today 135
today 135
When it comes to the installation and maintenance of overhead line systems, the MTW 100 is the machine of choice. The four-axle motor tower car excels in versatility and allows for individual configuration.
In the world of track construction, MTW 100 is synonymous with the installation and maintenance of overhead line systems. For three decades, Plasser & Theurer has produced the four-axle MTW motor tower cars. The MTW 100 model from this successful series is used in many countries. The latest models show what the machines from this output category can achieve today. Plus, the HTW 100 E³ hybrid machine with electric drive has been put into operation after extensive testing. Supplied just recently, the MTW 100.216 – that’s the machine’s full name – and the HTW 100 E³ stand for technologies that have become standard and allow for versatile operation. The new exterior design of the cabins is also state of the art. Together with the inner values, it makes the machines stand out.
Thanks to the thoughtful positioning of all components, there is no need to leave the vehicle during work. A laterally displaced platform, such as mounted on the HTW 100 E³ and the MTW 100 for Rhomberg Fahrleitungsbau, provides for an extended catwalk between the vehicle ends. This benefits staff safety and saves time. A front door allows for direct access to the transport wagon coupled to the machine at the side of the crane. Powerful surrounding lighting at the frame illuminates the area around the MTW without blinding. The accessible cabin roof is fitted with foldaway railings at the sides. The catwalk between both cabins also allows for safe passage. A three-part elevating work platform at the centre of the vehicle enables simultaneous work at different heights and distances from the centre of the track. Alternatively, the machine can be equipped with a hydraulic, freely moving elevating work platform that extends the working radius even further. In most cases, the crane is also fitted with a work basket. Here, too, different options are on offer: Fitted with a lowerable railing, the work basket can be deposited on the roof of the MTW 100. Alternatively, it can be placed on a coupled wagon. The load of the crane, platform, basket and the contact wire holding device are recorded and monitored automatically during operation. This ensures staff safety, protects the equipment and prevents overstressing. Thanks to the heavy-duty design and the high stability, the MTW 100 can perform almost all work without support. This saves both time and personnel as the machine can be moved via remote control. Only heavy loads and large operating ranges require hydraulic support.
As early as 2012, the first heavy-duty motor tower car from the MTW 100.216 series was completed. It was introduced at the 2013 iaf International Exhibition for Track Technology in Münster (Germany). The machine was developed in close collaboration with the customer Europten, as is best practice at Plasser & Theurer. Space, size, output and productivity confirm the efficiency of the four-axle machine design. Although the MTW 100 series has been in successful operation for almost 30 years, the latest model of this series is the result of a lot of engineering expertise and numerous optimisations. The MTW 100.216 offers improved access to the drive system and cooling, which are located underfloor in the frame, and optimised service access. A second large diesel engine as a working drive is no longer needed. This reduces the investment costs and the maintenance costs for the entire service life of the machine. Now, a small 15 to 20 kW diesel engine generates sufficient energy for the basic supply at the worksite. In addition, it can be used as an emergency supply and for the emergency operation of the work units to ensure operational reliability.
The machines from the MTW 100 series are future-proof. Their design is optimally suited for the most diverse operations. The great availability of parts for repair or maintenance work is an advantage.
The machines from the MTW 100 series are future-proof. Their design is optimally suited for the most diverse operations. The great availability of parts for repair or maintenance work is an advantage.
The MTW 100.216 for Rhomberg Fahrleitungsbau GmbH based in Wiener Neudorf (Austria) will mainly be used for installation works on new lines but also for the renewal and upgrade of existing lines.
The three-part column lifting platform in the machine centre provides great flexibility. The large platform can be lifted to up to 4.5 metres. The two smaller baskets can be extended independently – laterally by 3 metres and vertically by 2.8 metres. This allows for a maximum working height of 9 metres above top of rail. When combined and locked, the three elements provide a large working area for overhead line installation.
This machine is the second MTW 100 for Rhomberg Fahrleitungsbau. It was ordered in November 2017, around one and a half years after the handover of the first heavy-duty motor tower car to the company. The new MTW will mostly travel in train formation. In Switzerland, it travels with a tractive unit. Therefore, it has not been necessary to install an additional train control system. A special feature of this machine are the rear view cameras and mirror system. In future, these cameras will be standard equipment. The images of the two cameras will be shown on separate monitors close to the cabin corner. Right now, they are displayed on a joint monitor (split screen) at the driver’s desk.
The combination of the car body support and suspension blocking in the bogie is used for measuring works with the non-contacting contact wire measuring unit. The measuring system allows for the ultrasonic recording of the contact wire position in two dimensions. At a maximum travelling speed of 10 km/h, it measures the height of the contact wire at a distance of 800 to 4,000 mm above the measuring system and at 600 mm to each side. When the pantograph raises the contact line to determine elasticity and irregularity in a second measuring run, exact values are recorded and analysed. At every measuring point, the integrated camera takes a picture of the overhead line system. For night-time operation, the machine is equipped with a separate lighting system with work lights. Taking the gauge clearance and the ambient temperature into account, a proof is possible that the overhead line system complies with the TSI and has optimised wear resistance in compliance with all tolerances – on main tracks, this has to be completed every twelve months.
Plasser & Theurer will provide Rail Power Systems GmbH (Munich, Germany) with an MTW 100.216 which is tailored to their needs. The machine has not only been approved for Germany and Switzerland but also for Denmark and Sweden. The extensive country-specific requirements were a additional challenge to the machine design.
The motor tower car is equipped with a particularly powerful crane. The attachable work basket can be deposited on a coupled trailer. On this machine model, the crane with the work basket covers a working range to around 22.5 metres above track. This is a requirement for works on the top of masts or high overhead lines in station areas. In addition, a freely moving elevating work platform is mounted in the centre of the machine.
The machine equipment also includes a crew compartment with kitchenette and a workshop compartment, a contact wire and carrying cable holding device, a contact wire height and alignment positioning tower and a non-contacting contact wire measuring unit.
