Mechan

Address: Building 5 Davy Industrial Park
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S9 4EX
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)114 257 0563 Connect: Website: View website Contact: Contact supplier

Rail Depot and Workshop Equipment

Mechan’s distinctive yellow railcar lifting jacks are a familiar sight in rail depots across the world.

They are the Sheffield manufacturer’s flagship product in a portfolio of lifting and handling equipment that ranges from bogie drops and turntables to bespoke traversers.

Railcar Lifting Jacks

The tough, yet refined railcar lifting jacks are vital for access to bogies, wheelsets and underfloor components, producing a smooth and safe lift. They enjoy global popularity, thanks to Mechan’s unique Megalink control system, which allows one operator to raise an almost unlimited number of units simultaneously from anywhere in the chain.

By broadcasting the theoretical position of every jack at regular intervals, each unit can make speed adjustments so precise they are undetectable to the eye, correcting any height deviations. Megalink’s remote, full colour touch screen also displays useful data about maintenance and servicing, giving the user the option to monitor the entire lift or focus in on a particular jack, making it easier to diagnose faults.

Bogie / Equipment Drops

Fixed location equipment drops – sometimes known as bogie or wheelset drops – enable underfloor modules to be removed, maintained or replaced without lifting or splitting the train, permitting simultaneous inspection and cleaning. This makes them particularly beneficial when an unscheduled change is required.

Drop systems involve initial investment in pit construction, but can prove very flexible, incorporating access along an entire road if necessary, allowing bogie change to be completed within two hours and saving time on other under floor work.

Under Car Equipment Handling

Under car lifting systems allow engines and other modules to be changed without raising the train.

Sitting in a shallow pit below the track, Mechan systems have removable rails that support various axle loads. In normal circumstances, they are latched into place to keep the road open for general maintenance activities and when an exchange is required, the vehicle is positioned with the relevant module located centrally above the rails.

Rail Removal Systems

When it is not necessary to detach a complete bogie, rail removal systems offer a cost-effective alternative to exchanging wheelsets and under car modules.

Various handling options are available to suit the needs of depot operators, including traction motor removal units, manual hydraulic units and under car manipulators.

Bogie Lifting and Handling

Stripping down and rebuilding bogies can be heavy work, which is why Mechan has devised a range of products to make their removal, refurbishment and maintenance easier.

Bogie and wheelset turntables enable items to be moved between adjacent roads or around the depot and can be powered electrically or manually. Lifters and rotators are also used in the maintenance of bogies, but may be designed to facilitate inspection of other components as well.

Bogie lifting platforms and their mobile counterparts attach to the frame to raise a bogie to a comfortable working height. Mechan’s platforms are located in the workshop floor and will take the weight of a forklift truck, so formal depot operations can continue when the equipment is not in use. Mobile lifters may not offer the same all-round access, but they are cheaper to install and more flexible.

Bogie Storage

Keeping large items at overhaul facilities presents space and accessibility problems.

Mechan supplies low and high-level stands, stacking frames and pallets to facilitate the safe and ergonomic storage of traction motors, module packages, wheelsets and bogies, for removal by crane or forklift. For better productivity, automated crane and grab equipment may be incorporated into a custom storage solution.

Bogie Test Press

Once bogie maintenance is complete, a bogie press or test stand is needed to mimic the loads imposed by the rail vehicle and settle the suspension, so no further adjustment to the ride height is required.

Mechan’s bogie presses accommodate various types of bogie. A spreader beam is recommended to transfer weight to the press structure, which can be mounted in the depot floor if tracks are flush or under a raised section of rail. Each unit is made to order and is available with a range of optional extras.

Traversers

Traversers are a perfect example of largescale installations that are built to order and Mechan is making a name for itself in this field, having created the largest one in the UK for the Port of Felixstowe’s North Rail Terminal.

No job is too large or small for Mechan and the firm guides traverser clients from concept to manufacture and installation, producing a completely bespoke product that meets individual workshop and vehicle requirements.

