Readypower places major order with Aqurate Rail as demand grows for safer, faster and more cost-effective rail-handling technology
Aqurate Rail has announced a major agreement to supply Readypower Rail Services with an initial tranche of its Rail Transposing Machines (RTM), marking a significant development for both companies. The agreement represents the first stage of Readypower’s long-term plan to establish a significant fleet of RTMs. It also provides a strong endorsement of Aqurate Rail from one of the UK’s foremost specialist rail plant and infrastructure services businesses.
Readypower operates one of the country’s largest and most diverse fleets of rail plant, supporting major maintenance, renewal and infrastructure programmes nationwide.
Demand for this type of machinery is increasing as the rail industry looks to complete more work within shorter and increasingly constrained access periods. Pressure to reduce manual handling, improve workforce safety, increase productivity and lower the whole-life cost of specialist plant is accelerating the move towards compact, multi-purpose and remotely operated equipment.
Developed by Aqurate Rail in partnership with GOS Tool & Engineering, the RTM has been designed in direct response to those requirements. The diesel-powered, remote-controlled tracked machine can lift, carry, install and recover different rail profiles and lengths. It can operate on single-track routes, within tunnels and stations, beneath live overhead line equipment and alongside open lines, subject to the relevant infrastructure manager requirements.
Unlike larger conventional machines, the RTM can be transported by road without additional requirements and is ready to begin work as soon as access is granted. This makes it particularly valuable during shorter midweek possessions, where mobilisation time can significantly affect the amount of productive work completed. Its remote-control system enables the operator to remain clear of the principal work zone, reducing the requirement for manual handling and allowing rail movements to be undertaken in a safer, more controlled manner. The RTM can install up to 709 feet (216 metres) of rail in approximately six minutes, while delivering substantially lower transport and maintenance costs than many traditional methodologies.
The machine received full Network Rail product acceptance in February 2026 and London Underground approval in September 2026.
Max Richardson, Director of Aqurate Rail, said: “Readypower’s investment in the RTM sends a clear signal to the industry. To earn the confidence of one of the UK’s largest specialist RRV providers speaks not only to the quality and capability of our machines, but also to the technical expertise and long-term support behind them. We take enormous pride in supporting customers well beyond the point of sale. Introducing a different methodology requires more than delivering the equipment; operators must have the knowledge and confidence to use it safely and productively. We work closely with every customer throughout that process and remain committed to supporting each machine across its operational life.
“The RTM was engineered for some of the railway’s most demanding environments, including London Underground, single-track routes and tunnels. However, the level of demand and the breadth of applications being identified have exceeded our expectations. The machine can handle every rail profile, from the installation of 709-foot (216-metre) rail lengths to shorter sections and scrap recovery. Its low operating cost, multifunctional capability and intuitive controls make the commercial and operational case increasingly compelling. As access periods become tighter, customers need equipment that can be deployed quickly whilst delivering more productive time on track.
“We believe demand will continue to grow across the UK and look forward to supporting Readypower and the wider industry in delivering safer and more efficient rail operations.”
The RTM has been engineered and manufactured with GOS Tool & Engineering, an established UK specialist in the design, conversion and enhancement of road rail vehicles. The collaboration brings together extensive practical railway knowledge with proven design, manufacturing and engineering capability. Each machine is built to original equipment manufacturer standards and subjected to rigorous testing. Enhanced hydraulic systems provide smoother and more intuitive operation, while a purpose-designed rail-handling thimble improves stability and control during installation and recovery. Safety features include remote operation from up to 300 metres, emergency brakes on all four corners and an independent auxiliary recovery engine fitted to each machine.
Readypower’s investment followed a detailed evaluation of the market alternatives as well as the RTM’s performance, build quality, reliability and whole-life proposition. The machines will support the company’s aim of increasing productivity on track while reducing manual handling, mobilisation requirements and ongoing maintenance costs.
James Stanford, Managing Director of Readypower Rail Services, said: “Readypower has always invested in equipment that can make railway operations safer, more efficient and more productive. Aqurate Rail’s RTM provides clear advantages in each of those areas. The strength of the engineering and build quality gave us confidence in the machine, while Aqurate Rail’s specialist knowledge and commitment to long-term support were equally important considerations. When investing in equipment of this kind, the relationship does not end when the machine is delivered. Reliable technical guidance and after-sales support are fundamental to maintaining performance and availability.
“This investment is about more than adding another type of machine to our fleet. It forms part of our ambition to transform how rail work is undertaken in the UK, particularly during midweek possessions where every minute on track matters. We believe the RTM has an important role to play in that future.”
Every machine is supplied with comprehensive original equipment manufacturer familiarisation, together with a one-year or 1,000-hour warranty. Aqurate Rail also provides continuing technical and after-sales support through its specialist team and international partner network. This combination of engineering quality, product knowledge and long-term customer support is central to Aqurate Rail’s market proposition. The company’s team brings extensive experience of railway operations, specialist plant and the practical demands of working on live infrastructure.
Aqurate Rail is already developing a wider portfolio of equipment designed around safety, productivity, reliability and lower whole-life cost. Its products are available for sale or long-term lease in the UK and internationally. The Readypower agreement is therefore more than an important order. It demonstrates growing demand for a new generation of rail-handling machinery, validates Aqurate Rail’s engineering and service proposition and sends a clear message to the wider market.
A new force in specialist rail plant has arrived, supported by the experience, build quality and ambition to reshape how work is delivered on the permanent way. For more information please download the Aqurate brochure.
Contact details for the team are below.
Find out more about Aqurate: https://aquraterail.com/
Email Aqurate Rail: [email protected]
Call Aqurate Rail: +44 7790 448376
