Working safely on rails

A platform for all cases: With a newly developed track platform, Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik now enables particularly safe and efficient maintenance of rail vehicles. The special feature: The new track platform from Günzburg is the first ever linkable work platform for the track area. Thanks to the optional connecting part, any number of track platforms can be connected to each other without gaps, thus maximising work safety even when working over large areas and when crossing the track pit. The new development can be completely driven over and is suitable for the main track types S49, S54 as well as 60E. The working platform offers a working surface of approx. 1.70 m2. The track platform is designed for loads of up to 300 kg. From 20 to 23 September, the technology and innovation leader will present its solutions for top work safety at InnoTrans in Berlin (Hall 6.2/Stand 330).

"Falling heights when working around trains should not be taken lightly. With our new track platform we have developed a safe working platform and at the same time a stable transition to the hall crossing: The platform results in significantly shorter working distances and the maintenance team is not even tempted to quickly jump over the track pit. In this way, we significantly minimise the risk of accidents at work during the repair and maintenance of rail vehicles," says Ferdinand Munk, owner and managing director of the Munk Group. 

For the first time, Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik now offers a couplable track platform for maximum work safety. Due to the gap-free coupling, several track platforms offer a significantly larger working area on the track pit; if required, even complete track pits can be covered. Adjustable supports allow the aluminium work platform to be adapted to different track types such as S49, S54 and 60E.

Safe work throughout the track area

Whether changing windscreen wipers, working on the lights and the coupling, or even changing the oil: the innovation from Günzburg makes it easier for the workshop team in the maintenance halls to carry out a wide range of work around the train. Thanks to the ribbed platform covering made of aluminium with R9 slip resistance, safe standing is ensured. Another safety feature: the side edges of the platform not only provide a flush transition to the track area, their conspicuous warning marking additionally reduces the risk of carelessly stepping into the void.

In addition to the connecting part for gap-free coupling of the platforms, the track platforms can also be equipped with pluggable guardrails with knee and foot rail for the front sides.

User-friendly handling

"No matter whether locomotive, railcar or wagon. Every vehicle has its individual dimensions and that is why we have developed the new track platform for working on different types of vehicles with different lengths. Accordingly, it must also be flexible to move. To ensure that this can always be done safely, ergonomically and efficiently, our experts have installed an automatic brake based on the dead man's principle," says Munk. 

This is how it works: If the platform has to be moved, the user simply pushes the double operating lever forward and pulls or pushes the track platform safely to the desired position. Thanks to a cable pull on the spring brake and rollers on the underside of the track platform, the working platform can be moved smoothly. As soon as the platform is correctly positioned, the automatic brake is activated again and work can continue. Great for the workshop team: this technology is not only very efficient in handling, but also absolutely maintenance-free and low-wear.

The new track platform from Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik does not even necessarily have to be removed after the work is completed; it was designed in such a way that trains can still pass through even when the platform is still in the track bed. "This offers the maintenance teams full flexibility and minimises set-up times enormously," says Ferdinand Munk.

With its business units Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik, Munk Rettungstechnik, Munk Service and Munk Profiltechnik, the Munk Group is one of the leading providers of access equipment, rescue equipment and related service solutions. As a technology and innovation leader in access equipment, the name Munk stands for safety made in Germany.The company is now managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Munk family – true to the motto “One family. One name. One mission”. In 2025, the Munk Group celebrated its 125th anniversary with a year of dedicated activities and events.

In the Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik business unit for access equipment, the Munk Group offers over 2,500 products in its standard range. The portfolio extends from ladders for commercial, public and private use to mobile scaffolding towers, platforms, stairs and bridging steps, through to custom-made special constructions. These include work and maintenance platforms, docking systems, walkways and assembly platforms which, in the age of digitalisation, can be automatically adapted to their environment using state-of-the-art control technology.

In the Munk Rettungstechnik business unit for rescue equipment, the company provides access equipment and transport logistics for fire, rescue and disaster relief operations. The range includes multi-purpose ladders, sectional ladders and extension ladders, rescue platforms, toolboxes, fire station equipment and a wide variety of roll containers. In the Munk Service business unit, the Munk Group combines installation, inspection, repair and maintenance services for access equipment and rescue equipment, as well as specialist seminars. The youngest division, Munk Profiltechnik, offers high-quality technology for bespoke and professional configurations based on a functional and sophisticated profile system.

The Munk Group repeatedly sets benchmarks with innovative ideas that deliver genuine added value for customers. In 2025, it was honoured for the sixth time as a TOP 100 Innovator and named Best Brand of the Year at the Plus X Award. The company also received the “Bavaria’s Best 50” award from the Bavarian State Ministry in 2023. Its sustainable and responsible corporate management is certified in accordance with ISO 14001. In 2024, owners Ferdinand and Ruth Munk were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grand Prix of Medium-Sized Enterprises.

The Munk Group manufactures exclusively in its home district of Günzburg. In 2010, it became the first supplier ever to be audited by TÜV Nord with the certified mark of origin “Made in Germany”. The company grants a 15-year guarantee on all series products made in Germany. The Munk Group employs over 450 people at its headquarters in Günzburg and at the Munk Rettungstechnik site in Leipheim. It is represented in Germany with 13 sales offices and its own subsidiary in Austria. In recent years, the company has invested a high double-digit million euro amount in the expansion and development of its sites.

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