DB Bahnbau invests in 18 new universal tamping machines
posted on 26th Nov 2025 14:48
Plasser & Theurer has received an order for 18 UnimatExpress 2X-4x4 Dynamic tamping machines from DB Bahnbau Group. This means that the Linz-based company has secured an impressive single contract for tamping machines, fitted with ETCS OBU.
According to Markus Egerer, chairman of the board of directors at DB Bahnbau Group: "The new tamping machines are an investment in the future and are replacing several outdated machines. Acquiring 18 identical, universally deployable types reduces the variety that is now dominant in our fleet. This allows us to design our maintenance strategy and spare parts management even more efficiently. These modern machines run on HVO fuels, allowing us to make an important contribution to sustainability."
With the 2X-4x4 tamping unit, the tamping machines are equipped with the optimum solution for plain-line track and turnout maintenance. The unit combines two specialized halves into one system: one is flexible, perfectly adapted to the complex geometries of turnouts, while the second half is wear-optimized and designed for efficient operation on plain-line tracks. Thanks to this combination, it is even possible to work in powerful 2-sleeper mode in large parts of a turnout, which increases productivity. Integrating dynamic track stabilization onto tamping machines incorporates another maintenance task into the process. It is no longer necessary to use additional machines, and there are significantly fewer low-speed sections after maintenance.
Plasser & Theurer has been focusing on the automation of track maintenance machines for over ten years and is consolidating its role as a technology leader with the development of digital assistance systems. These systems optimize work processes, unburden operating staff, and, thanks to partially AI-based systems, reduce the potential for human error. At the same time, the familiarization period becomes significantly shorter. The machines ordered by DB Bahnbau Group have state-of-the-art equipment with numerous innovations.
The Plasser TampingAssistant is the first assistance system for tamping machines that offers end-to-end digitalization, from pre-measuring to documentation. AI and a wide range of sensors are used to generate action recommendations in order to simplify work processes.
Plasser TampingControl is another digital assistance system that provides the basis for automating the tamping process, supporting the machine operator in creating a precise, long-lasting track geometry. The tamping unit is equipped with sensors that enable a condition-based tamping process, providing operating staff with real-time feedback on the work result achieved.
The non-contact Plasser InertialTrackGeometry measuring system records the actual track geometry using relative 3D space curves, making deviations immediately visible. It can be used for pre- and post-measuring from a standstill to the maximum speed of the tamping machine, reliably detecting the wavelength ranges D1, D2, and D3.
The Plasser ReferencedTrackGeometry fixed-point measuring system makes it possible to verify the absolute track geometry in space. This data is used to calculate the necessary lifting and lining values, and the tamping machine can work according to the precision method, guided by fixed points. It generates a reference to the original geometry using external reference points, allowing measurements to be taken without line closures during normal railway operations and replacing arduous, time-consuming manual labour.
