Harsco Track Technologies - Railroad Track Construction Machines, Rail Grinders and Rail Track Maintenance Systems

Harsco Track Technologies (HTT), Harsco Corporation is a major international supplier of track construction and railroad maintenance equipment to the world's railways. HTT is ISO 9001-2000 certified.

We are a single source for more than 140 types and models of work equipment for track and structure maintenance, track renewal, and new track construction. Harsco Track Technologies designs and manufactures an extensive line of equipment, including HY-Rail® guide wheel attachments (road / rail), rail grinders, tamping machines, utility track vehicles (UTVs) and ballast regulators.

Major railway contract services include rail grinding, new track construction, track renewal, tie plugging, track and turnout undercutting, and tie replacement, plus rail renewal and tie pad change-out services. The range of small tools and equipment continues to carry the Permaquip trademark.

Harsco Track Technologies is positioned to develop and deliver new ideas for maintaining track structure around the world. We provide engineering, sales, parts, service, and maintenance from five main locations in the United States, England and Australia. Sales representatives are located in 11 North American cities. Export agents reside in 27 countries covering the globe. For ongoing support, 21 service locations are available.

NEW TRACK CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

HTT's new track construction machine lays new track on a previously prepared roadbed in a continuous operation. A self-propelled gantry, requiring one operator, keeps the ties supplied to the conveyor systems.

After being deposited by the gantry, the ties move via the conveyor system to the tie drop area. Prior to being positioned on the roadbed, cushioning pads are placed on the ties to cushion the effect of steel rail on concrete ties. Rail, which has been previously distributed along the roadbed, is threaded through guides located at the rear of the tow unit. It its then guided inward to a gauging station. Final placement of the rail on the new ties is controlled by an operator who guides the rail onto the tie seat. The operator is also responsible for the proper alignment of the track. This system installs an average of 500 ties per hour.

PRODUCTION RAIL GRINDER

HTT's production rail grinding fleet is composed of high-performance rail maintenance units in several configurations from 72 to 120 stones. All units are self-propelled and offer computer-controlled flexibility for complete pattern capability across the spectrum of railhead configurations. All units offer pattern variety and fast response time in adjusting patterns and reversing grinding direction. Self-contained vacuuming systems control grinding dust.

SWITCH AND CROSSING RAIL GRINDER

Harsco Track Technologies' rail grinders are divided into two families: switch and crossing / transit grinders and production mainline grinders. Many configurations are available for each type of grinder. Specialized rail grinders have been built ranging from 2 to 120 grinding heads. C model grinders are available in 10, 20, 30 and 40 stone configurations.

Major features include: up to 100km/h (62mph) travel speed; integral dust collectors on each grinding car; low noise levels; towable in train formation; adaptable to fit various track gauges and easy operation via a touch screen control panel.

STONEBLOWER

The Stoneblower is a revolutionary machine developed specifically as an alternative to traditional tamping methods for the restoration of the track's vertical and lateral alignment.

The machine utilizes a process which pneumatically injects ballast under the tie to achieve track positioning to an accuracy of 1.0mm without disturbing the pre-existing compacted foundation.

Stoneblowing improves the ballast life due to being significantly less damaging to ballast as compared to normal tamping methods. Tests conducted in the United Kingdom and repeated in the United States have verified reduced ballast degradation.

Track can be immediately opened at line speed after stoneblowing. On-board diagnostic systems monitor quality during operation. Post-maintenance record of quality is immediately available.

TRACK RENEWAL SYSTEM - TRT

HTT's track renewal system - TRT - removes old sleepers and rails, prepares the track bed for new sleepers, lays new sleepers and threads in new rail in one continuous operation and in one pass. It can be ready to begin work within minutes of arriving at a properly prepared work site. This machine also removes and collects the spikes and rail anchors, heats the rail with optionally available rail heater, and can apply various types of rail fastenings depending on customer requirements.