Custom Lifting Solutions: Locomotive & Railcar Shops

The first two blogs in our custom lifting series focused on lifting diamonds and bridges, where the goal was to lift and hold heavy loads in a fixed position. Lifting in locomotive and railcar repair shops is more complex. It involves lifting, moving, and holding massive parts of all shapes and sizes, often weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Parts like traction motors, engines, generators, compressors, wheelsets, and, in some cases, entire locomotives or railcar sections need repositioning and repairs. All of this takes place within the tight physical constraints of a shop, where heavy component removal, part access, and repairs must happen on-site.

⬇️Last in the series: custom lifting in locomotive & railcar repair shops.

Overhead Lifting with Gantry Systems

Locomotive and railcar lifting requires high-tonnage equipment that can safely handle massive components. In repair shops, hydraulic gantry systems are often the go-to because they offer efficient lifting and moving solutions where traditional cranes don’t fit or other overhead structures aren’t an option.

Gantry Systems For Locomotive and Railcar Lifting

Enerpac’s hydraulic gantries provide stable, synchronized lifting. The SL-Series is a cost-effective solution for everyday lifts under 450 tons, with lift heights up to 30 feet. Each unit includes self-contained hydraulics, self-propelled wheels or rollers, and the Intelli‑Lift wireless control system.

The SBL-Series is built for more demanding applications with lift capacities of up to 1,200 tons and nearly 40 feet of lift height. Its boom-style design adds extra strength and stability for lifting large or heavy components like engines or wheelsets. Both gantry systems can be customized to match shop layouts, required lift heights, and unique load specifications.

All Enerpac hydraulic gantries come equipped with the Intelli‑Lift wireless control system, offering multi-channel (wired or wireless) operation, multiple speed settings, emergency stop functions, overload and stroke alarms, and automatic synchronization of lifting (within 1”) and traveling (within 0.6”).

Enerpac also has the accessories needed to complete a gantry system, including skid tracks, header beams, powered side shifts, and lifting anchors, so each lift can be customized to match your specific shop environment.

Cylinders for Locomotive and Railcar Lifting

In locomotive and railcar shops, lifting isn’t only performed with gantries. Heavy parts like traction motors or generators will need precise lifting and positioning for better access for repairs. That’s where hydraulic cylinders are useful.

RC-Series cylinders provide reliable lifting in tight or hard-to-reach spots. They will lift and hold railcar or locomotive components for repair where a precise, localized lift is needed and overhead gantry systems aren’t practical.

Key Benefits of RC-Series Cylinders:

• Heavy-duty, high-tonnage lifting capacity (5 to 100+ tons)
• Compact design for use in confined areas
• Durable steel construction for reliability and long service life
• Multiple mounting options for versatility
  

Pumps for Locomotive and Railcar Repair

Since repair shops have reliable power sources, we recommend pairing these cylinders with electric-over-hydraulic pumps like Enerpac’s ZU-Series or ZE-Series. These pumps deliver consistent power to safely lift and hold heavy components during complex repairs.

Key Benefits of ZU-Series and ZE-Series Pumps:

• Electric motor powered for continuous, dependable operation
• Multiple lifting speed settings
• Wireless or wired remote operation
• Designed for heavy-duty industrial lifting
  

ZU vs. ZE Series Pumps

Enerpac ZU-Series pumps use universal motors, great for everyday shop tasks. The ZE-Series pumps feature induction motors for more demanding lifts. 

Ready-Made Options

Custom lifting systems are ideal for the most demanding, high-tonnage lifts in your shop. But for general shop repairs, Enerpac offers a few kits worth keeping on hand.

One of the most versatile is the MS210 Tool Set, like a Leatherman for your shop. This kit includes the RC106 Hydraulic Cylinder, ideal for pushing, pulling, lifting, pressing, straightening, spreading, or clamping, plus 35 cylinder attachments that allow you to configure a tool for a wide range of repairs.

MS210 Kit includes:

• RC106 Hydraulic Cylinder – 5 tons force, 6.13-inch stroke
• 2-speed hydraulic hand pump
• Hydraulic hose & pressure gauge
• A92 spreader attachment
• Lock-on or threaded connectors
• Storage crate
  

A solid, multi-purpose kit that earns its keep across a wide range of shop needs.

We will help you

Lifting heavy parts in locomotive and railcar shops demand custom outfitting, and Enerpac systems can be tailored to your shop’s layout, lifting needs, and tonnage requirements. Don't let the details above overwhelm you. Together with Enerpac, Industry-Railway Suppliers will help you design your shop's lifting system right.

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