The tram network in Finland has grown significantly in recent years, and the trend seems to be increasing. This also creates a need for a versatile rolling stock for both maintenance and construction. The solution is the Lännen multipurpose machine, the latest example being the Lännen 8800M from Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy.
In recent years, news of major tramway projects in Finnish cities have followed one after another. On-rail electric urban transport has proven to be a sustainable solution, and in Helsinki, for example, the size of the tram network has grown and will grow significantly within the next few years. Currently, 89 kilometres of two-way tram lines are active, both in the form of the core network and the new 25-kilometre long Helsinki-Espoo rapid transit line Raide-Jokeri. Ten kilometres more will be completed with the Kruunusillat project and 4.5 kilometres with the Kalasatama to Pasila project completion.
The expanding network will also require increased maintenance capacity. For Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy, which is responsible for tram maintenance and construction in Helsinki and Espoo, the new Lännen 8800M tracked tramway machine offers a wide range of possibilities for year-round operations.
The expanding tram network in Helsinki and Espoo brings increasing maintenance demands. The new Lännen 8800M rail-road machine rises to the challenge, offering versatile solutions for year-round maintenance and construction.
Lännen is solid even on a narrow track
For historical reasons, the capital region's tram network has a narrow track gauge of exactly 1000 mm, which makes a machine of this size a striking sight when lifted onto the wheels: as if defying the rules of gravity, the machine moves on narrow rails under the command of driver Petri Kaikkonen. The truth is, however, that experience has shown the machine to be very sturdy.
- Even though the track gauge is only one metre, it's very stable. You can take the excavator right to the side without any worries, says Kaikkonen. Foreman Sami Martemaa agrees.
- The rotating excavator seems to tip more easily, and the boom can't be taken quite as far. That means a smaller working area, says Martemaa.
And what about progress on the track in general? The machine has quite a long-looking wheelbase from one rail wheel to the other. How does the Länkkäri handle bends on the rails?
- On the mainline network, the curves are tighter, so sometimes you have to twist a bit, says Martemaa, referring to Helsinki's traditional tram network.
- On the other hand, the curves on the Raide-Joker are so gentle that there is no need, he says, referring to the new high-speed line.
The Lännen 8800M rail-road machine turns heads as it operates on Helsinki's narrow one-meter-wide tracks, yet it remains impressively stable. It provides versatile capabilities for winter snow clearing as well as construction and electrical tasks.
Both networks fall within the scope of this Lännen, but the focus will be more on the Raide-Jokeri when the next winter season kicks off the actual work on this machine. Of course, there was already time to get some work started this winter.
- Snow work is the main role of this machine. That means brushing the line and the stops with a front brush and a boom brush, as well as, for example, sanding the stops, says Martemaa.
The equipment also includes various buckets, special brushes, a POME stop sanding machine and a Tokvam snow blower.
- It can also be used for construction work if required, and for example, a hydraulic cable bucket has been purchased for use on the electrical side, he continues.
"Although the rail gauge is only one meter, it is very stable. The excavator arm can be extended fully to the side without any concerns. A full-rotation excavator feels like it could tip over more easily, and the boom can't reach as far. This means a smaller working area."
The crane was not fitted with a crane body, as the municipal transport company already has a fleet of so-called "tower trucks" on rails for working on the catenaries. However, the Lännen is designed to work alongside the wire to wind and tension it.
- And I'm sure other jobs will be invented for it, as we learn what we can do with it, Sami Martemaa and Petri Kaikkonen say.
- In the spring, for example, we do a lot of asphalt milling, and we're already thinking about getting a milling machine for that, says Martemaa.
Equipped with hydraulic rail wheels, the Lännen 8800M is ideal for maintaining the Raide-Jokeri line, where most work is done on rails. “Station brushing is seamless when the machine moves steadily on tracks,” explains operator Petri Kaikkonen.
A familiar Lännen brand, a new setting
The Lännen is not a new brand for Kaupunkiliikenne Oy. The other machine is currently a ten-year-old 8600E and there is still a good-looking Lännen road roller in the house. But there has never been a machine of this type on rails in the City Transport before.
- When the maintenance of the Raide Jokeri was also transferred to us, we had to acquire suitable equipment for the task, says Sami Martemaa.
A Lännen 8800M with hydraulic rail wheel drive was the final choice, and it is particularly suited to the nature of the maintenance work on the Raide-Jokeri, as much of the work on this line is done on rail wheels rather than rubber wheels, as is the case in the urban area.
- Brushing the stops, for example, is smooth when you don't have to think about where the machine is going, says Petri Kaikkonen.
When brushing, the machine is usually driven tail-first and moves like on rails. At the stop, the driver can concentrate on using the tiltrotator at the end of the excavator to operate the brush.
Foreman Sami Martemaa (left) and operator Petri Kaikkonen have noted the advancements in Lännen multipurpose machines: highly precise and efficient hydraulics, combined with a quiet cabin, make work both effective and comfortable. They also commend the factory’s expert and practical support, which has made learning the new features seamless.
The development observed in the Lännen machines has also been received positively at KLOY.
- You can really see the progress in ten years. The working lights and sound system, as well as the quiet cab, make the work more comfortable. The hydraulics are also very precise and efficient. And the standard settings were immediately in place and in good harmony, Martemaa and Kaikkonen list.
- There are a few more functions and buttons, and therefore more to remember, but they have been learned and the factory has been very helpful. It's like having a guide sitting next to you, telling you what to do, says Sami Martemaa.
The new machine will get its real workload in the autumn when the next snowfalls arrive in Helsinki. However, we are already preparing for that, at least mentally, as we live in July.
- When the drivers are trained and taught how to use the machine, it will be ready for real work in the next season. The weather is the most challenging variable in tram transport, but it's a matter of honor for us to keep the trams running, Martemaa concludes.
Sounds like just the job for the Lännen multipurpose machine.
The versatile Lännen backhoe loader is a practical and multifunctional solution regardless of the season or terrain conditions. Read more about the various tasks different types of machines can accomplish with one versatile Lännen machine here.
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