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Australia’s railways are huge, stretching over 33,000 kilometres — that’s like going from Sydney to Perth eight times! Building and fixing these railways is a big job that needs special machines and people who really know what they’re doing. Wet hire is a smart way of renting both the machines and the experts to run them. Think of it like renting a fancy sports car, but the rental company also gives you a professional driver. In this blog, we’ll look at how wet hire works and why it’s better than just renting machines on their own. We’ll also see how it’s helping build railways faster and safer than before.
Hi rail excavators are special machines used for working on railways. What makes them cool is that they can work on both roads and train tracks. They have regular wheels for driving on roads, but they also have steel wheels that can be lowered to run on train tracks. This means they can easily switch between working on roads and railways. Some key features of hi rail excavators include:
Hi rail excavators are available in different sizes, typically ranging from 5 to 20 tonnes, to suit various project requirements12. They can be based on tracked or rubber-tyred excavators from major manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Hitachi.
By combining road-to-rail adaptability with advanced capabilities, hi rail excavators have become essential assets in modern rail infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient and safe maintenance and construction work.
Hi rail excavators are powerful machines designed to solve big challenges in rail construction and maintenance. They combine the abilities of regular excavators with the added feature of being able to drive on both roads and train tracks. Here’s how they make rail projects easier, faster, and safer, all while saving money.
Rail projects need everything to be done just right. Laying tracks, clearing debris, or digging trenches all require careful, detailed work. Hi rail excavators are perfect for this because they are built with advanced hydraulic systems and easy-to-use controls that help operators move with pinpoint accuracy.
These machines can also switch between different tools—like buckets for digging, grapples for grabbing, and tamping tools for packing materials—so they can do many jobs while staying super precise. This reduces mistakes, meaning less time and money spent fixing errors.
Rail projects are often on tight schedules, and delays can be very expensive. Hi rail excavators help teams finish faster because they can move easily between roads and train tracks without needing extra equipment. This saves a lot of time during busy construction projects.
For example, a hi rail excavator could place ballast (the small rocks under train tracks) in the morning, and then clear debris from the tracks in the afternoon, all without slowing down. By doing multiple tasks with one machine, teams can keep moving and finish projects quickly.
Safety is super important in rail construction. Hi rail excavators come with features like stability controls (to prevent tipping) and operator assistance systems (to help make safer decisions).
Plus, since they don’t need manual lifting to switch between road and rail, there’s a lower risk of accidents. This makes the job safer for both the operators and the workers nearby.
Hi rail excavators are cost-effective because they save money in several ways:
All of this adds up to big savings, making hi rail excavators a smart choice for rail projects.
Hi rail excavators are like multitool machines—they can do a ton of different jobs on rail projects, such as:
Because they can handle so many tasks, you don’t need to spend extra money renting or buying other machines, saving both time and money.
Hi rail excavators are incredibly reliable, reducing downtime during rail projects. Their ability to perform multiple tasks without needing extra equipment means teams can keep working without interruptions. This keeps projects on track and avoids unexpected delays.
Hi rail excavators are designed to be user-friendly, even for operators with less experience. With intuitive controls and advanced technology, they make complex rail tasks simpler and faster to complete. This ease of use helps crews work more efficiently and with less stress.
Using fewer machines and completing tasks more quickly means less fuel is burned, which is better for the environment. Hi rail excavators also reduce the need for transporting heavy equipment back and forth, lowering emissions and making them a more sustainable choice for rail projects.
Hi rail excavators are game-changers in rail construction! They are precise, efficient, safe, and cost-effective, making them the go-to solution for rail projects of any size. If you’re working on a rail project, these versatile machines are a must-have for getting the job done right.
The Project
The $240M Sydenham Metro upgrade transformed Sydenham Station into a key hub for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project. This included significant upgrades to rail and station infrastructure to improve customer movement and experience, along with complex utility relocations, such as Sydney Water’s detention basin (Sydenham Pit).
The Challenges
This project faced a tight timeline, limited access in a complex brownfield environment, and the need for precision in a heritage-sensitive, active rail area.
The Anric Solution
Anric Group partnered with Laing O’Rourke and John Holland to overcome these challenges. Using our expertise and advanced rail equipment, we delivered efficient, safe solutions, including heritage works at Sydenham Pit and streamlined track and signalling tasks with hi rail excavators and skilled operators.
The Outcomes
The project was completed on time in September 2021, delivering enhanced safety, high-quality infrastructure, and a successful upgrade of Sydenham Station. Anric Group’s adaptability and innovative rail solutions make us a trusted partner in large-scale projects.
When it comes to rail and plant hire, Anric Group sets the benchmark for quality, reliability, and expertise. With over 25 years of experience, we are proud to support rail projects across Australia, offering advanced equipment, skilled operators, and tailored solutions for everything from construction to maintenance.
Our hi-rail excavators and specialised equipment, like the Liebherr A922 Hi-Rail Excavators, are equipped with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise, efficient, and safe operations. Meeting European emission and fuel efficiency standards, our fleet is sustainable and fully compliant with Australian regulations.
Our wet hire services include access to a team of highly skilled professionals, including welders and track inspectors. They ensure every project—whether it’s building new rail lines, reconditioning tracks, or handling emergency repairs—is completed safely and to the highest standards.
From track construction and maintenance to detailed inspections and testing, Anric Group has the tools and expertise to support every stage of your rail project. Whether you’re upgrading tracks in the Blue Mountains or building freight lines in the Hunter Region, we’ve got you covered.
We proudly serve clients across New South Wales and other states, supporting rail infrastructure projects in Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, and beyond. No matter where your project is, we’ll deliver reliable equipment and unbeatable support.
At Anric Group, client satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. We collaborate closely with you to deliver customised solutions, ensuring your projects run smoothly, efficiently, and on time.
From Sydney’s metro networks to regional rail projects, Anric Group provides reliable and efficient rail solutions. With advanced equipment, skilled professionals, and a focus on precision and safety, we’re here to help you succeed.
Our hi-rail excavators are transforming rail projects with their efficiency and versatility. They save time, cut costs, and keep projects on track. Partner with Anric Group for top-quality equipment and experienced operators who deliver results. Contact us today for a quote or to learn how we can support your next rail project.
Anric Group is a leading provider of rail construction and maintenance services across Australia. With a commitment to excellence and a reputation for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects, we partner with government and private sectors to bring innovative solutions to rail systems.
Our expertise spans large-scale projects, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in every undertaking. Choose Anric Group for dependable rail solutions and unparalleled industry experience.
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