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New Develon DX140LCR-7 crawler excavator used to prove new greener transport by rail for Europe

A new DX140LCR-7 crawler excavator from Develon, has been used by Van der Vlist Logistics B.V., part of the Van der Vlist Group, in a trial to prove a new method for transporting large pieces of plant by rail rather than truck across Europe. The DX140LCR-7 was transported utilising the newly developed and patented S-Bolster railway platform system from Van der Vlist Logistics B.V. The S-Bolster is designed to carry cargo with a maximum width of 2.59 m, a maximum height of 2.95 m and a weight limit of 28 tonne​.

Martin van Dam, Managing Director at Van der Vlist Logistics B.V., said: “Our new S-Bolster officially hit the tracks to transport the Develon DX140LCR-7 excavator after a period of research and development. Our new intermodal rail service for oversized cargo uses self-designed, patented railway platforms such as the S-Bolster – engineered to carry equipment such as excavators, aerial platforms, agricultural machinery and camper vans that do not fit into standard containers.

“When transporting by railway we significantly save on the emissions but without needing a longer transit time or higher costs. In the near future, we will develop and put into practice even more methods to transport higher and wider machinery by railway.“

Jan Liska, Supply Chain Director for Develon Europe, commented: “At Develon, we are committed to developing new state-of-the-art machine and digital technology developments for the global construction industry, from digitalization and sustainability; automation and alternative drive concepts to networked construction, reduced carbon footprint and the circular economy. The new transport solutions developed by Van der Vlist align with our quest for wider sustainability and to reduce carbon emissions, avoiding any negative impact on people and the environment.“

The new rail service for large pieces of plant now being offered by Van der Vlist Logistics B.V. currently operates from the Netherlands and Belgium to several terminals in Italy, with Germany and Scandinavia to follow next. Thanks to daily train departures, transit times remain short and reliable. The first successful transport of the Develon DX140LCR-7 was completed in close cooperation with Cargobeamer, enabling smooth intermodal transitions and consistent scheduling.

The modal shift from road to rail transport reduces CO₂ emissions by 60-75%, while maintaining door-to-door delivery, the required CMR insurance coverage and real-time GPS tracking via the Van der Vlist portal. As well as being a much greener choice, the new system does not compromise on speed or cost.

Martin van Dam added: “Our innovative approach is reshaping how oversized cargo moves across Europe – smarter, greener and just as fast. Of course, we’re not stopping here: by actively developing this solution further, we can transport even taller and wider loads by rail, expanding the possibilities for sustainable logistics.“

With a strong commitment to providing flexible and environmentally friendly transport solutions, Van der Vlist has been moving in-gauge machinery by rail for quite some time. Recently, investments were made in 45 ft swap bodies to transport this cargo. The swap bodies are GPS-equipped so clients can monitor their cargo via the Van der Vlist portal.

By incorporating rail transport, Van der Vlist continues to pursue innovations that reduce emissions, with rail offering both operational flexibility and significant environmental benefits. The precision of rail transit times, combined with lower emissions, aligns perfectly with Van der Vlist‘s long-term sustainability goals.

As well as the S-bolster product, Van der Vlist has also developed the XL-bolster system to carry cargo of maximum 3 m wide, 3 m high, 12 m long and 28 tonne in weight. Together with another of the company’s clients, Van der Vlist has tested loading, lashing and securing of different types of machinery.

Martin van Dam added: “An additional advantage is that it eases road congestion and overcomes the problem caused by the shortage of long haul international drivers. The goal of our iron road is to provide door-to-door solutions for in and out-of-gauge cargo, having emissions as low as possible, by using existing regular rail services.“

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