Plasser&Theurer 09-3X Dynamic Tamping Machine

The key component of the 09-3X is the 3-sleeper tamping unit. It allows the machine to tamp three sleepers simultaneously during one single tamping process. Whether it’s maintenance operation or tamping newly laid track: compared to the continuous 2-sleeper tamping machine, the 09-3X model increases output by 30 to 40 %. And that’s not its maximum performance, but rather, an average value.
In 1996, the 3-sleeper tamping technology was introduced for the first time. Ever since, the concept has been used around the world and continues to live up to its reputation. Globally, the name 09-3X is synonymous with simplified worksite logistics, optimal utilisa- tion of track possessions as well as reduced costs for administration and staff. P&T

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i worked on the first 09 and commissioned it 32 years ago in South Africa. Before tamping machines stopped to tamp then moved to next one or two sleepers, depending if it is a single or dual tamper. Single did about 14 and dual did 18 sleepers per minute. The 09 did up to 42 sleepers per minute did not stop when tamping lifting and straitening the rail.