Network Rail High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) Fleet
UK-wide rail network · Ongoing (New £50m ballast cleaner purchased in 2015; RM 900 and RM 95 RT in operation) · £50m (for a new ballast cleaner purchased in 2015); Part of Network Rail's multi-billion pound railway maintenance budget.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchNetwork Rail's High Output program, utilizing HOBCs, is crucial for the efficient and high-quality renewal of track. The continuous investment in advanced ballast cleaning systems, such as those from Plasser & Theurer, demonstrates a commitment to improving the reliability and longevity of the UK's rail infrastructure. The ability to clean ballast in-situ reduces waste and the need for new materials.
Key engineering challenges
Rapid and efficient cleaning of track ballast to maintain track stability and drainage. - Operating large, complex machinery within limited railway possession times. - Minimizing disruption to train services while performing essential maintenance.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Network Rail
- Lead contractor
- Plasser & Theurer (as primary supplier of HOBC machines)
- Lead designers
- Plasser & Theurer
- Project type
- upgrade | vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- HOBC fleet carries out 70% of Britain's plain line track renewals; RM 900 RT can clean ballast at a rate of 1,000 m/h.
- Disciplines
- civil; mechanical; railway engineering; logistics
- Standards & frameworks
- Network Rail standards, Railway Group Standards, CDM Regulations.
Sources: Network Rail (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/our-work/looking-after-the-railway/our-fleet-machines-and-vehicles/high-output/) - Rail Engineer (https://www.railengineer.uk/high-outputs-new-ballast-cleaner/) - RSSB (https://www.rssb.co.uk/sustainability/high-output-ballast-cleaning-system-reducing-ballast-waste-on-britains-rail-network) - Plasser UK (https://www.plasser.co.uk/en/machines-systems/ballast-bed-cleaning/hobcs-5)