Schleifen von Schienen in der SerienfertigungLoram C44 Rail Grinder
The Loram C44 is a standard-gauge production rail grinder for international commuter, freight and high-speed networks. Loram offers 32- and 64-stone consists using 23 kW grinding motors and operating at 5–32 km/h, with a published maximum axle weight of 20 tonnes.
What is the Loram C44?
The C44 is Loram’s production grinder for international networks where clearance diagrams, axle loads and operating requirements can limit larger North American grinding consists. Loram publishes 32-stone and 64-stone configurations, with two 32-stone units able to work together as one 64-stone machine.
The machine uses independently controlled tilt-and-shift grinding modules to cover the rail-head profile. Loram states that the platform can perform production grinding and selected specialty grinding work, including operation in third-rail environments when configured for the project.
This page documents the C44 machine platform. For a broader comparison of Loram production, specialty and transit grinders, see the Loram-Leitfaden zum Schienenschleifen.
Loram C44 gallery
These C44 photographs were published by Loram. Delivered equipment, consist length and external details can vary by railway and project.
C44 key specifications
Values below are taken from Loram’s published C44 page. Length, capacity and other values depend on the selected 32- or 64-stone configuration. Project documentation remains the controlling reference.
How the C44 grinding platform is configured
32- or 64-stone consist
A C44 can be supplied as a 32- or 64-stone consist. Loram also describes paired 32-stone units operating as one 64-stone machine.
Tilt-and-shift modules
Independent tilt-and-shift grinding modules position the stones across the rail head for complete pass coverage.
International envelope
The reduced platform footprint is designed around international clearance diagrams, including Loram’s stated W6A compliance.
Risk controls
Published features include dust collection, fire suppression, tie and ditch sprays, water cannons and flame-resistant hydraulic fluid.
Typical C44 applications
Production grinding on networks with restrictive clearance and axle-load requirements.
Rail-head reprofiling and controlled removal of corrugation, corrosion, joint mismatch and other surface irregularities.
Loram describes the C44 as EN 13231 capable for grinding-quality requirements on high-speed rail.
Grinding modules can be configured for third-rail applications with an energised or de-energised third rail, subject to the delivered system and operating rules.
Loram C44 grinders in UK service
Colas Rail reported that three Loram C44 plain-line grinders entered service for Network Rail in 2017. The largest, C44-03, is a 64-stone machine almost 150 m long. Colas described a nationwide grinding programme covering preventive and corrective work, with the contracted fleet delivering approximately 1,400 operating shifts per year.
Rail Engineer’s account of the UK machines adds operating context: the 32-stone version uses four grinding buggies across two grinding cars, while the 64-stone consist doubles the grinding capacity. Published project features include laser rail-profile measurement, eddy-current crack detection, dust extraction, remote fire suppression and provision for operation on overhead-electrified and third-rail routes.
The shift and route figures describe the wider Network Rail grinding contract and fleet, not a guaranteed output for every C44. See Colas Rail’s contract announcement und Rail Engineer’s C44 fleet report.
C44 software and grinding-quality references
Loram states that the C44’s machine software is developed to EN 50128 and that the platform is capable of meeting EN 13231 grinding-quality requirements. These statements describe the manufacturer’s platform capability; project acceptance, local standards and the delivered configuration must still be confirmed by the railway or operator.
C44 vs RG400 and RGI
These Loram families overlap in production grinding, but they should not be treated as interchangeable specifications.
Confirm the C44 grinding-wheel specification
Loram’s public C44 page does not publish a complete grinding-wheel dimension, mounting interface or approved wheel drawing. Do not select a replacement wheel from the machine model alone.
- Maschine
- Loram C44
- Configuration
- 32 or 64 stones
- Wheel dimensions
- Confirm from marking or drawing
- Mounting and RPM
- Confirm before quotation
Vor der Bestellung erforderliche Angaben
Loram C44 FAQ
What is the Loram C44?
The C44 is an international production rail grinder designed for commuter, freight and high-speed rail applications with restrictive clearance and axle-load requirements.
How many grinding stones does a C44 use?
Loram publishes 32- and 64-stone configurations. Two 32-stone machines can also be coupled to operate as one 64-stone consist.
How fast can the C44 grind rail?
The published grinding speed is 5–32 km/h (3–20 mph). Actual operation depends on the grinding programme, rail condition and delivered configuration.
Can the C44 work around a third rail?
Loram states that the platform can be configured for third-rail applications with either an energised or de-energised third rail. The exact delivered equipment and local operating rules must be confirmed.
What grinding wheel fits a Loram C44?
The public machine page does not provide enough wheel-interface data to confirm a replacement. Use the existing wheel marking, complete dimensions, mounting details, maximum RPM and approved machine documentation.
References and review method
- Loram C44 product page — manufacturer overview, features, published specifications and photographs.
- Colas Rail UK contract announcement — documented C44 fleet introduction and operating context.
- Rail Engineer C44 fleet report — configuration, measurement systems and operational detail.
- Loram-Leitfaden zum Schienenschleifen — related Loram grinder families and applications.
- Rail grinding train wheel category — product references and compatibility-review route.
Editorial review: Machine specifications were compiled from Loram manufacturer data and checked against independent operating references on 16 September 2026. Jumbo Abrasives is not the manufacturer of the C44. Grinding-wheel compatibility has not been independently confirmed from a C44 wheel drawing, so buyers must provide the existing wheel marking, dimensions, mounting details and approved machine documentation.