Works with the tiltrotator system you already have
The Ballast Blaster for Tiltrotator mounts directly to your existing tiltrotator coupler — no additional hydraulic kits, no machine modifications. Compatible systems include SMP, Engcon, Steelwrist, Rototilt, and Kinshofer. Because the tiltrotator handles positioning, your operator can cut from either side of the track without repositioning the machine, which matters on tight networks and short track windows. Contact DymaxRail with your machine weight and tiltrotator model to confirm the right configuration.
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.
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For 8T Excavators and Backhoe Loaders
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For 12-25T Excavators
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Carbide replaceable wear plates and mechanical chain tensioner
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Carbide wear plates and automatic chain tensioner
AUTOMATIC CHAIN TENSION
- For 14-25T machines, 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 it’s time to service, it’s quick and easy with the removable top adapter.
SPECIFICATIONS
UNDERCUTTER MODELS - TILTROTATOR COUPLER
| Model Description Weight |
| DX-UC-BBTR-6ftxADCT-BL-20
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-6 feet cutting length x Size “A” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Backhoe Loader-Class 20 Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 1050 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-6ftxADCT-HX-8T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-6 feet cutting length x Size “A” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-8 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 1050 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-8ftxADCT-HX-8T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-8 feet cutting length x Size “A” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-8 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S45/50 Pin Connections STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 1550 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-8ftxADCT-HX-11T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-8 feet cutting length x Size “A” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-11 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S50 OR similar pin connection STANDARD FEATURES: |
| DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxBDCT-HX-14T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-10 feet cutting length x Size “B” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-14 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S60 pin connections STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3480 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxBRCB-HX-14T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-10 feet cutting length x Size “B” chain with Rotate Carbide Bits-Hydraulic Excavator-14 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3480 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxCDCT-HX-14T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-10 feet cutting length x Size “C” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-14 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S60 pin connections STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3480 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxCRCB-HX-14T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-10 feet cutting length x Size “C” chain with Rotate Carbide Bits-Hydraulic Excavator-14 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S60 pin connections STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3480 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxBDCT-HX-18T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-12 feet cutting length x Size “B” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-18 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S70-S80 PIN CONNECTIONS STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3700 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxBRCB-HX-18T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-12 feet cutting length x Size “B” chain with Rotate Carbide Bits-Hydraulic Excavator-18 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S70 or S80 pin connections STANDARD FEATURES: (B Chain-Standard) WEIGHT: 3700 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxCDCT-HX-18T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-12 feet cutting length x Size “C” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-18 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S70 S80 Pin Connections STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3700 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxCRCB-HX-18T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-12 feet cutting length x Size “C” chain with Rotate Carbide Bits-Hydraulic Excavator-18 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems S70 S80 Pin Connections STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 3700 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-15ftxCDCT-HX-25T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-15 feet cutting length x Size “C” chain with DymaxRail Carbide Teeth-Hydraulic Excavator-25 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 4400 lbs |
| DX-UC-BBTR-15ftxCRCB-HX-25T
Undercutter-Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator-15 feet cutting length x Size “C” chain with Rotate Carbide Bits-Hydraulic Excavator-25 ton Suited for fitting Engcon, Rototilt, Kinshofer, SMP, Steelwrist type coupler systems STANDARD FEATURES: WEIGHT: 4400 lbs |
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
CUTTING CHAIN AND TOOTH OPTIONS
- All models feature standard DymaxRail two-way carbide forged cutting teeth. (DCT Model designations)
- For customers who prefer rotating carbide bits, we offer Kennemetal cutting solutions.
- Rotating carbide bit models are designated as (RCB) in the models listing.
- Chain sizes are matched to horsepower requirements.
- For custom OEM Solutions contact DymaxRail.
HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS
| MODELS: DX-UC-BBTR-6ftxADCT-BL-20, DX-UC-BBTR-6ftxADCT-HX-8T |
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HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS: Set up and operation are critical for proper operation. Your machine needs to be set up with ONE hydraulic circuit capable of meeting the requirements below. If you have questions, please contact DymaxRail sales for more information.
CIRCUIT 1: Chain Drive Motor NOT SUPPLIED: Not provided with jumper lines to machine or disconnects. |
| MODELS: DX-UC-BBTR-8ftxADCT-HX-8T |
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HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS: Your machine will require the following hydraulic circuits to operate this product. Attachment performance is subject to the proper setup of the attachment.
CIRCUIT 1: Chain Drive Motor *** NOTICE: If you plan on operating through the manifold, you will require the upgraded hi-flow option available through your tiltrotator supplier. Undercutting performance can be greatly affected if the coupler is not sized correctly. Otherwise, the route lines direct from stick to the motor. NOT SUPPLIED: Not provided with jumper lines to machine or disconnects. |
| MODELS: DX-UC-BBTR-8ftxADCT-HX-11T |
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HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS: Your machine will require the following hydraulic circuits to operate this product. Attachment performance is subject to the proper setup of the attachment.
CIRCUIT 1: Chain Drive Motor *** NOTICE: If you plan on operating through the manifold, you will require the upgraded hi-flow option available through your tiltrotator supplier. Undercutting performance can be greatly affected if the coupler is not sized correctly. Otherwise, the route lines direct from stick to the motor. NOT SUPPLIED: Not provided with jumper lines to machine or disconnects. |
| MODELS: DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxBDCT-HX-14T DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxBRCB-HX-14T, DX-UC-BBTR-10ftxCDCT-HX-14T |
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HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS: Your machine will require the following hydraulic circuits to operate this product. Attachment performance is subject to the proper setup of the attachment.
CIRCUIT 1: Chain Drive Motor *** NOTICE: If you plan on operating through the manifold, you will require the upgraded hi-flow option available through your tiltrotator supplier. Undercutting performance can be greatly affected if the coupler is not sized correctly. NOT SUPPLIED: Not provided with jumper lines to machine or disconnects. |
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MODELS: DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxBDCT-HX-18T, DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxBRCB-HX-18T, DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxCDCT-HX-18T, DX-UC-BBTR-12ftxCRCB-HX-18T
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HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS: Your machine will require the following hydraulic circuits to operate this product. Attachment performance is subject to the proper setup of the attachment.
CIRCUIT 1: Chain Drive Motor *** NOTICE: If you plan on operating through the manifold, you will require the upgraded hi-flow option available through your tiltrotator supplier. Undercutting performance can be greatly affected if the coupler is not sized correctly. NOT SUPPLIED: Not provided with jumper lines to the machine or disconnects. |
| MODELS: DX-UC-BBTR-15ftxCDCT-HX-25T, DX-UC-BBTR-15ftxCRCB-HX-25T |
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HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS: Your machine will require the following hydraulic circuits to operate this product. Attachment performance is subject to the proper setup of the attachment.
CIRCUIT 1: Chain Drive Motor *** NOTICE: If you plan on operating through the manifold, you will require the upgraded hi-flow option available through your tiltrotator supplier. Undercutting performance can be greatly affected if the coupler is not sized correctly. NOT SUPPLIED: Not provided with jumper lines to the machine or disconnects. |
Does your machine have a pin grab coupler? Learn about the Ballast Blaster Undercutter for Pin Grab 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 25-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.
WHICH TILTROTATOR SYSTEMS IS THE BALLAST BLASTER COMPATIBLE WITH?
The Ballast Blaster Tiltrotator model is designed to mount directly to tiltrotator coupler systems including SMP, Engcon, Steelwrist, Rototilt, and Kinshofer. No machine modifications are required. Contact DymaxRail to confirm fitment for your specific machine and tiltrotator combination.
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