Traversers (transfer table) for railway vehicles transfer

A traversers (or rail transfer table) solves a problem that cannot be addressed with conventional switches in confined spaces: moving a wagon or locomotive laterally across a workshop — from one track to a parallel one — without long bypass tracks or additional civil construction.

This saves significant floor space and reduces the time spent on shunting operations. A single traverser can serve from two to dozens of parallel tracks, acting as a “horizontal elevator” for rolling stock.

The Tekhvagonmash transfer table is designed for heavy freight wagons of up to 120 t, equipped with a modern Siemens PLC-based control system and a barcode positioning sensor with ±3 mm accuracy.

Video of the traverser in action

Description and operating principle

Depending on requirements the transfer table can be of different types and with different load capacity:

• with pit / no-pit
• with screen / without screen
• transmission type / blind type
• load capacity up to 160 tons

The electrical shunting winch and sheeve wheels system are installed on the transfer table for pulling and pushing the vehicle.

Winch engine rotation speed can be regulated by frequency inverter.

To prevent inadvertent motion of the vehicle on the transfer table, the outriggers are used.

The independent drive of running wheels is used in transfer table. Fluent accelleration/decelleration is reached by frequency-regulated AC drive.

Transfer table control system is based on Siemens controllers. They control the drive ant its blocking. For precise positioning and synchronization of traveling gears the travel sensors are used.

There are central control panel and utility control consoles. Operator on the control panel chooses the railway number, loading and unloading point of railway vehicle and the transfer table automatically moves to the set railway.

For work with transfer table during dark hours internal and external lighting is required. For protection from atmospheric fallout the transfer table can be supplied with tent.

Application of traversers

• Wagon Repair Workshops. Moving wagons to specific repair bays without a locomotive. Transfer between intake, inspection, repair, and painting areas.
• Manufacturing & Assembly. Moving car bodies and bogies between assembly line positions. Synchronising production flow within the constraints of a workshop floor.
• Rail Freight Terminals. Moving a locomotive to a parallel bypass track after wagon delivery, without constructing a loop track. Saves territory and infrastructure.
• Tram & Locomotive Depots. Placing rolling stock units into stabling roads, scheduling maintenance queues, and efficiently distributing units across tracks.

Specifications

Equipment Orders

Options

Drive and Power Supply

Diesel generator set as a backup power source. Cable reel instead of a trolley busbar system (for facilities where trolley installation is not possible). Increased drive power for heavy or long railcar consists.

Control System and Automation

Radio remote control with a portable control unit — the operator controls the transfer cart while staying near the railcar. Integration with the plant’s SCADA/MES systems — transmission of position, status, and event log data. Real-time dispatch monitoring. Control of multiple transfer carts from a single center with collision protection. Hour meter and load statistics for maintenance planning.

Safety

Laser area scanners instead of ultrasonic sensors — wider detection angle and higher accuracy in dusty environments. Light and sound warning barriers around the working area perimeter. Traffic light signaling system for shop personnel. “Black box” event recorder — logging of all commands, аварий, and sensor activations with timestamps.

Operator Comfort

Operator cabin (enclosed, climate-controlled) instead of an open control station. Cabin heating for low-temperature operation. Additional video surveillance cameras with recording capability (basic system without recording). Platform and work area lighting.

Climate Protection

Low-temperature version — up to −40 °C (control cabinet heating, frost-resistant lubricants, cables with cold-resistant insulation). IP65 dust-protected control cabinet design (standard IP54). Anti-corrosion coating for humid workshops.

Service Options

Extended warranty — up to 24 or 36 months. Scheduled maintenance agreement (quarterly service visits). Dedicated spare parts stock at the customer’s site. Training and certification for operators and maintenance personnel. Turnkey supervision of installation and commissioning. Remote technical condition monitoring (telemetry via VPN).

Video about the work of traversers