Member Article

Sand and Deliver: Mechan Installs First Mobile Carts

Sheffield rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, has completed its first order for a mobile sand filling system.

The firm has supplied two sand carts to Midland Metro’s Wednesbury depot in the West Midlands, to replenish stocks on new trams serving Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

As the UK and Irish representative of German manufacturers, Klein Anlagenbau AG, Mechan was approached by contractors, Morgan Sindall, to help identify a suitable sanding system for Wednesbury. The installation forms part of work to increase the size and capacity of the depot and update existing equipment installed in 1999.

Mechan has supplied two Sandfloh mobile filling vehicles, a garage in which to house them and a silo capable of storing ten cubic metres of sand. The powered carts differ in specification and comprise a type 202E that carries approximately 200 litres of sand and a 102 “off road” model to operate on any terrain. Both work independently of external air and power supplies and are easy to use, incorporating Klein’s ergonomic filling nozzle that is similar to those used to refuel a car.

Richard Carr, Mechan’s managing director, said: “By working with our partners at Klein, we were able to recommend a mobile sand filling package that saved the client money and offered more flexibility than the fixed installation originally specified. Because the equipment was purchased as one order, the entire commission was completed in just three weeks.”

Midland Metro is taking delivery of CAF Urbos 3 trams from Spain, the first of which entered service this month after rigorous testing at Wednesbury. All rail vehicles carry onboard stocks of sand to improve traction and braking.

For more information about Klein sanding systems or Mechan’s wide range of heavy lifting and handling equipment, telephone (0114) 257 0563 or visit www.mechan.co.uk.

Issued: 17.09.2014

For further information please contact Nina Sorby at CORNER PR

Tel: 01246 433 451 Email: nina@corner-pr.co.uk Web: www.corner-pr.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nina Sorby .