Railway Track & Structures 12/07

Handy fix install or remove a variety of tie clips on all types of tie plates, including steel ties. These shock-free, low-noise tools reduce the chance of lost time due to injuries. Our impact wrench offers an antivibration stand-up handle and removes even the most stubborn bolts/ nuts. The tool produces 2,800 footpounds of torque with only a total tool weight of 38 pounds.” Wilson points out that safety finds its way into the design and use of PortaCo products beginning with tool development generated through customer demand for improved safety and productivity. “During development of our tools, special attention is given to safety features such as operator posture, reduced noise levels (low sound pressure), proper guarding (reduction of pinch points), hose routing and ease of operation. Intrinsic in our designs also are high power-toweight ratio for less physical stress and an ergonomic stand-up handle,” said Wilson. Wilson notes that many issues facing the market are influencing demand, including freight costs, raw material costs and labor costs. He says the one issue that stands out is increasing fuel costs, which push more efficient ways of transportation. “In response to this demand, the railroad is making a conscience effort to improve its system for the increased usage and speed of today’s railcars. While improving the rail system, the maintenance-of-way staff needs tools that have higher productivity. The productivity of the maintenance-of-way staff is determined partly by fatigue. By utilizing designs that incorporate low weight-to-power ratio, stand-up designs and vibration isolation, we make every attempt to reduce fatigue, thus improving productivity,” said Wilson. Racine Railroad Products Racine Railroad Products has made improvements to its spike driver and tie tamper, as well as developed a new impact wrench with a new, compact design, improved ergonomics with reversible handle positioning for working vertically on lag screws. The company is also completing a cartridge system for its Blu-Plug tie plugging material that includes an easy-to-use, battery-powered cartridge gun. “This battery-powered cartridge gun will provide for effortless application of our one-part tie plugging material,” said Steve Birkholz, president of Racine Railroad Products. “We are always focused on the weight and the ergonomics of the operator handling the tool to optimize safety and performance.” Other safety concerns the company is addressing include issues related to heat generated from the use of hydraulic tools, the safety to the operator and the effects of maintenance costs resulting from these tools operating in higher temperatures. Birkholz notes the company is working on solutions to address these issues. Birkholz points out that the increased maintenance required on the 32 Railway Track & Structures December 2007 www.rtands.com http://www.rtands.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Railway Track & Structures 12/07

Railway Track & Structures - December 2007 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Hand-Held Tools Provide the Power to Get Big Jobs Done AREMA C&S Update Striving to Solve the Riddle of Wheel Climb RTA Stages Warm Gathering in Sunny Florida in October Products and Literature People Calendar Website Directory Advertisers Index Sales Representatives Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

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