EP0505240B1 - Device for placing and replacing rail components and procedure for using this device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for laying and replacing railway track construction components, such as lengths of track and points. This device is of the type comprising a certain number of lifting carriages (3) which move on the track (4) and at least one lifting gantry crane (1) which moves on caterpillar tracks (7) for transporting, laying or replacing track components. The device is characterised in that it has only one gantry crane (1) for transport and for lifting which is capable of moving on caterpillar tracks (7) or on the track (4), as well as a certain number of lifting carriages (2), at least two, which depends on the dimension of the track component (5). The invention may be used in the field of railway track installations. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an installation for installing and replacing railway construction elements, such as track lengths and switches, as well as a method which can be carried out using the installation, according to preambles of claims 1 and 12 respectively.

Installations and processes of this type are already known, but these have the disadvantage of being of insufficient performance, not very economical, of requiring too many personnel and too long construction times.

Thus document EP-A-0 276 646 describes an installation which comprises, for the installation and the substitution of railroad elements of a considerable length, two gantry units and a certain number of auxiliary transport wagons. Given the complex and expensive structure of the gantries and their complicated handling, this installation has the drawback which has just been stated. In addition, since the gantry units must be transported using transport trolleys to the work site, these trolleys are heavy and large vehicles.

Another installation is known from document GB-A-2 157 347. This installation comprises an elongated bridge beam and four transport vehicles which are integrated into the beam.

It is obvious that this installation, because of its integrated structure, is of insufficient performance, not very economical and requires very long construction times.

The object of the present invention is to propose a method and an installation which no longer have the abovementioned drawbacks of the state of the art.

To achieve this aim, the installation and the method according to the invention include the characteristics set out in the characterizing parts of independent claims 1 and 12.

Other advantageous features are the subject of dependent claims.

• La figure 1 montre en a, b, c trois phases du procédé selon l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue latérale du portique du transport et de levage selon l'invention ;
• La figure 3 est une vue de dessus du portique représentée sur la figure 2 .
• La figure 4 est une vue de face en direction de la flèche IV du portique de transport et de levage sur la figure 2, ce dernier étant présenté en deux positions de travail .
• La figure 5 est une vue de face en direction de la flèche V du cadre de base de la figure 3, désigné par le chiffre 12 .
• La figure 6 est une vue en coupe du cadre de base 12 le long de la ligne VI-VI de la figure 3 .
• La figure 7 est une vue, avec arrachement et à plus grande échelle, du détail indiqué en VII sur la figure 2 .
• La figure 8 montre en une vue de face le détail VIII de la figure 3 .
• La figure 9 est une vue de face de l'engin de levage d'éléments de voie ferrée, selon l'invention, repéré par 3 sur la figure 1 .
• La figure 10 est une vue de dessus de l'engin montée de levage d'éléments de voie selon la figure 9 .
• La figure 11 montre une vue latérale l'engin de levage d'éléments de voie de la figure 9, se déplaçant sur les rails auxiliaires.

The invention will be better understood, and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the explanatory description which follows, made with reference to the appended schematic drawings given solely by way of example illustrating a embodiment of the invention, and in which:

• Figure 1 shows in a, b, c three phases of the method according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a side view of the transport and lifting gantry according to the invention;
• Figure 3 is a top view of the portico shown in figure 2.
• Figure 4 is a front view in the direction of arrow IV of the transport and lifting gantry in Figure 2, the latter being presented in two working positions.
• FIG. 5 is a front view in the direction of arrow V of the base frame of FIG. 3, designated by the number 12.
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the base frame 12 along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3.
• FIG. 7 is a view, with cutaway and on a larger scale, of the detail indicated in VII in FIG. 2.
• FIG. 8 shows in a front view the detail VIII of FIG. 3.
• FIG. 9 is a front view of the machine for lifting railway track elements, according to the invention, identified by 3 in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 10 is a top view of the mounted lifting device for track elements according to FIG. 9.
• Figure 11 shows a side view of the lifting device of track elements of Figure 9, moving on the auxiliary rails.

The structure of the various machines of the installation according to the invention will first be described below.

