In a celebratory ceremony in Salzburg last autumn,the two new machines, a tamping machine for tracks and points of the type Unimat 09-8x4/4S Dynamic E³ was named Nadja and a ballast management system BDS 2000-4 E³ was given the name Hubert. We would now like to present the most important innovations of our "new" machines in more detail.
The two machines do not only impress with a new external design, but also with their environmentally friendly hybrid technology. E³ stands for Economic - Ecologic - Ergonomic. The most striking difference to the previous generation of machines is the introduction of electricity as a means of supplying energy to the machines. Whenever available, environmentally friendly electricity is drawn from the overhead line. It is only when there is no catenary power available that all the energy is provided by a generator driven by a diesel engine. This ensures a seamless energy supply for the machines.
With the Unimat 09-8x4/4S Dynamic E³, further significant innovations have been implemented in addition to hybrid technology, including the special configuration of the tamping units. The part "8x4" in the name of the machine already reveals this. Eight individual tamping units, each with four tamping picks, are available for this machine. The units are divided in longitudinal direction, so that besides two sleepers in one operation, individual sleepers can also be processed. The transverse division into four separate units is the basis for full flexibility when working with switches.
Due to a sleeper recognition system for the track area, the operator only needs to take over the cycle control on a per-case basis. This significantly shortens the high concentration periods for the machine operator.
A switch tamping assistant rounds off the machine's comfort. Time-consuming setting up of the lifting and straightening rollers or hooks, which requires a high degree of concentration, is carried out by the machine control system. This allows the operator to focus his full attention on the tamping process.
