SWITZERLAND: Next month Swiss Federal Railways will take delivery of the last of a batch of 22 rail loaders ordered from Robel.

The two six-wagon and 20 two-wagon rail loaders are equipped with a total of 80 electric and 24 mechanical cranes. They enable rapid loading and transport of rails and switch components, using electric 'crabs’ which can be operated remotely. Each rail loader has a lifting power of 1·6 tonnes, and the electrical supply and lighting is handled by onboard 40 kVA generators.

Robel customises the loader design for different applications, and the SBB vehicles are fitted with outriggers which can be secured at angles of 45, 90 or 135°.