BNSF LORAM Rail Grinder Train
With track time almost always at a premium, railroads’ expectations for nearly any type of maintenance-of-way equipment remains the same: fast machines that get the job done as efficiently as possible.
During the past several years, grinding equipment suppliers have fine-tuned their equipment to meet railroads’ need for speed. Average speeds of production grinders between 2005 and 2011 have increased from about 6 mph to 7 mph to 9.5 mph or 10.5 mph, says Dereck Bartz, product manager-rail grinding for Harsco Rail.
Suppliers are addressing the efficiency issue, as well. Production grinding equipment manufacturers are coupling their upgraded, more powerful machines with inspection vehicles to enable railroads to shave off the proper amount of metal. Specialty grinding equipment suppliers are trying to develop smarter, faster machines, as well, and are incorporating safety and comfort features that benefit the operators. The efforts play into railroads’ push to improve both equipment and worker productivity, suppliers say.
Loram Maintenance of Way Inc. introduced a faster, more powerful grinder last year — the RG400 Series.
“Norfolk Southern Railway was the first railroad to begin using the RG400 Series Production Rail Grinder,” says Loram Manager of Marketing and Business Development Joseph Ashley. “These grinders range in size from 90 to 120 grinding stones.”
Canadian Pacific, CSX Transportation and BNSF Railway Co. now are using the grinders, as well.