today 144
today 144
From 22 to 25 September 2026, the rail industry will present its latest innovations for the 15th time at InnoTrans, the international trade fair for transport technology in Berlin. Industry visitors will be able to discover the latest developments on more than 116,000 m² of exhibition space.
Plasser & Theurer will also be there, in line with “The Future of Mobility”, the theme of InnoTrans 2026. We will present two machines from our new European product portfolio on the tracks in the outdoor display area: the Plasser BallastMaster 410 ballast profiling machine and the UnimatExpress 2X-4x4 Dynamic continuous 2-sleeper tamping machine.
The new all-rounder
The universal tamping machine from OHLA ŽS, a.s. is a further development of the globally proven 09/4S series, which is characterized by high output while producing excellent quality. Short track possessions can be used optimally thanks to the machine’s continuous operating mode and a wide range of assistance systems.
The new machine series was specifically designed for the strict normative requirements of the European market. Equipped with the European ETCS train protection system, the machines fulfil the specifications of the TSI 2023. Thanks to the new P-IC 3.0 machine control system, they also meet the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act.
The UnimatExpress 2X-4x4 Dynamic is heading to OHLA ŽS, a.s., a subsidiary of the Spanish construction group OHLA, in Czechia. The group has purchased Plasser & Theurer machines for the first time for its railway construction projects. The decisive factors were the machines’ high performance and the fact that they are equipped with ETCS. The UnimatExpress will be the most modern machine in the company’s fleet and the first ETCS-equipped tamping machine in Czechia.
A Plasser BallastMaster 410 was also procured for use as a mechanized maintenance train. Both machines are designed for use on high-speed lines and are authorized for operation in Czechia and Slovakia.
Tandem operation with multiple heading
With “Multiple Traction Control”, the UnimatExpress and BallastMaster can be coupled and controlled jointly from a single driving control station. All the relevant data of the second machine can be viewed on an additional monitor. This allows both machines to travel together in a machine formation.
Flexibility in turnouts and high output on plain-line tracks
The Unimat Express series has all the equipment on board to achieve perfect tamping results. As a universal tamping machine, it covers a wide range of applications: it is used for tamping plain-line tracks as well as turnouts and siding tracks.
Customers can choose between two 2-sleeper tamping unit options: a flexible 8x4 tamping unit with eight independent tamping unit segments, each fitted with tilting tines, or a 2X-4x4 tamping unit, which combines a plain-line tamping unit with a universal tamping unit, offering an excellent balance of flexibility and maintainability. You can find more detailed information in the article “Ready for any challenge”.
Improved track position durability
In order to increase productivity and to reduce track closure times, staff, and thus costs, a Dynamic Track Stabilizer (DGS) is integrated into the UnimatExpress tamping machine. Track maintenance, including stabilization, is carried out in a single pass. Increasing the lateral track resistance following track maintenance and carefully anticipating the initial settlement of the track reduces the number of low-speed sections and significantly improves track position durability. This allows maintenance intervals to be extended by up to 30% and reduces maintenance costs.
Digital solutions for more efficient work processes
Digital application options are available for the UnimatExpress series, transforming the machine into a data-driven work platform. The integrated Plasser InertialGeometry measuring system enables both high-precision post-measuring under actual axle load for work documentation using DRP as well as rapid pre-measuring for the work process using SmartALC – at speeds of up to 100 km/h. An extension featuring the Plasser ReferencedGeometry fixed-point measuring system provides precise reference points for the absolute track geometry and automatically calculates the required correction values. Plasser InfraScan collects additional data on the track infrastructure and adjacent structures. This data can be used to analyse the structure gauge, ballast distribution, measurements of the track platform and contact wire positions as well as the distance to the adjacent track. Systems such as Plasser TampingControl and Plasser TampingAssistant support operating staff during the tamping process by providing measuring data and assistance functions.
Resource-efficient ballast management
The new BallastMaster 410 combines all the functions required for efficient ballast management: ploughing the ballast bed shoulders, the track benches, and the ballast crown; collecting, storing, and reinserting ballast as well as sweeping it – all in a single pass. The adjacent track can remain open while working thanks to the slewing limiter on the shoulder ploughs.
The machine is ideally equipped for use both on plain-line tracks and in turnouts. The adjustable brush shaft makes it possible to sweep different types and shapes of sleepers; there is no longer any need for time-consuming brush changes. To ensure efficient use of resources, the machine is fitted with a 10 m³ hopper. Stored ballast can be placed precisely thanks to spot ballasting.
The cab has also been improved: operators can now work comfortably while seated and benefit from an improved view of the working area. With its ETCS equipment, the machine also meets TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) requirements.
Joint rail operations in Europe present a wide range of new challenges
An essential reason why these two tried-and-tested machine concepts continue to be developed is the increased requirements specified in standards for rail vehicles in Europe. The TSIs set out common regulations for rail transport in Europe. They specify the requirements that trains, tracks, and other parts of the rail system must meet in order to operate safely and be compatible across borders. Our new machine portfolio is perfectly tailored to the new regulations.
ETCS in track construction and maintenance machines – we have a solution
The ETCS (European Train Control System) is intended to simplify rail transport by introducing uniform standards, replacing over 20 national systems in future. As of 2026, track construction and maintenance machines for which the authorization process begins this year must be fitted with this equipment. Together with the ETCS manufacturer Siemens Mobility, we have developed a platform solution that meets the specific requirements of track maintenance and also enables cost-effective machine integration.
Increased safety against cyberattacks
As of 2027, the new EU Machinery Regulation will require cybersecurity to be an integral part of machine safety. It is therefore essential that track construction and maintenance machines are protected against tampering. Our new P-IC 3.0 machine control system complies with the Cyber Resilience Act. It ensures reliable protection against cyberattacks and increases machine availability.
Standardization for country clusters in Europe
At the heart of the portfolio are defined country packages that enable cost-effective integration of the ETCS and extend the operating radius of the machines beyond national borders. Within a country cluster, the machines are equipped with ETCS as well as national train protection systems and can be deployed flexibly and efficiently across borders. For countries outside Europe, the machines are also available without ETCS.
