Railway Track & Structures - September 2007 - (Page 28) Choosing the best m/w machinery automation of functions that used to require input from the operator. This not only increases the productivity of the machine, but it also reduces the chance for errors. These systems require significantly less wiring and wiring connections and that ultimately reduces down time. These systems also include on-board diagnostics to aid with troubleshooting, as well as contain some production reporting capability. Operator ergonomics and comfort, as well as taking into consideration the safety of the support and maintenance personnel, continue to improve.” CPR’s Graham noted: “We’re looking for a few new pieces of equipment that will improve tie plate delivery for steel crews, automate spike feeding and enable rapid replacement of defective rail behind flaw-detection cars, and high-production surfacing and lining equipment to operate at the same speed with wood ties and concrete ties. With regards to the tie plate handling system, we are looking to handle the tie plate once for a rail crew. We want to be able to properly place the tie plate at the time of installation. Second, we want to see the development of a spiking machine that will move the spikes from the bulk bin directly to the feeding tray on a spike-driving machine. Lastly, we are looking for a machine that can handle the replacement of defective rails behind a rail flaw detector. This machine needs to be able to do all aspects of the replacement of the defective rail, including welding in the new piece. There are many new pieces of surfacing and lining equipment for high production in concrete tie areas, as well as many in development for wood tie railways. These will provide a big lift once fully automated with multiple heads and tiefinder capability.” “We need to break away from traditional technology,” Bagley of CSXT stated. “The way this industry still does not use seal bearings that do not require Drake. “This not only includes measurable production, i.e., feet/hour, ties/minute, etc., but also includes reliability or operational availability,” he said. “After safety is addressed, there is no one single feature that we consider,” Domski of UP said. “However, getting the most work done in the smallest work window is paramount. Because each application has its requirements, overall we would consider productivity, reliability and quality results.” Appealing new features In today’s market, what new features or improvements in m/w machinery have the most appeal to you? “Programmable logic controllers and ‘smart’ operating systems have improved the operation and maintenance characteristics of several equipment types,” BNSF’s Upward said. With these systems, we continue to see the 3. The Fine Art of M/W Equipment from the Collection Brush Cutter Ballast Undercutter Swing Loader Scrap Crane Tie Crane New 180C Crane The best-engineered, most versatile line of construction and maintenance-of-way equipment available today! With proven reliability, utility and safety. Each unit is designed for maximum efficiency and minimum maintenance using RCEinnovated accessories specially developed for rail and transit operations. BUY • RENT • LEASE Rail Construction Equipment Co. 1400 West Ogden Ave., Naperville, IL 60563 Tel: 866-472-4570 • Fax: 630-355-7173 dennishanke@rcequip.com 28 Railway Track & Structures September 2007 www.rtands.com http://www.rtands.com
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