Demand for these unique machines is much lower than other depot equipment, but the firm is one of the few companies in the UK able to showcase its ability.

Lifting and Handling Equipment for Rail Vehicles Worldwide

Working on high profile UK schemes, such as Crossrail and the IEP, has provided a multimillion pound boost to Mechan’s order book, but through the efforts of its management team and international agents, exports are playing an increasingly significant role in the firm’s success.

International Railway Depot Maintenance

Trade overseas grows year on year and Mechan’s products are shipped across the world to key territories including South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Panama. Expansion continues as traction is gained in Europe and the Middle East, where equipment has already been supplied to projects, such as the Cairo Metro Line Three.

Mechan is also looking to Europe to enhance its product portfolio, forging links with manufacturers that demonstrate a similar commitment to quality, safety and reliability and bringing a selection of third party innovations to the UK and Irish markets.

Rail Wheel Profile Measuring

Laser measuring is a must for checking wheel, brake disc and rail wear and Mechan is representing one of the most advanced systems available. The handheld CALIPRI from NextSense uses three simple lasers to record all relevant wear parameters on wheelsets and tracks, eliminating human error and producing faultless, tamper-proof results.

Exhaust Extraction

Improving air quality and the depot environment is a growing concern for maintenance providers. Mechan has sourced flexible exhaust hoods from Blaschke that guarantee the removal of diesel fumes at source. They are fitted with narrower pipes than traditional extraction methods to enable smaller fans to be used, reducing energy consumption and noise.

Rail Sandbox Filling Systems

Klein automated rail sandbox filling systems use a pneumatic pipe to eliminate dust and an ergonomically designed nozzle, similar to those found at petrol stations, enabling the process to be completed by just one operator. Sand is stored in an onsite silo and fixed or mobile installations can be supplied.

Rail Shunters

A greener alternative to traditional shunters is available to aid the movement of vehicles around a depot. Zwiehoff’s award winning, Rotrac electric road and rail shunters are emission free, relying solely on battery power to trail loads of up to 500 tonnes.

Prestigious Partners

By combining traditional engineering skills with innovative design, Mechan drives product development, working closely with industry-leading names, including Siemens, Alstom, Bombardier, Hitachi and Network Rail. This progressive, collaborative approach to projects enables the firm to secure important contracts at home and overseas with high profile schemes such as the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).

Train Building Traversers

Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe facility in County Durham is using a pair of 80 tonne traversers designed by Mechan to move vehicles built for the IEP along the production line. An internal unit was specified with a low-profile design and four-metre long hydraulic ramps, to allow traffic to pass through the traverser pit when it is not in use. The second installation is external and has a more conventional construction, although a canopy was fitted to provide protection from the elements.

Bespoke Equipment Drops

Working with main contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick, a set of 40 lifting jacks and an equipment drop with two bridges have been delivered to the North Pole depot in west London. As the equipment drop is located in the centre of the depot, its unusual configuration had to be designed to enable one of the bridges to retract into the pit, so it does not detract from other work and normal operations can continue when it is not in use.

The firm has also developed a further two standard equipment drops for the new Stoke Gifford depot near Bristol. All three units use the same control philosophy to establish consistency and allow trained operatives to be moved between facilities if necessary.

Finally, a three-road equipment drop, 40 lifting jacks with a 15-tonne capacity and two bogie turntables have been produced for the new train maintenance facility being constructed in Doncaster, again for Hitachi.

www.mechan.co.uk

Read more

Mechan News

Mechan Wins Key Contract with Transport for Wales

Mechan Wins Key Contract with Transport for Wales

Sheffield-based rail depot equipment experts, Mechan, have secured a major contract with the public transport arm of the Welsh government. 

Mechan Jacks Support Revamped Bletchley Rail Depot

Mechan Jacks Support Revamped Bletchley Rail Depot

West Midlands Trains’ Bletchley depot is taking delivery of 21 Mechan lifting jacks, as part of a major refurbishment project.

