Undercutting & Ballast Renewals

Tailored Solutions for Ballast Renewal

Undercutting in the Pilbara’s heavy haul rail lines presents unique challenges. That’s why employing the right equipment and techniques is essential for delivering projects with minimal impact to operations.

At PRM, we are equipped to handle projects of any scale, from small spot undercutting to full ballast renewal for plain lines and turnouts.

Our advanced undercutting solutions utilise state-of-the-art machinery, including Liebherr hi-rail with Trimble GPS systems, loaders, Hydrema hi-rail tippers, and high-quality undercutting bars.

We’ve invested in innovation to develop new techniques that protect track stability. Our approach focuses on removing only the top layer of ballast while employing a dual-leg tamping head. This method not only enhances production rates compared to traditional techniques, but also ensures quicker return to service with minimal tamping required.

What We Do

Ballast Removal

Using specialist undercutting machines to remove existing ballast with minimal impact.

Formation

Underlying formation prepared, grading and levelled, ensuring a solid foundation.

Ballast Installation

Lay fresh new, high-quality ballast with precision, at the right gradation.

Tamping

Compact and tamper to firmly bed the track into the ballast.

Redefining Industry Standards in Track Renewals

At PRM, we’re committed to enhancing safety, cost efficiency and quality in our ballast renewal projects through innovative solutions.

Our unique Ballast Conveyor System incorporates the sue of GPS-Guided laying of ballast using a ballast conveyor system integrated with a loader. The system enables the operator to control the ballast depths with precision. This has now been adopted as industry best practice in maintaining track geometry over extended lengths of track.

In addition, PRM owns several specifically developed 3.0M Undercutter Bars and has introduced machine control through integrated Trimble GNSS systems to manage levels and mitigate any risk of formation damage.

Our investment in cutting-edge technology — combined with the only ballast cleaning machine in the Pilbara — demonstrates our dedication to using the latest and best equipment for track renewal work.

Our Approach

Working With Precision

At PRM, we believe formation and bottom ballast is key to long-lasting high quality track renewals.

Specialising in optically guided graders, we achieve formation accuracy within 2mm. Our innovative box system ensures bottom ballast is installed with the same precision, with adjustable widths to meet project needs. This reduces costs and environmental impact by requiring only a single pass with a tamper, saving time and minimising follow-up tamping.

By optimising the installation process, we ensure your track remains durable and reliable for the long term.

Get in Touch

Contact our team today to discover how our innovative solutions can optimise your rail projects.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF OUR SERVICES, PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR CAPABILITY STATEMENT.