Taratest Oy, a company specialising in geotechnics and environmental research, has been using Lännen multpurpose machines in its operations already for a long time. As the need arised for a machine that is capable of moving smoothly on and around the rail network, the company opted for the Lännen 8800M Rail multipurpose machine.
According to Tomi Sahlman, the Lännen multipurpose machine was a natural choice when planning the new acquisition, as previous experiences with the brand and the cooperation with Lännen Tractors were good.
The need for rock and soil quality researches is constantly increasing, and in Finland one of the most well-known players in this field is Taratest Oy from Pirkkala. Their standard fleet consists primarily of various track-mounted drilling rigs.
As an alternative to traditional drilling machinery, Taratest has already for a long time been using Lännen multipurpose machines, but so far only one unit at a time. Using the GM drill boom manufactured by Geomachine Oy as an extension to the excavator arm, the company has been able to successfully perform measurements in places where the machine's special properties, such as high driving speed, excellent outreach and stability have proven invaluable.
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– For example, when drilling on roadside slopes, which is a job that often involves working over the railing or some other obstacle, Lännen machine is superior to any other machine. The machine's outreach of almost six metres makes this possible with a good margin, says Tomi Sahlman, head of department at Taratest Oy.
– Furthermore, as there's no need to use a trailer for transfers the working efficiency of the machine is excellent. The machine is able to travel even long distances on its own wheels. Using a trailer for the transport usually isn't profitable on distances shorter than hundred kilometres, he continues.
Lännen multipurpose machine is also equipped with the remote control. It enables the essential functions of the machine, including transferring and manoeuvring of the backhoe, to be operated without getting into the cab. Using the wireless remote control does not only make the working more precise, but also safer and easier.
Demand for railway work is increasing
Taratest's area of operation is whole Finland. In recent times, the demand for work on the rail network has been on the rise. As a result, Taratest decided to acquire road-rail machinery of their own.
– Taking a track-mounted rig quickly on and off the track is often challenging, Mr Sahlman says.
– Pulling blasting mats of rubber over the rails using medium-sized track-mounted rigs is also tedious, he continues.
Where getting on and off the track quickly with a track-mounted rig is often challenging, the Lännen multipurpose machine moves agile on and off the track.
A good example of this is the current drilling site on the Tahkoluoto track near town of Pori. As the railway is built on a causeway running across a bay, getting off the track to the side is virtually impossible. The Lännen 8800M Rail instead, if necessary, travels smoothly on the rails to the nearest level crossing and gets off the track there - and easily back onto the track again when it's time to continue the work.
– This machine equipped with rail wheels is an excellent complement to our fleet, and it clearly improves the efficiency of the measuring operations on the rail network. As the machine is not fully engaged to working on the track, it can be used for other purposes on the rail network or in the terrain, Tomi Sahlman points out.
The GM drill boom is very easy to disconnect from the backhoe and replace it by a bucket if needed, Tomi Sahlman says.
The remote control makes working smooth
Using the Lännen 8800M rail-equipped multipurpose machine allows Taratest to focus on their actual core work, i.e. performing measurements, which is made easier by equipping the machine with remote control. The remote control enables the essential functions of the machine, including transferring and manoeuvring of the backhoe, to be operated without getting into the cab.
Using the wireless remote control does not only make the working more precise, but also safer and easier.
For example, when drilling on roadside slopes, which is a job that often involves working over the railing or some other obstacle, Lännen multipurpose machine is superior to any other machine. The machine's outreach of almost six metres makes this possible with a good margin.
The GM drill boom has the same characteristics as Geomachine's popular GM 65 GT and GM 75 GT geodrilling rigs, and according to Tomi Sahlman, it is very easy to disconnect the boom from the backhoe and replace it by a bucket if needed.
The front loader of the machine is primarily used for transporting. This is because the compressor, which is required for certain drilling and boring operations, and the rod holder are located at the front of the machine.
”This machine equipped with rail wheels is an excellent complement to our fleet, and it clearly improves the efficiency of the measuring operations on the rail network. As the machine is not fully engaged to working on the track, it can be used for other purposes on the rail network or in the terrain.”
According to Mr Sahlman, the Lännen multipurpose machine came up as the natural choice when they started planning their newest acquisition.
– Previous experiences of the brand and the cooperation with Lännen Tractors were good. The new machine was developed and designed in cooperation, and it was clear to the manufacturer what kind of machine and for what purpose we were looking for , he outlines.
– We are really satisfied with this machine. Work sites are really easy to find – if not on the track, then somewhere else, Toni Sahlman sums up the many possibilities of their new Lännen 8800M.
The Lännen 8800M Rail travels smoothly on the rails to the nearest level crossing and gets off the track there - and easily back onto the track again when it's time to continue the work. The machine is not fully engaged to working on the track, it can be used for other purposes on the rail network or in the terrain.
Read more about Lännen multipurpose machines.
