Machine and method for profiling and distributing ballast of a track

A machine for profiling and distributing ballast of a track, comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of on-track undercarriages;
• wherein the frame is supported on on-track undercarriages
• a conveyor drive;
• lateral ballast pick-up devices adjustably fastened to the frame, wherein each ballast pick-up device is actuated by said conveyor drive, wherein the machine is designed in such a way that, in an inoperative position, the upper contours of the machine are arranged below a delimiting plane which slopes downward in the working direction and extends through a field of vision of a driver's cabin of a rail vehicle designed to be coupled to the machine at the rear end thereof;
• wherein the respective ballast pick-up device is adjustable by means of a pivot drive about a pivot axis extending orthogonally to an associated bedding shoulder in order to retain a set bedding shoulder angle during pivoting said pick up device about the pivot axis;
• wherein the respective ballast pick-up device comprises a screw conveyor;
• and
• a longitudinal conveyor belt configured to receive ballast from said lateral ballast pick up devices;
• at least one hopper configured to receive ballast from said lateral ballast pick up devices;
• at least one transverse conveyor belt extending transverse to said longitudinal conveyor belt and disposed beneath said hopper and configured to receive ballast from said at least one hopper.