Ballast Blaster Undercutter for Pin Grab Couplers
OVERVIEWCOMPATIBILITYMID TO LARGE EXCAVATOR MODELSBACKHOE & SMALL EXCAVATOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCEVIDEO
UNDERCUTTING WITH EXCAVATORS AND BACKHOES
The DymaxRail Ballast Blaster Undercutter for pin grab quick couplers is an undercutter attachment that features advanced patented design and durability. A DymaxRail Ballast Blaster Undercutter efficiently removes fouled ballast rock and mud by cutting and pulling the material out from beneath the railway tracks. This attachment adapts to Railway Excavators and Backhoe Loaders equipped with a traditional pin-grab type coupler system and feature built-in rotation and tilt for positioning.
FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT
Rail networks prefer using DymaxRail Ballast Blasters over conventional on-track ballast cleaners, as they are more efficient and easier to get on and off track, especially congested networks with severe time restraints.
BLASTER WEAR PLATES
Our patented Ballast Blaster Undercutter features bolt on indexable wear plates with full carbide protection that surrounds all sides of the cutter bar and includes a 2 year warranty.
BI-DIRECTIONAL CUTTING
A DymaxRail Ballast Blaster cuts and removes ballast faster with it’s innovative chain design. The Dymax Carbide Tooth (DCT) features two-sided protection allowing operators to cut in both directions.
When an on-track machine isn’t the answer
Full ballast cleaning machines have their place — but they require dedicated track time, significant lead time to mobilize, and are sized for production runs, not spot work. Rail networks increasingly use excavator-mounted undercutters for mud spots, targeted fouling, areas around switches and crossings, and any situation where getting a large machine on track isn’t practical. The Ballast Blaster works from a hi-railed excavator or backhoe already on your crew — so you’re not scheduling around a machine, you’re solving the problem in the same window you’re already in.
Compatible with the backhoes & excavators your crew runs
The Ballast Blaster fits excavators and backhoe loaders from leading manufacturers, including Caterpillar (308–336 series), John Deere (85–350 series), and Komatsu (PC78–PC138). See the full model table for machine weight class, bar length options, and hydraulic requirements for your specific unit.
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All mid-large excavator models feature automatic chain tensioning and replaceable carbide wear plates. The most durable solution.
B180 – Ballast Blaster
- 20-36 ton excavators
- 180 degree rotation thru innovative hydraulic cylinders
- 10ft, 12ft and 15ft bar cutting length
- 30 degree bar tilt
- Powerful drive motor
- Replaceable carbide wear plates
- Automatic chain tensioner
- Optional spoilmaster wheel
B360RB – Ballast Blaster
- 13-18T Excavators
- 360 degree rotation box for compact slim design
- Available only in 10ft cut length models for 13-18t excavators
- 10ft bar cutting length
- 30 degree bar tilt
- Powerful drive motor
- Replaceable carbide wear plates
- Automatic chain tensioner
- Optional spoilmaster wheel
B360-Twin Drive Ballast Blaster
- 25-36 ton excavators
- 360 degree rotation twin drive with built in brake
- 12ft and 15ft bar cutting length
- 30 degree bar tilt
- Powerful drive motor
- Replaceable carbide wear plates
- Automatic chain tensioner
- Optional spoilmaster wheel
B360-SMALL BALLAST BLASTER
- Suited for Backhoe and 8-11 ton excavators
- 360 degree rotation (compact)
- 6ft and 8ft bar cutting length option
- 30 degree bar tilt
- Powerful drive motor
- Replaceable carbide wear plates
- Manual chain tensioner
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Replaceable bolt on carbide wear plates
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Quickly attach to backhoe loaders and small 8 to 11 ton excavators
AUTOMATIC CHAIN TENSION
- For 13-36T models including 10, 12 and 15 foot cutter bar lengths.
- Provides shock absorbing performance to increase chain life and reduce chain breaks.
- Includes tensioner gauge for visual recognition of chain tension pressure.
DRIVE MOTOR PROTECTION
- Full shroud protection around drive sprocket.
- Reduces seal contamination by keeping unwanted debris out.
- AR400 Wear plates provide additional wear protection.
SERVICE. SIMPLIFIED.
When its time to service it’s quick and easy with removable top adapter.
SPECIFICATIONS
Does your machine have a tiltrotator coupler? Learn more about the Ballast Blaster Undercutter for Tiltrotator Couplers. →
FAQ
WHAT IS A BALLAST UNDERCUTTER ATTACHMENT?
A ballast undercutter is a hydraulic chain-driven attachment for excavators and backhoes that cuts beneath railway tracks to remove fouled ballast, mud, and contaminated material. It slides under the ties and rail, then pulls the material out from below — restoring drainage and track geometry without removing the rail.
HOW IS AN UNDERCUTTER ATTACHMENT DIFFERENT FROM AN ON-TRACK BALLAST CLEANING MACHINE?
On-track ballast cleaners are high-production machines that require dedicated track time and significant mobilization. An undercutter attachment works from a hi-railed excavator or backhoe your crew already has on site — making it faster to deploy, easier to get on and off track, and better suited for spot maintenance, mud spots, and congested rail networks where windows are short.
WHAT CAUSES BALLAST TO BECOME FOULED?
Ballast fouls when fine particles — from tie breakdown, subgrade migration, coal dust, or weathering — fill the voids between the stone. Once those voids are blocked, drainage fails, water is retained, and the track bed softens. Left unaddressed, fouled sections develop mud spots, track geometry issues, and accelerated component wear.
WHAT SIZE EXCAVATOR DO I NEED?
The Ballast Blaster is available for machines from 8-ton backhoe loaders up to 36-ton excavators. Bar lengths range from 6 to 15 feet depending on machine class. See the model table above to match your machine weight to the correct model.
CAN A BACKHOE LOADER USE A BALLAST UNDERCUTTER?
Yes. The Ballast Blaster is available in models specifically sized for backhoe loaders and 8–11 ton excavators, with 6 ft and 8 ft bar options and a 4.1 in (104mm) cut width.
WHAT ROTATION OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Pin grab models offer 360° continuous rotation (B360 series) or 180° rotation (B180 series) depending on model and machine class. The B360 series uses a compact rotation box on 13–18T excavators and a twin-drive system with built-in brake for 25–36T machines. All models include 30° bar tilt for positioning.
Rio Tinto Blasts Through Australia’s Rugged Terrain
Rio Tinto is constantly maintaining their rail tracks in Karratha, Australia, due to extreme summer weather and over 40 trains moving to and from the port daily.
