Ballast tamper
Usage: tamping ballast under railroad ties
Application: plain rail and railroad switch
Verification: CE, CRCC
Type: hydraulic, internal combustion engine, electric, flexible shaft

A ballast tamper is a specialized rail maintenance equipment for completing ballast tamping under railroad ties, which can dig into the track bed with vibration tines (powered by hydraulic, electric, or battery). The tamping operation is aimed at re-ordering the ballast to overcome the friction between ballasts and force it to “flow” to a more stable location so that the ballast density is increased, and the compact structure stabilizes the track bed. Rail tamping is key in ordinary maintenance, medium repair, and overhaul.
Indispensable Ballast Tamper Machine


For existing lines
During the train operation, some ballast will sink to the subgrade because of load or environmental reasons, which leads to part of the railroad track going down and uneven surfaces affecting the safety of the rails. Ballast is added and penetrated to raise the rails to their original place, and then compacted under the ties by the indispensable ballast tamper machine.
For newly built lines
Newly built railroad tracks also need ballast tamping operations to meet the requirements of the designed elevation. In the past, manual operation with simple tools was the principal way of ballast tamping. Now, the heavy labor-intensive work is replaced by advanced machines.
AGICO is proficient in designing and manufacturing rail tamping machines and other rail maintenance equipment such as ballast cleaners, rail grinding machines, rail tensors, rail cutting machines, rail drilling machines, rail benders, rail bolt wrenches, etc.
YD-22 II hydraulic rail tamping machine has gained a CRCC certificate. The portable rail tamper series, YD, YCD-32 series rail switch tamping machine, and ND-4.2×4 flexible shaft rail tamping machine have gained CE certifications.
Key advantages of AGICO railway tampers




Complete product range to meet the needs of multiple scenarios
AGICO provides a full range of rail tamping machines, including hydraulic, electric, internal combustion, and flexible shafts, covering different application needs from field construction to urban maintenance, from heavy-duty railways to subway roadbeds.
We can tailor-make suitable tamping solutions for customers to reduce repeated equipment purchases.
Mature technology and stable performance
The equipment has been verified and optimized on-site for many years. The core components are made of high-strength alloy steel, imported bearings, and shock-absorbing structures to ensure long-term and efficient operation.
The vibration frequency and tamping force have reached industry-leading standards, with high tamping density and extended roadbed life.
Convenient operation and simple maintenance
Ergonomic design, shock-absorbing handle, and reasonable center of gravity layout reduce worker fatigue.
Easy to disassemble and maintain, with few common fault points and high versatility of accessories, reducing later maintenance costs.
Support special customization and strong compatibility
Rail tamper machines can be customized according to the customer’s on-site construction conditions, such as extended flexible shaft, ultra-narrow tamping head, portable power configuration, etc.
Support compatible use with existing road maintenance equipment systems to improve the customer equipment utilization rate.
Both internal and external improvements, a complete service system
With an experienced technical support team, we provide one-stop services such as training, after-sales, accessories, and remote guidance.
Rich export experience, in line with multi-national railway standards, and special gauge requirements can be met.
Rail Tamper Machine For Sale

SND23 portable rail tamper machine
It is a 2-stroke petrol engine impact rail tamper machine designed for tamping ballast under railroad ties with forceful power and ease of hand-held.
Key benefits: Compact, portable, easy, and safe operation, convenient maintenance.
| Rial tamper machine model | SND23 |
| Overall size(L×W×H) | 450×340×790 mm |
| Engine model | 1E45F-3A |
| Engine type | Single cylinder, air cooling, two-stroke |
| Displacement (m1) | 80 |
| Output power (kW/r/min) | 1.6/4400 |
| Oil consumption (g/kW.h) | ≤544 |
| Net weight (kg) | 24 |
| Impact frequency(Hz) | 22 |
| Impact energy (J) | 40 |
| Clutch speed (r/min) | 2900±350 |
| Idling (r/min) | 2300±230 |
| Working speed (r/min) | 4350±250 |
| Fuel | A volume mixing ratio of gasoline and FC grade two-stroke engine oil (25~30):1 |
| Tank volume (L) | 2.4 |
| Impact system grease | 3# Lithium base grease with extreme pressure |

YD-22 hydraulic rail tamper machine (diesel)
This model of rail tamper machine fits various railway lines across the world. The machine is equipped with a double guide column frame and a single-cylinder lifting structure. Driven by a high-power water-cooling diesel engine, it provides a compact structure, large vibration force, and excellent tamping performance. As a safe and reliable rail maintenance tool, it offers high efficiency for meeting the demands of most of the tamping works.
| Rial tamper machine model | YD-22 |
| Motive power | 186F model disel engine 6.3kW SF190 model disel engine 7kW GX270 model petrol engine 6.6kW |
| Hydraulic system working pressure | 5-6Mpa |
| Vibration frequency | 66.7Hz |
| Exciting force | 22kN |
| Max. under thrust force | 16kN |
| Clamping force | 6.5kN* 2 |
| Under thrust depth | 110mm±10mm |
| Production efficiency | ≥270 pieces (group per hour) |
| Mainframe net weight | air cooling diesel engine: 397kg water cooling diesel engine: 455 kg petrol engine: 300 kg |
| Dimension | Air cooling diesel engine: 1300mm*750mm*1600mm Water cooling diesel engine: 1300mm*750mm*1600mm Petrol engine: 1390mm*750mm*1600mm |

