Rail drilling machines
Some of the holes for the attachment of the fishplates in turnouts and on jointed track are drilled on site. Most of the Holes are drilled horizontally in the track that has already been laid. The diameter of the holes can be up to 38 mm. It is necessary for the Fish plates of tracks to drill up to four holes in a row at the same height and with a specified distance. In order to guarantee the exact alignment of the drilling machine, multi-hole drilling jigs are used. By this means it is possible to achieve precise drilling distances.
Various types of drilling machine are offered on the market. Units can be delivered with a petrol engine or as an electric drill for which a power unit is required, newer versions are available with battery drive. The machines also differ in the provision of coolant for the drilling.
