Railroad Tie Recycling

Time expired or damaged railroad ties can be a valuable energy source for Waste to Energy applications. Peterson horizontal grinders with the R+ package are an ideal tool for primary reduction of railroad ties and railroad tie recycling. R+ equipped Peterson horizontal grinders turn the rotor at a slower speed and have heavier duty internal components to handle the tramp metal often found in this application.

Grinding Railroad Ties

The creosote-treated railroad ties are a valuable energy source, once they have been broken down into a manageable and consistent size. Peterson horizontal grinders with the R+ package can process considerably more railroad ties than typical slow-speed shredders. An optional cross belt magnet is recommended for this application to remove the tramp metal from the ground material, and recycling that metal adds a secondary revenue stream.

Recommended Tooling

Grinding Bits

A combination of Peterson Heavy-Duty 8-Pass Bit and Sharp Edge bits will provide the toughness and cutting efficiency required to grind railroad ties. The wear-resistant carbide overlay technology affords the protection needed for this application where uncrushable rail spikes and tie plates can enter the grinding mill.

Grates

Railroad ties will go through an initial grind and then most likely a regrind if the final end product will be mulch. This initial grind might use a 4”, 6”, 6”, 8” combination of hex grates to reduce the product and remove any contamination that may be in the feedstock before the material is ready for regrinding.