Abstract: A machine for withdrawing bulk material from a track, in particular ballast aterial, includes a bulk material clearing device vertically adjustably secured to a machine frame and including a rotatable, endless scraper chain positioned between the rails of the track immediately above the track. A first conveyor extends in longitudinal direction of the machine frame and has a receiving end which receives bulk material from the clearing device. Immediately trailing the clearing device in the operating direction is a vertically adjustable sweeping device which includes a sweeping broom rotatable about a pivot axis extending horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. A second conveyor immediately trails the sweeping device in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame and includes a receiving end for receiving bulk material from the sweeping broom.

Abstract: A track work machine for excavating material from a bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for movement in an operating direction, a vertically adjustable endless excavating chain operable to be trained, and revolve, around the rails in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, and a ballast clearing device mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages, the ballast clearing device comprising a carrier frame affixed to the machine frame, a vertically and transversely adjustable plate-shaped clearing tool, and drives for vertically adjusting the clearing tool over a distance of at least 65 cm between a raised rest position and an operating position wherein the clearing tool is immersed in a respective one of the cribs, and for adjusting the clearing tool transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A track maintenance machine for excavating material from a track bed comprises a machine frame comprising an upwardly recessed machine frame section, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for movement in an operating direction, and sequentially arranged on the machine frame in the operating direction, a ballast receptacle comprising chutes for discharging the ballast from the receptacle, an inclined, vertically adjustable and revolvable endless excavating chain comprising a drive at an upper end for revolving the chain, the excavating chain being mounted underneath the upwardly recessed machine frame section for excavating the material from the bed, a track lifting device, a conveying arrangement arranged to remove the received excavated material and having an inlet end arranged below the upper excavating chain end to receive the excavated material therefrom, the ballast discharging chutes being arranged immediately behind the conveying arrangement inlet end in the operating direction, and

Abstract: An apparatus for reconstructing railway track systems while simultaneously clearing away the bed of the old track system. A sliding seal driver is used to secure the trench formed by the removal of the old track foundation as the old track is cleared away. A new trench is cut as the apparatus proceeds on the same path as the old track. The seal driver includes lateral shields securing the trench walls as well as ground shields resting on the bottom of the trench. The lateral shields are of such lengths to secure the trench walls over the entire work area.

Abstract: A machine for aspirating ballast from a bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for mobility therealong. A vacuum generator and a ballast storage receptacle are mounted on the machine frame. A suction tube is connected to the vacuum generator, the suction tube terminating in a tubular end section having a longitudinal axis and defining a suction opening at one end thereof for aspirating the ballast, the tubular end section being rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A displacement mechanism attaches the suction tube to the machine frame for vertically and transversely displacing the tubular suction tube end section, the displacement mechanism comprising drives for vertically and transversely displacing the tubular suction tube end section, and a drive is provided for rotating the tubular suction tube end section in a direction of rotation.

Abstract: An excavating and conveying chain assembly for transporting ballast of a track includes a plurality of chain links hingedly connected to each other for traveling along a transport path. Connected to each chain link is a scraper blade which has a link-distal end formed with a plurality of projecting scraper fingers. Each scraper finger is of two-part configuration, with a first part being formed by an engagement member secured to the scraper blade and jutting out therefrom in a finger-like manner, and with a second part being formed by a protective cap that is pushed onto the engagement member and detachably secured thereto by a fastener.

Abstract: A machine for treating a ballast bed underneath a track comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported on the track by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction, a suction unit mounted on the machine frame, the suction unit comprising a vertically and laterally adjustable suction pipe having a suction opening for aspirating ballast from the ballast bed, a conveyor band arranged on the machine frame to convey the aspirated ballast away from the suction unit, and a ballast discharge device mounted on the machine frame rearwardly of the suction pipe in the operating direction, the ballast discharge device comprising a hopper. A conveyor arrangement extends in the longitudinal direction on the machine frame and has an input end arranged to receive the aspirated ballast from the conveyor band and an output end arranged to discharge the aspirated ballast into the hopper.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: A suction unit (76) provided with a suction pipe (80) having a suction opening (81) for sucking off crushed rock and being vertically and laterally adjustable is allocated to a machine (57) for treating the ballast bed of a track (60) with a machine frame (58) supported on rail travelling undercarriges (59). In addition, there is provided a clearing apparatus (62) disposed at a distance from the suction opening (81) in the longitudinal direction of the machine and provided with an endless clearing chain (64) rotatable by a drive (63) for removing the crushed rock disposed below the track (60). Like the suction pipe (80), it is provided with separate drives (82, 99) for vertical and lateral adjustment independently from one another.

