The machine is subject to a rigorous maintenance and servicing regime and has an excellent record of on-track availability. However, as it is an 'excavation' machine there are some wearing parts that may need replacement during site activities. There is always a fitter on site with the machine to accommodate this and a range of spares available for typical wearing parts.

The Ballast Undercutting Machine travels to site under its own power and does not need to be towed to site. Where access to the side of the track is possible, the Ballast Undercutting Machine can on/off track itself through the use of its center turntable. Where direct access to the track is not possible, craneage may be required depending on site conditions.

The Ballast Undercutting Machine has pre-dominantly been used in 'Engineering Hours' or 'no train' time situations. Although economies of scale would suggest better efficiency during longer track access, the machine is able to work effectively during short access periods. For example, with only 2½ total track time on London Underground an average of 20 beds replaced per night was achieved over a 10 night period.

The Ballast Undercutting Machine can be hired by itself (with Operator and Assistant) or as part of a package for 'wet bed' or ballast replacement. It is general practice to price each application on a job by job basis (i.e. location, duration of hire, complexity of operation, access, etc.). However, for hire of the Undercutter and Operators alone the cost would a fraction of the cost of hiring a 'main line' ballast cleaner.