CRANEMASTERS SERVICES
Track Repair, Maintenance & Construction
Track Repair, Maintenance & Construction is mission-critical for ensuring your railroad infrastructure’s safety, efficiency, and longevity. With our experienced crews and purpose-built equipment, Cranemasters solutions can meet your railroad track installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Whatever the challenge, Cranemasters can get the job done—and done right.
Inspection and Assessment
One of the first steps in any railroad maintenance project is inspecting and assessing track conditions. This includes visual inspections and the use of advanced technologies such as our Track Loading Vehicle to detect cracks, wear, corrosion, gauge metrics, and misalignments. Routine inspections help identify problem areas early, preventing larger failures and disruptions.
Signal and Communication Systems Maintenance
Modern railways rely on advanced signaling systems for efficient and safe operations. Maintenance includes:
- Repair and calibration of signaling equipment.
- Inspection and replacement of communication cables.
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards like Positive Train Control (PTC).
Cranemasters can perform all the inspections, repairs, and track maintenance required, and can also perform re-railing operations stemming from derailments. Cranemasters not only excels in both fields but, more importantly, shares in our commitment to safety. We have never had any rule violations identified while on our property, and all MSHA, FRA, and Holcim standards are adhered to faithfully.
Joe Turbin
Rail Operations’ Manager
Holcim Inc.
Cranemasters can perform all the inspections, repairs, and track maintenance required, and can also perform re-railing operations stemming from derailments. Cranemasters not only excels in both fields but, more importantly, shares in our commitment to safety. We have never had any rule violations identified while on our property, and all MSHA, FRA, and Holcim standards are adhered to faithfully.
Joe Turbin
Rail Operations’ Manager
Holcim Inc.
Track Repair and Replacement
- Rail Welding: Fixing cracks or breaks in rails using thermite or electric welding techniques.
- Joint Maintenance: Repairing rail joints to ensure smooth transitions between sections.
- Tie Replacement: Replacing deteriorated wooden or concrete ties.
- Ballast Cleaning or Replacement: Ensuring the ballast (the gravel under the tracks) remains stable and free of debris for proper drainage and support.
- Retarder Replacement: We replace the old metal-on-metal retarders with new quiet retarders for a quieter and safer operation.
Track Alignment and Geometry Adjustment
Proper alignment of tracks is essential for safe and efficient train operations. We use our Track Loading Vehicle (TLV), otherwise known as the “Puckett Truck” to:
- Correct Rail Gauge: Adjust the spacing between rails to meet the industry-standard specifications.
- Realign Tracks: Address lateral and vertical misalignments caused by environmental factors or heavy usage.
- Tamping and Surfacing: Compact ballast under ties to stabilize the track bed and restore the track to its optimal profile.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance extends the life of rail infrastructure and minimizes costly repairs:
- Lubricating rail joints and curves to reduce friction.
- Clearing vegetation near tracks to prevent obstruction or damage.
- Conducting routine grinding to smooth rails and remove minor imperfections.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
Our Strategic Systems OperationsTM follow the highest industry standards.
- We are in full compliance with FMCS, OSHA, MSHA, FRA regulations, and Railroad Safety Certification requirements.
- We evaluate our safety performance weekly, analyzing incident trends and implementing corrective actions.
- We apply strict quality control measures to guarantee the quality and performance of our products and services, meeting long-term expectations as well as regulatory requirements.
Bridge and Structure Maintenance
If the rail system includes bridges or overpasses, our experienced specialists handle these structures. Services:
Replacement and repair of structures.
Explore Cranemasters Capabilities
Download Capabilities Specifications (PDF)
CRANEMASTERS BRINGS QUIET TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Belt Railroad Company of Chicago (BRC) tasked Cranemasters with replacing 56 retarders and tracks to help make the nearby community a quieter place to live.