Come touch the Manco metal

AusRAIL PLUS Conference and Exhibition

Come touch the Manco metal

Established rail equipment manufacturer Manco Engineering is always at the forefront of research, development and innovation, and two of its latest products on display at AusRAIL are bound to draw attention.

Look around the convention floor at AusRAIL PLUS and you can’t miss it: the newly launched bespoke engineered equipment from Manco Rail.

Make the most of this opportunity to get a first-hand look at the hi-rail specialist’s latest electrification and construction maintenance equipment. Through decades of experience, Manco’s know-how in the rail industry and constant innovations have been a trademark, and on show this year will be latest light rail vehicle undercarriage, and next generation rail boom.

Come along and touch the Manco metal!

MANCO LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE (LRV) CONVERSIONS

Manco’s new hi-rail guidance system for light vehicles, to be launched at the conference, is set to impress.

The traction drive (LRV) design converts vehicles up to 12 tonne GVM and is available in narrow, standard, and broad-gauge variants to suit models from all major manufacturers.

According to Ryan Black of Manco Engineering, the company started with a clean sheet of paper when designing the new undercarriage system to ensure compatibility with the latest safety technology included in modern vehicles.

“Safety was the key contributor to the design. Manco wanted to ensure that the front hi-rail axle is located behind the front steer axle,” he said. “This is to ensure that the front under-run protection and in-cab air bag safety systems were not compromised.

“Maximum operator and pedestrian safety is assured by not compromising any of the vehicle factory-fitted safety systems such as pedestrian detection systems, automatic warning systems, FUPS and airbags, to name only a few. The development of the system was in consolation with the national vehicle standards and the latest rail safety standards. “

The new rail guidance system provides independent wheel articulation via a proprietary hydraulic and spring suspension design.

“Testing this vehicle personally, I can confirm that it provides a smooth quality of travel at all speeds but with additional benefits at high speeds,” Black said.

“The track test results did not disappoint and I am confident the design will meet the national demands of the various rail networks. The four-wheel independent suspension is remarkable.

“Each axle is fitted with hydraulic service disc brakes and failsafe spring applied parking brakes. Additionally, each wheel is fully insulated and fitted with hub-based antiderailment devices.”

Manco considered the end user’s requirements for this type of vehicle carefully. The wide range of applications and the road conditions these vehicles operate on were additional key contributors to the design.

The rail guidance equipment is stowed close to the underside of the vehicle chassis, providing excellent road clearances.

“However, we identified customers would want to fit a wide range of equipment on the chassis. Therefore, the rail module design does not exceed the top of the chassis rail, providing clear space behind the cab and optimising the full chassis length,” Black said.

Manco is offering an extensive range of body configurations for the LRV, from toolboxes and personnel carriers to cranes and specialty welding equipment, all designed and manufactured in-house through the company’s body shop.

“The electronic operator interface comes with all the bells and whistles the clients expect these days, but with the added simplicity to perform servicing and diagnostic work in remote areas,” Black said.

Manco has demonstration vehicles available. You can register your interest at the Manco Rail stand at AusRAIL.

Safety was the key consideration in the LRV design.

“Maximum operator and pedestrian safety is assured by not compromising any of the vehicle factory-fitted safety systems such as pedestrian detection systems, automatic warning systems, FUPS and airbags, to name only a few. ”

GENERATION 2 MANCO RAIL BOOM

And here’s breaking news – there’s a new Manco rail boom unit on the market!

If you thought the first generation was impressive, then check out the improvements in the updated model. The Manco range of rail booms have been renowned for their various all-access overhead work, stabling yard jobs and close-range projects, with their 4WD capability allowing all terrain access near, on, and over the tracks, as well as the 400kg payload platform, 16.5m vertical reach, and 7.5m horizontal reach.

“Continued innovation has resulted in the Manco GEN 2 Rail Boom, to be released at AusRAIL,” Black said.

“Manco continues to revolutionise across all its product lines and strives to improve equipment performance and operator acceptance.

“Due to the tremendous support and valued feedback that we received on the GEN 1 Rail Boom, we wanted the next generation rail boom to exceed the most critical client expectations.

“We worked closely with key international component manufacturers throughout the COVID lockdown to incorporate additional features in the GEN 2 Rail Boom.”

Key features include: • New low emissions motor ideal for tunnel works • Oversized operator control touchscreen display in basket • Multiple bolt on/plug and play optional extras • Solid rubber tyres • Fully integrated CAN bus control system providing more accurate and detailed operator awareness. • Enhanced hydraulic and cooling systems

“But the biggest feature we are very excited about is the new chassis system assembly for both rubber and rail use,” Black said.

“This chassis features unparalleled strength and ground clearance, whilst incorporating user-friendly hydraulic and electrical routing best practices for ongoing serviceability.

“Using the simplicity of CAN bus wiring and auxiliary hydraulic functions built into the standard package, all accessories are basically plug and play.”

Manco is also increasing the accessories on offer.

“On display will be our latest pantograph system, which is a unique design internationally compared to other pantographs. The electrical systems provides digital height, stagger and CANT display and recording,” Black said.

“Continuing on from the GEN 1 model, the GEN 2 will be offered with a tri-gauge guidance system as standard.”

The boom chassis features unparalleled strength.