Employed to pack down the track ballast that sits beneath railway tracks, ballast tampers are able to increase the service life of the rails. They deliver high compaction force and vibration frequency to ensure that the rails are level and parallel to each other. This delivers a smoother ride, and lowers the wear on the rails by freight cars to a minimum (1). An example of the tamping machine is the Dymax rail ballast tampers which help railway contractors stabilize tracks.
The tamping units include replaceable carbide tamping tines, 360-degree rotational system machine adapters, pin grab coupler systems (fitting pin grab couplers), hydraulic excavator, electro-hydraulic valve kit, performance motor system, integrated rotation systems, tilt rotational coupler, and other parts.
We Can Handle Transport
Ballast tampers come with their own transportation built in, as they're able to ride along the rails as they work. For this reason, it's unlikely that you own the proper equipment, required to transport these behemoths over the road. Yet, this is sometimes necessary for several reasons.
First, you may need to send the ballast tamper to a different railway line or spur, which isn't connected to the one it's currently on. This could be due to selling of your used tamper, or because another unit in your fleet unexpectedly goes out of service. Second, you may need to acquire a new ballast tamper, and have no way to transport your purchase to your location.
We Have the Necessary Expertise
In either case, A1 Auto Transport stands ready to help, as we have the know-how and heavy equipment required. Safe loading, securing, transport and unloading of these machines is a monumental undertaking - as they tip the scales at staggering numbers. A small ballast tamper may weigh in at around 6.5 tons, while the full-scale models weigh as much as 170+ tons. Obviously, the larger designs must be broken down into smaller parts for transport, but you can readily see how you need experienced professionals to handle the job.
We Offer Full-Service Choices
With more than 20 years of experience moving heavy equipment, A1 Auto Transport will set your mind at ease. Our full-service options mean we'll deliver your ballast tamper right to the rails at the end destination - so you won't be left figuring out the logistics for the last mile of transport. GPS tracking is also available, so you'll enjoy real-time updates on your equipment's progress.
Call today to speak with our knowledgeable staff, and receive a free quote for your unique transport needs for Ballast Tamper, and Backhoe Loader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Ballast Tamper Go Over Standard Limits for Cargo?
Yes, unlike other rail machines like Hi-rail grapple trucks, it exceeds all standard limits for length, width, height, and weight, making it incredibly tricky to transport a ballast tamper over any distance by road.
Although the specifications differ from state to state, the minimum limit for width is 8.5 feet, for length, it's 48 to 53 pounds, for height, it's usually 13.5 feet, and the maximum weight is 46000 pounds. And most ballast tampers are well over these specifications.
A minor ballast temper for dynamic tamping may weigh around 6.5 tons, which is about 13000 pounds, so it'll be easier to transport. But a full-sized tamper weighs over 170 tons, almost 350,000 pounds, and exceeds even the large category. In many states, anything over 180,000 pounds is a superload.
Can I Choose Any Shipping Company to Transport a Ballast Tamper?
You might be able to hire from a broader range of companies for a small tamper. Still, it's crucial to be very careful when selecting a company to transport a full-sized ballast tamper because it usually falls in the super heavy oversize loads.
Even with permits, various shipping companies can transport standard cargo. But if it's an oversized or wide load, then a minimum of $750,000 insurance is required to be eligible. But for a super load, the minimum requirement is $2 million.
That’s why you must pay attention when selecting a company; it must have raving reviews and be experienced. And professionally trained personnel is necessary because not every driver can navigate a trailer with such a heavy load.
How is a Ballast Tamper Secured and Transported Over Long Distances?
The obvious choice is using a heavy-duty flatbed trailer.
Flatbeds are popular because they allow for a lot of flexibility. They're open on all sides and have no edges, so even wide loads can navigate onto them and secure them even if they exceed the flatbed's boundaries.
But the flatbed must be in prime condition because it needs robust wheels that won't topple under the tamper's weight. And it needs to be long because a tamper can be over 133 feet long. A standard one is 48 to 53 feet long, so two trailers must be attached to accommodate it.
It’s secured using riggers and chains because its width is around 9.5 feet and height at least 13.5 feet, which makes it exceed all limitations.
How Challenging is it to Transport a Ballast Tamper?
As mentioned, a ballast tamper is over every limitation and falls in the superload category in most states, which means there are several challenges.
For one, special permits are required in each state; at times, it crosses cities. They must be acquired separately, even if links are available on the Department of Transport's website.
And since its over-regulated limits, it requires at least two escort vehicles; one at the front and another at the rear.
Most highways in the USA are 12 feet wide, so experienced drivers are required to navigate the route in narrower areas and sharp turns.
And the logistics are also complicated because it involves checking weather and traffic on different routes, which makes transporting a ballast tamper extremely challenging.
Share on Facebook 
Share on LinkedIn 
Share on Twitter 
