Chris Smith replaces James Alderman as MD of Michelin UK
Michelin UK appoints a new MD
News - Will Shiers
October 2, 2019
Network rail has ordered eight Mercedes-Benz Unimogs which have been converted by LH Group Services for on-rail use.
Converted at LHGS Barton-under-Needwood facility, they are based on 13.3-tonne U423 chassis with the shorter 3m wheelbase, as opposed to the 3.6m layout. Power is supplied by a 231hp 5.1-litre engine, which offers 900Nm of torque.
The engine is coupled to a transmission with eight forward and six reverse gears, while LHGS’s bogies are mounted to the front and rear as an adaptation for on-rail work. The bogies can be deployed by the driver from inside the cab.
Specified for overhead work, the Unimogs feature 6m access platforms capable of holding 400kg, and one has been equipped with an LHGS-designed 2.5-tonne scissor-lift.
The Mercedes don’t require a level-crossing or a road rail access point to join the track, so can “comfortably traverse challenging ground to get to work”, with the shorter wheelbase making drivers’ lives easier by improving manoeuvrability.
LHGS’s head of industrial products Tony Culverwell explained: “It’s all about flexibility and ease of operation. Railway access points can often be difficult, but not for a short-wheelbase 4x4 Unimog. The truck also offers on-rail towing ability and is exceptionally reliable.”
Culverwell added that because the cleaner Euro-6 engines produce lower emissions than previous models, it is “good news for operatives working in tunnels”.
Mercedes cameras have been mounted all around the vehicles for improved visibility, with four recordable cameras also specified to help meet Network Rail’s safety standards.
The Unimog’s railway-specific design consists of a modular structure which LHGS claims allows for their bodies to be “quickly and easily interchanged”, meaning the road-railers can be equipped for drilling, used as welfare units, or for platform body-specific operations.
They will join Network Rail’s fleet of 26 Unimog road-railers, also operated by LHGS. Five will be located in Scotland and the remaining three will work in the East Midlands.
