Two-way
Clean man on the rails.
There is plenty of pulling power at Deutsche Bahn when it comes to wagon cleaning. And that in the truest sense of the word. After all, the long-distance trains need to be brought back to a high shine on a regular basis. In addition to perfect timing, the heavy trailing loads above all require a lot of power—especially when getting underway.
Unimog makes Deutsche Bahn trains shine again.
At the Pferdeturm shunting yard in Hannover, trains are therefore received by a latest-generation Unimog. The 2-way all-rounder, specially equipped for rail operation, hauls the strings of wagons into the wash plant. The trick: the Unimog U 423 can pull the train through the wash plant at the optimal speed. For a clean exterior as if fresh from the depot.
For a spotless wash result: the towing speed can be precisely adjusted with the Unimog.
Jolt-free through the wash.
On their long journeys through Germany, long-distance trains pick up a lot of dirt. Deutsche Bahn employees tackle this in the train wash. And they often do so at night or in the evening hours, when the timetable allows.
In principle, the exterior cleaning of the trains works like a large car wash: the train is slowly pulled through the facility past high-pressure nozzles and washing brushes. “It is important to maintain a consistent speed to guarantee uniformly good cleaning performance,” explains Marian Meyer, Head of shunting service and train provisioning at DB Fernverkehr in Hanover.
No problem for the Unimog: Thanks to the torque converter clutch fitted as standard, it can shunt the trains even with heavy trailing loads with low wear and smooth, jerk-free starts.
Optimal cleaning results.
Marian Meyer received the symbolic key to the new Unimog U 423 at the InnoTrans trade fair. He is completely convinced of the performance of the radio-controlled shunter: "With the Unimog as a towing vehicle we can maintain constant speeds of one to two kilometres per hour and thus achieve optimal results when cleaning our ICs and ICEs."
Since 2016, Marian Meyer, head of shunting operations and train preparation at DB Fernverkehr, has relied on the Unimog U 423.
Cheaper and more environmentally friendly than a locomotive.
The Unimog U 423 of DB Fernverkehr AG was equipped in cooperation with the bodybuilder Zagro. It has railway approval under EBO (Railway Construction and Operating Regulations) and is cleared for use on the Deutsche Bahn network. The equipment is rounded off by a practical radio remote control, a powerful wagon braking system for 800 t, and coupling bars at the front and rear.
At the shunting yard the Unimog replaces an aging shunting locomotive. Although the shunting expert could quickly switch to the road thanks to hydraulically lowerable rail guidance, in Hanover he now does so at most for inspection and maintenance appointments. Otherwise he is fully occupied with his numerous rail deployments.
Precise manoeuvring by radio: Thanks to a reliable remote control, the driver is always on top of the situation when coupling up.
The decisive factor for Deutsche Bahn's switch to the 2-way vehicle was primarily the low operating costs. The versatile shunting specialist therefore requires less fuel than comparable locomotives, and maintenance at the nearby authorized Unimog dealer is also considerably cheaper.
Another significant plus: the Unimog's environmental and climate-friendly credentials. The all-rounder from Mercedes‑Benz relies on modern Euro VI engines that reduce harmful exhaust emissions and also save diesel fuel. After all, environmental and climate protection are part of DB's DNA – the use of the Unimog thus contributes to Deutsche Bahn's overall environmental protection.
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For a good working environment. And satisfied rail customers.
DB drivers also appreciate the Unimog's reliability and robust performance in operation. That driver comfort on the job is not neglected is particularly noticeable in hot weather. The Unimog U 423's standard air conditioning then ensures comfortable working conditions in the cab.
As a reliable partner, the Unimog also ensures, in continuous operation, that wagons are consistently clean, train after train. Or it moves individual wagons to the workshop for maintenance. Creating an inviting first impression for all long-distance passengers.
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