Harsco’s 32 Tool Tamper: Continuous action, extraordinary performance
Posted: 14 August 2019 | Harsco Rail | No comments yet
Harsco Rail’s 32-Tool High Production Tamper (‘T32’) brings together rugged construction and state-of-the-art technology in one high-performance machine – leveraging Harsco Rail’s multi-generational product, technology and service experience to consistently deliver exceptional performance.
The T32 delivers automated high-production continuous tamping for 1,435mm track at up to 1,800 meters per hour. The T32 is an amalgam of proven features and innovation from across the Harsco Rail global fleet, e.g., Jupiter Control, positive displacement workheads, tie finder, a rugged drive system and continuous roller clamps. For over 100 years, Harsco Rail has been a leader in developing maintenance of way surfacing equipment – the T32 continues that legacy, carrying over a century of innovation forward.
The T32 delivers automated high-production continuous tamping for 1,435mm track at up to 1,800 meters per hour. The T32 is an amalgam of proven features and innovation from across the Harsco Rail global fleet, e.g., Jupiter Control, positive displacement workheads, tie finder, a rugged drive system and continuous roller clamps. For over 100 years, Harsco Rail has been a leader in developing maintenance of way surfacing equipment – the T32 continues that legacy, carrying over a century of innovation forward!
Leveraging technology to enhance safety and performance
To ensure the highest-possible performance, each T32 is equipped with Harsco Rail’s Jupiter II Control on-board diagnostics system. The software is graphics based, multitasking and simultaneously responds to operator commands and system inputs to fully control the machine during the lifting, lining and tamping process. The system immediately sounds an alert message if part of the machine exceeds predefined limits, or if electrical problems are encountered. Jupiter II consists of a primary computer located in the cab, which performs the role of system controller to a group of networked I/O modules. Its control system complexity is radically simplified by eliminating much of the wiring and junction boxes required by a non-distributed system. The modules are designed for exposure to harsh environmental conditions, including a high degree of vibration tolerance. Pre-moulded cables and cord sets eliminate field wiring and reduce the likelihood of open/short circuits.
For operator comfort and safety, both the front and rear cabins of the T32 are fully enclosed and climatised, with all controls within easy reach. The cabins are accessible via a platform with steps on either side and feature large windows that provide the operator with a full range of vision.
To reduce operator fatigue, T32’s Tie Finder incorporates tie sensor technology that provides intelligent automatic indexing. Tie Finder’s probes detect ties, allowing for fully automated work, and freeing the operator to perform other tasks, such as surfacing adjustments and observing the surrounding track and worksite. With Tie Finder, only occasional input to a safety switch is required to continue working. Tie Finder also enhances productivity by removing the impact of distractions that might otherwise require an operator to temporarily suspend tamping. With Tie Finder, the T32 can work straight through challenging conditions – including flooded ballast and inclement weather – that otherwise might reduce crosstie visibility.
Lastly, independently controlled workheads provide true multi-tie capability in variable tie spacing, and skewed tie conditions. The workheads can perform single, double, or triple insertion to handle any ballast conditions.
The T32 is the result of Harsco Rail’s decades of product, technology, and service experience. Understand what the customer needs and deliver it – reliably and safely.
