AUSTROROLL® Switch-Point Rollers Greater Efficiency, Sustainability and Availability for Modern Railway Turnouts
The demands placed on modern railway infrastructure continue to increase. High network availability, lower maintenance costs, maximum operational reliability and sustainable solutions are now at the center of every investment decision. This is exactly where the high quality AUSTROROLL® switch-point rollers make a difference. Based on the principle of “rolling instead of lubricating,” the system has proven itself for decades in railway, metro and tram networks around the world. Through the continuous development of its technology, AUSTROROLL® has established international benchmarks for maintenance-free switch-point roller systems.
The Principle: Rolling Instead of Lubricating
In conventional turnouts, the switch blade moves across slide chairs during the switching process. This movement generates friction and requires regular lubrication. AUSTROROLL® replaces this sliding motion with a rolling motion. During operation, the switch blade is lifted onto a roller and moved into position with minimal friction. As a result, conventional lubrication requirements are virtually eliminated and wear is significantly reduced.
The operating principle is both simple and effective. In the closed position, the switch blade rests on the slide chairs. At the start of the switching movement, the blade rolls onto the AUSTROROLL® roller and is lifted off the slide chair. It then moves to its end position with very low friction. During the return movement, the blade rolls back and is carefully placed onto the slidechair again. This rolling action drastically reduces the friction forces that normally occur during turnout operation.
Significant Reduction of Throwing Forces
One of the key benefits of AUSTROROLL® is the reduction in the forces required to operate a turnout. According to the manufacturer, throwing forces can be reduced by up to 60 percent. This reduces the load on point machines, minimizes mechanical stress and contributes to the long-term reliability of railway infrastructure. At the same time, switch operation becomes more dependable, particularly under challenging conditions such as snow, ice or contamination.
The large roller diameter further improves performance by allowing the switch blade to roll up smoothly while reducing the force required for movement. Combined with high-quality materials and optimized engineering, this design ensures reliable operation over many years of service.
Maintenance-Free Operation as a Key Economic Advantage
For infrastructure managers, technical performance is only one part of the equation. Economic efficiency is equally important. AUSTROROLL® was specifically developed to reduce turnout maintenance requirements on a long-term basis. The system is completely maintenance-free and eliminates routine lubrication work. This not only reduces the consumption of lubricants but also decreases labor costs associated with their application. According to Wieland, up to 25 liters of lubricant per turnout per year can be saved.
The economic benefits are substantial. Wieland states that many installations achieve a payback period of less than two years. In addition, the roller units can remain in the track during tamping, grinding and milling operations, creating further savings in time and maintenance effort. Installation is straightforward and can often be performed during short traffic interruptions.
Sustainability Through the Elimination of Lubricants
Rail transport is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable forms of transportation. Supporting this position requires infrastructure components that meet the highest environmental standards. AUSTROROLL® makes an important contribution in this regard. By largely eliminating the need for lubricants, the system helps protect soil and groundwater. Furthermore, the elimination of regular lubrication activities reduces resource consumption and maintenance-related environmental impacts.
Another sustainability benefit is the exceptionally long service life of the system. Many installations have remained in operation for decades. The combination of durability, robustness and reduced maintenance requirements makes AUSTROROLL® a sustainable solution throughout the entire lifecycle of a turnout.
Unique Technical Features that set AUSTROROLL® apart
One of the unique characteristics of AUSTROROLL® is its permanently elastic mounting system. The design incorporates specially engineered hardened steel springs positioned between the sleepers. This arrangement makes the system highly resistant to impacts, vibrations and other dynamic loads commonly encountered in railway operations.
During installation, the springs are preloaded and the roller is in permanent contact with the switchblade. This creates a horizontal force component that continuously presses the switch blade against the stock rail. The result is a reliable blade position and improved operational safety. Additionally, integrated rolling-element bearings provide consistently low friction and a long service life for the complete assembly.
Proven Worldwide
The AUSTROROLL® technology has been continuously refined since the early 1990s. According to Wieland, more than 300,000 AUSTROROLL® units have been installed worldwide. The system is successfully used in heavy-rail, metro and tramway networks across numerous countries, making it one of the most widely adopted switch-point roller solutions in the railway industry.
This extensive operational experience provides infrastructure managers with a high level of investment security. At the same time, technology continues to evolve to meet the requirements of modern rail networks, including high-capacity and high-speed applications.
Approval and Industry Recognition
The quality of a railway infrastructure product is also reflected in its regulatory acceptance. Since decades, the German Federal Railway Authority (Eisenbahn-Bundesamt – EBA) granted official approval for the AUSTROROLL® switch-point roller system. This approval confirms the suitability of the product for use in regulated railway environments and highlights the high technical standards achieved by the system.
For railway operators, this provides additional confidence in a solution that combines economic benefits, sustainability and operational reliability while meeting the strict standards of railway infrastructure management.
AUSTROROLL® and Wieland Austria
AUSTROROLL® is a brand of Wieland Austria GmbH, headquartered in Enzesfeld, Austria. As part of the international Wieland Group, the company manufactures AUSTROROLL® switch-point rollers at its Enzesfeld facility and supplies customers worldwide. The site combines decades of expertise in materials engineering, manufacturing technology and product innovation. According to company information, the Enzesfeld plant has more than 115 years of industrial history and employs several hundred people. This combination of engineering know-how, manufacturing excellence and customer-focused support forms the foundation of AUSTROROLL®’s global success.
Conclusion
The unique design of the AUSTROROLL® switch-point rollers represent a significant technological advancement in turnout engineering. The concept of “rolling instead of lubricating” reduces throwing forces, minimizes maintenance requirements, improves turnout availability and contributes to environmental protection. With more than 300,000 units installed worldwide, decades of proven field experience, official regulatory approval and continuous innovation, AUSTROROLL® offers a future-proof solution for modern railway infrastructure. For railway operators, it delivers a compelling combination of economic efficiency, sustainability and operational reliability—qualities that are more important than ever in today’s rail industry.
More info:
Robert Kollouch – Head of Railway Engineering – AUSTROROLL®
P +43 2256 81145 120 M +43 664 8108684 robert.kollouch@wieland.com
Wieland Austria Ges.m.b.H. | Fabriksstraße 2 | 2551 Enzesfeld | Austria
www.austroroll.com
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