Introducing the Rail Threader — A Game Changer in Continuous Welded Rail Handling

Laying and removing Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) presents substantial challenges on the track. Rail must be accurately aligned, threaded into the tie plates, and handled safely to avoid damage or misalignment. Enter the Rail Threader from Mitchell Railgear — a solution engineered to streamline this process with precision and reliability.

What Is the Rail Threader?

Mitchell offers multiple models of Rail Threaders, including the RT-103 Ball Rail Threader and the RT-201 Triangle Rail Threader.

• The RT-103 is designed for gripping the base (ball) of the rail, allowing the unit to roll the rail upright and thread it directly into tie plates. 

• The RT-201 is a universal version suited across various rail sizes, with extra clearance to accommodate bolted rail sections. 

Both models are part of Mitchell’s lineup intended to facilitate faster, safer, and more precise rail installation and removal.

Key Features & Benefits

Here are the standout features and advantages of these Rail Threaders:

Feature	Benefit / Purpose
Heavy-duty construction	Ensures durability under high stress loads and during frequent use
Fail-safe locking mechanism	Prevents the Threader from opening unintentionally once locked on to the rail
Rollers mounted on self-aligning pivot bars	Maintains contact with the underside of the rail head (“ball”) to give a stable grip
Replaceable rollers & pivot assemblies	Simplifies maintenance and repair over time
Low-to-ground design	Helps keep the rail stable as it is laid or removed — reduces the risk of tipping or misalignment
Universal sizing (RT-201)	Versatility to handle different rail profiles, including bolted rail sections

Use Cases & Applications

• New Track Construction: Threading continuous welded rail into position efficiently on straight runs or curves

• Rail Replacement / Maintenance: Removing sections of rail and re-threading new segments

• Transition Zones: Handling special cases like bolted rail joints, crossings, or turnouts

Because of its precise control and strong grip, the Rail Threader helps rail crews reduce physical labor, minimize rail damage, and maintain alignment through the threading process.

Recommended Best Practices

To get the most out of the Rail Threader, consider these guidelines:

1. Match the model to rail size
   Use the appropriate version (ball or triangle) depending on rail cross-section and any bolt protrusions.

2. Inspect rollers regularly
   Since rollers and pivot assemblies are replaceable, routine inspection can prevent downtime from worn parts.

3. Ensure proper locking before movement
   Use the fail-safe lock to secure the unit before applying load or moving.

4. Operate on level, stable surfaces when threading
   Minimizes risk of misalignment or tipping.

5. Train operators on alignment and threading techniques
   Proper operator practices enhance safety and precision.

We can go the distance cause we are right on track! Toll Free: 1-888-553-5047 Telephone: 734-529-3400 Fax: 734-529-3433 E-Mail: Lovitt@Mitchell-Railgear.com

Get to Know About The Railroad Cold Air Blowers

The world of railroads is a fascinating one, full of mechanical marvels that maintain the effective operation of the enormous locomotives and their freight. The Mitchell-railgear RAILROAD COLD AIR BLOWER is one such wonder that frequently goes unseen but is essential in preserving the integrity of the train tracks.

The Essential Function of Cold Air Blowers in Railroads

- Extreme temperature swings occur all year round on railroad lines. Problems like rail buckling in hot weather and track joint expansion and contraction in cold weather might result from these temperature variations. Railroads use a complicated system that incorporates cold air blowers to address these problems.

- Track Upkeep and Safety: The main goal of a railroad cold air blower is to keep the rails' temperature within a desirable range. In the summer, if the tracks are too hot, they may buckle, leading to derailments and serious damage. To maintain the safety and effectiveness of train operations, cold air blowers assist in preventing these problems.

- Thermal Stress Reduction: Heat is produced by friction when trains run continuously over the rails. This may result in the tracks expanding during warmer temperatures. The cold air blowers reduce thermal stress and stop expensive track deformations by cooling the rails.

- Enhanced dependability: Our RAILROAD COLD AIR BLOWER helps to increase the overall dependability of the rail network by keeping the temperature of the track within a specified range.

How Do Cold Air Blowers For Railroads Operate?

- Cold Air Production Railroad cold air blowers produce massive amounts of cold air using specifically created equipment. The icy air is then dispersed where it is needed along the rails.

- Cold air blowers are carefully positioned at key locations along train lines, including switches, crossings, and spots with a long history of significant thermal stress.

- Modern cold-air blowers are generally fitted with sophisticated temperature sensors and computerized control systems. These devices continually check the track temperature and modify the cool air flow as necessary.

- Energy Efficiency: Railroads have achieved major advancements in the energy efficiency of Mitchell-railgear RAILROAD COLD AIR BLOWER, even though chilling the tracks may appear to be an energy-intensive procedure. To cut back on energy use, they use compressors that are energy-efficient and use insulating measures.

Railroad brush cutters: essential equipment for maintaining railway tracks

 

A RAILROAD BRUSH CUTTER is a crucial piece of machinery for keeping train tracks in good condition. These tools are made to remove overgrown vegetation from around railroad lines, keeping the track bed free of impediments that might lead to derailments or other incidents.

Often installed on a railcar, railroad brush cutters may go down the rails and access places that may be out of the way for other types of equipment. The equipment can easily cut through thick vegetation, such as shrubs, trees, and high grasses. The brush cutter may be used for a range of activities since the blades can be adjusted to cut at various heights.

The ability of railroad brush cutters to aid in the suppression of fires along the tracks is one of its main advantages. The grass near the railroad may become quite combustible during dry months. This may be particularly risky while trains are going by since sparks from the wheels might start a wildfire by igniting the nearby plants. Brush cutters can assist in lowering the danger of fires by maintaining the area next to the tracks free of dry grass and brush.

RAILROAD BRUSH CUTTER may also aid increase visibility along the rails, which is an advantage. It might be challenging for train operators to see what is in front of them when overgrown foliage obscures the view of the rails. When the track has bends or other hazards, this might be very risky. Brush cutters can increase visibility and make it simpler for train operators to detect possible risks by cutting away the vegetation.

The safety of both passengers and freight depends on the upkeep of railroad lines. By maintaining the track bed free of material and eliminating potential obstacles, brush cutters are essential to this operation. These tools are crucial for preserving the security and effectiveness of our railways, whether they are cutting through the dense bush or removing dry grass.

Moreover, it should be noted that RAILROAD BRUSH CUTTER is a crucial piece of machinery for maintaining train tracks. They are essential to guaranteeing the security of both passengers and goods because they keep the track bed free of objects that may cause accidents and keep it clean. By employing this equipment to remove overgrown vegetation, we can lessen the chance of fires, increase visibility along the rails, and maintain the efficiency and safety of our railways.