Things to Know About Hi-Rail Trucks and Equipment

Hi-rail trucks and equipment are types of dual-mode vehicles and equipment used on roads and railroad tracks. In addition to rubber tires, hi-rail trucks also have a set of flanged steel wheels that, when deployed, allow the vehicle to travel on railways. Hi-rail equipment, such as a hi-rail excavator, has the ability to operate on any terrain. It is outfitted with an undercarriage that has been modified to work on railroad tracks. 

After checking to make sure there is no oncoming road traffic, a hi-rail truck is pulled up onto railroad tracks. The wheels are carefully lined up with the rail so the truck can’t be derailed. The rear gear is deployed and the flanges of the hi-rail wheels rest comfortably inside the ball of the rail. The same procedure applies for the front gear. 

Bucket trucks are versatile hi-rail trucks outfitted with an aerial work bucket that is raised and lowered using a hydraulic lift system. Bucket trucks equipped with rail gear are used to access upper trusses on railroad bridges. Think “cherry picker” mounted on a hi-rail truck. The buckets typically hold one worker.

Hi-rail equipment also includes accessory units, such as hi-rail under bridge units. When mounted to a high-rail truck, it can be used to access, inspect, and repair railroad bridges. The unit attaches to the frame and front axle, and lifts the front wheels off the tracks while utilizing the truck’s front suspension. A rear assembly attaches directly to the truck’s frame behind the rear axle. Hi-rail under bridge units include buckets capable of hundreds of pounds in carrying capacity, as well as inspection lights. Truck-mounted man lifts are typically used for inspections, repairs and maintenance where jobs require access to upper trusses. 

In the oil and gas industry, hi-rail equipment is frequently used in the form of tank cars, hopper cars, and gondola cars. They conduct graffiti cleaning jobs, interior blasting, and exterior cleaning. 

Hi-rail trucks and equipment also include diggers, flatbeds, hydraulic excavators, material handlers, mechanic’s trucks, railcar movers, rail pickups, rotary dump trucks, section trucks, signal maintainers, track inspectors, welding trucks, trailers, and supervisor SUVs.