According to FIG. 1, such an installation for laying and replacing elements of railway track constructions, such as lengths of tracks and in particular switch sections and complete switches, comprises a gantry for transport and lifting 1 and depending on the dimensions and size of the track element, a predetermined number of at least two lifting carriages, a number of devices 3 for lifting track elements , which also depends on the dimensions and size of the track element identified by 5.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 which shows three different stages of the method according to the invention, the transport and lifting gantry 1 can move as well on the main track 4, using two pivoting undercarriages 6 and using four tracked carriages 7 whose position is variable in height. This gantry is constructed in such a way that it is able to take and transport even bulky track elements, in a well-centered manner, such as switches whose geometry varies considerably in the longitudinal direction, particularly at the heart of device and ends. It can also be used as a push or pull vehicle for the installation when transporting the track element on the main track. FIG. 1 also shows that the lifting devices 3 have two undercarriages 9, 10 allowing them to travel on the main track 4 or on auxiliary rails 11 which are placed in the area of the track construction site, laterally and at outside the main track 4. The lifting carriages 2 can only travel on the main track 4.

As shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transport and lifting gantry 1 according to the invention comprises a base frame 12 to which the two undercarriages 6 are articulated, the wheels of which are identified by 13, by means of devices 14 The base frame also carries the tracked carriages 7, adjustable in height. The base frame 12 has a horizontal upper part which has essentially four rectangular profiled beams 16, arranged transversely to the track, in pairs. These beams are connected to each other at their ends by U-shaped beams 17, 18 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the track. The four beams 16 are parallel to each other. To each transverse external beam 16 of each pair is attached another U-shaped beam 19, shifted downward, in the extension of the longitudinal beams 17, 18. Vertically below this upper base frame part, at a certain distance from the latter, there is a lower horizontal base frame part which is essentially formed from profiled beams 22 or 23 placed in the transverse and longitudinal directions, as is apparent from FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. These two frame parts are connected to each other by vertical intermediate beams placed near the outer sides, of which only four vertical rectangular profiled beams designated by 24 are retained for the remainder of the description. Each of these beams 24 is fixed in abutment under an internal transverse beam 16 in the longitudinal direction of the frame and carries at its lower end a transverse beam 22. Each pair of these intermediate beams 24 is symmetrical to the longitudinal central line of the base frame and located at each wheel 13, so that the devices 13 provided for the pivoting of a running gear can be articulated to the intermediate beams 24 and to the transverse beams 22.

Between the upper and lower base frame parts extends, over the entire length of the base frame, a closed channel 25 which has a rectangular cross section widening from the central transverse plane of the frame towards the two ends, along an angle β of for example 5 °. This channel 24 is formed of sheets welded together and to the frame beams, like the sheets 26 of FIG. 6. All the connections existing between the profiles forming the base frame and the sheets are produced by welding. Thanks to the structure which has just been described and the assembly by welding, of the frame, the latter has great rigidity and capacity for resistance to torsion.

The closed rectangular channel serves as a guide device for a main longitudinal beam 24 with telescopic extension, comprising a central element 27 and, at each end, a telescopic element 28 which slides in this central element. The central element 27 extends through the channel 25 and projects therefrom at each end. In the area of the central plane of the base frame, the beam 27 is fixed respectively at 29 and 30 to the upper and lower walls of the channel so as to pivot around a vertical axis. The pivoting angle of the telescopic beam 26 is therefore equal to the widening angle β of the channel 25. The beam 26 is variable in length by hydraulic means.

At each end of the central element 27, which projects out of the channel 25, is fixed a transverse beam 32 symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the track (Figure 8) it is formed of two U-shaped profiles turned towards each other. On each half of this beam moves axially a carriage 33 which carries a clamp 34 to take from below and carry a rail of the track element 5. The clamp 34 is mounted in the carriage 33 in an adjustable manner in height. It can pivot around its vertical axis by 180 ° so that it can take a rail from track 5 from both inside and outside. The carriages 33 and the grippers 34 are hydraulically controlled.

