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railPrime
May 2025
Rail News: MOW
Product update: Surfacing and tamping equipment 2025
Compiled by Bridget Dean, Associate Editor
Geismar
Tamping is a critical part of both track construction and track maintenance, as it provides the foundation for stability, durability and safety. From the portable VPS tamper and its battery-powered counterpart to the dual-head MB2 TL tamping module and the top-of-the-line MB8 AC tamping unit, Geismar offers a comprehensive range of tamping solutions, company officials said in an email.
The MB8 AC has earned a solid reputation worldwide for its precision and efficiency in ballast tamping, they said. Its eight durable tines operate at an optimum frequency, penetrating deep into the ballast to deliver high-quality results.
When paired with the Geismar KGT hi-rail loader — or other large hi-rail excavators — the MB8 AC can carry out multiple tamping operations across tracks and turnouts, including those with curves and varying cants. The MB8 AC can tamp track at a rate of up to 240 ties per hour, Geismar officials said. Tamping operations are remotely controlled from the hi-rail loader, making them safe and easy to manage.
For enhanced precision, the MB8 AC can be used alongside the Geismar NDO track leveling system, offering a comprehensive and adaptable solution for all ballast tamping needs, company officials said.
Knox Kershaw Inc
With over 75 years of experience, Knox Kershaw Inc. is a trusted global supplier and the leading U.S. manufacturer of maintenance-of-way (MOW) equipment, according to the company.
Built on principles of innovation, reliability and expertise, Knox Kershaw offers machines like the Snow Fighter, kribber adzer, tie crane, tie replacer, yard cleaner and the highly versatile ballast regulator, company officials said.
The Knox Kershaw KBR925 ballast regulator is engineered for high-performance ballast work across all track types. Exceptional visibility, especially around the wing areas, makes it ideal for final profiling, company officials said.
Its unique plow and reversible wings enable shoulder-to-shoulder ballast transfer in a single pass, enhancing efficiency, they added. The insulated broom box ensures a long service life, while the reversing valve allows ballast to be cleared from switches and crossings with ease.
Recent upgrades to the KBR925 include a relocated 130-gallon hydraulic tank for improved weight balance. Sloped fuel tanks with integrated steps make cab access easier, and the ballast wing now uses a standardized grader blade.
The machine also features an optional Plus+1® System, which automates key functions and includes a touchscreen interface for system monitoring. This advanced control system enhances operator precision, comes standard on the KKA1050, KTC1250, and KPB200 models, and is also available on the KSF940, company officials said.
Knox Kershaw continues to provide dependable, high-efficiency MOW solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the railroad industry worldwide, they added.
Plasser American
The shortage of skilled labor and an increased demand for capacity are major trends affecting the tamping market worldwide. Plasser American aims to address these challenges by continuously innovating and expanding machine capabilities.
The company’s newest tamping machine, the GRM4000, features a redesigned two-tie tamping unit that significantly boosts production rates. The machine has an improved weight distribution, making it suitable for transport via road trucks or flat cars, company officials said.
The GRM4000 can be integrated with the Plasser Dynamic Track Stabilizer PTS90C using the autonomous remote stabilizer upgrade kit. This kit, installed on both the stabilizer and the tamping machine, allows the stabilizer to be controlled by the main machine operator, eliminating the need for an additional operator.
Field tests have verified its safety and effectiveness, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in track maintenance, Plasser American officials said.
The 09-2X DYNACAT tamper has a two tie-tamping unit and an integrated dynamic track stabilizer, allowing it to further improve efficiency. Additionally, the machine can be equipped with the Tamping Assistant, which contributes to the automation of the tamping process.
The system uses sensors, AI and neural networks to create a digital model of tracks and turnouts. It detects obstacles in real time and automatically positions the tamping and lifting and lining units accordingly.
The operator supervises and approves the machine’s suggestions, ensuring consistently high-quality tamping and enhancing the usability and operational convenience of the machines, Plasser officials said, adding that innovations like the Tamping Assistant are setting new benchmarks in track maintenance.
Email questions or comments to bridget.dean@tradepress.com.
