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railPrime
June 2025
Rail News: MOW
Hi-rail equipment solutions: Taking the high-tech road
Compiled by Michael Popke
Brandt Industries
The Brandt R5 and OTM Tracker are a “dynamic duo” that combines cutting-edge technology with robust design to help ensure maintenance operations run smoothly and safely, Brandt Industries officials said in an email.
The R5 OTM, which switches between road and rail in less than three minutes, is the only mobile unit that transfers OTMs directly onto rail cars, hoisting the 40,000-pound OTM Tracker onto the gondola, company officials said. Stabilizer clamps and anchoring side pockets on the trailer and lift deck are designed to further enhance safe, secure transitions.
The R5 delivers 51,000 pounds of tractive effort, enough to pull 3 million pounds. It operates at highway speeds up to 65 mph and on-rail speeds of 30 mph (25 mph in reverse).
The OTM Tracker complements the R5 with several safety features. Built with a John Deere excavator cab and base, it has a reduced 5-foot tail swing radius to minimize the risk of fouling adjacent tracks, and the remote-controlled transfer system keeps operators safely on the ground during transfers.
It also climbs gondolas up to 12-and-a-half feet and handles 16-foot height differences between cars. From there, it distributes up to 2,000 ties per hour, company officials said.
Geismar
Geismar specializes in machines and engineering solutions to support railroad maintenance. The company offers a wide range of equipment to measure, control and perform localized operations such as ballast tamping and rail fastening.
Solutions are available for all track and railway components, including rails, fasteners, ties, ballast, overhead lines, tracks and turnouts, company officials said. From the MTZ abrasive rail cutting saw to the PEM-LEM remote-controlled track and turnout laying system, Geismar can develop custom-made rolling stock for measurement, inspection, personnel and material transportation, and OHL operation, company officials said.
Whether customers are seeking to build infrastructure, complete maintenance or launch service operations, Geismar equipment can help them meet the requirements, they said. For example, the company’s hand-operated tools (which are made with a light alloy) suit a wide range of applications.
The company’s caterpillar gantries and road/rail vehicles can provide optimal performance while being compliant with safety standards and railway regulations worldwide, Geismar officials said.
Additionally, the company develops products that are designed for day-to-day operations, including self-propelled or towed track recording units, switch geometry measurements and automated catenary unrolling, and rolling system wagons.
Omaha Track Equipment
Omaha Track Equipment (OTE), together with Omaha Track Welding (OTW), delivers comprehensive solutions in the manufacturing, customization and servicing of hi-rail maintenance equipment. Now operating as an integrated division, OTE and OTW combine decades of field expertise with more than 60,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing and assembly space to meet the rail industry’s evolving demands, company officials said.
Specializing in hi-rail pickups, UTVs, grapple loaders, carts and other essential equipment, the OTE/OTW team designs and custom-builds platforms to serve the needs of Class Is, short lines and contractors. With in-house fabrication, upfitting and repair services, the combined group offers full lifecycle support, from concept to deployment to ongoing maintenance.
This integrated approach allows Omaha Track to optimize existing platforms, develop innovative solutions and respond quickly to unique field challenges, company officials said. The company’s engineers and technicians work closely with customers to tailor hi-rail systems that improve reliability, efficiency and safety in maintenance-of-way operations.
Knox Kershaw Inc.
The Knox Kershaw Inc. KBR 925 is engineered for efficient ballast work across all track types. Its integrated plow and wing system enables shoulder-to-shoulder ballast transfer in a single pass, while precisely profiling one shoulder, company officials said.
A standard reversing valve allows operators to sweep ballast away from switches and grade crossings with ease, they added.
Recent enhancements include relocating the 130-gallon hydraulic tank to the front of the machine for improved weight distribution. Sloped fuel tanks with integrated steps provide safer, more accessible cab entry and exit. The ballast wing is designed to utilize a consistent grader blade throughout, streamlining maintenance and operations.
The KBR 925 is also available with the Plus+® System, which automates key functions for optimized performance and includes a touchscreen interface for system monitoring. The advanced system also is available on the KSF 940, and comes standard on the KKA 1050, KTC 1250 and KPB 200 models.
Vancer
Vancer Tow Carts are designed to be pulled by hi-rail equipment, making the transport of heavy equipment and supplies into remote job sites more efficient. Engineered for versatility, the tow carts can be customized to suit any situation, with load capacities ranging from 30,000 to 200,000 pounds. They are equipped with air or hydraulic brakes and offer compatibility with either a train coupler or pintle hitch.
Additional features and options include: four hydraulic downriggers for stability; lift eyelets with a lift harness for secure handling; rail wheel chocks for enhanced safety; a hydraulic work tool circuit for added functionality; a hydraulic generator and air compressor for on-site power; and the capability to incorporate a 20-foot side dump for increased efficiency.
For enhanced visibility, lighting packages are designed to meet customers’ specific needs, offering innovative solutions. Options include a solar-powered LED system with directional change lighting, and high-intensity LED spot lamps for overnight shifts and low-light conditions.
RCE Equipment Solutions
RCE Equipment Solutions, a manufacturer of railroad maintenance equipment, recently introduced several product updates.
The new Series 5 P Swing Loaders, built on the John Deere 544 P-Tier platform, offer enhanced performance and comfort, company officials said. With a 200-degree swing boom and 14,500 pounds of lift capacity, the machines combine wheel loader strength with swing crane functionality, which is ideal for heavy-duty rail work on or off tracks.
The company also introduced the New Series Railavators, featuring John Deere models 85 P-Tier, 245 P-Tier, and 250 P-Tier. The machines are equipped with RCE’s new Ultra Life Axles, offering double the structural strength of previous models and backed by a three-year unlimited-hour warranty, company officials said.
Key updates include a more efficient hydraulic system, improved axle and frame durability, and RCE’s intuitive in-cab push-button monitor for easy control of hi-rail and attachments.
Meanwhile, the Adjustable Lower Track Frame is “another industry-first innovation, allowing machines to travel legally without permits and expand hydraulically for work mode,” company officials said.
RCE also offers a fully equipped John Deere 320 P-Tier Backhoe, all-makes rail gear for 20-metric-ton excavators, and over 20 attachments for Railavators.
RailWorks
RailWorks offers a full spectrum of track maintenance and inspection services tailored to meet the needs of a variety of industries.
The company’s comprehensive services include baseline and routine track inspections, scheduled maintenance, emergency response and advanced track geometry testing. If a track system requires more extensive work, RailWorks also provides track construction and rehabilitation services.
Each service is conducted by a qualified track inspector, ensuring all work is done to industry standards and in compliance with regulatory requirements, company officials said. RailWorks works closely with customers to create customized maintenance schedules that minimize downtime and prevent unexpected disruptions.
Beyond regular maintenance, the company also assists customers in developing capital budgets and evaluating track rehabilitation options for future improvements.
RailWorks also offers services such as crosstie and switch-tie replacement, rail and switch point replacement, and minor surfacing.
Michael Popke is a Madison, Wisconsin-based freelance writer. Email comments or questions to prograil@tradepress.com.
