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The RM2003 is a high-performance ballast cleaning machine designed to give the highest quality results under the toughest operating conditions. The powerful cutting chain and high-capacity, dual screening unit ensures high production rates, even in heavily fouled, encrusted ballast. The RM2003’s 50 mph travel speed and short set up and knock down times allow maximum utilization of available track time. The RM2003 can also be moved in a train formation. The RM2003 is equipped with a track lifting and slewing device that allows the track to be lifted to reduce the cutting depths when required, and to be shifted laterally as required to clear track side obstacles. With sufficient quantities of cleaned ballast evenly distributed by the oscillating return conveyor and distribution plow, the RM2003 creates a uniform layer of ballast under the ties behind the cutter bar. The RM2003 is also equipped with a unique lateral vibratory ballast tamping system at the tie ends that laterally tamps the cleaned ballast under the ties. Directly ahead of the rear truck assembly, a well proven Plasser dynamic track stabilizing unit provides track stabilization ahead of the surfacing gang, thus reducing the possibility of track buckling after the ballast cleaning operation. The RM2003's slewable discharge allows waste material to be discharged to either side onto the right-of-way, into Plasser MFS-type material handling cars, or into open top railway cars. The discharge conveyor is quickly folded down for travel, thus eliminating the need for an additional flat car as a buffer car. The front waste discharge position provides an additional margin of ballast cleanliness, as any waste material that may fall into the track is removed during the normal work process. The RM2003 is capable of working in curves as sharp as 14 degrees and traveling in curves as sharp as 16 degrees (up to 6 inches of super elevation). It is also capable of full working speeds on 2% adverse grades under normal track conditions.