The 20 t twin-way excavator ATLAS 1404 ZW works stable on Wangerooge

ATLAS road-rail excavator 1404 ZW, equipped for 1,000 mm track width, reconstructions at two train stations on the island of Wangerooge.

The train line on the North Sea Island of Wangerooge was inaugurated in 1897. Today, the 5.9 km tracks are the major transport connection on the island. And just like in 1897, it is a narrow-gauge railway with a track width of 1,000 mm. The two train stations on the western part of the island and in the centre are being fitted out with new tracks. This is where the ATLAS 1404 ZW excavator is at work. To meet the specific demands on site, it was equipped with an especially constructed and assembled chassis.

With its wight of 20 t the 1404 ZW is the smallest ATLAS road-rail excavator. The new Deutz engine with 95 KW/130 hp meets the exhaust emission standards of EU Stage V/US-EPA. An exhaust gas aftertreatment system with closed diesel particulate filter and combined SCR catalytic converter ensure eco-friendliness. Linde´s proven load-sensing hydraulics in combination with the intelligent ATLAS hydraulic management system AWE 4 enable sensitive working and driving with millimetre precision.

The counterweight is integrated and can be supplied in three different rear radius variants: 1,575 mm – 1,700 mm – 1,998 mm. On Wangerooge the 1,998 mm variant is in use. A low centre of gravity and a transversely mounted  engine ensure excellent steadiness and optimum stability when working on the track. Even when lifting really heavy weights, the 1404 ZW stays safe and firm despite the narrow-gauge railway. The chassis with its sturdy and specially designed axles with planetary gears in all 4 wheel hubs as well as 4-wheel drive, variable speed motor with powershift transmission and a double-acting travel brake valve are the prerequisites for safe driving on roads as well as tracks. A unique selling point for ATLAS is the rigid axle with a switchable, 100% lock differential. This 1404 ZW is powered by AWE 4 technology through friction wheels. For this assignment on Wangerooge axles with a reduced width of 1,000 were mounted.

EMS Gleisbau GmbH was founded in Hamburg in 1974 and moved to Seevetal (near Hamburg) in 1999. With state-of-the-art machinery, the about 60 employees carry out – if necessary day and night – standard tasks around rails as well as tricky assignments. The broad performance spectrum includes construction of tracks and platforms, laying of cables and tamping work. Numerous patented in-house-developments – e.g. for track-bound platform edges, for the construction of cable channels or for ploughing cables directly from the tracks – describe the exceptional proficiency of EMS. The extensive machinery includes eight ATLASroad-rail excavators. They ensure the realization of the company’s high standards.

The ATLAS 1404 ZW is provided with a computer-supported slewing limitation which first reduces the superstructure speed proportionally when the end point is reached and then switches off the superstructure slewing gear. Therefore, any damage to signaling equipment etc. can be ruled out. The electronic lifting height limitation eliminates the risk of the excavator boom touching the contact wires above. This is not important for Wangerooge but relevant for the next job on the mainland. The system recognizes when an attachment is mounted and adjusts the programmed working height accordingly. The load moment limitation according to DIN EN 15746-2 is also integrated. This means that the excavator reliably turns itself off during all lifting operations before it threatens to tip over. The newly developed fully hydraulic quick coupler has storage space for 16 different working tools for motor and cylindrical consumption.

The cab offers an excellent visibility for the driver. Camera and monitor control the rear and side areas. The Actimo Evolution super seat from Grammer allows so many individual adjustment nuances that you really take the strain off your back with its support. 

EMS and its ATLAS machinery are serviced by the ATLAS dealer in Hamburg, who is part of the von der Wehl group. Support on site or technical assistance is self-evident for these specialists. And most importantly: everything is done quickly and customer oriented. Particularly appealing is ATLAS’ ability to respond to special customer needs like lane reduction, camera systems, a special boom, special cabins and much more. Customized versions, like this road-rail narrow-gauge excavator 1404 ZW, are produced in close cooperation with the ATLAS factory in Ganderkesee.