At the end of each mobile telescopic beam 28 is provided a beam 35 which carries a pair of clamps 36 suitable for taking from below and carrying the rails of a track element to be installed or replaced. This beam 35 has the general shape of a U open towards the bottom, between the branches of which is fixed a vertically movable element 37. A clamp 36 is supported in each lateral face of this element in a manner that can be moved transversely to the axis of the track.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a transverse hollow profiled beam 16 of each pair serves as a housing for a support frame 39 for two vertical telescopic load-lifting columns 40 located on one side of the base frame. Each of these columns is supported on one of the tracked carriages 7 mentioned above. Each support frame 39 has a lower horizontal beam 41 oriented in the longitudinal direction of the track, a little above the transverse beams 16, and an upper beam 42 parallel to the beam 41. To these beams 41 and 42 which are connected between them by struts 43, are fixed the two guide elements 44 of the two load lifting columns 40. At the lower part of each fixed element 44, a profile 45 with rectangular section is fixed laterally which is arranged transversely to the column axis and dimensioned in such a way that it can engage in one of the two hollow profiled beams 16 and slide axially in this beam, as clearly shown in FIG. 3. Thanks to this housing, the support frame 39 with the load lifting columns 40 retract or exit laterally and transversely from the two corresponding profiled beams 16. Each column 40 has an element 47 which slides in the guide element 44. This element 47 is supported on a tracked carriage 7.

The four load lifting columns 40 and the other telescopic devices which are each formed of a profiled beam 16 and a beam 45, are hydraulically controlled devices. The movable elements 44 and 45 can slide continuously in both directions of exit and withdrawal.

FIG. 7 shows the device 14 which pivots a running gear 6. This device comprises two arms 48 placed symmetrically to the longitudinal central line and articulated at one end so as to pivot about a horizontal axis 49 at the end of an intermediate beam 24. These arms 48 support the undercarriage 6 with the wheels 13, in a manner not shown. The arms 48 pivot under the effect of a system of hydraulic jacks 50, the bodies of which are articulated at the top at 51 to the intermediate beam 24 and the piston rods of which are articulated at 52 to the arm 48. Each arm 48 can be locked at 53 to the part of the lower base frame, in its working position in which the transport and lifting gantry rests on the rails by means of the wheels 13.

The basic frame 12 still carries all the energy supply, namely essentially a diesel engine device, a fuel tank and a hydraulic installation with oil tank for controlling the beams and telescopic columns, driving the carriages tracked, driving and controlling the brakes of the undercarriages on the rail, actuating the rail clamps, as well as electrical equipment comprising all the organs and devices for implementing and controlling the hydraulic operations, starting and control of diesel engines, lighting devices for night work, signaling and the like.

Referring to Figures 9 and 11 will be described below a lifting device 3 of track elements, according to the invention. This machine essentially comprises a frame base 56 on which are fixed the two undercarriages 9 allowing the movement of the machine on the main track. On the base frame 56 is mounted a telescopic transverse beam 57 of variable length, pivoting 90 ° between a position in the longitudinal direction of the track and a transverse position. This transverse beam has a central element 58 and a movable element 59 which slide in each end of this central element in the direction of exit and withdrawal. At the end of the element 59 is fixed a vertical hollow guide cylinder 60 in the axis of which extends a telescopic load-lifting column 62. The guide cylinder is movable along the column 62 under the action of a lifting cylinder 61. The lifting column 62 comprises a guide element 63 in which a column element 64 slides in the directions of exit and withdrawal, under the action of an internal load lifting cylinder, not shown in the figure. The body of the lifting cylinder 61 is fixed to the guide cylinder 60 and the piston rod to the guide element 63 of the load lifting column. The foot of the movable beam element 64 is articulated to a substantially horizontal U-shaped beam 65 which can pivot around a small angle. At each end of the beam 65 is mounted a wheel 66. The wheels 66 and the beams 65 form the undercarriages 10 which allow the lifting machine to move on the auxiliary rails 11.

The base frame 56 of the hoist 3 carries two hydraulically controlled clamps 67 which are movable outwards, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the track, and can pivot 180 ° to take the rails d from below '' one side of the interior or exterior. In addition, the base frame carries a motor, for example a diesel engine, for the independent movement of the hoist and the entire hydraulic installation. which controls the various hydraulic cylinders, the pivoting of the transverse beam with the two load lifting columns, and the rail clamps.

Regarding the transport trolleys 2, it should be noted that they have their own hydraulic installation for controlling the lifting table 69 with the pivoting and sliding platform. The lifting table has a sufficient width so that the track construction elements to be transported can be safely and centrally placed. The lifting tables can be controlled remotely.

We will describe below, with reference to Figure 1, how to replace with the installation according to the invention a track construction element, for example a switch. For this, the installation includes a transport and lifting gantry, three switch lifting devices 3 and five lifting carriages 2.

