Inventors:
David L. Huebner - Mound MN, US
Aaron M. Foster - Robbinsdale MN, US
John A. Dekarski - Delano MN, US
Assignee:
Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. - Hamel MN
International Classification:
E01B 27/00
Abstract:
A railroad ballast removal system capable of removing ballast material from below a rail line. The railroad ballast removal system includes at least one rotary cutting wheel having a plurality of individually replaceable cutting attachments positioned about a perimeter of the rotary cutting wheel. Each rotary cutting wheel is attached to an articulated arm capable of adjusting the position of the rotary cutting wheel along varying axis. The articulated arm is mounted to a support structure capable of transporting the rotary cutting wheel to a portion of railway requiring maintenance of the ballast material. The railroad ballast removal system is able to operate at a spot location or in a continuous manner down a length of railroad track. The ability to manipulate the rotary cutting wheel along the various axis allows the rotary cutting wheel to be used for ballast removal in locations wherein adjacent railways limit cutting access.