Mechan Set for Record Year as Sales Reach New High

Mechan Set for Record Year as Sales Reach New High

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is enjoying a bumper year with turnover and order intake projected to finish at an all-time high.

Mechan Jack Production Reaches Record Levels

Mechan Jack Production Reaches Record Levels

Mechan is enjoying a bumper year for lifting jacks, producing an unprecedented 122 jacks in just twelve months!

Mechan Delivers Fleet of Jacks to Capital

Mechan Delivers Fleet of Jacks to Capital

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is giving a busy London maintenance depot the lifting power to tackle a new heavy overhaul programme.

Mechan Enhances Industry Accreditations

Mechan Enhances Industry Accreditations

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, has achieved official industry approval of its supply chain credentials from two independent regulating bodies.

Mechan Plays Integral Role in £70M Rail Depot Upgrade

Mechan Plays Integral Role in £70M Rail Depot Upgrade

Rail depot equipment produced by Mechan will be key to improving the efficiency and safety of maintenance teams working on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

Mechan Answers Call For Space-Saving Servicing

Mechan Answers Call For Space-Saving Servicing

Heavy lifting and handling specialist, Mechan, has transformed the centre of a busy London rail depot into a multi-purpose maintenance space.

Mechan Highly Commended for Innovation

Mechan Highly Commended for Innovation

Mechan is in the running for a national accolade, celebrating the achievements of those pushing the rail industry forward.

Mechan Jacks Raise Servicing Capacity at Hamilton

Mechan Jacks Raise Servicing Capacity at Hamilton

Rail maintenance specialist, Mechan, has delivered a bespoke set of lifting jacks to one of Scotland’s busiest depots in Hamilton.

Mechan Lands Prestigious Heathrow Contract

Mechan Lands Prestigious Heathrow Contract

Sheffield’s rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, has secured a contract to supply its flagship lifting jacks to London’s Heathrow Airport.

Mechan Reduces Rail Depot’s Impact on Environment

Mechan Reduces Rail Depot’s Impact on Environment

Sheffield-based Mechan is helping to reduce carbon emissions at a Scottish rail depot after introducing an electric shunter.

Mechan’s Latest Custom Project Heads to Capital

Mechan’s Latest Custom Project Heads to Capital

Mechan is extending its longstanding relationship with London Underground, by supplying a bespoke bogie press to its Stratford Market depot.

Adaptable Mechan Jacks Aid Rail Services in South

Adaptable Mechan Jacks Aid Rail Services in South

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, has provided South Western Railway with a flexible way to service rolling stock at two of its facilities.

Mechan Engineers Conquer Three Peaks for Charity

Mechan Engineers Conquer Three Peaks for Charity

A trio of intrepid engineers from Mechan, have participated in the Three Peaks Challenge by Rail to raise money for charity.

Mechan Showcases Bespoke Skills at Railtex

Mechan Showcases Bespoke Skills at Railtex

Mechan will be highlighting their work on key UK infrastructure projects at the industry’s first major exhibition since the pandemic, Railtex/Infrarail.

Mechan Lifts Underground Upgrades to New Heights

Mechan Lifts Underground Upgrades to New Heights

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is delivering one of its largest ever orders of lifting jacks to London Underground’s Acton depot.

Mechan Bogies Streamline Metro Maintenance

Mechan Bogies Streamline Metro Maintenance

Mechan, has been called upon by Midland Metro, the operator of West Midlands Metro, to keep its tram maintenance programme on track.

Mechan Adds Jewel in Crown Point Upgrade

Mechan Adds Jewel in Crown Point Upgrade

Mechan have installed a bespoke bogie drop as part of the largescale development of Norwich’s Crown Point rail depot.

Mechan: Traversing the UK

Mechan: Traversing the UK

Sheffield-based Mechan is one of the only firms in the country with the ability to design and build bespoke traversers.

