What is High Rail/Low Rail?

High Rail and Low Rail refer to the operational modes of machinery designed to work on railway tracks. These terms describe how the machine interacts with the rails:

• High Rail Mode: In this mode, the machine is lifted above the rails, typically by using the vehicle’s tires for traction and braking while specialized rail wheels keep it aligned on the track. This configuration provides maximum clearance, stability, and safety, especially when navigating over track switches, sensors, or other railway infrastructure.
• Low Rail Mode: In Low Rail mode, the machine’s rubber tires are in direct contact with the railway tracks, providing both traction and braking. The rail wheels apply consistent pressure to maintain alignment and prevent derailment. This mode offers maximum tractive effort, making it ideal for pulling or pushing heavy loads along the track.

High Rail/Low Rail in Hydrema Machines

At Hydrema, we integrate High Rail/Low Rail capabilities into our specialized rail machinery, such as the MX G Rail-series and our 912GS Rail Dump Truck. These dual modes allow our machines to perform efficiently and safely in various rail applications.

Hydrema’s High Rail/Low Rail systems provide versatility and adaptability, enabling our machines to operate seamlessly across different rail environments. This flexibility ensures that our equipment meets the highest standards of performance and safety in the railway industry, making Hydrema machines a reliable choice for rail maintenance and construction projects.