Abstract: A ballast machine for plowing ballast from the outer ends of rail supporting cross ties of a railroad bed. The machine is provided with a ballast ridge plow assembly including a slider box having an inner section which is vertically movable by a hydraulic actuator. The slider box is mounted to the frame of the ballast machine. The ridge plow assembly further includes a blade assembly having ballast engaging blades which are disposed for biased, pivotal movement responsive to engagement of the blades with an obstruction on the railroad bed or cross ties. Means are provided for vertical positioning of the blade assembly and for movement of the blade assembly to an "in and up" position for stowing the blades against the sides of the machine and for movement of the blade assembly to a "down and out" position for the ballast dressing operation. The "in and up" movement and the "down and out" movement are both responsive to displacement of the inner section of the slider box.

Abstract: Cable laying apparatus for burying cable in or adjacent to a railway bed. A cable laying plough is mounted to a rubber tired loader and the loader moves forwardly under its own power while straddling the track. A pair of rail wheels are mounted on the forward and rearward ends of the loader. The cable laying plough is mounted to a bracket or plate spanning the track and pivotally mounted to hydraulically controlled arms extending from the loader. The plough may be attached to the bracket on either side of the track in order to reach cable burying positions located on both sides of the track.

Abstract: A railroad ballast spreading system is provided for rail cars used to spread ballast about the rails. A plowshare is mounted beneath the rail car and is supported by a bracket arm connected to the rail car. A curved linkage is also connected to between the rail car and the plowshare. A hydraulic motor or other pressure fluid motor is connected to an intermediate point of the linkage to pivotably move the plowshare from a lowered position for spreading the ballast to a raised, stowed position. The linkage includes a curved crank arm and a curved link arm such that the linkage passes the toggle point between the lowered and stowed position to increase the stability of the plowshare in the stowed position.

Abstract: The subgrade supporting a ballast bed for a track is rehabilitated by (a) lifting the track off the ballast bed, removing an upper,portion of the ballast from the ballast bed, comminuting the removed ballast to obtain gravel, storing the gravel, and laying the track on a remaining portion of the ballast bed, in a first stage, (b) lifting the track off the remaining ballast bed portion, removing the ballast of the remaining ballast bed portion until the subgrade is exposed, and laying the track on the exposed subgrade, in a second stage, and (c) lifting the track off the subgrade, discharging the stored gravel on the subgrade, planing and compacting the gravel on the subgrade until a protective layer for the subgrade is obtained, and laying the track on the protective subgrade layer, in a third stage.

Abstract: A machine for working on a ballast bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track, and a ballast storage receptacle and a suction arrangement on the machine frame. The suction arrangement comprises a suction unit and a suction conduit connected to the suction unit, the suction conduit terminating in a vertically and transversely adjustable suction snout defining a suction opening for aspirating ballast into the ballast storage receptacle. A compressed air conduit connects a compressed air generating unit on the machine frame to the ballast storage receptacle for supplying compressed air thereto, and a blow conduit is connected to the ballast storage receptacle for blowing stored ballast out of the receptacle.

Abstract: A ballast cleaning machine comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages running on the track and carrying a ballast screening arrangement, a ballast excavating device including a revolvable excavating chain arranged to deliver excavated ballast to the screening arrangement for cleaning the excavated ballast, a conveyor arrangement disposed to receive the cleaned ballast from the screening arrangement and to discharge the cleaned ballast for support of the track, a laterally and vertically adjustable suction pipe having a suction opening at one end for receiving ballast, and a vacuum device connected to an opposite end of the suction pipe for applying sub-atmospheric pressure to the suction opening and thereby to suck up ballast through the suction pipe.

Abstract: The installation for the rehabilitation of a ballast bed supporting a track including two rails comprises a first machine, and a second machine, the machines being supported on the track by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction, and the second machine preceding the first machine in the operating direction.

Abstract: An arrangement for installing a protective layer between a subgrade and a layer of ballast of a track bed includes an excavating unit to remove ballast from underneath the track and a subgrade stabilizing unit by which additives are disposed directly over the exposed subgrade and blended underneath the track with the subgrade for formation of a protective layer following a leveling and compacting process. Removed and cleaned ballast is then laid by a conveyor over the new protective layer.

