US: Martin Engineering has launched its two-wheeled Martin Gen 4 Railcar Opener. It is designed to aid bulk handlers to unload unprocessed and processed bulk materials from rail transport to facilities, including cement plants and terminals. The fourth generation product is intended to improve ease of use and reduce potential hazards for workers.

Features of the latest version of the railcar opener include simple manoeuvrability and lateral turning wheels for moving capstans, outrigger support and height adjustment. A ‘stepped’ drive tip is also intended to improve the gate opener’s contact with the capstan. This new design boosts efficiency, leading to less demurrage from stalling and a safer workplace.

Marty Yepsen, Business Development Manager for Railcar Unloading Products at Martin Engineering said “We’re excited about the 4th generation of this model because it’s been painstakingly designed over years using real-world feedback from customers.” He continued, “The nearly effortless single operator design transforms a hazardous and gruelling job into a comparatively routine and risk-free task,” Yepsen concluded. “Field tests have shown that the Gen 4 not only improves efficiency, which lowers demurrage, but it also increases safety and reduces labour costs. All this drives down operating costs and boosts ROI.”

Martin Engineering builds products for bulk materials handling. The company has its headquarters in Neponset, Illinois. It runs subsidiaries in Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Spain, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK and the US.