Cutting machines

Rail cutting-grinding devices are used to separate and cut rails of all common hardnesses. They are much better suited to cutting rails than the welding torches previously used as they do not attack the material structure at the edges.

Cutting devices are at present available both with petrol engines and electrical equipment. A quick clamping device for common rail profiles allows the cut to be made exactly from top to bottom. Modern devices are characterised by the following features:

  • separation of rails in one operation by means of a tilting light metal arm
  • stable, light alu-guide frame with articulated arm and quick clamping device
  • exact alignment of the device by cutting line marker
  • workplace safety is enhanced by diversion of the sparks generated
  • it is possible to cut both flat bottomed rails and grooved rails
  • automatic speed limitation
  • simple and safe handling
  • balancing the weight can be helpful
Rail Cutter
Rail Cutter
© Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
Electric Rail Cutter
Electric Rail Cutter
© Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH

You can find suitable specialist literature to the topic here:

The Basic Principles of Mechanised Track Maintenance

The Basic Principles of Mechanised Track Maintenance

This book is dedicated to the many people involved in the day to day planning and performance of track maintenance activities. Providing a practical approach to everyday challenges in mechanised track maintenance, it is not just intended as a theoretical approach to the track system. 
Railways aim at transporting people and freight safely, rapidly, regularly, comfortably and on time from one place to another. This book is directed to track infrastructure departments contributing to the above objective by ensuring the track infrastructure’s reliability, availability, maintainability and safety – denoted by the acronym RAMS. Regular, effective and affordable track maintenance enable RAMS to be achieved.