Weedfree Limited is a leader in providing essential rail maintenance services across the UK, specialising in weed control and vegetation clearance. To maintain operational efficiency in the demanding environment of the rail industry, Weedfree required a reliable and flexible solution that would support access to remote areas and streamline the transportation of specialist equipment and personnel.
The Challenge
Weedfree faced challenges in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the UK’s rail network while maintaining high standards of efficiency and safety. The company needed a versatile solution that could seamlessly transition between road and rail environments, ensuring that operations were carried out quickly, safely, and without disruption. Additionally, the transport of heavy-duty equipment and personnel across both road and rail presented logistical challenges, which required a solution that could handle tough operational conditions and provide maximum productivity.
The Solution
Aquarius Rail recommended a fleet of R2R (Road-to-Rail) 4×4 vehicles, designed to provide both off-road and rail capabilities. These vehicles feature a robust Class 9C GVW 3.5-tonne design, enabling them to operate under live Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) conditions, ensuring minimal disruption. The vehicles’ electro-hydraulic rail guidance system allows for a seamless transition between road and rail in just minutes, optimising operational efficiency. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with heavy-duty payload capacities (800kg to 1000kg) to transport Weedfree’s specialised tools and equipment.
To further enhance operational reach, R2R trailers were provided, offering Class 0C and air-braked capabilities for rail use. The trailers allow for the transport of larger quantities of equipment, with a payload capacity of 2.4 tonnes on road and 3 tonnes on rail, improving loading efficiency and productivity at sites.
The Outcome
The R2R 4×4 vehicles and trailers have significantly improved Weedfree’s ability to carry out weed control and vegetation management tasks with enhanced speed and precision. The vehicles’ versatility allows Weedfree’s teams to access even the most remote parts of the rail network without delays or additional transportation needs, ensuring that tasks are completed quickly and efficiently.
With the support of the vehicles and RS1 and RS2 spray units, which can cover up to 20 miles in a single shift, Weedfree is able to maintain high productivity levels while reducing chemical usage through spot treatment capabilities. This collaboration has enabled Weedfree to maximise efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure the seamless delivery of services across the UK’s rail network.
Richard Stow, Managing Director, Weedfree Limited, said:
“Weedfree Limited is proud to celebrate over 20 years of successful collaboration with Aquarius Limited. Our partnership began when we sought a solution for treating weeds on the Northern Irish railway network. Aquarius’s then Managing Director, James Platt, ingeniously adapted existing equipment to fit the wide gauge track, marking the start of a mutually beneficial and innovative relationship.
Together, we have developed multiple new weed spray machines for use throughout the UK rail network. Notably, the RS1 weed spray machine, utilising the Aquarius 3.5 tonne R2R trailer, can treat over 20 miles of track and embankment without needing to replenish. More recently, the RS2 weed spray machine is specifically designed to access hard-to-reach areas of invasive weed species, such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, growing along railway embankments.
Aquarius Limited has been a key supplier and a reliable partner, consistently contributing to our shared success. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration and achieving even greater milestones together.”