To remove the old switch, the transport and lifting gantry 1 moves after the entry of the track lock, coupled to the three lifting devices 3 and goes up on the switch to be removed. All the machines then take the planned position. The five lifting carriages are placed immediately in front of the switch to be removed so that it can be taken care of during the removal operation, as shown in Figure 1c. During the dismantling of the switch to be removed, cut at the ends, and of the signaling devices, as necessary, the transport and lifting gantry 1 as well as the lifting and switching devices 3 are brought into operation. working condition, that is to say that the tracked carriages 7 of the gantry 1 as well as the load lifting columns 62 with the wheel sets 66 are out. The wheels 66 are then placed on the auxiliary rails 11 previously placed in front of the crosshead heads of the switch removed in the central area and from the tip of the needle. The telescopic beam 26 of the gantry 1 is deployed and the clamps of this gantry are fixed on the switch.

The clamps 67 of the switch lifting gear 3 grip the rails of the switch from below and the latter is then lifted over its entire length up to 10 cm above the lifting carriages located in front of the cut. The transport and lifting gantry 1 then moves the switch above the lifting carriages, as shown in FIG. 1a. When, in the direction of travel, the first switch lifting device 3 reaches the first lifting carriage, that is to say the carriage located on the left in FIG. 1c, the lifting device deposits l switch on the lifting table of this carriage, previously raised by about 10 cm. As a result, all the other tables remain unloaded. After placing the switch on the lifting carriage, the load lifting columns 62 of the lifting machine are brought in until the wheels 65 are raised above the switch. Then the telescopic beam 57 is rotated by 90 ° in the longitudinal direction of the track. The clamps 67 remain in their gripping position, so that the switch lifting device, which is now carried by the lifting carriage, is locked in this position, as shown in FIG. 1a. The gantry 1 continues to push the switch to the left and thus drives in the direction of transport the first lifting carriage with the switch lifting machine which rests on it. When the second lifting device 3 is located above the second lifting carriage 2, seen from the left, the lifting table of the carriage is raised by 10 cm and receives another part of the switch as well as the lifting device, the way already described. This operation continues until the switch rests on the five lifting carriages, as indicated in Figure 1c. When the transport and lifting gantry has left the section and is on the main track 4, the undercarriages 6 of the gantry are pivoted in their extended position and the tracked carriages 7 are raised so that the gantry 1 can now move on the track and, in accordance with figure 1c, serve as a push tractor for transporting switches to the dismantling area.

After unloading the old switch in the assembly area and loading the new switch on the five lifting carriages, always with the help of the transport and lifting gantry 1 and the three lifting devices 3, the new switch now pulled by the gantry 1, is brought to the section. The lifting devices 3 remain on the switch, as can be seen in FIG. 1c. Once arrived at the installation site, the gantry 1 is moved from the "track travel" position to the "track travel" position. It then takes the part of the needle which returns to it at the heart of the apparatus, that is to say the widest part of the switch. The lifting devices rotate their transverse lifting beams 57 by 90 ° into their working position transverse to the longitudinal direction of the track. The load lifting columns 42 are then taken out so that their wheels 66 rest on the auxiliary rails 11. The switch is held by the clamps of these lifting devices, so that the lifting tables of the lifting carriages can be lowered . Carried by the gantry 1 and the lifting devices 3, the switch is transported in the cut and placed on the ballast bed prepared in the meantime.

An important advantage results from the use of lifting devices 3. The rail clamps 67 have two missions which they fulfill thanks to their possibility of horizontal and vertical adjustments. They lift and carry the track element and push the wheels of the running gear 9 on the rails of track elements and thus lock the hoist during the lifting, lowering operation, and during transport on this track element. Due to the relatively large spacing of the wheels 66 of the undercarriages 10, stable support of the lifting device on the auxiliary rails is guaranteed. The pivoting of the beam 65, that is to say the running gear 10, around the angle β, ensures stable support of the lifting machine by the four wheels 66 of the carriage 10 on the auxiliary track, even when moving on the ramps of the auxiliary track for example to pass from the main track in the cut, and in the presence of possible inequality on the auxiliary track. In addition, mechanical stresses are thus avoided in the lifting machine.

