Trailerwash Keeps Colas Rail’s Kirow 1200 Crane in Prime Condition

At Arrow, we understand that keeping specialist rail equipment in top condition requires more than just routine maintenance – it demands the right cleaning solutions. When Colas Rail approached us during the refurbishment of their Kirow 1200 rail crane, the stakes were high. They needed a cleaner powerful enough to cut through heavy traffic film, oil, and grease, but gentle enough to protect newly painted surfaces. Previous products had caused paintwork damage, leading to unnecessary cost and downtime. We knew Trailerwash could deliver the balance they needed.

Colas Rail: Driving UK rail infrastructure forward

Colas Rail is one of the UK’s leading rail infrastructure companies, playing a vital role in building, renewing, and maintaining the railway network. With operations spanning track, signalling, electrification, rolling stock, and plant, Colas Rail is trusted to deliver reliability and efficiency on some of the nation’s most critical rail projects.

Why the Kirow 1200 Crane Matters

Among Colas Rail’s impressive fleet, the Kirow 1200 rail crane is a true workhorse. With a maximum lifting capacity of 125 tonnes, this heavy-duty crane combines power with precision. Its lift-and-carry capability allows it to move loads across a worksite, supporting a wide range of applications:

• Lifting and installing track sections during renewals
• Handling overhead line gantries
• Supporting bridge reconstruction projects
• Recovering derailed rolling stock in emergency situations

Compatible with Network Rail’s modular Tilting Wagon system, the Kirow 1200 offers versatility and efficiency that few machines can match. Following a major refurbishment, ensuring it looked and performed at its best was essential – and that’s where Trailerwash came in.

“Trailerwash provides powerful degreasing whilst protecting paintwork, which has been proven today with outstanding results – a truly versatile product.”

Alex Campbell
Head of Sales at Arrow

Trailerwash: The smarter choice for rail equipment cleaning

Trailerwash is one of Arrow’s most versatile and trusted cleaning products. Originally developed as a high-performance traffic film remover, it is designed to cut through stubborn grease and dirt while being kind to surfaces. For Colas Rail, this balance was crucial.

Powerful degreasing
Formulated to handle heavy contamination typically found in rail environments.

Paintwork protection
Gentle on surfaces, preventing the damage caused by harsher cleaners.

Highly dilutable
Offers excellent cost-in-use, ensuring only the right amount of product is needed for effective cleaning.

Versatile applications
Suitable across a wide range of transport and industrial cleaning tasks.

Proven results on the Kirow 1200

When the Colas Rail team trialled Trailerwash on the refurbished crane, the results spoke for themselves. Heavy traffic film and grease were quickly removed, leaving a clean surface without any compromise to the newly applied paint finish. The product’s ability to perform strongly while being gentle on surfaces gave Colas Rail confidence that they had found the right long-term solution.

Delivering confidence for the future

For Colas Rail, keeping the Kirow 1200 in peak condition is not just about appearance – it’s about ensuring their crane is ready to perform critical lifts on the rail network when it matters most. Trailerwash has given them a reliable cleaning solution that protects their investment and supports their operational excellence.

At Arrow, we are proud to play a part in maintaining one of the most important pieces of rail infrastructure equipment in the UK. By working closely with operators like Colas Rail, we continue to prove how versatile, effective, and dependable our products are in the toughest environments.

“It was important for us to find a product that provided great results that’s not harsh on paintwork. Trailerwash was used today and really performed well – we’re very happy with the results.”

Harrison
Kirow Operator at Colas Rail

“Trailerwash is a highly dilutable product, which provides excellent cost-in-use, using only enough product to get the results you need.”

Jeremy Moore
Product Manager at Arrow