A new standard in precision ballast placement
Ballast Distribution Machine
With impressive speed and accuracy, the Automated Conveyor Train℠ (ACT℠) distributes material safely and efficiently in a curve. Using patented automated programming, the ACT can unload more than 2,900 tons of material in a 30-car consist as it moves along the track.

New construction
Stockpiling
Surfacing work
Short line railroads
Rail transit systems
First to unload a 30-car ballast consist in a curve
Herzog designed and built the ACT because the industry was in need of a reliable solution to stockpile rock in curves and S curves. It is used for routine maintenance or emergency tasks and offers 24/7 field support.
Technology Features
One-person operation All operations of the train are controlled within the climate-controlled, protected cab. No workers are exposed to silica dust or adverse weather.
Quick mobilization between sites The ACT can instantly pause dumping and move to the next location with no additional setup time.
Curve-capable The ACT unloads anywhere up to a 13° curve, including S curves, without downtime.
Individual conveyors Individual conveyors under each car give you the ability to distribute a variety of materials in one consist, at multiple job sites, in any order.
Built to Plate C specifications Positive lock mechanism allows for train movement on adjacent tracks while the 35′ boom unloads to the field side.
Automated plow Located on the front of discharge car, the plow strikes off material that is off-loaded directly in front of the machine in the center of the track.