Mechan Jacks Enhance Updated Glasgow Rail Depot

Mechan Jacks Enhance Updated Glasgow Rail Depot

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, has created a bespoke set of lifting jacks to furnish an upgraded Glasgow maintenance facility.

Mechan Given Safety Accolade by Siemens Mobility

Mechan Given Safety Accolade by Siemens Mobility

Mechan has received recognition from one of the world’s largest rail companies for its positive impact on the safety of depot workers.

Mechan and Winvic Collaborate on New Logistics Hub

Mechan and Winvic Collaborate on New Logistics Hub

Mechan is supplying Winvic with a bespoke rail traverser for a new £29 million Intermodal Rail Freight Terminal in Northamptonshire.

Mechan Rises to ‘Tiny’ Jack Challenge

Mechan Rises to ‘Tiny’ Jack Challenge

Mechan has created a bespoke version of its flagship lifting jack to fit into an extremely narrow maintenance facility.

Mechan Welcomes Engineering Duo

Mechan Welcomes Engineering Duo

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is strengthening its technical expertise with the appointment of two experienced engineers.

Continental Links Secure Paris Tram Depot Order for Mechan

Continental Links Secure Paris Tram Depot Order for Mechan

Mechan is joining forces with its French parent company, CIM, to equip a new state-of-the-art tram depot on the outskirts of Paris.

Servicing Capacity at Devon Rail Depot Given a Lift

Servicing Capacity at Devon Rail Depot Given a Lift

Mechan has developed a set of 12 lifting jacks and two turntables for a new maintenance facility being built in Exeter, Devon.

Mechan Keeps Calm and Carries On during COVID

Mechan Keeps Calm and Carries On during COVID

A can-do attitude at Sheffield-based Mechan has helped keep the rail industry on track during the coronavirus pandemic.

Siemens Mobility Overhauls 500th Bogie at Its Lincoln Service Centre

Siemens Mobility Overhauls 500th Bogie at Its Lincoln Service Cen...

Siemens Mobility has overhauled its 500th bogie at its Bogie Service Centre in Lincoln, which opened in November 2018.

Bogie Lifters: Client Commission Results in New Product for Mechan

Bogie Lifters: Client Commission Results in New Product for Mecha...

Sheffield manufacturer, Mechan, is extending its portfolio of rail depot handling equipment, after developing a new product for Siemens Mobility Limited.

New Zealand Orders Raise Mechan’s Global Presence

New Zealand Orders Raise Mechan’s Global Presence

Mechan is supplying eight lifting jacks to KiwiRail, eight years after it installed four identical units at the operator’s Hamilton depot.

Mechan Opens Doors to Rail Industry

Mechan Opens Doors to Rail Industry

Mechan is inviting friends and colleagues to see for themselves how its lifting and handling products are transformed from concept to reality.

Mechan Adds York to Traverser Tally

Mechan Adds York to Traverser Tally

Sheffield-based Mechan has delivered a 130-tonne bespoke traverser and set of 12 lifting jacks to the Network Rail facility.

Mechan Team on Track for Rail Charity Challenge

Mechan Team on Track for Rail Charity Challenge

Four colleagues from Sheffield-based rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, are preparing for a charity fundraiser next year. 

Mechan Adds New Landmark To Liverpool Depot

Mechan Adds New Landmark To Liverpool Depot

Mechan, the lifting and handling specialist, has installed a brand-new jib crane at the main doors of the Kirkdale depot in Liverpool.

Mechan Transforms Turntable Design

Mechan Transforms Turntable Design

The Sheffield-based manufacturer has launched a new turntable design, following 18 months’ research and development into ways to overcome...

Record Jack Numbers Boost Mechan Order Book

Record Jack Numbers Boost Mechan Order Book

Rail maintenance equipment specialist, Mechan, is enjoying record-breaking demand for its flagship lifting jacks, securing orders for more...

