Shallow Pit Scissor Lift Drop Tables – Macton has shallow pit single axle drop tables designed to accommodate removal and replacement of single axles with traction motors. The pit depth is under 6'-0" and is best for customers with water table issues or those who can't commit to the budget required for a deeper pit. The machine screws in Macton shallow pit drop tables are positioned inside two (2) synchronized lifting platforms and are protected against debris and damage. The jack nuts are guided and lubricated through the entire stroke to maximize the wear life. The control of the table is through a PLC, which is programmed for automatic operation. The precise positioning of the drop table is automatically monitored, thereby providing the operator with maximum convenience and decreasing the wear and tear on the drive mechanism. Macton drop tables are designed for many years of reliable, safe operation.

KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Capable of changing out single axles with traction motors.
  • Shallow pit saves end user from investing in expensive deep pit construction and, in some cases, avoids water table issues.
  • Two (2) traveling self-locking machine screws with fixed bronze nuts mounted horizontally within independent scissor lift platforms that are synchronized with variable frequency drives (VFD) and absolute multi-turn encoders.
  • Automatic table positioning using absolute laser feedback allows operator to select destination and traverse table with accurate precision with the touch of a button.
  • Operator Station provides drop table.

For a full list of features and benefits, click on the tabs below.

Maximum Capacity

50 tons (approx. 45,000 kilograms)

General Capabilities

Drop table system will handle the change-out of both wheelsets and traction motor combos; it is capable of lifting 50 tons one inch above the top of the rails to allow such wheelsets and combos to be disengaged from the trucks, and then have the lifting carriage lower to the bottom of the service track pit and then traverse over to the release track, where it can then be raised up to move the wheelset or combo off the release track; the process can then be repeated in reverse to put a new wheelset or combo back into the rail vehicle

Lifting/Lowering Speed

3.0 feet per minute for lifting or lowering

Traversing (Racking) Speed

Carriage racking speed is controlled by a variable frequency drive; while traversing through the tunnel the speed is approximately 30 feet per minute and slows to 3 feet per minute when approaching the service and release area

Open Release Area

An open release area (i.e., no release top) is assumed as part of the standard system (a bascule top or canopy top is available as an option – see options below) 

Screw Jacks

Drop table has two (2) self-locking ACME-thread machine screw jacks, each driven by its own independent gearmotor system, each mounted horizontally underneath a scissor lift platform 

Scissor Lift System

Two (2) scissor lift platforms with an integrated rail system are raised together via linkages that articulate from the synchronized screw jack system.  

Track Gauge

U.S. version is 4’ 8-½” (56.5”); Canadian version is 4’ 10-7/8” (58.875”) 

Shallow Pit Depth

Approximately 5’-11 ½” (71.5”); this is under the OSHA requirement for fall protection of 6’-0” and helps the customer save on excavation costs as well as avoid shallow water table issues

Service Top Locking Bars

The locking bar system is provided for support of service top when drop table is not in use, in order to prevent shock loads on the screw jack system.  Locking bars are engaged automatically via pushbutton on the remote control. 

Safety Features

Self-locking machine screw jacks with bronze nut – system designed to be fail-safe so as to support the locomotive and trucks in the event of a power or mechanical failure (they require power to raise or lower the system)

In addition to multi-count encoders on the back of each gearmotor to synchronize the lifting of each screw assembly, there are also upper and lower limit sensors that measure the absolute height of the lift at all times, to control limits of travel on the system 

Emergency stop push button that will shut down control system when activated

“Dead-man” type controls to make sure controls require constant pressure to operate

Screw Protection

Each scissor lift platform has vinyl accordion style skirting for maximum protection from debris and contamination as well as added “pinch point” protection

Modular Sections

Drop table built in modular steel sections, allowing for a quick and reliable assembly at the jobsite, as well as for better control of the overall equipment quality

Traction Motor Dolly

System includes a traction motor dolly supported on steel rollers to provide support of traction motors during the removal and replacement of individual wheel sets which have traction motors.  The dolly head can be lifted or lowered to assist in the removal and replacement of these items, and it plugs into an 110V outlet (to be provided by customer).  The lifting ram comes equipped with one of a variety of fixtures that can accommodate a wide range of traction motor styles and manufacturers (customer can order additional fixtures, if needed).

