The Hungarian state railway (MÀV) has decided to purchase nine Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 423 road-railers to maintain its rail network. Powered by the environmentally friendly Euro VI four-cylinder in-line engine OM 934 LA with an output of 170 kW (231 hp), the vehicles were supplied through Pappas Auto, the dealer for Mercedes-Benz Unimog in Hungary.
To guarantee universal year-round use on the rails, the Unimog U 423 delivered to MÁV are equipped with efficient implements such as lifting work platform, crane, rail grinder, mower boom, track sprayer, measuring pantograph and snow blower. The various demountable bodies allow a wide range of maintenance operations in connection with the rail infrastructure, including the maintenance of overhead wires, cutting-back of branches along the side of the track, weed control in the track bed or – in winter – snow-clearing on the track, for example in case of snowdrifts.
Rapid switch between road and rail
The fast switch between road and rail can be accomplished in just a few minutes on any flat track area, such as at a level crossing. The journey to the point of use can take place by road at up to 89 km/h, which allows maximum flexibility and economic efficiency in day-to-day working.
Also when used as a road-railer, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog comes ex-factory with all the relevant equipment that marks it out as a professional on-road implement carrier. This includes the hydrostatic drive (EasyDrive), which, in this case, is used for working with the rail grinder or mower boom and which permits a finely adjustable variable working speed at constant engine revolutions. When using the rail grinder, the Unimog can also be operated from outside the cab by means of remote control of the hydrostatic drive. The Unimogs are additionally equipped with a mechanical front PTO shaft for powering the snow blower, efficient dual-circuit working hydraulics as well as various mechanical and electronic interfaces.
Numerous bodies and attachments
In addition to the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 423, the overall scope of delivery consists of rail guide and railway equipment from Zagro, Hiab loading crane XS099E-2 Duo and tilting platform, Mulag rear-mounted mower boom ME 700 DB, Dammann track sprayer GSA 3000, Versalift lifting work platform ETM 36 F, Autech rail grinding system AT UM 3500-4E, Kahlbacher snow blower KFS 750 and a calibration pantograph -for calibrating the height and position of the overhead wire – from Stemmann-Technik.
Source : media.daimler.com
