Patent ID: 6401623
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: E01B

Abstract:
A railroad ballast tamper comprising:first and second tool holders pivotally connected to a chassis about parallel horizontal axles, the tool holders equipped at their respective lower ends with tool capable of fitting on each side of a single or double cross tie, and connected at their upper ends by a hydraulic gripper ram; tool vibrating means for vibrating the tools; and a hydraulic fluid control assembly, providing external to the hydraulic gripper ram, comprising a hydraulic fluid source, means for metering an amount of hydraulic fluid provided to the gripper ram or discharged therefrom so as to incrementally control the stroke of the hydraulic gripper ram to a value below that of its full stroke, and hydraulic control means for controlling the movement of hydraulic fluid, wherein the hydraulic control means is associated with the metering means.