Ballasting in bolder ways: keeping ballast in top shape is a priority among railroads and suppliers are making sure they can do it quickly, safely, efficiently and cost-effectively

Railway Track and Structures, July, 2004 by Mischa Wanek

What non-railroaders see as tiny rocks, people in the industry see as one of the smallest, but most-key, features of railroading. Suppliers are hard at work to give the railroads exactly what they need to keep ballast in working order.

Ballast Tools: Get XTREME

Ballast Tools Inc. introduced a new product line, XTREME Tamping Tools, which came about through years of engineering, testing and modifications. According to BTI, the result is a line of exceptional tamping tools that increases productivity by reducing downtime, eliminating tool maintenance and cutting costs because its tungsten-carbide wear-proofing increases the life-span of the tamping tools.

BTI manufactures Ballastic Broom Elements that improve sweep due to the equipment's massive tip, composed of a special rubber compound. The company has also developed regulator plow blades, the Max series, which are thicker, have higher tensile strength, more wear resistance and are available for all models of regulators.

"BTI increases the performance of its tools by design and implementation of wear-proofing in high-wear applications. We use a variety of technologies, including CAD/CAM, electronic brazing, plasma and other systems. We invest heavily in research, product development and quality assurance, as well as field trials. BTI has recently attained ISO 9001:2000 Certification, marking the tenth year of ISO quality certification. Our parts often outperform a standard product by as much as 30 to 1. Our strict dedication to design, engineering, testing and improvement ensures the deliverance of quality products and service to our customers," said Kevin Jones, marketing designer at BTI.

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GREX: DUMP TRAIN

The DUMP TRAIN from Georgetown Rail Equipment Co. is an aggregate delivery system capable of pinpoint unloading at up to 2,000 tons per hour. The DUMP TRAIN is a one-man operation and has 1,500 net tons of capacity.

"Eliminating rehandling, making the best use of short work windows and allowing other railroad assets to concentrate on high-tonnage needs are the real benefits to using our DUMP TRAIN aggregate delivery system," said Steve Orrell, president and chief executive officer of GREX.

"One newer use for DT deliveries that is particularly gratifying to see is the dumping of crossing rehab material. The DT can pinpoint small stockpiles of material at each side of the crossing, all at much faster rates with less rehandling than any other method," said Orrell.

Herzog: MPM and PLUS Train

Herzog Contracting Corp. says it offers the most-advanced ballast train available for lease. The Herzog PLUS Train, which stands for programmable linear unloading system, unloads ballast at an average speed of 14 mph. A presurvey is performed over the line where ballast is to be spread using a special software program. The program is then downloaded into a computer on the ballast train. Once this is performed, the ballast doors open and close, unloading the amounts of ballast to be spread in each location automatically. These trains are being used by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSXT and Canadian Pacific.

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Another Herzog ballast machine is the Multi-Purpose Machine, or MPM, a self-propelled unit operated by one Herzog employee. The MPM performs ditching work, as well as other functions, such as tie and OTM distribution. A quick disconnect feature allows for each attachment to be changed in less than two minutes. Six cars are provided for handling materials. The consist can be moved from the crawler hoe by means of remote control while operating. According to Herzog, several railroads have used the MPM for ditching, as well as the other available features, with great success.

"Herzog sees the ballast-maintenance market increasing as railroad tonnages steadily increase. Both the PLUS Train ballast unloading system and the MPM add to increased productivity and improved safety," said George Farris, vice president marketing at Herzog.

Knox Kershaw: New machines

Knox Kershaw Inc. introduced three new machines in the past three years. The company says the KKA-1000 Kribber Adzer, introduced late last year, is the first new adzer on the market in 15 years. Knox Kershaw points out that it offers improvements over previous machines in all areas, particularly dust control, fire suppression and serviceability.

The new KBR-875 fills the gap between the KBR-850 and KBR-900. It offers many of the features of the KBR-900 at a lower cost. The KBC-1200 bridge crane is Knox Kershaw's newest release. The KBC-1200 is based on the company's KTC-1200 Tie Crane and includes four rail clamps, a hydraulic winch mounted to the root boom, a hydraulic tilt grapple and a timber grapple assembly.

"Customers are asking for machines that are easier to maintain," said Knox Kershaw, president of Knox Kershaw. "This includes simpler, straightforward designs that are easier to troubleshoot with components that have longer service our equipment, we strive to improve safety features in an ever-evolving process. In the process of improving safety, this also goes hand-in-hand with ease of maintenance" said White.