| |
Siemens Transportation had potential problems in the removal and replacement of engines, gearboxes, cooler and fuel tank units from their Class 185 diesel trains, utilising their existing and sophisticated “bogie drops”.
The difficulty was the design and manufacture of cost effective lifting equipment that could sit in the bogie drop and manipulate engines / equipment back into position, under the train, in a very short lead time.
Siemens discovered Majorlift’s hydraulic engineering skills through their new and updated web site and approached Majorlift with their problems. It immediately appeared that the Majorlift skills in designing and manufacturing specialist jacking equipment for the removal and replacement of commercial vehicle engine and gearboxes was ideally suited, but with the added challenges of railway rolling stock.
The Majorlift design team, in conjunction with Mark Quayle of Siemens, were quick to develop a solution and produced a three dimensional design, using their SolidWorks C.A.D. facility. The designs were then reviewed with the Siemens team and agreed modifications incorporated.
There was a race against time, as there were Class 185 diesel trains scheduled for maintenance in the Siemens Manchester workshop in September.
Majorlift completed the working drawings and manufacture commenced on their NC machining centres and robotic welder. All rams, cylinders and controls are Majorlift standard products and also manufactured at Wickwar, Gloucestershire.
The installation of the first unit was made on time (seven weeks after unit was ordered) and assembled on site by Ian Wasey, Majorlift’s Technical Consultant and David Atkins the Drawing Office Manager. The following day it was fully tested with the removal of a Cummins diesel engine.
Mark Quayle of Siemens said :-
” Majorlift delivered, on time, against a deadline, exactly what was required. To develop a piece of equipment, which is a “one size fits all” solution to Rail Vehicle underframe equipment handling, in such a short period of time has been most impressive. Not only is the product sound, Majorlift also provided training and an unrivalled attention to detail.”
|