Wheel Chocks

Manual wheel chocks are provided on each rail to limit the movement of wheel-sets 

Pit Rail

To be provided and installed by others (optional pit rail available – see options below)

Finishes

Steel structures are coated with one coat of rust inhibiting primer followed by a top coat of yellow industrial grade polyurethane enamel

Embedments

Fabricated steel embedments for the concrete foundation are provided prior to equipment installation (to be installed by others) – these include embedments for the service top locking bars and, if needed, any guide frames for pit covers

Lifting Motor Used

Each scissor lift platform assembly has its own NEMA D electric gearmotor with VFD and absolute multi-turn encoder (in addition to the upper and lower limit sensors referred to above); one motor acts as the master and the other as the slave drive;  it uses 480V, three-phase, 60Hz power (other voltages available); system requires 60 amp electrical service to the pit

Traversing Motor Used

An electric gearmotor with brake and VFD (to ensure accurate and repeatable positioning) drives the traversing operation; it uses 480V, three-phase, 60Hz power (other voltages available)

Control System

Complete control system including (i) operator’s control station with a touch-screen operator interface that displays operating and fault messages to help the operator more easily understand and use the equipment, (ii) a remote pendant, (iii) electrical enclosures on the equipment base, which manage all functions of the drop table and continuously monitor the correct lifting and traversing operations for the drop table, and (iv) remote diagnostics to allow a service technician to remotely diagnose issues and upload software updates to the system (customer to provide internet connection or wireless access for this feature)

Automatic Table Positioning

Controls allows the operator to select the destination of the drop table – once the travel is initiated the drop table smoothly accelerates to full speed, travels until the stop is within range, decelerates to a creep speed and stops in position at the center of the selected track – this prevents the high rate of wear associated with the drive train on a drop table operated with only a motor starter that has to be started full speed and jogged into position

100% New Equipment

All assemblies, parts and other items in the drop table system are completely new and not from any used or refurbished systems or parts 

Quality Procedures

All materials and work done on the system are carefully monitored under an ISO 9001:2008 certified program and 100% designed and built in our facility in the United States (we don’t reassemble systems built in other countries); all welding is performed in accordance with ANSI/AWS Structural Welding Code D1.1 standards and is inspected and approved by a Certified Welding Inspector qualified under Section 6.1 of the AWS current specification

Pre-Shipment Factory Testing

System is fully assembled and operationally tested at factory prior to shipment – at this time, the owner’s representative may inspect it prior to shipment to confirm the specifications are met

Installation Supervision, Startup & Training

A factory-trained technician will provide onsite technical supervision of the system throughout the installation, along with onsite startup, commissioning and training, at no added cost (all field labor and travel costs included in equipment price)

Estimated Install Time

Typically 3 days, using a 3-man work crew for equipment installation (assuming equipment is installed in a new foundation), and one (1) day for start-up, testing and training

Warranty Period

5 years – the most extensive warranty in the industry, demonstrating how confident we are in the performance and durability of this equipment 

O&M Manual

Operation & Maintenance manual in English provided in electronic format with each system

Pit Covers

Pit covers to cover parts of the release area or other areas around the drop table system; such covers are designed to support either a uniform load of 300 PSF or a 6,000 pound concentrated load over a 6” area (other loading capacities available) 

Pit Railings

Removable guard rails around pit openings

Pit Rail

For new equipment foundations, pit rail and an integrated steel embedment structure is available for ease of construction 

Warning Lights / Horns

Warning lights and/or horns to advise that equipment is in operation

Control Systems

Additional controller locations and wireless remote controls available

Shipping

Shipping to jobsite (for shipments within North America, the equipment is shipped via flatbed truck; for shipments overseas, the equipment is sent via standard, 40-foot shipping containers)

Spare Parts; Post-Install Servicing

Spare parts packages available upon request; ongoing inspection and maintenance programs are also available upon request