New maintenance tram smoothes the tracks in Helsinki

Helsinki City Transport (HKL) has ordered a truly versatile new grinding and
track cleaning car from Algol Technics. The modular articulated design of the
new maintenance tram allows it to be used year round for jobs that HKL has
traditionally required three separate cars to perform.

HKL was looking for a cost-effective and long-term solution to replace its
ageing and difficult to service maintenance trams. The new car meets these
requirements perfectly, says Product Manager Mikko Ahola from Algol Technics
Products group.

Helsinkis northern climate poses special challenges for maintaining tram
tracks. During the warm season the primary task is to grind the tracks, which
improves comfort for passengers and reduces wear on the trams themselves. In
autumn the main job is to clear leaves from the tracks, while in wintertime
snow and ice have to be removed.

The new maintenance tram can easily adjust to the demands of different times of
the year. Beneath the chassis and between the driven wheels is a grinding unit.
Its modular design allows it to be interchanged easily with a winter unit
equipped with snow and steel brushes and ice scrapers. Fitting and servicing
the units is also simple.

The electric grinding and track cleaning car is similar in type and size to a
passenger tram. The total length is 12.5 metres and the weight a massive 33
tonnes without the water tanks required for grinding. The colour of the new
maintenance tram is bright yellow, making it easy to see.

The tram is manufactured by the German company Windhoff Bahn- und
Anlagentechnik GmbH, whose list of references extends from the biggest cities
in Central Europe to Ankara in Turkey. Helsinki nevertheless represents new
territory for the company. The new tram will be put to work on Helsinkis tram
tracks after it has been exhibited at the international InnoTrans exhibition in
Berlin in October 2010. HKLs order includes an option for a second similar
tram.

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