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Business profile


Diversity and innovation keeps Mechan on track


Mechan is on a mission to make servicing and maintaining rolling stock more time and energy efficient


T


he Sheffield-based manufacturer of heavy lifting machinery specialises in supplying handling and control equipment for train maintenance depots. By combining traditional engineering skills with innovative design and advanced technology, Mechan has created a range of products that is renowned the world over for its quality, safety and reliability. Thanks to its patented Microlink system, Mechan’s flagship lifting jacks have earned global popularity, allowing multiple units to be raised simultaneously from anywhere in a chain by just one operator. In 2011, a major redevelopment of the control system increased its capacity to cater for longer, high speed trains and now an almost unlimited number of jacks can be operated together. By utilising invertor technology to update its Microlink system, Mechan has introduced a power consumption saving of up to 50 per cent, while the addition of a touch screen HMI panel provides the user with constant feedback during the maintenance process. These changes have produced a more technically and commercially viable system, without losing any of Microlink’s flexibility, and are opening up new markets for Mechan’s jacks by enhancing its competitive edge.


Introducing innovative shunters There have been a number of significant new additions to Mechan’s product range, most notably the award-winning Zwiehoff electrically powered road/ rail shunters, for whom the firm is the approved supplier for the UK and Ireland. The Rotrac E2 has a 250 tonne capacity and achieved third place in the concept vehicle category at the 2012 OkoGlobe awards, thanks to its energy efficiency and zero emissions. Following the success of this pioneering system, a larger 500 tonne shunter – the Rotrac E4 – was premiered at InnoTrans in September and was met with enthusiasm from across the transport industry.


This high degree of energy efficiency is produced by Zwiehoff’s 48V Technology, which uses only a few battery cells and


FEBRUARY 2013 PAGE 69


a small quantity of liquid to provide the necessary drive. Zero emissions are achieved through the recovery of energy during operation and because the shunters are powered electrically, noise pollution is kept to a minimum. But perhaps most importantly, the Rotrac shunters have a boost function that gives first class pull-away performance and sensitive steering for on the spot turning, ensuring passenger and freight trains can be moved effortlessly. Explosion proof versions are also available for use in hazardous environments. A compact, simple design and low centre of gravity makes the Rotrac shunters small, yet extremely strong and robust. They are supplied with radio remote control as standard and fitted with adaptive vehicle controls to synchronise individual wheel drive, manage speed and adjust the compensating rail guidance system. Safety features include a warning light, signal horn, automatic temperature and overheat controls and emergency shutdown.


Mechan is also the approved UK and


Ireland supplier of the Calipri wheelset measurement device from NextSense and Klein sandbox filling systems.


Bespoke maintenance


Mechan has introduced new under-floor lifting systems that significantly reduce the time it takes to maintain, repair or replace components on the underside of a rail carriage.


The systems are designed and built in-house to meet the individual needs of each client and can be used to lift/ lower complete trains or single rail cars. All necessary equipment is stored below ground, to ensure the main depot or workshop floor remains unobstructed whilst work is carried out. Two types of lifting system are available, based on cantilever or column designs. The cantilever is ideal for workshops with space constraints, as bogies can be moved beneath the railcar or train, while using a column design allows components or bogies to be replaced directly behind the under floor system. In both cases, the body supports/


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