09-3X Tamping Express in regular operation

The 09-3X Tamping Express is the first tamping machine in Germany to be approved under the new European approval standards of the Fourth Railway Package. The machine has been in operation at Deutsche Gleisbau-Union (DGU) since October 2024 and had already successfully completed 35 shifts by the end of last year. On 7 January 2025, DGU’s 09-3X Tamping Express was presented to the trade public for the first time.

The 09-3X Tamping Express meets the more stringent requirements of modern railway infrastructure projects. Tenders in Germany are increasingly focusing on high-performance technologies that optimally utilize short track possessions. The 09-3X fulfils these conditions with a working speed of up to 2,200 m/h and allows three sleepers to be tamped at the same time. The ability to switch to 1-sleeper mode at any time makes it possible to react flexibly to obstacles and structural conditions.

The new machine combines the highest performance with an ergonomic design. The design with a 520 kW engine stored on a trailer allows axle loads of less than 20 tonnes, which means that the machine can also travel on lines in the C2 category. It also creates additional space for a crew area. As an additional measure for exhaust gas purification and to protect operating staff, the machine has been equipped with a diesel particulate filter. This means that work in tunnels is also possible at any time.

With its extensive fleet of machines, DGU has been available for tamping, renewing, and laying new lines as well as for maintenance throughout Germany and in neighbouring European countries since 2007. The company’s fleet will be modernized with additional Plasser & Theurer machines in the years to come.