Before expanding existing fleets, it is necessary to coordinate the requirements and specific characteristics of the infrastructure and operating conditions. It is also important to take into account the training status of the team carrying out maintenance work on tracks and turnouts on a daily basis. The new Plasser Unimat 4x4e is an innovative upgrade for machine fleets. With the experience machine operators have gained over decades, they are able to operate and service the machine. However, the advantages of electric drive technology quickly become apparent: less noise pollution, lower fuel and hydraulic oil consumption, and less wear. The combination with modern internal combustion engines also makes it easy to switch to environmentally friendly HVO fuels.

A new definition of increased efficiency: Unimat + 4x4 + e

4x4 tamping technology with electric drive

1-sleeper tamping units that can be used flexibly on plain-line track and in turnouts, such as the 4x4 unit, have proved themselves around the globe. Operation remains straightforward, and in machines from the Unimat series the tamping unit can react flexibly to all obstacles. A pivoting suspension, lateral movement thanks to telescopic guide rods, split-head technology, and tilting tamping tines are the ingredients of success. Experience with the 4x4 unit documents 2.78 million tamping cycles without major overhauls. This tamping unit with electric drive technology is now available as an option for the Plasser Unimat 4x4e with an internal combustion engine. The small "e" gives the hint.

Fleet expansion in the UK

Already back in the 1990s, Plasser & Theurer developed Unimat designs in accordance with British standards. The compact structure gauge is a particular challenge here, as the entire machine technology has to be accommodated within a narrower machine cross-section. A British company with a long-standing tradition recognized this potential of combining the tried and tested with the new. Four new Unimat 08-4x4/4S machines with an electrically driven tamping unit have already been ordered. From the outside, the machines resemble the predecessor machines in the fleet.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, these tamping units can also be equipped with other new tools and functions, such as Plasser TampingControl. Operation becomes easier. For a perfect tamping result, the sensor system provides the operator with visual feedback in the cab . This makes it possible to simply and easily assess the quality of filling and ballast compaction.