Loughborough-based Flotec, a leading supplier of reliable hose and engineering solutions to rail, is helping to keep the London Underground moving.
With 402 kilometres of track and annual passenger numbers equating to around 1.35 billion, it is essential that the London Underground runs as smoothly as possible.
With its specialist knowledge in the overhaul and upgrade of on-track maintenance machines, Flotec was recently approached by Swiss firm Matisa to help improve the efficiency and performance of one of its B45D tamping vehicles, used specifically on the London Underground lines.
About Matisa.
Matisa specialises in the manufacture of railway maintenance machines and supplies sub-contracting services to track owners all over the world.
What does a Tamping machine do?
Tamping machines like those manufactured by Matisa are used to repair and maintain railway tracks. Their primary function is to pack (tamp) the track ballast (the stone foundation beneath the tracks), to ensure the tracks are level and stable.
The task at hand.
The Matisa B45D tamping machine was in situ at the Worksop-based Harry Needle Railway Company (HNRC) train maintenance depot for a scheduled overhaul.
When it came to the inspection and commissioning of the equipment’s hydraulic hosing, Flotec was called in to assess the vehicle’s state-of-play.
On site to complete the upgrade were Flotec’s very own Gary Maguire and Kieron Cheval, expertly supervised by Engineering Director, Ryan Hickman.
As an official Gates Hydraulics Distributor, Flotec got busy replacing the existing hoses with a market leading product. Gates hydraulic hoses are tested to above industry standards meaning that they have been proven to last three times longer than other product alternatives.
When considering the arduous working conditions encountered by track maintenance machines, Flotec ensures to install official Gates abrasion resistant hose coverings as part of its upgrade process.
Time was also spent routing the machines replacement hoses in such a manner that they would be less prone to a ballast strike when in operation.
With more than one thousand fittings to install, the job was by no means, a small feat.
Health and Safety is of paramount importance within rail specific environments, therefore, it was necessary for Flotec to ensure best working practices were upheld and had a series of its own branded hydraulic oil spill kits and a fluid transfer pump on-hand to effectively control and contain over one thousand litres of hydraulic oil.
The tamping machine upgraded by Flotec has recently completed its first high priority maintenance shift on the London Underground.
Speaking of the work completed, Matisa technician Jack Leeming said, “I believe it’s important to give credit where credit is due.
I would like to personally thank Gary (Maguire) and Kieran (Cheval) for their impeccable product knowledge and can-do attitude.
The HNRC depot is very particular about Health and Safety and in particular, oil spills.
The overhaul carried out was always going to cause oil spillage however, Flotec was extremely clean and tidy, and you wouldn’t have been aware that over a thousand litres of oil had been removed from the machine and safely contained.
Nothing was ever an issue; the pair were a pleasure to work with and are a real credit to Flotec.”
Flotec Director Ryan Hickman said of the duo, “Gary and Kieran are testament to the ethos of Flotec and its mission to be a trusted and leading supplier of reliable hose and engineering solutions to the rail market.
The pair worked tirelessly to ensure Matisa received a best-in-class customer service, and that the London underground continues to have robust and reliable train tracks.”
Visit the corporate website to discover more about Flotec and its services to rail: https://www.flotecindustrial.co.uk/rail
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