Abstract: A mobile machine for withdrawing ballast from a ballast bed includes two receptacles, each of which including a separate intake port and discharge outlet, with a suction tube being selectively connectable to the intake ports of the receptacles. In order to selectively seal the intake ports in an air-tight manner, each intake port accommodates a closing element so as to allow an alternate emptying and filling of the receptacles without interruption of the withdrawal of ballast.

Abstract: A ballast regulator machine for dressing the ballast of a railroad bed during movement of the machine along tracks on the railroad bed has a frame for supporting various assemblies for distributing the ballast across the bed and ballast removal apparatus for removing ballast from between the rails to the outside of the rail which comprises a rotary broom assembly including a rotary broom for sweeping the ballast from between the tracks. The broom assembly is disposed for propelling the ballast rearwardly during the sweeping operation. A ballast deflector assembly is pivotally mounted to the rotary broom assembly and disposed for deflecting said rearwardly propelled ballast to the outside of the tracks. The deflector assembly is provided a baffle for deflecting the ballast in a direction which is substantially normal to the center line of the ballast machine.

Abstract: A mobile arrangement for rehabilitating a ballast bed by installing a protective layer between a subgrade and layer of ballast at a construction site of the track includes an excavation unit for continuously removing old ballast from the ballast bed to expose the subgrade and a rock crusher unit which receives at least a portion of withdrawn old ballast for comminution thereof. Comminuted old ballast is then laid over the exposed subgrade for forming at least part of the protective layer.

Abstract: A mobile track tamping and ballasting machine movable along a railroad track in a first operating direction and a reverse direction, which comprises a first machine frame, a second machine frame, an articulated coupling connecting the machine frames, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the railroad track for movement therealong, the first machine frame supporting a vertically adjustable ballast tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit preceding the ballast tamping unit in the first operating direction, and the second machine frame supporting a plow for ballasting the track and a ballast broom preceding the ballasting plow in the first operating direction.

Abstract: A mobile machine for aspirating ballast from a ballast bed comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages running on a track. Mounted on the machine frame are a ballast aspirating device comprising a short suction inlet pipe defining a suction inlet port, and a ballast excavating device vertically adjustable by drive means linking the ballast excavating device to the machine frame. The ballast excavating device comprises a substantially horizontally extending beam having opposite ends, a guide roller mounted on each beam end and an endless ballast excavating chain trained over the guide rollers, the beam being pivotal about a vertical axis at one of the beam ends and arranged in an operating position laterally adjacent one of the tie ends at one of the ballast bed shoulders and the suction inlet port being vertically adjustable in said operating position.

Abstract: A ballast planing machine includes a machine frame supported by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction along a track and comprised of a leading carrier frame which supports a vertically adjustable ballast plow arrangement and a further carrier frame which is linked to the leading carrier frame and supports an operator's cabin and a vertically adjustable, rotary sweeping broom. Mounted to the further carrier frame is also a negative pressure generator of a suction unit for removing excess ballast during movement of the machine frame in operating direction. The suction unit includes a suction tube which communicates with the negative pressure generator and extends in longitudinal direction beyond the machine frame to terminate in a suction nozzle which projects beyond the rearward end of the machine frame.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper door. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade can be selectively raised and lowered via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper doors and blades on a car. When there are a plurality of ballast cars on a train, each car has a receiver which responds to a different address sequence. The remote transmitter is operable to selectively send any of the different address sequences so that a single selected car can be remotely controlled. In a modified arrangement, each ballast distributing blade has a pair of extendable wings on either side to allow the wider distribution of ballast where needed.

Abstract: An installation for the continuous rehabilitation of a ballast bed comprises an elongated machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction, and mounted on the machine frame are a vertically adjustable ballast excavating device for excavating dirty ballast, a screening device for cleaning the excavated dirty ballast, a storage bin for holding bulk material and arranged rearwardly of the screening device in the operating direction and close to the rear end of the machine frame means, a conveyor device for conveying ballast to the storage bin, the storage bin comprising an input opening for delivering bulk material to the bin independently of the conveyor device, and a discharge device arranged to receive the bulk material from the storage bin and to discharge the received bulk material to the subgrade.