YD-22 II hydraulic rail tamper machine (petrol)
This rail tamper machine is a petrol engine drive type, suitable for tamping works of various concrete sleepers and railway lines. It is especially good at tamping in overhaul, and medium repair following the ballast cleaning. Also, it can be applied when building a new railway line.
| Rial tamper machine model | YD-22 III |
| Power | 4-stroke gasoline engine; 9.5kW; 3600 rpm/min |
| Working pressure of the hydraulic system | 5-6 MPa |
| Vibration frequency | 66.7 Hz |
| Exciting force | 22kN |
| Maximum interpolation force | 16kN |
| Clamp strength | 6.5kN*2 |
| Depth of insertion | 110mm±10mm |
| Production efficiency | >260 roots(group/hour) |
| Net weight of the main frame | 1385kg |
| Outward size | 2150mm 2200mm 1900mm |
| Running frame gauge | 1435mm(special requirements please notify) |

YCD-32-II hydraulic rail switch tamping machine
This type of rail tamper machine is of great help in dealing with the most complex sections in railway lines and railroad switches. It can handle the tamping in areas like railroad switches, turnout joint parts, railroad frogs, and guard rails. The YCD-32-II rail tamper machine can realize a left-right shift thanks to the hydraulic motor, which can save labor and efficiently tamp the railroad switch areas.
| Rial tamper machine model | YCD-32-II |
| Power | Gasoline engine power 7.0kW |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) (mm) | 1430*930*1700mm |
| Single gross weight | 418kg |
| Material | Steel |

ND-4.2×4 flexible shaft rail tamping machine
This machine can be used for any rails and turns to finish the tamping work. The outstanding features are lightweight, quick off the track, and high adaptability. It is an economic choice for rail ballast tamping.
| Rial tamper machine model | ND-4.2×4 |
| Petrol engine model | GX390 (single power) GX160*2 (double power) |
| Power | 9.5kW(single power) 4.0kW*2(double power) |
| Rpm | 3600r/min |
| Vibration time | 33000 times/min. |
| Amplitude | 120kg |

DG-550 Electric rail tamper machine
This model of rail tamper is composed of one generator and four electric tampers. It can move freely on the track and fit various rail gauges, which can be customized by the machine. It is easy to carry and applicable to various railway lines.
| Rial tamper machine model | DG-550 |
| Motor power | 550W |
| Voltage | 380V / 3 phase 220V/Single pahse |
| RPM | 2800r/min |
| Tamping force | 2.8KN |
| Tamping frequency | 48Hz |
| Tamping board | Elastic |
| Weight | 26.5kg |
| Dimension | 1000×690×195mm |

Portable Impact Rail Tamper Machine
Powered by the internal combustion engine, the portable impact rail tamper offers a solution for easy carrying without any long wires or heavy flexible shafts. It is widely used in the tamping operation of railway ballast to maintain the track bed. The novel design, compact structure, lightweight, and easy on and off track all make it ideal for plain lines and railroad switch tamping operations. AGICO provides various models of portable rail tamper machines such as ND-5, ND-6, ND-7, and ND-40.
Features of ND-6 Impact Rail Tamper Machine
Small in size, lightweight, and only needs one person to get the tamping work done on plain lines and railroad switches.
Features of ND-7 Impact Rail Tamper Machine
The ballast tamping work can be carried out during the interval between trains. No need for locking the rail section.
Features of ND-40 Impact Rail Tamper Machine
High impact power, excellent tamping effect, easy operation and maintenance, etc. Little vibration thanks to multi-level shock absorption. Changeable shovels can match different purposes such as digging, crushing, tamping, etc.
For more models – Get in touch now!
Successful case
AGICO has hundreds of types of rail maintenance equipment that are manufactured and exported to over 40 countries. We have gained a high reputation among customers by using our CE and CRCC certificate machines. Long, friendly relationships with our clients drive us to develop better products and services.




How does our rail tamper machine work?
The tamping machine works on the principle of the eccentric shaft connecting rod swing vibration and one-step support. The tamping tines transfer the vibration force to the ballast so that the ballast vibrates and moves in a relatively stable direction, increasing the track bed’s density. At the same time, the tamping tine squeezes the ballast between the sleepers to the bottom of the sleepers under the action of clamping, making the ballast at the bottom of the sleepers denser, thereby improving the stability of the track and ensuring the safety of driving.


How to choose a suitable rail tamper machine?
AGICO has summarized some features of various types of rail tamper machines for your reference when picking a suitable one. For more recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Internal combustion engine tamping machine
Power source: small gasoline or diesel engine.
Features:
No external power supply required, strong mobility.
Suitable for construction environments in the field or without a power supply
Generally, loud noise, strong vibration, and relatively high maintenance.
Flexible shaft tamping machine
Power source: generally driven by a motor or internal combustion engine through a flexible shaft.
Features:
The main machine is separated from the tamping head, and the flexible shaft transmission is flexible.
Suitable for small-scale and multi-point operations.
Flexible operation, convenient for working in a small space.
Electric rail tamping machine
Power source: AC or DC motor.
Features:
Environmental protection, low noise, and simple maintenance.
Requires a power connection, limited scope of use.
Commonly used in electrified railways or construction sites with a power supply.
Hydraulic rail tamping machine
Features:
Stable tamping effect and strong power.
Complex structure and high cost.
Suitable for high-standard roadbed maintenance or large-scale construction machinery.







