Martin Engineering introduces the next generation of rail car openers

Martin Engineering, a global leader in bulk material flow accessories is introducing a redesigned railcar opener that improves ease of use and reduces potential hazards for workers. The two-wheeled Martin® Gen 4 Railcar Opener from Martin Engineering delivers strong, controlled non-impacting power to open and close even the most difficult railcar gates. It features simple maneuverability and lateral turning wheels for moving capstans, outrigger support, and height adjustment. Additionally, the innovative “stepped” drive tip improves the gate opener’s contact with the capstan. This new design boosts efficiency, leading to less demurrage from stalling and a safer workplace, which results in a lower cost of operation.

Martin® Gen 4 Railcar Opener

 

“We’re excited about the 4th generation of this model because it’s been painstakingly designed over years using real-world feedback from customers,” said Marty Yepsen, Business Development Manager for Railcar Unloading Products at Martin Engineering. “We approached this with reliability and safety in mind, using heavy-duty materials for a long equipment life. The result is a non-impacting opener that can compete with impacting-type openers. In fact, given the controlled force of the Gen 4, it may be preferred.”

 

Railcar openers are semi-automated systems controlled by a worker to enhance the speed, efficiency, and safety of unloading materials. A cargo train generally offloads into a storage facility or conveyor by dropping cargo through an underside opening sealed with a gate. A capstan connected to a shaft and pinion gear is used to open the gate.

 

 

A worker inserts the bit into the capstan on a stopped hopper car to release the gate.

 

A poorly maintained gate will require a great deal of force to open. Since most facilities do not know the condition of the gates upon arrival, it is wise to have an opener that has some range. The Gen 4 will generate the power necessary to open and close gates safely and without damage.

 

The rugged steel-framed Martin® Gen 4 Railcar Opener requires an air supply of 75 cfm at 100 psi (2124 L/min at 6.9 bar). It delivers 3750 ft/lbs (5080 N-m) of non-impacting torque to open tough gates without causing damage. The new “stepped” profile of the replaceable drive tip provides more surface contact with the railcar’s capstan, reducing rollback of the opener under load. This minimizes wear and tear on both the drive tip and capstans.

 

Engineered for versatility across many applications, the Gen 4 allows easy adjustment of the driveshaft height to match various rail car capstan heights and to account for variations in unloading platforms. Fitting through 36-inch-wide door frames, the unit’s outriggers expand up to 67 inches (1719 mm) for greater stability during high torque operations.

 

Attach the ½ inch hose, adjust the handlebar, position the unit, adjust the height, set, insert the bit, and engage the power.

 

Designed with ergonomic operation in mind, the handlebars are adjustable to accommodate different operator heights. The 10x4 inch (254 x 102 mm) “Never Flat” tires make the 305 lbs (139 kg) unit easy to maneuver and position by a single worker. One lever rotates the pivoting wheels 90 degrees, allowing the unit to roll with a traveling capstan for increased unloading efficiency.

 

Although the industrial environment can be loud, the Martin® Gen 4 Railcar Opener is relatively quiet at only 88 dBa, a safety feature that decreases the need for ear protection and lowers noise pollution.

 

“The nearly effortless single operator design transforms a hazardous and grueling job into a comparatively routine and risk-free task,” Yepsen concluded. “Field tests have shown that the Gen 4 not only improves efficiency, which lowers demurrage, but it also increases safety and reduces labor costs. All this drives down operating costs and boosts ROI.”