The relative mobility of the load lifting columns 62 in their entirety with respect to their guide cylinders 60 and the variable length of the telescopic columns 62 allow a long stroke of the lifting gear. The lifting of a track construction element can be carried out in two stages. First of all, the base frame 56 with the transverse beam 57 is raised by the action of the jacks 61 and the lifting operation then continues by taking the column elements 64 out of the column elements 63.

Thanks to its special construction and to the method of using the installation, which have just been described, the installation according to the invention requires only one gantry for transport and lifting. Additional gantries which were absolutely necessary in known installations are replaced, in accordance with the invention, by lifting devices 3. The replacement of gantries of complex and expensive structure by relatively simple lifting devices makes the installation according to the invention infinitely more economical and simpler to use. In addition, these simple structural lifting and handling devices can, for certain special uses where very expensive gantry cranes have hitherto been essential, replace these cranes.

The removal of the old switch, as well as the installation of the new switch, can be performed in 10 to 15 minutes by trained personnel. During the installation and removal of the switches and during loading and unloading on the lifting carriages, the horizontal alignment of the switches can be controlled and guaranteed by an appropriate automatic adjustment of the position. For this purpose, the tracked carriages of the gantry 1 are hydraulically controlled so that the base frames of the gantry are always at the same height and in the same plane. Thus it is certain that an object to be transported shapeless and of a disproportionate weight will not be subjected to mechanical stresses and to flexions, in a non-uniform manner.

Depending on the dimensions and size of the track construction element to be laid, a corresponding number of lifting carriages 2 and lifting gear 2 and lifting gear 3 is associated with a gantry 1. Thanks to the sliding lateral and selective lifting columns of the gantry 1 as well as lifting devices 3, and the selective movement of the rail clamps, we always manage to take exactly in the center and carry the track construction element. The gantry cranes are designed to allow a free distance between the tracks of 5.35 or even 5.70 m. This distance makes it possible to pass with the switches between the load lifting columns or the tracked carriages and makes it possible to change the lateral position of the switch.

Claims (16)

1. Equipment for the laying and the substitution of railway track building elements (5) such as railway track lengths and points, of the type comprising lift trucks (2) for the transport of the elements which are moving on the track and the number of which depends on the dimensions of the track element (5) and at least one hoisting gantry (1) travelling on caterpillars for the transport, the laying or the substitution of the track elements, the hoisting gantry (1) and the lifting trucks (2) constituting independent units, characterized in that it has one single transporting and hoisting gantry (1) only which may travel on caterpillars or on the track and appliances (3) for the lifting of track building elements and for the transport of these track elements in the lifted state and the number of which depends on the dimensions of the track element (5) and in that these lifting appliances (3) are provided with sets of running wheels (9) for travelling on the main track (4) and with sets of running wheels (10) for travelling on auxiliary rails (11) laid on either side of the main track (4), the hoisting elements (3) being adapted to be carried on the lifting trucks (2) together with one track element (5).
2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the transporting and hoisting gantry (1) comprises a base frame (2) carrying a telescopically extensible main longitudinal beam (26) extending in the longitudinal direction of the track to take and carry a track element (5), running gears (6) with wheels (13) for the displacement of the gantry on the main track (4) and two vertical load lifting columns (40) disposed on each longitudinal side of the base frame at some distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the track, variable in length and comprising each one a column element (47) axially movable in a guiding column element (44) and the foot of which is mounted on a caterpillar carriage (7), the running gears (6) being adapted to pivot between a downward extended working position for the displacement of the gantry on the main track (4) and a position retracted into the base frame, and the lifting columns (40) being variable in length between an outward moved working position for the displacement of the gantry with the assistance of caterpillars (7) and a retracted position for the displacement of the gantry on the main track (4).
3. Equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that both guiding column elements (44) lying on either side of the base frame (12) are fastened to a device with telescopic transverse cross members (16) accommodated on the base frame.
4. Equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that the guiding column elements (44) of the two load lifting columns (40) located on each side of the transporting and hoisting gantry (1) are connected to each other by a rigid support frame (39) and fastened each one to a girder (45) disposed transversely of the longitudinal direction of the track and axially displaceable in a cross member (16) of the base frame (12).
5. Equipment according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the main longitudinal beam (26) which comprises a central element (27) mounted upon the base frame (12) and a telescopic element (28) accommodated in each end of the central beam and capable of an outward and retracting motion comprises pairs of transversely displaceable tongs (34, 36) if need be vertically disposed on the central element (27) and the telescopic elements (28) to take and carry a track element (5) and in that the main beam (26) is mounted at the centre of its central element (27) on the base frame (14) for pivoting motion in a plane parallel to that of the base frame and of the plane of the track over a predetermined angle (β) so that a precise and well centred lifting of formless and bulky track elements such as the zone of a frog-point be ensured.
6. Equipment according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a track element hoisting appliance (2) comprises a base frame (56) fitted with sets of wheels (9) for the travel of the appliance on the main track (4), a telescopic cross beam (57) mounted on the base frame (56) for pivoting motion over an angle of 90° and at each end of which is fastened a vertical load lifting column (62) with a variable length which comprises a movable element (64) at the foot of which is fastened a running device (10), each element (64) being movable between a retracted position which allows the hoisting appliance (2) to move on the main track (4) with the assistance of the sets of wheels (9) of the base frame (56) and an outward extended working position which allows the hoisting appliance (2) to move on the auxiliary rails (11) located on both sides of the main track with the assistance of the sets of wheels (10).
7. Equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that each load lifting column (62) is axially displaceable in a guiding cylinder (60) fastened to the corresponding end of the cross beam (57) through the medium of a hydraulic jack (61).
8. Equipment according to one of the claims 6 or 7, characterized in that each set of wheels (10) comprises a transverse beam (65) pivotally connected at its centre for rotation over the angle (β) to the foot of the load lifting column (62), which extends in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the track when the beam (57) assumes its position perpendicular to the axis of this track and houses at the level of each one of its ends a wheel (66) through which the hoisting unit (3) is bearing upon the auxiliary rail (11).
9. Equipment according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the base frame (56) of the hoisting unit (3) carries pairs of lifting tongs (67) which are variable in position perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the track and vertically advantageously through hydraulic means.
10. Equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that the hoisting tongs (67) owing to their vertical adjustment constitute a means for the locking of the hoisting appliance (3) onto the rails of a track element (5) through pressure of the wheels of the sets of wheels (8) upon these rails.
11. Equipment according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a lift track (2) comprises a lifting table capable of being remote-controlled.
12. Method which may be performed with the assistance of the equipment according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that :

