Railway Track & Structures - September 2007 - (Page 34) Choosing the best m/w machinery “Our message to suppliers, after safety, is productivity and reliability,” UP’s Domski noted. “Automation is key to the success of any new machinery so that we can be more effective within short windows of opportunity. The next generation of machinery will require some risk taking on the part of the industry, as it will most likely be expensive to develop.” Graham of CPR said. “On the negative side, equipment is getting more costly and more complicated and there is a tendency to increase cost with options that have limited value.” Bagley of CSXT said: “Consolidations and mergers within the supply industry have been good and bad. The good news is that we are getting better machines that are capable of doing the task they were designed to perform, and they are more productive. The bad news is competition has been minimized or eliminated and the railroads are having to pay more for new machines. Regulatory requirements (EPA and FRA) have also driven up costs. However, we have gotten through those initial costs. The world and work environment is now a better place and will be for the long term. “Over the years, new machines have been designed with additional safety features,” he said. “However, suppliers must always keep safety as the top priority when designing new machines. Manufacturers have put a lot of resources into getting a machine that can repeat the same task over and over.” “At NS, we see improvements in safety, ergonomics and productivity,” Drake said. “On the negative side, increasing costs are not in proportion to improvements in productivity/reliability. Some high costs are attributable to sophisticated systems that provide little improvement to operations.” Positive, negative trends productivity and safety and reduce redundancy. Suppliers are somewhat responsive, but we require more focus on R&D based on Class 1 priorities.” “Suppliers welcome our visits,” Bagley of CSXT said. “Sometimes there is no outward acknowledgement that there is a problem and that they are going to work on it, but, then, a few months later, they may give you a proposed solution. Communication is the key to improving the relationship. Suppliers have a very clear picture of our wants and needs. We want systematic problems fixed and need machines that are more reliable. Finally, we are willing to work with suppliers to make it happen.” “We tell suppliers of our need for a tieplate-holding tie inserter,” Drake of NS responded. “Suppliers express understanding of the need, but they are reluctant to invest in developmental projects.” Checking trends, would you say today’s equipment is getting safer, more reliable, more productive, or other qualities? On the negative side, what trends are out there such as too costly, too complicated, etc.? BNSF’s Upward said: “We see improvements in operator safety, ergonomics and comfort. I think that they also are now taking into consideration the safety of the maintenance personnel and support people. On the negative side, I see very little R&D by the vendors to try to improve the existing product, as well as developing the next generation of equipment. Also, the lead time between the time you place the order until you receive the equipment is increasing with most vendors. We are also seeing extended repair-parts-delivery times from some of the vendors.” “On the positive side, the equipment is getting safer and more productive,” 9. 34 Railway Track & Structures September 2007 www.rtands.com http://www.rtands.com
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