There are various types of rail handling equipment that are used in the construction and maintenance of railways.
Read on to discover more about different types of rail handling equipment and what it is used for.
Manual rail handling beams are designed to lift and move railway sleepers. Different beams are able to handle sections of rail which are 30, 45 or 60 ft long.
These beams are very versatile and can be fitted with webbing slings or rail clamps. Each beam is fitted with a centre lifting eye for accurate lifting and also features lifting lugs at either end that can be used with a double leg sling.
Hydraulic rail handling beams can be fitted to a road rail loader, excavator or crane and can lift rail sections of between 18 and 60 m length. The beam is made up of two sets of hydraulic clamps attached to a steel frame. A safety valve system makes sure that the clamps do not open during lifting.
Drag clamps fit over the head of a rail and can safely pull rails of up to 600 ft long. The clamp can be used with tow chains or ropes with a large link at each end.
Camlock CR clamps can lift most sizes of rail that are utilised in Great Britain. It can be fitted to a crane with a hook ring. It can also be fitted with an adaptor so it can be used with an Ironman rail transporting system.
MR clamps are used to transport rail sections from rail stacks to wagons. They are normally used in pairs and feature automatic double safety locks. The Ironman is generally used in pairs and transports, lifts and transposes rails.
Rail scooters are used in pairs and transport rails. Each unit is operated by a single person. They are normally fitted with a short shackle, chain assembly and rail clamp.
De-stressing kits provide control for accurate stressing of rails in any weather conditions. They make in track welding possible.
De-stressing pumps are petrol powered pumps used specifically for the railway industry. It features a roll cage and manual valves. When using this pump the operator can stress two half tracks at the same time. It also features a hand driven back up pump in case there is an engine failure.
All of this equipment is essential in railway maintenance and is widely used by railway engineers across the UK.