Xwatch to launch new solution to boost road-rail vehicle safety
XWATCH Safety Solutions has announced plans to officially launch the XW5-R at Rail Live 2025. This is a new rail-specific version of the XW5 system, designed to deliver a fully compliant safety solution for road-rail vehicles (RRVs) and rail-based operations.
Set to be showcased at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre this June, the XW5-R is a direct response to industry demand for a 'practical, robust' safety system that meets the challenges of working on or alongside the railway. Built on the XW5 platform, the XW5-R integrates height, slew, and Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI) functionality into one unit. It delivers operator guidance and active monitoring during lifting operations, and will be fully compliant with RIS-1530-PLT Issue 7 and EN15746, the key industry standards for plant working on or near rail infrastructure.
The system meets UK Performance Level D safety requirements as standard. The XW5-R supports Any Line Open (ALO) working and is designed for safe use under Overhead Line Equipment (OLE). The system can be installed on high or low-rail systems, variable gauge rail gear, wheeled or tracked machines, and a range of boom configurations.
It includes multiple pre-configured lifting duties - including tandem lifting duties - with selectable modes for different operational needs, such as greater lifting over the front of the machine. XW-Insite is included as standard with every XW5-R system, bringing telematics and safety monitoring into the rail environment. Developed in partnership with technology specialist PVS, the cloud-based platform gives contractors and fleet managers real-time visibility of machine status, operator behaviour and key safety parameters.
It also provides live diagnostics, fuel usage, location tracking and environmental data, all accessible remotely or on-site. "The XW5-R is a direct response to growing demand for a reliable, cost-effective rail safety system that doesn't cut corners. It's quick to install, straightforward to use, and backed by Xwatch's reputation for trusted engineering, ongoing support, and a UK-wide service network," said Dan Leaney, ?[1] sales director
The XW5-R will be officially launched and on demo at Rail Live 2025, taking place from June 18-19 at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, Warwickshire.