Skip to content
Custom Lifting Solutions: Diamonds

Custom Lifting Solutions: Diamonds

Lifting in railroad maintenance requires precision, control, and a system that’s not always one-size-fits-all. That’s where Enerpac’s customizable lifting solutions come in. Whether you’re working on diamonds, bridges, or locomotives, we’ll help you design the right setup for your job using Enerpac’s trusted, field-proven tools.

We created the Lifting Spotlight series to simplify Enerpac’s catalog and make it easier to build a lifting system tailored to your specific railroad application, no matter the size or complexity.

⬇️ Second in the series: custom diamond lifting systems.

Lifting Railroad Diamonds

Railroad diamonds are critical intersections where multiple tracks cross at grade. Over time, they can settle and dip below a level plane, creating hazardous conditions for passing trains and compromising the track’s structure.

To fix this, maintenance crews must lift the diamond evenly—raising all four corners simultaneously—and tamp the ballast beneath while it’s elevated to restore a safe, level track.  Because diamonds are heavily trafficked, minimizing service interruptions without sacrificing safety is essential. A precise, synchronized lifting system helps crews work quickly and efficiently—while keeping safety the top priority every step of the way.

How Railroads Lift Diamonds with Enerpac

Lifting a diamond requires a safe lifting system that works in tandem to raise all four corners simultaneously, achieving a balanced, level lift while keeping crews away from the lift zone to reduce injury risk. Once the desired lift is reached, the system must hold the diamond securely at the correct cross level so crews can spot tamp the ballast underneath, restoring a level diamond.

Enerpac offers all the tools and components you need to build a custom lifting kit tailored specifically to your diamond lifting job — giving you precise control, safety, and reliability every step of the way.

Diamond Lifting Components

To lift a railroad diamond safely and efficiently, you’ll need four hydraulic cylinders (or jacks), a hydraulic pump, a manifold, and high-pressure hoses. Enerpac offers a wide selection of each, making it easy to build a lifting system tailored to your specific needs. We’ll help you figure out the right components so you have exactly what you need for the job.

Cylinders for Diamond Lifting

The Enerpac RAC-Series hydraulic cylinders are ideal for diamond lifting jobs, offering 10–150 ton capacity in a variety of stroke heights. For lifting a diamond, 20–30 ton cylinders are most commonly used. Built from lightweight aluminum, they’re easy to maneuver and position, and are resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for wet or harsh environments.

Pumps for Diamond Lifting

ZG5-Series gas-powered pump (gas over hydraulic): The most powerful and reliable for field lifts where electrical access isn’t available.

ZC-Series battery-powered pump (battery over hydraulic): Cordless and portable. Not as powerful as gas but keeps you fully mobile without needing fuel. Well suited for diamond lifts.

Hoses for Diamond Lifting

Enerpac’s H900-Series heavy-duty, high-pressure hoses are rubber-coated, rated for 10,000 psi, and built with "low memory", so they stay flexible and don’t twist up when you’re running multiple lines. Their durability and ease of setup make them ideal for diamond lifts or jobs with long or complicated hose runs.

Manifolds for Diamond Lifting 

Synchronizing all four diamond lifting points is critical. Depending on your setup, choose from:

  • AM41: Pre-mounted manifold that functions as split-flow valves to control 4 single-acting cylinders simultaneously.
  • AMGC41 & AMGC42: 4-way single- and double-acting manifold assemblies with female couplers on all ports, allowing fast connection to up to 4 cylinders.

Ready-Made Options 

Diamond Lifting Device (DLD)

The Diamond Lifting Device (DLD) is a self-contained, more cost-effective system designed to lift diamonds from above the rail using four 10-ton toe jacks. It includes a high-pressure power source, a control manifold, and all necessary hoses for remote operation—allowing crews to stay safely clear of the lift zone during jacking and spot tamping.

Once lifted, the system holds the diamond at the correct cross level, making it easy for crews to spot tamp the ballast and restore a level track. While lifting from above the rail isn’t as stable as from below, the DLD is a proven option that simplifies the process and reduces track occupancy time.

In addition to diamonds, the DLD can be used for frogs and turnouts, hump yard retarders, bridge approaches, or anywhere a controlled lift is required.

TL248 Track Lifting System

For crews seeking a turnkey solution, the Enerpac TL248 delivers precise, reliable heavy lifting with strength and accuracy. Engineered using feedback from maintenance-of-way crews, the TL248 is ideal for lifting diamonds, bridge ends, switches, retarders, and more.

  • Lifts from below – ideal for diamond work and locations where cranes can’t reach, such as under bridges. 
  • Centralized control – color-coded valves matched to hydraulic lines make operation clear and intuitive.
  • Redundant safety systems – manual needle valves and pilot-operated check valves help prevent unintended cylinder movement.
  • Compact and mobile – fits in a pickup bed and features fork pockets and dual lift hooks for transportation.

Whether you’re lifting a diamond or a turnout, the TL248 gives maintenance crews a controlled, efficient, and safer way to tackle tough track lifts.

We’ll Help You Build the Right System

From everyday track repairs to complex diamond or bridge lifts, Enerpac tools give maintenance crews the flexibility to build exactly the system they need - nothing more, nothing less. Industry-Railway Suppliers has partnered with Enerpac for decades, and together, we’ll help you design a lifting system tailored to your project, your crew, and your lift.

Reach out today, and we’ll connect you with our field support team to walk through your job and recommend the right components.

📞 (630) 766-5708

👆🏻 Contact Us here

Next up: custom lifting in locomotive and railcar shops.

Previous article Custom Lifting Solutions: Locomotive & Railcar Shops
Next article Custom Lifting Solutions: Bridges
Experienced customer service team
In-field product support
Safety is our priority
Family owned company

Follow us on Instagram

@industryrailway