Case history: controlled movement of a 40-tonne railway wagon using a compact, radio-controlled electric system designed to operate between the rails

When moving railway wagons and passenger coaches inside a workshop, it is essential to control not only the towing operation, but also the speed and stopping of the load throughout the entire movement.

This was the challenge faced by a Spanish company in the railway sector, where a railway wagon weighing approximately 40 tonnes had to be moved from one area of the workshop to another.

The previous handling method using a forklift presented some challenges, particularly when it came to maintaining precise control over the wagon’s movement and stopping.

The challenge: controlling the wagon throughout the entire movement

When a railway wagon is moved inside a workshop, simply reaching the destination is not enough.

It is necessary to regulate the speed, control the movement and stop the wagon at the required position, maintaining control throughout the different stages of the operation.

With the previous forklift configuration, these operations were more difficult, particularly during the wagon stopping phase.

A solution specifically designed for railway handling was therefore required, providing more precise control throughout the entire movement.

The solution: Robik Q130 for railway wagon handling

For this application, Robik Q130, a radio-controlled electric mover, was used.

The system allows the wagon to be moved at a variable and controllable speed, enabling the operator to adapt the speed to the different stages of the manoeuvre and manage the stopping of the load in a controlled way.

The radio remote control also allows the operator to choose the most suitable position during the operation, maintaining visibility of the wagon, the track and the surrounding area.

This makes it possible to transfer the wagon between different areas of the workshop while maintaining control throughout the entire movement.

A compact solution designed to operate between the rails

Another important aspect of this application is the compact size of Robik Q130.

The standard railway track gauge is 1,435 mm, while the Robik Q130 used in this application has a width of 769 mm.

These dimensions allow the mover to operate between the two rails, reducing lateral space requirements and making efficient use of the space available beneath and around the wagon.

Compact dimensions can be particularly valuable inside railway workshops, where the areas surrounding the vehicles may be occupied by equipment, maintenance workstations and other vehicles.

The results

The use of Robik Q130 made it possible to:

  • move a railway wagon weighing approximately 40 tonnes;
  • regulate the speed during movement;
  • manage the movement and stopping of the wagon in a controlled way;
  • transfer the wagon between different areas of the railway workshop;
  • operate with a 769 mm wide mover within a 1,435 mm track gauge;
  • reduce the overall footprint of the handling system;
  • maintain good visual control of the operation thanks to the radio remote control.

What should be considered when moving a railway wagon inside a workshop?

When selecting a system for railway wagon handling inside a workshop, weight is not the only parameter to consider.

Rolling resistance, track gradient and conditions, travel distance, available space, required speed and the method used to control and stop the wagon should all be evaluated.

The dimensions of the mover in relation to the railway track gauge can also become a key factor when operating in confined spaces.

Do you need to move railway wagons inside your workshop?

Every application has different requirements. Wagon weight, track characteristics, available space and handling method should be analysed together to identify the most suitable configuration.

Do you have a similar railway handling challenge? Contact Robik: we can analyse your application and evaluate the most suitable solution together.