The correct ballast bed cross-section, defined by civil engineering standards, is of great significance. Above all, it is important for the safety of the track against track buckling. Any unnecessary spreading of the ballast bed represents a cost factor.
To counteract this, it is vital to produce the right ballast bed cross-section both in course of track maintenance as well as track renewal. If this work is not carried out regularly, huge quantities of ballast could be lying unused in the track network.
The USP 5000 is the modern successor of the well proven USP 5000 C machines, which were delivered in considerable numbers to BR.
The concept of the USP 5000-series provides an uniform standard vehicle with articulated frame with well proven reliable working units combined with new developments like the high capacity sweeper device. Furthermore the machine is equipped with a large hopper capable of carrying up to 7 m³ of ballast.