New multi-purpose machine for two lines in Zurich’s urban rail network: SZU opts for the MultiCrafter 12.5 E³ from Plasser & Theurer
Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn (SZU AG) is investing in a new multi-purpose machine for construction and maintenance tasks. By procuring a Plasser MultiCrafter 12.5 E³ C/I, the company is expanding its options for efficient infrastructure maintenance.
www.plassertheurer.com
As a partner of the Zurich Transport Network, SZU operates the S4 and S10 urban rail lines, which provide a direct link between the Sihltal valley, Uetliberg mountain, and Zurich Central Station. Every year, more than 14 million passengers use the rail connections on the network, which is approximately 27 kilometres long, with demand continuing to grow. At the same time, SZU continues to invest in modernizing its infrastructure, for example with the full-scale renewal of the Uetlibergbahn railway, in order to ensure the long-term capacity of its heavily utilized network.
One machine for multiple tasks along the line
With the new MultiCrafter, the infrastructure company now has a versatile machine at its disposal that can handle a wide variety of tasks along the line. The vehicle transports personnel and materials to the worksite, assists with work on and around the track as well on contact lines, and performs a variety of lifting and installation tasks using its versatile crane. The spacious loading platform makes it possible to transport machines, building materials, or containers. At the same time, various attachments – including grapples, cable winches, and snow removal equipment – further expand its range of applications.
Powerful even on challenging lines
The topography of the network poses particular challenges. The Uetliberg line features uphill gradients of up to 79 per mille, making it one of the steepest adhesion railways in Europe. The demands placed on the traction and braking systems of the vehicles travelling it are correspondingly high. The MultiCrafter’s all-wheel drive reliably handles these conditions while being able to transport heavy loads at the same time. This is not the only reason why SZU baptized it as the ‘Mammoth’.
A key factor in the decision to procure the machine was its high level of flexibility. On the busy SZU network, the track possessions available for construction and maintenance are usually short. A multi-purpose machine makes it possible to perform several maintenance tasks using just one vehicle. With a transfer-travel speed of up to 80 km/h, the MultiCrafter can move flexibly between different locations within the network.
Sustainable with hybrid work technology
The MultiCrafter is equipped with Plasser & Theurer’s E³ drive technology: the concept stands for ‘Economic – Ecologic – Ergonomic’ and combines cost-effectiveness with environmental sustainability and a high level of user-friendliness. The machine can be powered using either electricity from the overhead contact line or the diesel-electric powerpack. When it operates on electricity, work in urban settings is particularly quiet with low emissions.
Safety built in from the outset
A wide range of safety devices on the crane – including safe load limitation, height limitation, and adjacent track limitation – keeps work safe even under demanding conditions. As it possible to walk on the machine from one end to the other, there is no need to enter the danger zone, which ensures safe access to every working area.
Investment in reliable rail infrastructure
By procuring the Plasser MultiCrafter, SZU is sending a clear signal in favour of sustainable infrastructure maintenance. For the Sihltal/Uetliberg region, this means greater operational reliability on the heavily travelled commuter network, more efficient construction processes, and fewer disruptions for passengers during construction and maintenance.
SZU and Plasser & Theurer are joining forces to demonstrate how innovative machine concepts help to meet the growing demands for infrastructure quality, sustainability, and operational safety.
www.plassertheurer.com
