Rail drilling machines

Some of the holes for the attachment of the fishplates in turnouts and on jointed track are drilled on site. Most of the Holes are drilled horizontally in the track that has already been laid. The diameter of the holes can be up to 38 mm. It is necessary for the Fish plates of tracks to drill up to four holes in a row at the same height and with a specified distance. In order to guarantee the exact alignment of the drilling machine, multi-hole drilling jigs are used. By this means it is possible to achieve precise drilling distances.

Various types of drilling machine are offered on the market. Units can be delivered with a petrol engine or as an electric drill for which a power unit is required, newer versions are available with battery drive. The machines also differ in the provision of coolant for the drilling.

Petrol engine

Rail drilling machine with petrol engine and coolant supply
Rail drilling machine with petrol engine and coolant supply
© Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
  • can be used anywhere
  • drilling time depending on diameter and rail shape
  • 30 - 60 s per hole
  • manual feed
  • one-man operation
  • coolant supply by means of the drilling spindle and drill

Electric motor

Rail drilling machine with electric drive and coolant supply
Rail drilling machine with electric drive and coolant supply
© Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
  • an electric motor reduces the drilling time
  • 20 s per hole
  • low noise and vibration
  • no emissions as from a petrol engine
  • one-man operation
  • manual feed
  • low-maintenance  
  • 40 holes (∅ 32 mm) per charge