Railway lines have been responsible for transporting people and goods ever since their first introduction in 1825. Back then, each and every piece would have needed to be laid by hand, but these days, advanced machinery has helped to make the life of railway workers more simple. In this post, we’ll be talking about two particularly effective pieces of equipment that have made a huge difference to the way in which railway lines are now constructed.
Rail Pullers
A rail puller might sound like a simple device, but in reality, they are heavy-duty machines that are capable of securing two separate pieces of rail, pulling them together firmly, and then holding them in place ready for closure welding. Not only are they a vital part of a railway constructor’s arsenal, but they actually help to align each piece, ensuring a smooth transition between bars that can be secured in place using welding methods.
Rail Welding Equipment
To complement rail pullers, welding equipment is often turned in an effort to merge different pieces together. This fusion is what trains will run along securely, and so it’s important that the rail welding equipment used is effective and accurate. Lesser models simply won’t do, as the low carbon steel used to construct railway lines will need to properly adhere to the next piece for a secure fit. Anything less than this can result in disaster and that’s why so many construction companies prioritize the quality of their welding accessories and equipment above all else.
Of these two pieces of equipment, both play a vital role in the construction of railway lines. Most would be entirely unrecognizable to those that don’t know what these machines do, but to a railway construction company, they can be a priceless asset that make life simpler and the job more efficient. Pullers in particular negate the need for man-power, as their hydraulic pistons are capable of retracting even the heaviest of railway lines, before positioning them properly to allow them to be professionally welded. When done properly, these joints can be fairly seamless and will often be capable of lasting for years at a time with minimal maintenance, making them ideal for public railway systems, whether above or below ground level.