Mechan Celebrates Half a Century

Mechan Celebrates Half a Century

The Sheffield manufacturer handed over the proceeds of its fundraising to the city’s Children’s Hospital at a recent open day to mark its...

Mechan at Railtex: Best of Europe at UK Rail Show

Mechan at Railtex: Best of Europe at UK Rail Show

Rail depot maintenance specialist Mechan will add a continental feel to Railtex, showcasing its expertise alongside its European partners.

Mechan Welcomes Anniversary Visit from Local MP

Mechan Welcomes Anniversary Visit from Local MP

Sheffield Labour MP, Clive Betts, has paid local rail maintenance equipment specialist, Mechan, a special visit to mark its 50th anniversary.

History Repeats as Cairo Team Returns to Mechan

History Repeats as Cairo Team Returns to Mechan

Our original bogie drop is still working reliably and efficiently and it is a huge endorsement of our build quality that Colas Rail requested a replica.

Mechan Makes Charity Donation to Mark 50th Year

Mechan Makes Charity Donation to Mark 50th Year

Sheffield manufacturer, Mechan, has donated £5,000 to the city’s Children’s Hospital to kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations. The rail depot...

Mechan Sets Fundraising Goal to Mark Half Century

Mechan Sets Fundraising Goal to Mark Half Century

Rail maintenance equipment specialist, Mechan, is embarking on a charity mission to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Sheffield-based manufacturer has pledged...

Mechan Jacks Lift Expectations for Crossrail Trains

Mechan Jacks Lift Expectations for Crossrail Trains

Trains running on London’s eagerly anticipated Elizabeth Line will spend more time in service and less in the depot, thanks to rail maintenance equipment specia...

Mechan Rewarded for Top Quality People Management

Mechan Rewarded for Top Quality People Management

Sheffield manufacturer, Mechan, has retained its Investors in People accreditation, after being described as having a “strong purpose and vision to be recognise...

Mechan Makes Grade at National College for High Speed Rail

Mechan Makes Grade at National College for High Speed Rail

The depot maintenance specialist has supplied a bogie press and a set of lifting jacks to the National College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster. Working with th...

Mechan Stalwart Steps Down on Silver Anniversary

Mechan Stalwart Steps Down on Silver Anniversary

Works supervisor, Pete Bates, from Birdwell in Barnsley, will be completing his final day at the Sheffield-based manufacturer on May 18, after joining the firm ...

Mechan Signs Five Year Deal with Hitachi Rail

Mechan Signs Five Year Deal with Hitachi Rail

Heavy lifting equipment specialist, Mechan, has secured an exclusive maintenance contract with Hitachi Rail. The Sheffield-based manufacturer negotiated a...

Thoroughly Modern Mechan Gives Lift to Heritage Rail

Thoroughly Modern Mechan Gives Lift to Heritage Rail

The specialist manufacturer has supplied four 35-tonne railcar lifting jacks to Severn Valley Railway’s new Kidderminster facility, to make maintenance...

Mechan Equips Acton for Bakerloo Action

Mechan Equips Acton for Bakerloo Action

Rail lifting jacks produced by Sheffield manufacturer, Mechan, have been identified as the most efficient way to carry out major refurbishment to...

New Owners Raise Railtex Interest in Mechan

New Owners Raise Railtex Interest in Mechan

Rail depot equipment manufacturer, Mechan, is returning to this year’s Railtex exhibition in May to introduce industry colleagues to its new owners...

Mechan Acquired by Major French Rail Group

Mechan Acquired by Major French Rail Group

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is joining France’s CIM Group – one of the industry’s most ambitious international suppliers of integrated...

Longsight Lengthens List of Mechan Equipment

Longsight Lengthens List of Mechan Equipment

Sheffield-based Mechan continues to be a key equipment manufacturer and supplier to Manchester’s home of high speed trains, the Longsight Traincare Centre.

Double Crane Order Grants Mechan Allerton Hatrick

Double Crane Order Grants Mechan Allerton Hatrick

A trio of cranes built by Mechan is standing sentry at Northern Rail’s Allerton depot, following a £23 million project to increase its capacity.