    - for conveying a track element (5) between an area for mounting the track element and the beginning of the installation or cutting site, one forms a train for the transport of the track element (5) to be laid or to be substituted where this element rests upon the transport tracks (2) and where the transporting and lifting gantry (1) is used as a pulling or pushing machine travelling on the main track (4) ;

    - the appliances (3) for the lifting of the track element are carried away on the lift trucks (2) ;

    - for conveying the track element (5) between the start of the cut and the position of installation in the latter and for raising or lowering the track element (5) in the cut, one causes the transporting and hoisting gantry (1) to move on its caterpillar carriages (7) in the cut ;

    - auxiliary rails (11) are laid in the zone of the main track (4) forward of the cut and in the zone adjacent to the cut on either side of the main track and one causes the hoisting appliances (3) to move on these auxiliary rails (11) and

    - the track building element (5) is then carried by the transporting and hoisting gantry (1) as well as by the hoisting appliances (3).
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that after the rise of the lifting table of a lift truck (2) into its outward moved position for the receiving of a track element (5), of a hoisting element (3) lying above the lift truck (2), the hoisting appliance keeps bearing upon the truck element (5) through the medium of its sets of wheels (9) and its load lifting columns (62) are retracted until their sets of wheels (10) are lying above the track element and in that the transverse beam (57) variable in length and carrying of the load lifting columns (62) is caused to pivot into its position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track.
14. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that a hoisting appliance (3) is locked onto a truck element (5) after the gripping from above the rails by the lifting tongs (67) of the appliance (3) on the rails of the truck element (5) through application under pressure of the wheels of the sets of wheels (9) to the rails of the track element (5) following an upward motion of the tongs.
15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that during a lifting of a track element (5) during which the hoisting appliance (3) is bearing upon the auxiliary rails (11), one at first displaces the base frame (56) upwards by the actuation of the cylinders (61) and then causes the outward motion of the telescopic element of the load lifting column (62).
16. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that for the laying of a track element in the cut provided in the main track (4), the operations will be carried out in the order reverse from that stated in claim 12.

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