State-of-the-art technology

As in many industries, a lack of qualified staff is also a major issue in track maintenance. This makes it even more important to find solutions to automate track maintenance even more. The new Unimat 09-8x4/4S BR-Dynamic E³ maintenance system by Plasser & Theurer shows how this is possible using state-of-the art technology. It was developed specifically for maintaining high-capacity turnouts. Short track possessions make it necessary to maintain them in an extremely fast, precise, and efficient way. Integrated ballast management is an essential prerequisite as precise ballasting is part of the process.

The new machine sets itself apart with a spacious and comfortable crew compartment. It is clearly a perk in view of this extremely challenging job. What also stands out is that there is only one operator’s cab for two operators on the machine’s main frame. With digitalised systems supporting work processes, staff reduction has become an option. What is currently being tested as a field study is expected to offer many operating companies a new way to deal with staff shortages.

Achieving high quality in a short amount of time: that’s the goal for track maintenance companies, also as regards ballast distribution and profiling. Once again, a new Plasser & Theurer technology allows for greater flexibility. The ballast distributing and profiling machine is the first machine to feature a sweeping unit suitable for both concrete and wooden sleepers. This eliminates the time and effort needed to reconfigure the machine. For switching from working on one kind of sleeper to another, adjusting the sweeping unit settings is the only necessary step.

In line with ModularCustomizing, the new ballast regulating machine Plasser BallastMaster can be tailored even more closely to individual customer requirements. Plasser & Theurer’s new ballast regulating simulator is a tool that makes training even more flexible and mobile, and it makes switching to the new machine even easier.

For years, Plasser & Theurer’s APT 1500 mobile rail welding robot has been the only flash-butt welding technology that was also approved for transport by lorry without a special permit. The new welding unit – the Plasser FlashWelder – is now in its final stage of development. Its new design focuses on the fundamental features: the welding head is approx. 35 % lighter and the sensor system has been reduced to the essential elements. This greatly simplifies operating and maintaining the system. The new welding unit will continue the success of the APT series: until now, the first APT 1500 R has joined nearly 20,000 rails. As its performance and quality are consistently excellent, one customer even invested in a second APT 1500 R in 2020.