Winter Safety: Solutions that Keep Railroads Moving

As winter approaches, maintenance-of-way crews brace for the most challenging conditions of the year. Cold, harsh weather not only complicates maintenance but also heightens safety risks for both section crews and passengers. Left unchecked, these conditions can grind railroad operations to a halt. Here’s how to tackle winter’s biggest challenges with effective tools and solutions. 

Common Winter Challenges for Railroads

1. Frozen Walkways & Safety Components

Sub-zero temperatures can freeze switches, locks, and other critical safety mechanisms, creating hazardous conditions. This presents a serious threat to the safety of maintenance crews, civilians, and overall railway operations. 

✔️ Solution:
RR Winterizer serves as a versatile anti-icer and deicer. Apply it before snowfall to prevent ice from bonding to crucial components or after snow falls to melt ice and allow for easier snow removal. Its low freezing point of -76°F, combined with a biodegradable and non-corrosive formula, ensures it’s both effective and safe for the environment.

2. Snowbound Railways

Heavy snowfall can bury entire sections of track, including crucial components like derails and switches, slowing down maintenance and compromising smooth train operations.

✔️ Solution:
Use the Switch Broom, with sturdy polypropylene bristles and a chisel end, to efficiently clear snow, ice, and debris from frozen components. For harsh conditions in remote areas, the portable Switch Heater Can provides a reliable solution for thawing frozen switches by melting ice with kerosene and a wick. 

While using a ballast regulator for snow removal may seem unconventional, outfitting them with high-performance Club-Style Broom Elements offers an effective alternative for clearing snow. With a wider, more durable design, these elements outlast standard brooms by 15-20%, making them ideal for heavy snow accumulation.

3. Rail Breaks Requiring Immediate Repair

Extreme cold shrinks rail causing rail separations, requiring rapid responses and quick fixes to maintain track integrity.✔️ Solution: 
Upgrade from the traditional, hazardous diesel-and-rope method with FireSnake—a smokeless, safer, and hassle-free rail heating tool that quickly expands shrunken rail or thaws large components. For more substantial repairs, the compact Enerpac 120-ton Hydraulic Rail Puller features a swing arm, eliminating the need for separate jaws or wedges and requires no disassembly or reassembly.

4. Track Obstructions Halt Operations

Heavy snow can cause large trees and debris to obstruct railways, halting operations, demanding fast removal methods.

✔️ Solution:

Proactively clear large trees and branches that accumulate in remote areas with the Supertrak SK180RR . This compact yet powerful machine requires no transportation permits due to its size, making it ideal for vegetation management in remote locations. For optimal results, pair it with a mulching attachment before the first snowfall.

✔️ For smaller tasks, equip your maintenance trucks with portable battery-powered tools like the Milwaukee M18 Blower and Chainsaw for quick snow and vegetation removal.

Count on Our Support This Winter

With nearly 60 winters of experience in the railroad industry, we’re able to accurately forecast and maintain optimal stock levels of winter tools. This ensures we have what you need and can deliver it quickly. Our dedicated customer service and field support teams are here to support you throughout the most challenging season for maintenance.

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