Press release

Plasser & Theurer has maintained a successful business relationship with Deutsche Bahn for 65 years, and many important track construction technologies were first put into operation on DB tracks. A total of 740 machines were delivered to DB, of which more than 150 are still in service.

To ensure the high quality and availability of infrastructure, DB InfraGO has always placed the highest demands on the procurement of modern machines.

Sustainability and cost-effectiveness are becoming increasingly important in the railway construction sector. In order to support ambitious goals for climate protection and carbon neutrality, Plasser & Theurer has been developing overhead-line maintenance vehicles with hybrid propulsion technology for emission-free operation since 2017.

The Plasser CatenaryCrafter 15.4 E³ runs and works emission-free thanks to the power provided via the overhead line and a powerful battery. In the event that additional power is required, a diesel-electric power pack is integrated to ensure operational readiness at the highest level. Thanks to high speeds when self-propelled and towing, it can reach the site quickly. The machine serves as a traction vehicle for transporting materials and shunting activities.

A railway crane with a removable crane basket and a freely moving elevating work platform make it possible to work on the overhead line with a long reach and high lifting moment. A contact wire and carrying cable positioner ensures the overhead line is securely positioned during installation. It is also possible to walk on the machine from one end to the other, which means it is not necessary to leave it during operation. This ensures the best possible occupational safety.

A crew cab with a kitchenette, sanitary facilities, and a workshop is available for operating staff, allowing work to be carried out directly on-site in a safe environment. In addition, it is possible to comfortably accommodate up to 11 people, which also makes for pleasant transfer travel. The ETCS has been integrated in combination with the national PZB train protection system. The electric brake ensures wear-free braking and enables energy to be recovered, either to charge batteries or to feed it back into the overhead line.

56 vehicles of this type were ordered by ÖBB in an initial call-off and will soon go into service.

Increasing transport volumes and line occupancy at more frequent intervals also necessitate optimized, sustainable maintenance technology at DB InfraGO. In addition, replacement investments are urgently needed as a result of intensely operating the track maintenance machines for decades. The first industry talks relating to these topics took place with Plasser & Theurer back in 2022.

In August of this year, an agreement was signed between DB InfraGO, Plasser & Theurer, and its service partner Plasser ROBEL Services regarding the intended hire purchase of 15 hybrid Plasser CatenaryCrafter E³ machines, with contract negotiations to follow in the next few weeks. Following successful negotiations, some of vehicles could go into operation on DB InfraGO's tracks as early as the 2029 construction season.