Specialist Rail Plant Cleaning for Harsco Rail Across the UK

Maintaining rail infrastructure requires highly specialised machinery that operates in some of the toughest environments in the UK. Harsco Rail's fleet of Stoneblowers plays a vital role in maintaining the railway network by restoring track geometry and ensuring safe railway operations.

24/7 CS Ltd provides specialist cleaning services for Harsco Rail, travelling to depots and rail locations across the UK to clean these complex machines between work programmes, ensuring they are ready to return to service.

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The Challenge

Stoneblowers are unlike conventional vehicles or plant machinery. They contain complex hydraulic systems, sensitive electrical components, cooling systems, undercarriage equipment and thousands of moving parts.

Working continuously on the railway network means these machines quickly become contaminated with:

• Hydraulic oil.
• Grease.
• Brake dust.
• Ballast dust.
• Carbon deposits.
• Track debris.
• General operational contamination.

The machines must be cleaned thoroughly without causing damage to sensitive equipment and while complying with strict rail industry health, safety and environmental requirements.

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Our Solution

Our specialist mobile cleaning teams travel nationwide, attending Harsco Rail depots and work locations throughout the UK.

Every visit is carefully planned around operational requirements, allowing us to clean the Stoneblowers while they are out of service before returning to the railway network.

Because many locations have no suitable cleaning facilities, we arrive completely self-sufficient with everything required to complete the work safely.

This includes:

• Fully mobile hot water pressure washing systems.
• On-board water supply.
• Specialist biodegradable cleaning chemicals.
• Wastewater containment systems.
• Waste collection and licensed disposal.

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Specialist Cleaning Process

Each Stoneblower receives a detailed clean, including:

Exterior Machine Cleaning

The entire machine is cleaned using hot water and specialist detergents to remove years of built-up dirt, grease and ballast dust while restoring the appearance of the equipment.

Hydraulic System Cleaning

Our operatives carefully clean around hydraulic cylinders, hoses, manifolds and moving equipment to remove oil and grease build-up, allowing engineers to carry out inspections more effectively.

Undercarriage & Running Gear

Particular attention is given to:

• Bogies.
• Suspension components.
• Wheelsets.
• Brake equipment.
• Running gear.
• Chassis.

Removing accumulated contamination helps maintenance teams inspect the machinery more efficiently.

Engine & Equipment Compartments

Access panels are opened where authorised, allowing safe cleaning around engine bays, cooling systems and ancillary equipment while protecting sensitive electrical components.

Environmental Compliance

Rail depots often have strict environmental controls and limited drainage infrastructure.

To ensure complete compliance, 24/7 CS Ltd:

• Supplies its own water.
• Captures all wastewater generated during cleaning.
• Prevents contamination entering the surrounding environment.
• Removes waste under licensed waste management procedures.
• Operates in accordance with rail industry environmental requirements.

This allows Harsco Rail to maintain its fleet without compromising environmental standards.

Working Around Rail Operations

Rail maintenance programmes operate to extremely tight schedules.

Our teams work flexibly around Harsco Rail's operational requirements, attending when the machines are available and ensuring they are cleaned before returning to work.

By working around engineering programmes and maintenance windows, we help minimise downtime while ensuring every machine is presented to the highest standard.

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The Results

Our ongoing cleaning programme has helped Harsco Rail maintain one of the UK's most specialised rail maintenance fleets.

The benefits include:

• Nationwide mobile cleaning service.
• Machines cleaned between engineering programmes.
• Improved presentation of specialist rail equipment.
• Cleaner hydraulic systems and maintenance areas.
• Improved access for engineers during inspections.
• Fully compliant wastewater capture and disposal.
• Self-sufficient operation with our own water and equipment.
• Minimal disruption to operational schedules.

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Why Harsco Rail Chose 24/7 CS Ltd

• Machines cleaned between engineering programmes.
• Fully mobile hot water cleaning systems.
• Own water supply at every location.
• Complete wastewater capture and licensed disposal.
• Rail-compliant health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Flexible working around engineering possessions and maintenance schedules.
• Experienced in cleaning complex rail maintenance equipment.
• Trusted by leading organisations across the UK rail industry.

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Specialist Rail Plant Cleaning Throughout the UK

Whether it's Stoneblowers, tampers, ballast regulators, engineering trains or other specialist on-track plant, 24/7 CS Ltd delivers professional mobile cleaning services wherever they're needed.

Our self-contained cleaning systems, nationwide coverage and commitment to safety make us the trusted choice for rail operators requiring specialist plant cleaning with minimal disruption to operations.