Al-Burhan Group have signed a contract with Kershaw Rail Services / Division of Progress Rail Services Corporation, USA (Caterpillar Inc) to supply two Sand Removal Machines (Model 46-6) to Iraqi Republic Railways.

The machine will be the first type of such machines which will join the fleet of Iraqi Republic Railways to be used to remove the heavy sand from the tracks especially in the tracks in the West part of Iraq.

The machine will be offering superior operating efficiency with faster deployment speeds and greater tractive effort at higher work speeds than other machines.

The Kershaw 46-6 Sand Removal Machine is Equipped with a 2.75 meter wide "V" plow capable of plowing sand from 10 centimetres below the top of the rail and up to 60 centimetres above the top of the rail. Side wings are provided which are capable of plowing sand away from the track up to a distance of 4.2 meters. The rear-mounted broom can be used to completely remove all sand from the tops of the sleepers and rail fastenings allowing easy inspection of fasteners. The sand swept by the broom is discharged by conveyor to either side of the track up to a distance of 3 meters. All control functions of the attachments are performed from the operator's cab.

The machine plows sand away while moving in the forward direction and sweeps the residual sand away while moving in the reverse directions. The direction of movement is controlled by a propel control joystick on the main console in the operator's cab. The primary direction of travel can be reversed immediately on the track by means of a hydraulic operated turntable.

Machines are presumably to be supplied before the end of 2009.