Commuter and metro operators are faced with ever-growing need to reduce operating and track maintenance cost while increasing the operational safety and environmental effects, such as noise.

Based on long-term experience of railway operators, particularly of trolley and commuter operators, it has been confirmed that regular rail grinding can extend the useful rail service life by many years. As a result, wheel wear is also reduced.

Since 1994, Windhoff has supplied various types of rail grinding vehicles (new grinding vehicle, refurbishing older vehicles for grinding, e.g. old trolley cars, grinding trailers, etc.), and they are used for routine and special grinding jobs as part of a rail track maintenance programme.

The modern bi-directional grinding vehicle can virtually float along between regular trolley services – also along gradients. Travel speeds are up to 60 km/h, and working/grinding speeds are still up to 40 km/h. The vehicle can negotiate tight curves without interrupting the grinding job. With its four powered axles and high traction force, the vehicle can also be used to tow disabled trains also along longer gradients.

The vehicle’s operational spectrum can be expanded with a variety of options: Wheel flange, rail face and rail flank lubrication system, suction equipment to clean grooved rails, measuring devices for rail track and/or catenary, snow removal equipment, grass sprinkler system, high-pressure water jets to clean switches, catenary de-icing equipment.

The vehicles are designed and adapted to customer specifications and relevant directives, and they are prepared for acceptance checks and certification by local authorities.

Adaption of the vehicles is in compliance with operational requirements (e.g. track gauge, loading gauge, train safety systems) at the relevant operators, and with reference to the desired drive systems (e.g. electric , Diesel, hydrostatic drive).