On February 25th, Robel handed over the first SSP 110 SW ballast planning machine, completely revised as part of a retrofit, to Monti GmbH in Merchweiler.
As it stands on the factory track in Frailssing, the years of the plow named "Sylvia" (construction 1990) do not show: The machine is technically state-of-the-art and now not only has a modern, air-conditioned cabin and new installation kits (grading and flank plows, conveyor belt, sweeper, etc.) Monti also decided to replace the entire control system and to install an environmentally friendly engine of latest emissions standard 5 with an SCR catalytic converter.
Monti managing director Dr. Karl-Heinz Schneider sees his decision in favor of a retrofit confirmed: “The enormous delivery times for new machines are not compatible with our operation, so we decided to have a general overhaul done by our long-term partner Robel. After a year of construction and at around half the price of a new purchase, the old lady has become a brisk teenager again, who will serve us fully for at least the next 20 years. This is certainly not the last ballast plow that comes to Robel."
About Robel Retrofit
The retrofit of Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH is an economical alternative to buying a new machine. Within the existing vehicle approval, components, hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, installation kits, cabine and motor are refurbished or replaced depending on customer requirements. An investment of around 50 percent doubles the product life. After a net workshop time of 6 to 12 months, the machine is technically and optically as good as new for a further 15 to 20 years, often with an extended range of uses. Robel Service & Support carries out retrofits for rail-bound vehicles of Robel and Plasser & Theurer.