Hi-Rail Trucks: The Backbone of Rail Maintenance

Railway maintenance and construction demand vehicles that can perform seamlessly on and off the track. That’s where hi-rail trucks come in. Also known as highway-rail vehicles, these versatile machines are equipped with rail gear that allows them to operate on both standard roads and railway tracks — saving time, improving access, and boosting productivity.

At Mitchell Railgear, we specialize in the design, engineering, and supply of heavy-duty hi-rail systems that transform your trucks into rail-capable workhorses.

🔧 What Is a Hi-Rail Truck?

A hi-rail truck (short for highway-rail truck) is a standard utility vehicle outfitted with retractable rail wheels, allowing it to travel directly on railway tracks. These rail wheels are typically installed at the front and rear and can be raised or lowered as needed. This dual-capability lets crews drive to the worksite by road and transition easily onto the rail line for maintenance tasks.

🚜 Applications of Hi-Rail Trucks

Hi-rail trucks are vital in railway operations, especially for:

• 🚧 Maintenance of Way (MOW) operations

• 🔌 Signal and electrical line servicing

• 🪚 Vegetation control and brush cutting

• 🛠 Rail inspections and welding

• 🚦 Track and switch maintenance

• 🔩 Emergency response and repair

Mitchell Railgear customizes hi-rail truck systems to support a wide range of attachments and applications — from cranes and lift buckets to welders and toolboxes.

✅ Key Features of Mitchell Railgear Hi-Rail Systems

• Heavy-duty railgear axles for stability and load handling

• Hydraulic or electric actuation for on-the-fly deployment

• DOT-compliant brake systems for road and rail safety

• Precision mounting kits for popular truck models

• Durable construction built for rugged field conditions

• Options for single- or tandem-axle trucks

We design each system with performance, safety, and longevity in mind — ensuring your vehicles operate reliably across every mile of track.

🏗 Compatible Truck Types

Our hi-rail systems are adaptable to a wide range of truck classes and configurations:

• Utility service trucks

• Flatbed and welding trucks

• Crew cabs

• Bucket trucks and cranes

• Medium and heavy-duty trucks

• Custom chassis vehicles

🔒 Built-In Safety & Compliance

Safety is non-negotiable in rail work. That’s why our hi-rail truck systems are engineered to meet or exceed AREMA and FRA guidelines, featuring:

• Emergency lock-out mechanisms

• Fail-safe deployment

• High-strength materials

• Operator manuals and training options

🏆 Why Choose Mitchell Railgear?

With decades of experience and a commitment to American manufacturing, Mitchell Railgear is a trusted name in railgear innovation. We offer:

• Custom engineering and retrofitting

• Industry-leading product durability

• Responsive customer support

• Nationwide distribution and servicing

📞 Get Started with Your Hi-Rail Truck Solution

Ready to equip your fleet with reliable hi-rail systems? Contact Mitchell Railgear today to discuss your vehicle type, application needs, and get a custom quote.