What is High Rail/Low Rail?

High Rail

High Rail and Low Rail refer to the operational modes of machinery designed to work on railway tracks, each optimizing how the machine interacts with the rails:

  • High Rail Mode: In this mode, the machine is elevated above the rails, typically using the vehicle’s tires for traction and braking while specialized rail wheels keep it aligned on the track. This configuration offers maximum clearance, stability, and safety, particularly 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 exert consistent pressure to maintain alignment and prevent derailment. This mode delivers maximum tractive effort, making it ideal for pulling or pushing heavy loads along the track.

Low Rail

High Rail/Low Rail in Hydrema Machines

At Hydrema, we incorporate High Rail/Low Rail capabilities into our specialized rail machinery, including the MX G Rail-series and our 912GS Rail Dump Truck. These dual modes enable our machines to operate efficiently and safely across a range of rail applications.

Hydrema’s High Rail/Low Rail systems offer versatility and adaptability, allowing our machines to function seamlessly in various rail environments. This flexibility ensures that our equipment meets the highest standards of performance and safety in the railway industry, making Hydrema machines a dependable choice for rail maintenance and construction projects.

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