Abstract: An installation for distributing ballast in a track bed supporting a track and for tamping the ballast comprises a machine frame comprised of a first machine frame part and a second machine frame part, the first machine frame part preceding the second machine frame part in the operating direction. The machine frame is supported by undercarriages on the track for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the first machine frame part are a ballast tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit, and mounted on the second machine frame part are a ballast storage bin having outlets for delivering ballast from the bin to the track, a ballast conveyor having an output end above the ballast storage bin and an input end, and a vertically adjustable broom arrangement for sweeping excess ballast from the track to the ballast conveyor input end.

Abstract: The disclosed shoulder ballast cleaning machine with integrated hopper car is particularly designed to provide for the temporary conveyance and storage of clean ballast. The shoulder ballast cleaning machine digs up the stone ballast of the railroad bed, separates dirt and debris from the ballast, and replaces the cleaned ballast on the railroad bed. The hopper car provides the storage capacity to have ballast on board for deployment on the track bed when the quantity of ballast then being cleaned is inadequate to satisfy the need and to store excess cleaned ballast when the quantity of cleaned ballast exceeds the amount needed to be replaced on the track bed. The hopper car is interposed between the power car and the auxiliary car. A unique conveyor system conveys the fouled ballast from the power car where the ballast is dug up, past the hopper car, to the auxiliary car where the ballast and waste are separated.

Abstract: An installation for distributing ballast in a track bed supporting a track and for tamping the ballast comprises a machine frame comprised of a first machine frame part and a second machine frame part, the first machine frame part preceding the second machine frame part in the operating direction. The machine frame is supported by undercarriages on the track for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the first machine frame part are a ballast tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit, and mounted on the second machine frame part are a ballast storage bin having outlets for delivering ballast from the bin to the track, a ballast conveyor having an output end above the ballast storage bin and an input end, and a vertically adjustable broom arrangement for sweeping excess ballast from the track to the ballast conveyor input end.

Abstract: A mobile machine arrangement for receiving, storing and distributing track ballast comprises a first machine frame, a second machine frame succeeding the first machine frame in the operating direction, a ballast storage device mounted on the first machine frame, the ballast storage device comprising a ballast conveyor band arranged at a bottom of the ballast storage device and extending longitudinally in the direction of the track, the ballast conveyor band having a forward end and the ballast storage device having an outlet below the ballast conveyor band forward end, a ballast plow arrangement vertically adjustably mounted on the first machine frame behind the ballast storage device outlet, a ballast receiving device mounted on the second machine frame and arranged to receive the track ballast, and a ballast transport device projecting from the second machine frame end towards the first machine frame, the ballast transport device having an input end preceding the ballast receiving device in the operating di

Abstract: A conveyor chain arrangement for a track maintenance machine is mounted on the machine frame for receiving and conveying ballast and comprises two separate and independently operable ballast receiving and conveying units at opposite sides of the machine frame extending alongside the track. Each unit comprises a vertically and transversely adjustable chain track extending longitudinally in an oblique plane with respect to the track plane adjacent a respective machine frame side, each chain track consisting of two track sections. Drives are connected to the chain track for vertically and transversely adjusting the chain track, and an endless ballast excavating and conveying chain is guided in the chain track, and comprises a chain drive for the chain.

Abstract: A mobile track working machine arrangement comprises two consecutively arranged, independent track working vehicles, each track working vehicle comprising an elongated two-part machine frame, the two parts of the machine frame being linked by a pivot for pivoting of one part in relation to the other part about a horizontal axis extending perpendicularly to the track, and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track. A ballast excavating device is vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame of a first track working vehicle for excavating the ballast supporting the track whereby the subgrade is exposed, and a conveyor arrangement is mounted on the machine frame of the first track working vehicle for removing the excavated ballast. A device for planing and compacting a protective layer of sand on the subgrade is mounted on the machine frame of the second track working vehicles.

Abstract: A ballast metering method and apparatus is disclosed which utilizes a rail mounted metering hopper having a set of forward discharge outlets for directing ballast laterally and downwardly beneath the rails under the pressure of a volume of ballast retained in the hopper. This volume is maintained at a continuously maintained level by selective addition of ballast to the hopper. The discharged ballast forms a pair of spaced apart windrows beneath the rails which is graded to a predetermined height by a sub-track grader blade associated with the hopper. A center discharge opening at the rear of the hopper allows ballast to be directed between the graded windrows. A pair of lateral chutes permit discharge of ballast outwardly of the rails.

