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WORK TRAIN PROFILE

Track Tampers

Track tampers compact ballast under and around ties so the track stays level, aligned and properly supported.

Railroad track alignment machine
A Comboliner track-alignment machine used to lift and shift rail. Photo: SriMesh, See source page, via Wikimedia Commons.

Why tamping matters

Train loads gradually disturb ballast and track geometry. Tamping restores support beneath the ties.

Modern machines

Modern tampers can lift and line track while vibrating tamping tools compact ballast below the ties.

Part of a larger maintenance system

Tamping often works together with ballast regulators, stabilizers and inspection equipment.

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