Grinding Trains Library / GEMAC / CMC20
GEMAC · SWITCH AND CROSSING GRINDING

GEMAC CMC20 Rail Grinder

The GEMAC CMC20 is a self-propelled 20-head rail grinder designed for switch and crossing work as well as mainline rail treatment. Published data lists a 2–16 km/h working speed, 90 m minimum grinding radius and grinding-head adjustment from 75° gauge side to 45° field side.

Model reference compiled from the existing GEMAC CMC20 technical page and manufacturer-linked data

GEMAC CMC20 rail grinder for switches and crossings
GEMAC CMC20 rail grinding vehicle.
Grinding heads20
Working speed2–16 km/h
Grinding radius90 m minimum
Track gauge1,435 mm

Machine overview

What is the GEMAC CMC20?

The CMC20 is a two-car, self-propelled rail grinding vehicle with 20 independently adjustable grinding heads. Its published operating scope emphasizes switch sections, crossings and areas where rail-head and gauge-corner wear require controlled profile restoration.

The machine is listed for 50, 60 and 75 kg/m rails and for switch references including No. 9, 12, 18, 30 and 38. Exact route approval, rail section and turnout geometry must be confirmed against the operator’s machine documentation.

Short answer: CMC20 is positioned as a switch and crossing grinder that can also perform mainline corrugation removal and rail-profile work. It is not a compact hand-guided profile grinder.

Published operating scope

What work is the CMC20 designed to perform?

Switch and crossing grinding

Profile treatment through switch sections, including difficult areas between the switch centre and adjacent rail components.

Corrugation removal

Controlled grinding of wave wear on plain track and within suitable switch alignments.

Gauge-corner treatment

The wide head-angle range supports treatment from the gauge side across the running surface toward the field side.

Rail-profile restoration

Multiple heads distribute the grinding pattern to restore a smoother transverse profile and surface finish.

Published benefits include reduced dynamic impact through switch sections and improved running stability after profile restoration. Actual results depend on initial rail condition, removal target, head arrangement and number of passes.

Machine video

GEMAC CMC20 operating video

The original model-page video is retained as a visual reference for the CMC20 machine and grinding arrangement. Fleet equipment and working configurations may differ.

GEMAC CMC20 rail grinder videoWatch GEMAC CMC20 video

Published machine data

GEMAC CMC20 specifications

SpecificationPublished valueQualification
Track gauge1,435 mmStandard-gauge configuration
Grinding heads20Adjustable grinding positions
Working speed2–16 km/hStable working-transfer range
Working-speed accuracy±0.5 km/hPublished control accuracy
Maximum coupled speed120 km/hIn train formation
Bidirectional self-propelled speedAt least 80 km/hPublished maximum reference
Minimum traversable curve65 mTravel configuration
Minimum grinding curve90 mWorking configuration
Maximum gradient40‰Published value
Maximum superelevation175 mmPublished value
Maximum axle load14 tPublished upper limit
Ambient temperature−20 to +50 °CPublished operating envelope
Maximum altitude2,000 mPublished upper limit
Head positioning and consist

How is the CMC20 grinding system configured?

20 grinding heads

The multi-head arrangement distributes work across the rail profile and allows different angular positions to be combined.

Wide angular range

Published head adjustment extends from 75° on the gauge side to 45° on the field side, with ±0.5° positioning accuracy.

Two-car connection

13B couplers are listed at both ends, with an MJGH-25T tight-lock coupler and buffer arrangement between the cars.

Stable low-speed travel

The specified 2–16 km/h working range supports controlled passes through complex switch geometry.

Grinding wheel reference

152 × 80 × M20 rail grinding wheel

The CMC20 uses the same referenced wheel specification as the Harsco RGH20C: a 152 × 80 mm resin-bonded rail grinding wheel with an M20 internal thread. Confirm the installed grinding head and wheel marking before ordering.

152 x 80 x M20 rail grinding wheel for GEMAC CMC20
Outside diameter
152 mm
Thickness
80 mm
Mounting
M20 internal thread
Bond
Resin bond
Maximum speed
50 m/s
Referenced machines
CMC20 / RGH20C

Compatibility check required: M20 and 5/8-11 are different thread systems and are not interchangeable. Confirm the installed head, thread direction and engagement, wheel marking, maximum RPM and operator-approved drawing.

Ordering checklist

What should buyers confirm before ordering?

01 · CMC20 machine serial number and configuration
02 · Existing wheel marking and photographs
03 · 152 × 80 mm dimensional confirmation
04 · M20 thread direction, pitch and engagement
05 · Approved RPM or 50 m/s speed confirmation
06 · Rail section and treatment objective
Technical questions

GEMAC CMC20 FAQ

What is the GEMAC CMC20?

It is a self-propelled 20-head rail grinder designed primarily for switch, crossing and rail-profile treatment.

How many grinding heads does the CMC20 use?

The published configuration has 20 grinding heads.

What is the CMC20 working speed?

The listed working-transfer range is 2–16 km/h, with published speed-control accuracy of ±0.5 km/h.

What is the minimum grinding curve radius?

The published minimum radius in grinding mode is 90 m; the minimum traversable curve is 65 m.

Can the CMC20 grind switches?

Yes. Switch and crossing treatment is a primary published application of the machine.

Which rail sections are listed?

The existing technical information lists 50, 60 and 75 kg/m rail references.

What grinding-head angle range is available?

The published range is 75° on the gauge side to 45° on the field side, with ±0.5° adjustment accuracy.

Which grinding wheel fits the CMC20?

The referenced specification is 152 × 80 × M20, resin bonded, with a published maximum speed of 50 m/s. Confirm the installed head, M20 thread and approved drawing before ordering.

Sources and review notes

  1. GEMAC official website.
  2. GEMAC CMC20 product reference.
  3. GEMAC CMC20 video reference.
  4. 152 × 80 × M20 grinding wheel — referenced wheel specification and enquiry information.

Layout review: 17 September 2026. Existing published machine parameters and photographs were retained. Grinding-wheel compatibility remains unverified.

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