Abstract: A machine for exchanging old ties of a railroad track for new ties comprises a machine frame supported by undercarriages for mobility along the track, a longitudinally, vertically and transversely displaceable tie exchange device connected to the machine frame for laterally pulling the old ties out of the track and laterally inserting the new ties in the track at a tie exchange position, and a ballast scarifying device for clearing ballast at the tie exchange position. According to the invention, the machine has a carrier frame for the ballast scarifying device, the carrier frame having opposite ends longitudinally spaced from each other, an undercarriage supports one of the carrier frame ends on the track adjacent the ballast scarifying device, and a pivot links the opposite carrier frame end to the machine frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for excavating ballast from a railroad bed adjacent to the cross ties of a railroad track and for cleaning the excavated ballast for return thereof to the railroad bed. The apparatus includes a vehicle for supporting a pair of excavating assemblies on opposite sides of the support vehicle and thus on opposite sides of the railroad track and a discrete cleaning station for each of the separate excavating assemblies. Each cleaning station is disposed for receiving and cleaning the ballast excavated by the associated excavating assembly.

Abstract: A ballast tamping machine comprises a tamping head comprising pairs of vibratory tamping tools immersible in the ballast and reciprocable in the operating direction and opposite thereto for tamping ballast under the ties, a track lifting and lining unit preceding the tamping head in the operating direction, and a device for substantially uniformly distributing ballast. The device has an outlet associated with each tamping tool for discharging ballast at the associated tamping tool.

Abstract: A mobile ballast regulator comprises an elongated machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track, a ballast plow connected to the machine frame, a ballast storage container mounted on the machine frame, and a carrier frame which has a front end linked to the machine frame rear end for pivoting about axes extending vertically and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the elongated machine frame. A further undercarriage supports the carrier frame rear end for mobility on the track. A ballast sweeping and receiving arrangement comprises a ballast broom connected to the carrier frame for sweeping ballast off the track and a conveyor band having an input end arranged to receive the ballast swept by the broom.

Abstract: A rotary dump wagon for handling ballast having a carriage with a first conveyor mounted thereon for conveying ballast the length of the carriage and a plurality of hollow drums supported by the carriage and engaging the first conveyor for rotational movement thereabout. Each drum has a plurality of elongated flights mounted to the inner surface thereof for lifting ballast to the first conveyor and at least one downwardly extendible plow blade suspended therein which selectively contacts the upper surface of the first conveyor thereby diverting ballast traveling thereon to the lower portion of the drum. A second conveyor is pivotally mounted to the carriage subjacent the discharge end of the first conveyor for horizontal movement about a vertical axis and extends upwardly and forwardly beyond the forward end of the carriage and above the first conveyor.

Abstract: A mobile ballast plow comprises a machine frame and a ballast planing plow vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and extending from shoulder to shoulder. The ballast planing plow includes central plow elements extending over the center track portion, and a ballast conveying device associated with the central plow elements and arranged in the center track portion. The ballast conveying device consists of at least one vertically adjustable broom rotatable about an axis extending in the direction of the track, the broom having radially extending flexible ballast sweeping elements, and respective drives for vertically adjusting and rotating the broom.

Abstract: A mobile ballast receiving and distributing machine comprises a machine frame supported on a railroad track by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction, a ballast conveying device arranged on the machine frame to receive ballast and to convey the received ballast to a discharge end of the device, and a power-driven ballast storage silo arranged on the machine frame to receive the conveyed ballast from the discharge end of the ballast conveying device. The silo has a ballast discharge opening and a ballast conveyor band extending in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the machine frame and forming a bottom support for the ballast received from the ballast conveying device discharge end, the ballast conveyor band having an end discharging the ballast into the ballast discharge opening.

Abstract: In combination with a mobile ballast cleaning machine advancing continuously in an operating direction along a railroad track, which comprises a ballast excavating chain including a transverse course extending under the track and driven to excavate a transversely extending portion of the ballast bed during the continuous advancement of the machine: a device connected to the machine for continuous advancement therewith and arranged to receive ballast deposited on the ballast bed and the track ties ahead of the transverse ballast excavating chain course and to discharge the received ballast in the transversely extending excavated ballast bed portion, the device comprising a ballast receiving and discharging element extending in the direction of the track, and a vertical adjustment drive arranged to lower the element onto the upper surfaces of the ties between the rails whereby the ballast deposited on the ballast bed and the track ties is separated from the underlying ballast bed and is received on the element

Abstract: A mobile machine arrangement for excavating ballast from a ballast bed, for cleaning the excavated ballast and for redistributing the cleaned ballast to the ballast bed, comprises a first, elongated machine frame and a second machine frame supported for mobility on a track. Mounted on the first machine frame are a track lifting device, a ballast excavating chain including a transverse course insertable in a central ballast bed portion under the track for excavating ballast from the central ballast bed portion, and a first ballast cleaning screen arranged to receive the excavated ballast from the excavating chain.

