Seite/Page: 2

______

Redaktioneller Artikel E-MAXI – NEDTRAIN / englisch

ZAGRO E-MAXI got best scores at NedTrain B.V. Netherlands

NedTrain B.V. in Utrecht is the specialist in the procurement, operation, maintenance and revision of railroad rolling stock for the freight and passenger transportation in the Netherlands. The NedTrain workshops are responsible for the maintenance, service, cleaning, overhauling and modernisation of the locomotives and railway cars with the aim to ensure the optimum availability and reliability of rolling stock.

Day after day, numerous railcars need to be moved within the Nedtrain workshop areas. So NedTrain was in search of a new battery driven railcar mover for indoor operation, with the intention to improve their shunting work based on responsible labour protection and industrial safety. The solution was offered by ZAGRO Bahn- und Baumaschinen GmbH situated in Bad Rappenau in Germany, a well-renowned manufacturer with long standing experience in road/rail and shunting technology. Currently, ZAGRO present their newly developed hauler: the ZAGRO E-MAXI which stands for the new generation of battery driven railcar movers.

Prior to deciding to invest, NedTrain performed a six months test run in the scope of a pilot project to put the new railcar mover to the acid test of actual use. The extensive tests and evaluations aimed to determine its traction performance, handling features, operation and service cost, energy consumption per shift and safety. In fact, the ZAGRO E-MAXI achieved best scores in the tests, convincing NedTrain that it met the great demands in their workshops.

The essential performance requirements to be fulfilled by the ZAGRO E-MAXI in the NedTrain workshop comprise the quick and versatile movement of the railcars in the area of the repair facilities and pits where the service technicians perform the maintenance, overhaul and repair of mechanical components and also do complex tasks like changing axles and bogies.

The ZAGRO E-MAXI sets new standards in shunting technology. Ralf Beaujot, responsible Project Engineer at ZAGRO Germany, cuts it right to the chase of the matter: “Our ZAGRO E-MAXI stands for the new generation of battery powered railcar movers. Where in the past you needed expensive locomotives and three operators – today you use the Zagro E-Maxi to profit from high performance and an unprecedented manoeuvrability.”

The ZAGRO E-MAXI with patented rail guidance equipment performs the shunting work on open and level-even track sites. Utilizing its full traction weight on the drive wheels, it is capable to move up to 200 tons trailing load. Its four electric motors including step-less control for the individually driven wheels make the hauler speedy and agile. Its processor controlled all-wheel steering system allows to maneuver in any direction. The guide wheels can be swivelled by 135 degrees. Quickly change the track, circular and diagonal driving is no problem – the turn radius of only 1.6 meters makes it even possible to turn on the spot. The easy steering is very comfortable for the operator in the narrow work zones of the NedTrain workshop. Furthermore, the staff benefit from the emission-free and silent operation – an important advantage during indoor use. During shunting work on the high rails, the railcar mover is operated via radio remote control, all other movements are operated by means of the removable manual control unit. The energy supply is ensured by two rechargeable high-performance batteries of 40 V/320 AH capacity each. The hauler is available with stationary or on-board battery charger on customers option. NedTrain decided to use the stationary solution and installed a special safety area to store the ZAGRO E-MAXI on completion of the shift work and recharge the batteries to make it ready for next action.

Upon the successful evaluation and best scores in the workshops, the four machines were supplied and put into operation by ZAGRO Germany. Day after day, the machines perform their tasks safely and efficiently in the NedTrain workshops in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Maastricht und Tilburg. NedTrain take advantage of the high performance, low life cycle cost, reliable safety and easy one-man operation. They benefit from short hauling time and economic commitment of staff and utilities. Now NedTrain plan to procure more ZAGRO E-MAXI with the aim to make an intelligent investment for the future and increase efficiency in their workshops.

For further information please contact: