MEWPs Making Electrification Easy

Carl Abraitis explains how these versatile machines are perfect for OLE construction and maintenance

The electrification of the UK’s rail network continues at a pace. Electric trains are much better for the environment than the diesel trains they are replacing and with Network Rail’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050 this drive towards electrification must continue.

Electrification involves many engineering challenges that need to be addressed, trackside posts have to be installed to hold the overhead wires and bridges and tunnels may need to be raised to allow the necessary clearance for the wires. Once constructed the lines need regular monitoring and maintenance. Electrification needs specialist tools and equipment to get the job done efficiently, safely and to budget.

The MEWPs are perfect for overhead line construction.

Torrent Trackside has an established OLE division to provide the majority of the equipment needed for these demanding projects. A major part of this division is

comprised of their fleet of MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms). The MEWPs are perfect for OLE construction, bridge and tunnel works or anywhere a stable working platform is required, especially in hard to reach areas.

The MEWPs are all-terrain and can easily travel on and off track. Four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer, gives great off road capability and fantastic manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Foam filled floatation tyres provide great stability on rough ground and makes them puncture proof, so less likely to suffer downtime due to poor ground conditions.

The MEWPs provide a stable platform for intricate tasks.

Challenging access points are easily dealt with before the machine rapidly switches to rail mode with the powerful 46hp Kubota engine propelling the MEWP across rail at up to 12 kph. The machines can also cope with a rail cant of up to 200mm.

The spacious basket can accommodate up to three people and carry a total weight of 400 kg. It has a three-way entry/exit that allows personnel the safest access from ground level. The MEWPs have a working height of 16.4 metres and a lateral outreach of 8.95 metres. The whole platform can rotate through 360 degrees. For further flexibility the basket can rotate 90 degrees and the jib can move 70 degrees.

The machines sophisticated hydraulic and electric systems combine to provide an exceptionally smooth platform operation, this is essential for delicate tasks and operator comfort.

An advanced pantograph can be fitted that will take height and stagger measurements while the machine is moving. The pantograph continuously shows measurements on a digital display and can also download them to an Excel file. A detachable trolley is available to carry equipment to the worksite. The trolley is easily attached to the MEWP and can carry a load of up to 1,000kg.

The machines benefit from a number of safety systems. An alarm sounds before travelling and they have a traffic light overload warning system to maintain stability. As the majority of the work is undertaken at night the MEWPs have excellent built-in lighting so additional external lighting is not required.

A team of service engineers ensure the machines are maintained to the highest levels. The company also has a complete range of OLE tools and equipment that can be ordered along with the MEWPs.

Torrent Trackside is a national company with nine depots serving the whole of the UK. Likewise the MEWPs have been employed on projects all across the country, most recently for Network Rail with the upgrading of the West Coast Mainline near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Tel: mail@torrent.co.uk

Email: mail@torrent.co.uk

The MEWPs have exceptional manoeuvrability and reach.