Operator’s Manual
© Copyright 2018 - Rail-Ability Limited
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16 Emergency Recovery
If the machine breaks down in such a position that it is likely to obstruct an adjacent line or cause an
accident or damage to the railway infrastructure or any other vehicle, it is important that the machine is
placed in a safe position as soon as possible. For this reason, the excavator has been fitted with an
electro-hydraulic power system and tow bar by which another machine can tow it to safety.
Under normal conditions, with 2 trained and competent personnel, this process usually takes around
30 minutes to undertake on average.
Instructions on how the auxiliary system works are described below. Read and understand these
instructions so that in the event of a machine failure you the machine can be out in a safe position:
•
Slew the machine so that the arm is parallel to and clear of any adjacent line with the
counterweight facing the vehicle that is to be used for towing.
•
Lower the boom so that the highest point is no higher than the top of the cab.
•
Connect the failed machine and recovery vehicle together with the approved tow bar.
•
Release the axle lock stabilisers of the failed machine.
•
ONLY RELEASE THE FINAL DRIVE SHAFT SPLINES ON THE FAILED MACHINE ONCE
THE TOW BAR HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO THE RECOVERY VEHICLE OTHERWISE THE
MACHINE MIGHT RUN AWAY.
•
Ensure that towing is carried out at approximately 2 mph as the recovery vehicle has to brake
for both vehicles and at a higher speed braking distance would be greatly increased.
•
Switch on machine ignition switch.
•
Switch RCI on and place in override for duration of the recovery. When the recovery pump is
running the auxiliary valve block on the machine is operational this provides the following
essential functions for recovery:
•
Raise and lower of main arm lift ram
•
Slew left and right
•
Arm knuckle left and right
•
Raise front rail gear/blade trolley
•
Raise the rear rail gear.
•
If the functions do not operate, an electrical failure is present. In this case the second person
must hold the momentary mechanical overrides on the RCI motion cut valve block functions to
enable each function that is required in turn whilst the operator controls the machine.
•
Operate the machine controls in the usual way to bring the machine into travel gauge to prepare
for towing.
WARNING: TO ENSURE THE MACHINE IS COMPLYING WITH THE W6A GAUGE REQUIREMENT
BEFORE TRAVELLING ON RAIL IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE MACHINE IS SLEWED SO THAT
THE UPPER STRUCTURE IS PARALLEL TO THE LOWER STRUCTURE/RAIL AND THAT THE
CAB DOOR IS SHUT.
WARNING: TO GUARANTEE THE MACHINE IS COMPLYING WITH THE W6A GAUGE
REQUIREMENT BEFORE TRAVELLING ON RAIL IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL THAT THE ARM IS
POSITIONED LOWER OR EQUAL TO THE HEIGHT OF THE CAB. THIS IS TO ENSURE
OVERHEAD STRUCTURES ARE NOT STRUCK. THE HEIGHT LIMITER FITTED TO THE
MACHINE CAN THEN BE SET AND ACTIVATED TO MAINTAIN THIS POSITION.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in severe damage to the machine and/or the rail
infrastructure.
