Torrent Trackside says it has taken delivery of the world’s first integrated battery powered rail cutter. Developed over a number of years by Swedish tool manufacturer Husqvarna, the K1 PACE is a development of the popular K1270 rail disc cutter, an industry standard for many years.
The K1 PACE has won a Red Dot award for outstanding industrial design. It is powered by a slot in B750X 94v lithium-ion battery that is located near the centre of the tool to maximise cooling, weight distribution and avoid contamination. The electric brushless motor has been developed in house by Husqvarna and is 25 per cent more efficient than a standard brush motor.
Combined with a Husqvarna Gold Elite cutting disc the new K1 PACE can effortlessly cut rail in less than three minutes, no coolant is required. The battery will power the tool for around five cuts and is supplied with a fast charger that can recharge it in one hour. Each disc is good for around seven cuts and can be changed in seconds. The battery motor also makes the tool quieter than its petrol powered predecessor and vibration levels are considerably lower.
Battery power means the K1 PACE is completely emission free yet delivers the torque needed to cut through rail. The tool is easy and quick to assemble and comes with an attachment arm that fits to the rail ensuring a perfect right angle cut. For safety, the tool will not operate unless this arm is attached. There are also numerous other safety features including a blade guard, double trigger (to prevent accidental start up) and a unique X-Halt braking system which stops the tool running if significant kick back is detected.
The tool is easy to start with a simple push button. There is no longer any need for troublesome pull cords and problematic cold starts. The control panel also shows battery status and confirmation that the attachment arm is correctly engaged.
Torrent Trackside’s Operations Director, Carl Abraitis commented, “This new tool has been widely anticipated by the rail industry and Torrent Trackside is the first hire company to bring it to market. The products green credentials are second to none and the immense power, long battery life and ease of use makes the K1 PACE an industry game changer.”
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