Gradall Rapid Drive Models Offer Versatile Railway Maintenance of Way Machines
Gradall Industries, Inc., has two railway maintenance of way machine models, featuring faster maximum travel speeds on tracks to complement their highway speed travel advantages.
Both equipped with Gradall’s new Rapid Drive advantage, the new models can be driven on rails from the upper structure operator cab at speeds up to 30 mph (48 kph) in either direction. With a coupler and airbrakes, Rapid Drive also provides the ability to tow along a railcar for carrying materials, like replacement ties or riprap to and from the jobsite.
John Bridgeman, Gradall’s Industrial Accounts Manager, said:These machines are built on our highway speed undercarriages, so when there’s an emergency repair need, the operator can drive a Gradall machine to a rail crossing at 60 mph (96 kph) from the carrier cab and then quickly load it on rails, lowering the Diversified rail gear from either the carrier or upper operator cab.
Once it’s on track, the machine uses the carrier’s wheels for mobility, with an operator cab switch to select Rapid Drive, for travel speeds up to 30 mph (48 kph), or the work mode, for repositioning speeds up to 5 mph (8 kph).
Those choices enable the operator to address and complete a variety of jobs very quickly. Given the speed at which emergency repairs need to be addressed or the shorter track times typically available, this is a huge advantage for railroads and contractors.
Gradall Boom Advantages
All Gradall machines are distinguished by their low-profile, long-reach capabilities using the world-famous telescoping, tilting Gradall boom design and 220-degree full boom tilt capability for total boom power and precise attachment placement.
In addition, Gradall offers an optional tilt rotator, featuring 360-degree continuous attachment rotation and extra tilt motion. The tilt rotator also accommodates a wide range of attachments designed for railway maintenance efficiency, which can be changed hydraulically from the operator cab.
Gradall’s low-profile telescoping boom along with its short rear tail swing create a compact profile, allowing the machines to work efficiently under bridges and inside tunnels where knuckle booms won’t fit.
Gradall Mobility Advantages
Gradall is famous globally for introducing wheeled excavator mobility on highways as well as dirt.
XL 4130 V RD model, with highway speed capability, weighs 54,500 pounds and has a boom reach of 31 feet. Also with highway speed capability, the XL 5130 V RD weighs 62,500 pounds and has a boom reach of over 34 feet.
On/off pavement Gradall railway maintenance of way machines are capable of 20 mph on-track mobility with a rugged undercarriage that works efficiently, without outriggers, in any direction. The XL 3330 V model 47,300 pounds and has a 31-foot boom reach.
The XL 4330 V model weighs 43,034 pounds and has a 28-foot boom reach. The XL 5330 V model weighs 55,200 pounds and has a 34-foot, five-inch reach. All models are available with a host of standard operator cab features including air conditioning, removable front window, a large adjustable seating module and an in-cab switch to select Gradall, SAE or Deere joystick patterns. Highway speed carrier advantages include an automatic transmission.
Machines have almost 70 percent parts commonality, simplifying the task of maintaining inventories to complete common service functions. These machines also have longer routine service intervals, and most service locations can be reached from ground level. A network of authorized distributors supports all Gradall excavators, supplying service advice and authorized Gradall parts. Gradall models meet or exceed ISO 9001-2008 standards for quality.
For more information, including railway work case histories, visit www.gradallrail.com or call 800-445-4752.
This article was originally published by Gradall TrackStar.
