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Tending the rails.

Unimog brings the shine back to Deutsche Bahn trains.

The Unimog is just the ticket for wagon cleaning at Deutsche Bahn. Longer long-distance trains regularly need to be given a new polish. In addition to perfect timing, substantial power is required particularly for the high towing loads – especially when pulling away.

This is why the latest generation of Unimog tends to the trains at the Pferdeturm shunt yard in Hanover, Germany. The versatile road-rail Unimog, specially equipped for rail traffic, tows the group of wagons into the washing facility. The best part of it is that the Unimog U 423 can tow the train through the washing facility at just the right speed to make the exterior as clean as if it came fresh out of the depot.

Smooth going through the washing facility.

Long-distance trains accumulate a fair amount of dirt on their long journey through Germany, so Deutsche Bahn employees tackle that in the train washing facility. This is often done at night or in the evening hours when scheduling permits.

In principle, exterior cleaning of the trains is similar to that of cleaning in a large car washing facility: the train passes by high-pressure nozzles and washing brushes while being towed slowly through the facility. "The key is to maintain an even speed in order to guarantee good, uniform cleaning results," explains Marian Meyer, head of DB shunting operations and train preparation in Hanover.

It's an easy task for the Unimog: thanks to the factory-fitted torque converter clutch, the Unimog shunts the trains smoothly with no wear even when handling high towing capacities.

Optimum cleaning results.

Marian Meyer received the symbolic key to the new Unimog U 423 at the InnoTrans fair. He is now absolutely convinced of the performance of the remote controlled shunting vehicle: "We are able to achieve speeds of one to two km/h using the Unimog as a towing vehicle, thus achieving optimum results when cleaning our ICs and ICEs.“

Marian Meyer, head of DB shunting operations and train preparation, has been relying on the Unimog U 423 since 2016.

Less expensive and better for the environment than a locomotive.

The bodybuilder Zagro helped to equip the Unimog U 423 for the DB Fernverkehr AG Long Distance unit. The Unimog complies with EBO (railway construction and operating) regulations and is approved for use in the Deutsche Bahn network. A practical radio remote control, a powerful rail car brake system for handling 800 tonnes and front and rear drawbars complete the package.

At the shunt yard the Unimog is replacing a shunting locomotive that is showing its age. Even though the Unimog shunter can switch to the road quickly thanks to a hydraulically lowered rail guidance system, in Hanover it now only makes the switch for inspection and maintenance appointments. Its numerous rail operations keep it otherwise fully occupied.

For sparkling clean results: the Unimog allows the towing speed to be set precisely.

The low operating costs in particular were the determining factor which persuaded Deutsche Bahn to switch over to the road-railer. For example, this versatile shunter uses less fuel than comparable locomotives, and maintenance at the nearby Unimog general distributor has also proven to be considerably less expensive.

Unimog U 423 maintains the rail network for the Hungarian state railway.

Another important advantage is that the Unimog shows good results with regard to both environmental and climate protection. This versatile vehicle from Mercedes-Benz uses current Euro VI engines, which reduce harmful gases while also consuming less diesel. Protecting the environment and the climate are in Deutsche Bahn's DNA, thus using the Unimog contributes to overall environmental protection at the company.

The Unimog tows the trains through the washing facility at a constant 2 km/h.
Quick coupling: the Unimog U 423 also effortlessly shunts Deutsche Bahn's longer long-distance trains.
A remote control gives the driver a clear view of the Unimog at all times while shunting.
Clean trains are important for satisfied rail customers, which is why the trains are run through the washing facility twice a week.
A perfect fit for the rail system: the Unimog U 423 is approved for use on the DB rail network.
Expert shunter: the Unimog is the ideal shunting vehicle thanks to the perfectly matched body options and attachments.
The rubber tyres provide excellent traction on the rails. This helps significantly when pulling away and braking.
In Hanover the Unimog U 423 also brings wagons that are in need of repair to the workshop.
In Hanover the Unimog U 423 also brings wagons that are in need of repair to the workshop.
The Unimog tows the trains through the washing facility at a constant 2 km/h.
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For a positive working atmosphere. And satisfied rail customers.

DB operators also appreciate the reliability and operational power of the Unimog. Careful attention has also been given to driving comfort on the job, which is particularly apparent when temperatures are high. Under these conditions the standard air conditioning system in the Unimog U 423 makes the cab a comfortable place to work.

The Unimog is also a reliable partner during continuous operation, ensuring uniform cleaning of wagons and shunting individual wagons to the workshop for repair. The result is a welcoming first impression for all long-distance passengers.

Precision shunting by radio remote control: thanks to the reliable remote control, operators are in command of coupling operations at all times.

All articles on Unimog in road-rail operations

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