Abstract: A mobile ballast regulator comprises a machine frame supported by two undercarriages for mobility on the track in an operating direction, a ballast plow carrier frame arranged below the machine frame between the undercarriages and extending in the longitudinal direction, the carrier frame having one end linked to the machine frame and an opposite end supported by an undercarriage for mobility on the track, and a ballast plow vertically adjustably mounted on the carrier frame.

Abstract: A ballast distributing and planing machine comprises an elongated machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for mobility along the track in an operating direction, a ballast broom extending transversly across the track and mounted on the machine frame at a rear end thereof in the operating direction, and a ballast plow arrangement mounted on the machine frame. A ballast storage container is mounted on the machine frame and has at least one discharge opening enabling ballast stored in the container to be discharged onto the track, and a ballast discharge conveyor band is mounted immediately below each discharge opening and is arranged to close the opening, each conveyor band having a drive for moving the conveyor band in a conveying direction.

Abstract: A mobile ballast regulating machine comprises a machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track for mobility therealong in an operating direction, a vertically adjustable ballast plow arrangement comprising a substantially vertical ballast damming wall extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the machine frame to the opposite machine frame sides, a respective ballast guide plate associated with the damming wall at each machine frame side, each guide plate being adjustable to define a desired angle with the respective machine frame side, and a cover plate preceding the damming wall in the operating direction and connected to the damming wall, the cover plate extending substantially parallel to a plane defined by the track and immediately above the running surfaces of the rails, and the cover plate including opposite ends associated with the rails and extending in the direction of the longitudinal machine frame extension, each cover plate end projecting obliquely downwardly towards the bas

Abstract: A mobile machine for clearing and planing ballast comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on the railroad track, at least one vertically and transversely adjustable ballast clearing tool connected to the machine frame for clearing ballast laterally outwardly of a respective rail and for planing the ballast upon vertical and transverse adjustment of the tool, the tool being longitudinally adjustably mounted on the machine frame for adjustment in the direction of the railroad track supported by the ballast, and drives connected to the tool for vertically, transversely and longitudinally adjusting the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for excavating ballast from a railroad bed and for cleaning the excavated ballast for return thereof to the railroad bed. The apparatus includes a vehicle for supporting a pair of excavating assemblies on opposite sides of the support vehicle and thus on opposite sides of the railroad track and a discrete cleaning station for each of the separate excavating assemblies. Each cleaning station is disposed for receiving and cleaning the ballast excavated by the associated excavating assembly. Each excavating assembly includes, in spaced, serial relation, a forward excavating wheel, an undercutter, and a second or rear excavating wheel.

Abstract: An articulated ballast cleaning system utilizes a pair of ballast cleaners each dedicated to cleaning only a portion of the ballast bed of a railroad track, such that one cleans the peripheral ballast while the other cleans the center ballast. Spoil or waste ballast is conveyed forwardly along the apparatus for disposal, while cleaned ballast is conveyed rearwardly for replacement aft of an undercutter device. Fresh ballast may be conveyed forwardly along the apparatus to supplement the cleaned ballast.

Abstract: A railroad undercutter economizes both weight and space requirements through the use of a single continuous chain which carries ballast from beneath a railroad track to a track supported conveyor with the chain entering beneath and exiting from beneath the track on the same side and turning through a vertical arc of approximately 130.degree. to move above the track.

Abstract: There is described a railroad track maintenance machine having a horizontal track undercutter and a vertical rotary trench digging wheel at one side of the track. The bucket wheel is constructed such that there is lateral access into the wheel from the inner side of the bucket wheel and the buckets themselves are open on their inner sides. The undercutter is located with its delivery end adjacent to and spaced inwardly of the trenching wheel near its bottom center so that ballast removed by the undercutter is projected into the buckets through their open sides.

Abstract: A mobile arrangement for rehabilitating a ballast bed by installing a protective layer between a subgrade and layer of ballast at a construction site of the track includes an excavation unit for continuously removing old ballast from the ballast bed to expose the subgrade and a rock crusher unit which receives at least a portion of withdrawn old ballast for comminution thereof. Comminuted old ballast is then laid over the exposed subgrade for forming at least part of the protective layer.