At Bramley Engineering, we are excited to share how our bespoke lifting solutions make a real difference. Our recent collaboration with Siemens Rolling Stock in Northamptonshire showcases our commitment to safety and efficiency in challenging environments. Siemens needed a safer, more efficient way to handle train wheel set maintenance, which previously relied on manual processes. Read on to discover how our custom cradle solution transformed their maintenance operations, and watch the video below to see this piece of equipment in action.
Understanding Siemens’ Maintenance Challenges
Siemens faced an ongoing need to replace the bearings in train wheel sets, which required removing and handling heavy components like the radial arms and gearbox. Without dedicated lifting support, this task presented significant safety risks and inefficiencies, with the potential for parts to swing freely during transport. Siemens sought a solution that could provide stable support and comply with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) standards. Our goal was to design a cradle that could be used repeatedly in their maintenance operations, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Custom Cradle Design: Technical Specifications and Features
Our team developed a bespoke cradle specifically for Siemens’ requirements. This lightweight yet durable cradle, with a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 180kg, is easily portable, allowing one person to carry two of them comfortably. Designed with adjustable elements, the cradle can accommodate significant variances in wheel set diameters, ensuring precise support for each set.
Key features include:
- Rail-Mounted Casters: The cradle runs on non-marking nylon casters, enabling it to move smoothly along the railroad with the load attached.
- Adjustable Supports: Both the vertical and lateral adjustments allow the cradle to align with wheel sets that may vary due to wear, providing a customised fit and preventing free-swinging.
- Foldable Design: To improve operability in confined spaces under the train, protruding parts of the cradle can fold away, enhancing manoeuvrability and safety for operatives.
Development Process: Ensuring a Perfect Fit for Siemens’ Needs
Our approach began with a precise 3D scan of the maintenance area, capturing millimetre-accurate measurements of Siemens’ railroad and wheel sets. This data allowed us to design a cradle that seamlessly integrates with the existing environment. The project evolved over several iterations, with Siemens providing feedback at each stage. Through close collaboration and refinements, we delivered a solution that met all their operational and safety requirements.
Key Benefits of the Custom Cradle for Safety and Efficiency
The custom cradle significantly improves safety by preventing the radial arms and gearbox from swinging freely during transport. This ensures a stable, repeatable process for wheel set maintenance, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing efficiency. With this cradle, Siemens now benefits from a more controlled and secure maintenance process, which is both reliable and compliant with safety standards.
Bramley Engineering’s Proven Track Record in Bespoke Solutions
Our work with Siemens is just one example of our expertise in creating tailored lifting solutions. For instance, in our Theme Park Log Flume Maintenance Case Study, we developed a custom cradle for log flume maintenance, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in a unique environment. Similarly, our Claw Case Study also to aid Siemens in their train maintenance operation showcases how we addressed the lifting challenges of a complex project with a solution designed to exceed client expectations.
Conclusion
At Bramley Engineering, we work closely with our customers to find innovative solutions to their unique challenges, no matter how complex the problem. By applying creative problem-solving, we ensure that we deliver the most effective, efficient, and safe solution for your needs. Our collaboration with Siemens demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored equipment that enhances operational safety and efficiency. Let us help you tackle your lifting challenges with a solution designed just for you.
For more information or to discuss your project, please contact us at:
- Email: enquiries@bramleyengineering.co.uk
- Phone: 01525 375225
