Construction News

Thu March 28 2024

Related Information

A-Plant rail tool to speed track renewal

7 Nov 14 A-Plant has invested in a new cordless rail tool that it says replaces modular switches and crossings (S&C) quicker than ever before.

The Lӧsomat bearer tie tool
The Lӧsomat bearer tie tool

A-Plant has bought a consignment of Lӧsomat bearer tie tools, which are used to tighten bearer tie screws on modular S&C.

The tool is approved by Network Rail and comes with two reaction plates. It works at the press of a button and the tool stops when the bolt is to the correct torque. It is pre-set for bearer ties at 340Nm and is both silent and vibration free.

S&C work forms part of Network Rail’s track renewals programme for 2014-19, where it will renew more than 7,000km of track as part of a £25bn rail investment programme.

Related Information

A-Plant Rail business development director Daryl Doherty said: “The feedback we have received is that the Lӧsomat bearer tie tool and reaction plates could revolutionise productivity within modular S&C sites. Traditional methods involve the use of heavy machinery, which can prove cumbersome and difficult to get on and off the track, often requiring three people to assist. By comparison, the tool and reaction plates can be handled comfortably by just one operative and their manoeuvrability allows the activity to be carried out between crane moves.”

He added: “This tool has the potential to make a huge improvement in productivity, freeing up track operatives to carry out tasks earlier to allow completion well within 8 hours. It is particularly advantageous when installing bearer ties in a modular S&C relay, as bearer tie installations can be completed on the critical path without it becoming a critical task, as it can be completed quickly with no tasks waiting for it to finish.”

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

MPU
MPU

Click here to view latest construction news »