Railway Track & Structures - August 2008 - (Page 30)

Choosing the best m/w machinery quality of work environment). However, with an enclosed cab, we need a solution that prevents doors from being shut on hands. Simple things that were not considered at time of the new standard now need to be addressed. Manufacturers need to re-look at the machines they are producing and ask themselves, ‘What if?’ They need to ask the customer or to be open to positive feedback from the customer.” Robey added: “The price of new machines is out of control. Yes, the price of steel has gone up, but not at the rate some manufacturers are asking for new machines. In turn, we are looking at what can be rebuilt for another life cycle versus buying a new machine.” “Equipment has gotten safer thanks to mandates by FRA,” Keller of MRL said. “Lots of equipment is too complicated and too costly. Sometimes old technology is better.” “Machine safety has and continues to make significant improvements, particularly with operator comfort and fatigue,” noted Drake of NS. “Productivity has continued to improve, but has not made the large strides seen 10–15 years ago. The application of CAN-BUS systems is making an improvement in the reliability of control systems. Computer technology provides for more in-depth track geometry analysis, data gathering, and reporting systems. The increased technology has its price as the time for diagnosis of equipment breakdowns is extending. More frequently, there is reliance upon the manufacturer’s field service people to restore a machine to service. The costs of repairs have gone up significantly with the individual electronic components costing $3,000-$5,000. With the changing engineering machinery personnel familiar with field operations and real-life situations, it has become harder on the industry to come up with new ideas and advanced technology.” UP’s Domski said: “As a whole, the equipment is getting better. However, as acquisition and maintenance cost climb, some of the improvements are offset.” equipment addresses the safety of the operator and maintenance personnel. As far as the negative, there is reluctance by the vendors to fund research and development or product improvements. Also, the lead time between placing an order until you receive the equipment continues to increase. This speaks to shrinking supply chain inventory levels in the industry. With the recent pricing volatility of steel and other raw materials, we have seen substantial price increases year over year with all of our suppliers.” “All of the above, but more specifically reliability is improving,” Graham of CPR said. “There is a continuing need to do more advanced testing of equipment prior to commissioning in the field to ensure design performance is met on start-up.” “Machines are a lot safer than they were years ago, but there are many other changes needed to make the equipment even safer,” Robey of CSXT noted. “As an example, new FRA standards require an enclosed cab for the operators (better See us at REMSA Booth #1801 30 Railway Track & Structures August 2008 www.rtands.com http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track & Structures - August 2008 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Wish List: What Chief Engineers Really Want in M/W Machinery Keeping Ballast in Shape Amtrak Turns to Sophisticated System to Manage NEC Assets Supplier Profiles Products and Literature People Calendar Sales Representatives Website Directory Advertisers Index Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - August 2008

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