Loram RGT: Australian Rail Grinding Revolutionizes Track Maintenance

Loram’s Compact RGT: Revolutionizing Rail Grinding Operations

In the ever-evolving world of railway maintenance, innovation often comes in unexpected packages. Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. is redefining track maintenance with its compact yet powerful Truckable Rail Grinder (RGT). This versatile machine, introduced to the Australian market in October 2024, is designed to efficiently address a range of rail grinding needs, from light rail transit to heavy haul applications. This article explores how the RGT is transforming track maintenance through its unique capabilities, operational flexibility, and commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. Its ability to perform complex tasks in tight spaces, its ease of deployment, and its focus on worker safety offer a compelling alternative to larger grinding machines. Nathan Usher, Regional Sales Manager for Loram Eastern Australia, emphasizes the RGT’s key advantages: “They are deployed on light rail, through passenger rail networks and heavy haul as well. They’re a bit of a pocket rocket!”

Innovations in Track Maintenance

The Loram RGT represents a significant advancement in rail grinding technology. Unlike larger machines that require specific rail access and dedicated train paths, the RGT’s truckable design allows it to transition between road and rail systems, enhancing operational efficiency. This capability dramatically reduces the transit time often associated with traditional rail maintenance equipment. Usher highlights the machine’s accessibility: “The RGT can on and off track at pretty much any level crossing, and you don’t have to transit through rail networks and take up train paths.” The machine’s four-wheel drive and high road clearance further extend its operational reach, enabling it to access and work on tracks with steeper inclines, a limitation of many larger grinders. Each grinding unit is equipped with 12 spindles, each delivering 12 kilowatts of power, making it suitable for tasks such as short-pitch corrugation grinding and the profiling of both grooved and Vignole rails, ensuring flexibility for a range of rail profiles.

Precision and Versatility in Application

The RGT’s capabilities extend beyond its transport efficiency. Its design allows for precise grinding operations, particularly in complex areas like turnouts. Luke Carmody, Assistant Manager at Loram, confirms the RGT can grind the complete turnout, including the crossing, frog, blade and swing nose. “They can grind up to within about 10 millimetres thickness of the blade,” he said. This precision is particularly crucial in areas where larger machines might risk damage. The machine’s control system enables adjustments, including full gauge convertibility in just four hours, ensuring adaptability to various track configurations and rail conditions. Usher emphasizes this versatility, “The RGT is infinitely variable… It’s also flexible enough to grind on embedded track.” The capacity to perform these tasks with accuracy and efficiency makes the RGT an invaluable asset for modern rail maintenance programs.

Enhancing Safety and Environmental Responsibility

Safety and environmental considerations are paramount in modern rail maintenance. The RGT incorporates features designed to address these crucial aspects. Each machine is equipped with a Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) and two hydraulic dust collection systems, mitigating the risks associated with airborne particulate matter. This is especially important in enclosed environments such as tunnels. Carmody emphasizes the importance of these systems. “The dust collection systems play an important health and safety and environmental role… The more dust you can filter out during grinding, the better.” Furthermore, the RGT incorporates three video monitoring cameras, supplementing the work of a spotter, to enhance operator safety during track access and grinding operations, reducing reliance on manual tasks and promoting a safer working environment, a key initiative for Loram’s customers. This is directly reflected in Usher’s quote: “This comes back to boots on the ballast – one of our customers’ biggest initiatives is to get humans out of the rail corridor as much as possible, away from manual tasks.”

Cost-Effectiveness and Operational Efficiency

The RGT offers a compelling combination of efficiency and effectiveness, delivering cost-effective rail maintenance solutions. With a working speed of up to five kilometers per hour, removing up to 12 millimeters squared per pass, the RGT can address profile maintenance and defect correction, which leads to improved track longevity and reduced overall maintenance costs. Usher explains that “Depending on the scope of work and the condition of the rail, we can get a lot of work done very quickly.” Its precision grinding capabilities also contribute to extending the lifespan of rail components, leading to fewer replacements and reducing the overall cost of ownership. Loram’s ability to provide machines and trained operators on a contract basis allows clients to leverage this advanced technology without significant capital investment.

Conclusion

Loram’s RGT is proving to be a game-changer in the rail maintenance landscape, offering a blend of efficiency, precision, and adaptability. Its ability to access challenging locations, its operational versatility, and its commitment to safety and environmental standards position it as a valuable asset for both light rail and heavy haul operators. The RGT’s deployment model, which is based on delivering machines and trained operators on a contract basis, enables railways to benefit from cutting-edge grinding technology without the burden of capital expenditure. Industry feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers regularly requesting the RGT for new applications. Looking forward, the RGT’s impact is expected to expand, especially with expanding needs in the turnout maintenance domain. Loram’s success is built upon its people, experience, and expertise in railway profile conditioning, ensuring customers benefit from long-term asset protection and extended rail life. The ongoing refinement of the RGT technology and Loram’s commitment to meeting client requirements indicates a bright future for this innovative machine and its role in advancing the railway industry.

Company Summary

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., a global leader in railway maintenance solutions, has over 70 years of experience in providing services and equipment to the railroad industry. Known for its specialized track maintenance equipment and expertise in rail profiling and grinding, Loram supports railways worldwide with a focus on extending asset life, improving safety, and optimizing operational efficiency. The company provides a full range of services, including rail grinding, track geometry measurement, and ballast maintenance, consistently working with leading railways in the industry.