Marubeni-Komatsu helps BCL Rail Services stay on track
02/11/2003

Delays to rail passengers due to rail track maintenance will now be greatly reduced as a result of BCL Rail Services Ltd taking delivery of the first six Komatsu PC128US crawler excavators. These unique machines have been specially modified by Komatsu UK to run on the track using independent retractable drive bogies with rubber track shoes instead of steel, and supplied by Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd.

The major advantage of this innovative design is that the PC128US Road/Rail machine has the ability to travel on and off the tracks rather than alongside them and is enhanced by the safe operation of the tail swing in a very narrow radius (3.46m). The combination of these design features means that the PC128US can operate on one rail track whilst the other can be kept open for passenger trains to safely pass by. Thus allowing greater productivity by enabling the machines to be operated 24 hours a day rather than in the current off peak periods.

The PC128US Road/Rail Machine was exhibited by BCL Rail Services Ltd at the recent Underground Construction show at the Excel Centre in Docklands and visitors were able to see first hand not only the unique modification of the PC128 but also the vehicle’s many other standard design features including the convex shaped cab which gives excellent visibility as well as safe and easy driver access through the sliding cab door.

A further 19 PC128U machines have been ordered by BCL Rail Services Ltd from Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd, the exclusive UK distributor, which brings the total number of Komatsu vehicles in their fleet to nearly 300.

Commenting on the new machines, Mr. Eddie O’Sullivan the Director of BCL Rail Services Ltd, stated that, ” The PC128US machines will enable BCL to provide a cost effective and safe solution to track maintenance whilst eliminating the disruption caused to rail users due to line closures. The PC128US is typical of the design innovation we have come to expect from Komatsu and supported by the excellent after sales service of Marubeni-Komatsu.”

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