Modernizing Legacy Machine Tools: Remanufactured STANRAY Wheel Truing Machines

We are often asked what the differences are between a new and a remanufactured STANRAY® TN-84C Underfloor Wheel Truing Machine. A recently completed project is a perfect example of why many of our customers choose remanufactured.

The installation in question is a North American transit rail locomotive and passenger coach maintenance facility. It’s a busy shop that runs 2-3 shifts seven days a week, so the unit is heavily used. The original wheel truing machine was installed in 1989, with a Controls Upgrade project initiated in 2003.

The STANRAY is a critical part of transit and freight railway operations. The customer’s on-site operators and maintenance personnel worked hard to keep the wheel truer running in optimal condition. They also relied on OEM support and an ongoing preventive maintenance program from NSH USA’s Customer Service Center (CSC).

Fast forward to 2023, where the machine was approaching its 30-year useful life span. The customer began planning to replace the STANRAY, and they decided on a remanufactured unit.

The benefits were abundant:

• New… almost everything: beyond the machine’s “core” cast steel c-frame and beam, every other sub-assembly and part was replaced. That includes controls, electrical components and wiring, hydraulic power unit and piping, motors, wear items, and more. The newly installed remanufactured STANRAY is functionally the same as a new one.
• OEM dependability: the existing wheel truing machine was manufactured at our facility in Albany, New York. There was no need for our team to reverse engineer – as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), we have all the drawings to rebuild the system to the original specification and tolerances. The remanufactured machine also comes with a standard two-year warranty – the same as a newly manufactured unit.
• Limited pit modifications and civil work: as the STANRAY’s overall design has not changed significantly since its introduction in 1949, replacing the wheel truer did not require any expensive pit modifications. In this case, once the existing machine was removed, the pit was cleaned and some small repairs were made.
• Sustainable manufacturing: it’s important to note that remanufacturing, which has a long history at NSH USA, is in-line with modern sustainable manufacturing processes.
• Cost savings: a remanufactured STANRAY costs roughly 20% less than a newly manufactured machine. And as this customer returned their existing wheel truer, there was additional savings.

As for the original wheel truing machine that was replaced, it is not heading to the scrap yard. It was transported back to our manufacturing facility and will soon be remanufactured for another customer’s STANRAY project.

We look forward to supporting this customer and their newly installed remanufactured machine!

Contact NSH USA today to discuss how a STANRAY Wheel Truing Machine can improve your railway wheel set maintenance program.