Mecalac introduces MRail excavator series to North American market

Mecalac's 156 MRail excavator working on right-of-way maintenance along the railroad tracks.

Mecalac has introduced its new MRail series, a dedicated line of equipment for the rail industry. The railroad excavator line consists of four models that are designed for maintenance of way or the construction of new tracks.

According to Mecalac, the MRail machines are built with advanced safety features, high-level performance and versatility. Additionally, the rail excavator line is tailored to meet the requirements and track sizes of public and private railways, light rail and subway networks.

“Mecalac developed this powerful line of machines from 20 years of collaboration with customers and rail specialists. This line radically improves versatility by working both on and off the rail and in a multitude of environments,” said Peter Bigwood, general manager of Mecalac North America. “We’re very pleased to be the first to bring a dedicated, integrated solution for customers in the North American rail industry.”

The four-model Mecalac MRail series meets the needs of the rail industry with its heightened safety, balance, mobility and compactness. The series includes two tracked excavators and two wheeled excavators that are positioned on hi-rail wheels to travel on railways. The hi-rail wheels can be re-railed or de-railed by the operator when working on and off the rail.

The two tracked models, 106MRail and 136MRail, with operating weights of 10 and 13 tons respectively, are based on the MCR crawler skid excavator concept and are designed for a variety of service and maintenance applications.

Mecalac's 136 MRail excavator working on right-of-way maintenance along the railroad tracks.

The 106 MRail can travel up to 6.2 mph (10 kph) on ground and 14.3 mph (23 kph) on rails. The 136 MRail offers ground speeds up to 5.6 mph (9 kph) and rail speeds as high as 12.4 mph (20kph). Also, both models offer 360-degree rotation. Optional rear and side cameras provide extra safety, visibility and precision when working in-between tracks, in tunnels or confined spaces.

Based on the MWR wheeled excavator, the 156 MRail and 216 MRail models provide solutions tailored to rail networks, different track sizes and available workspace.

The 156 MRail model is ideal for users looking for a quality, yet affordable, machine to successfully complete projects on subways or private tracks without the expensive features linked to rail regulations. This model boasts travel speeds up to 21 mph (35 kph) on the ground and 18.6 mph (30kph) on rails.

Built for the toughest rail jobs, the 216 MRail model brings agility and maneuverability to users looking to complete projects on national and urban railways. With the greatest boom reach of the MRail models, the 216 MRail can reach up to 24 feet 7 inches (7500 mm). The 216 MRail model travels at speeds up to 18.5 mph (30kph) on both ground and rails. Additionally, the 156 MRail and 216 MRail models offer operating weights of 15 and 21 tons respectively.