Industry
Rail
Company
Supertram
Product Used
TP3000-1400 Tractive Pusher
Location
Sheffield
The Challenge: Time-Intensive Tram Positioning Over a Wheel Lathe
Routine wheel maintenance at Supertram’s train maintenance depot (TMD) in Sheffield required precise tram positioning, within millimetres, over a wheel lathe. This process previously involved powering up each tram to move it, using a banksman to guide from the far end, and relying on a spotter over the lathe to direct stopping points.
Each movement meant powering the tram up and down—a 20-minute process each way. With trams having up to eight bogies (four wheels each), positioning every set over the lathe took hours. The process was not only labour-intensive, requiring at least three operators, but also inefficient, costly, and repetitive.
The Solution: The TP3000 Tractive Pusher for Railed Loads
Tractive Power was brought in to streamline this process. After assessing the application, we supplied the TP3000-1400, a high-capacity battery-powered pusher engineered to move up to 65,000kg.
A custom-designed coupling was created to integrate seamlessly with Supertram’s tow bar system. This enabled the TP3000 to manoeuvre trams over the wheel lathe with millimetre-level precision, all without powering up the vehicle.
Instead of hours of downtime and multiple personnel, positioning is now completed by just two operatives, with the tram powered down throughout.
The Results: Safer, Faster and More Cost-Effective Tram Maintenance
Since implementing the TP3000-1400, Supertram has completely transformed its wheel lathe maintenance process:
- Eliminating repeated powering up/down cuts hours per job
- Reduced personnel from three staff down to two
- £80,000 estimated annual savings
- Improved precision and consistent tram placement every time
- Enhanced safety
Saved Days of Time
“Since introducing the new Tractive Power TP3000 unit, we have saved days of time on a process that was so very labour intensive. The simplicity and ease of now positioning the tram has meant less people and less time to complete the work. We’ve estimated savings of around £80k per annum, along with creating a much safer working process for our employees.”
Transforming Maintenance at Supertram
This case study demonstrates how Tractive Power’s battery-powered pedestrian tug can revolutionise rail maintenance environments. From bogie movements to tram positioning, the TP3000 offers reliability, accuracy, and major operational gains.
If you’re operating in rail, tram, or TMD environments and facing similar challenges, get in touch with Tractive Power to see how our electric tugs can support your workflow.
