VBZ's new custom built multi-purpose vehicle
VBZ’s new multi-porpose vehicle based on the Unimog U530 replaces four old vehicles.
Introduction
VBZ was at an impasse as they needed replacements for some of their lesser used vehicles like the snow plow train. They also faced issues with existing vehicles which they wanted solved, such as being able to transport more water into the tunnels.
Since none of the off-the-shelf vehicles met all the requirements, they decided to find a partner with which they could develop the vehicle they needed. In the end only one company said they could build this which was Müller Technologie AG
Concept
The idea was to replace four existing types of vehicles with a modular street and rail/street vehicle.
The following module configurations were needed.
| Function | Rail / Street | Street Only |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum - standard volume | X | X |
| Vacuum - extended volume with trailer | X | |
| Flushing - standard volume | X | X |
| Flushing - extended volume | X | X |
| Snow Plow | X | |
| Crane and loading bridge | X | X |
| Cable Spool module - small | X | X |
| Cable Spool module - large with trailer | X | |
| General Transport with trailer | X | |
| Fire protection trailer | X | X |
A split setup (main vehicle + trailer) was chosen because a larger single vehicle would be too long. This is a huge issue as some areas in Zürich have tight turning radiuses making such a large vehicle unmanageable.
The base vehicle is an Unimog U530
Rail / Street vehicles
These vehicles can ride both on rail and on the street. Similar to the old rail cleaning vehicles which can also ride on both rail or the street.
The key difference is that the new vehicle due to its longer wheel base is not intended for rail use when a track is not closed. There is no space for electromagnetic brakes which also reduces its allowed top speed significantly. The switch between rail and street is also slower than that of the old cleaning vehicles which could switch quickly enough to get out of the way if a tram needed to pass.
The new vehicles will perform their duties mostly in street mode. Only for areas inaccessible by street vehicle such as the Milchbuck tunnel will it ride on the rail.
The rail axles are independently powered from the regular axles and can be remotely controlled via handheld device.
Street only vehicles
These are very similar but do not have the ability to ride on rail. They also lack some hydraulic functions which is why they cannot, for example, operate as a plow.
The plow function is only intended for use in areas not accessible by street vehicles, as those areas are cleaned by other regular plows that the city operates. This is also why only 2 plows are needed to cover the entire VBZ network.
Modularity
Each module can easily be removed and replaced by attaching 4 stilts and then unlocking the 4 container-style pins. The vehicles then lower their suspension and drive out underneath the module.
Vaccume Module
Flushing Module
Cable Spool Module
Snow Plow with General Transport Module
Crane and loading bridge Module
Rail / Street Switching
The operator has a camera view in the cabin and can control the position of the rail wheels so even if the vehicle is not exactly over the rail it can connect to it. Each step is guided and until it is complete, the driver cannot proceed to the next. First the front is guided in and then the back. The front street wheels are also locked from steering after the vehicle has switched to “rail mode”.
Module Switching
These locks are on all four corners of the module.
The vehicle lowers its suspension in order to drive out from underneath the module.
Backup for hydrolics
In case the vehicle loses all power there is a backup generator for the hydraulic system.
Sand
The sand is used by rail vehicles to generate more grip in slippery conditions and is found on trams as well.
