A well-functioning machine that has proven its reliability for decades is priceless. However, new technologies keep developing and help attain greater productivity. A retrofit modernisation is the ideal solution for this situation.

Retrofitting retains the intact basic machine. If required, individual parts are reconditioned/overhauled or renewed. Specific components are exchanged or installed to increase output. Typical examples are the DRP data recording processor, the new SmartALC guiding computer, and the latest measuring equipment. Of course, the retrofitting process is planned in close collaboration with the machine operating company. All measures are carefully selected and precisely coordinated with the planned investment volume.

Ensuring operability for many years to come

Retrofitting prepares a machine for ten to twelve additional years of operation. It costs less than a new machine purchase: the customer gains time and saves money. Depending on the extent of the retrofitting measures, the machine is fully operable after six to eight months. Upon request, operating staff can take part in the works. The employees stay on the job and gain valuable experiences. These experiences translate into useful know-how for operating and maintaining the machine.

Your machine approval stays valid

After a modernisation, a machine may only be operated with a valid approval. As the manufacturer, we guarantee a smooth way back to operation. We have access to the master data and know exactly which measures are permissible. With alternative providers of similar services, approval problems may arise, making the process risky and more time-consuming.

Successful modernisation

The Unimat 08-475/4S of Joseph Hubert shows that retrofitting pays off. Since 1995, the turnout tamping machine has been in operation, maintaining and improving the infrastructure of the German Federal Railway (DB). The operator was still pleased with the machine’s performance. Therefore, he decided to have it fully modernised by Deutsche Plasser in 2018. In August, the machine arrived at the Opladen maintenance workshop for a major assessment. Around the same time, Plasser & Theurer in Linz identified potential retrofitting measures that would not jeopardise machine approval. With the information collected in Linz and Opladen at their disposal, the experts from Joseph Hubert and Plasser & Theurer teamed up to define the project scope and timeline. In January of 2019, the project started in Opladen. In August, the modernised Unimat 08-475/4S left the factory, heading straight to the next construction site. Since then, the machine has been continuously in operation.