for the contact wire position. The pantograph allows for dynamic measurements of the contact wire position under contact pressure, i.e. the realistic stress on the overhead line system. If it is used for measurements under live contact wire, a separate earthing disconnector protects the machine. The basic equipment includes two fully hydraulic contact wire and carrying cable positioning devices and a contact wire alignment positioning tower for contact wire installation.