Mechan Facilitates Innovation Centre for New High-Speed Trains

Mechan Facilitates Innovation Centre for New High-Speed Trains

Mechan obtains two orders from the Rail Innovation Development Centre, where the new high speed IEP trains are being trialled in Leicestershire.

Mechan Raises Export Trade with Major Hong Kong Orders

Mechan Raises Export Trade with Major Hong Kong Orders

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is enhancing its far east export trade after it secures two major orders from Hong Kong.

Mechan Set to Flaunt Distinctive Lifting Jacks at InnoTrans

Mechan Set to Flaunt Distinctive Lifting Jacks at InnoTrans

Heavy lifting specialist, Mechan, will attract attention at this year's InnoTrans with their distinctive yellow lifting jacks

Mechan win £1m Equipment Contract with Crossrail

Mechan win £1m Equipment Contract with Crossrail

Mechan depot maintenance equipment contract: the Sheffield-based firm will deliver its equipment to Crossrail, now known as the Elizabeth Line.

MECHAN SEALS DEAL WITH DONCASTER NEIGHBOUR

MECHAN SEALS DEAL WITH DONCASTER NEIGHBOUR

Image courtesy of Hitachi Rail Europe Heavy lifting specialist, Mechan, might work across the world, but the Sheffield-based manufacturer had to look no fur...

FOCUS ON YOUNG TALENT AIDS MECHAN BID TO BE BEST

FOCUS ON YOUNG TALENT AIDS MECHAN BID TO BE BEST

Sheffield-based Mechan has “a strong purpose and mission to be the best in the industry in which it operates” according to independent assessment by Investo...

MECHAN TRAVERSERS CARRY FIRST IEP TRAINS

MECHAN TRAVERSERS CARRY FIRST IEP TRAINS

Two heavyweight members of the Mechan family are swinging into action at Hitachi Rail’s new rail vehicle manufacturing facility in County Durham, follow...

MECHAN SETS SIGHTS ON MIDDLE EAST EXPO

MECHAN SETS SIGHTS ON MIDDLE EAST EXPO

Lee Pitts, Mechan’s sales engineer (Courtesy of Mechan Ltd.) Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is aiming to expand its presence in the Middle East wi...

Mechan Videos

Mechan Images

Mechan Bogie Frame Rotators Alstom

Bogie Frame Rotators Alstom

Mechan Bogie Drop Siemens Ardwick

Bogie Drop Siemens Ardwick

Mechan Bogie Drop Cairo Metro

Bogie Drop Cairo Metro

Mechan 15t Jacks Alstom West Coast

15t Jacks Alstom West Coast

Mechan Bogie Press LUL Stratford Market

Bogie Press LUL Stratford Market

Mechan Bogie Stacking

Bogie Stacking

Mechan 20t Jacks PKP Poland

20t Jacks PKP Poland

Mechan Bogie Turntable

Bogie Turntable

Mechan Bogie Work Stands

Bogie Work Stands

Mechan Under Car Equipment Removal Northern Rail 2

Under Car Equipment Removal Northern Rail 2

Mechan Underfloor Lifting

Underfloor Lifting

Mechan Rail Removal System

Rail Removal System

20t Jacks Translink NI

20t Jacks Translink NI

Mechan Traverser Felixstowe

Traverser for Felixstowe

Mechan Traverser

Traverser

Mechan Documents

Mechan Social

Click below to connect

Contact Mechan

Use the form opposite to get in touch with Mechan directly to discuss any requirements you might have.








    We'd love to send you the latest news and information from the world of Railway-News. Please tick the box if you agree to receive them.

    For your peace of mind here is a link to our Privacy Policy.

    By submitting this form, you consent to allow Railway-News to store and process this information.

    Subscribe
    Follow Railway-News on LinkedIn
    Follow Railway-News on Twitter