Managing railroad friction is essential to sustaining day-to-day stress, but it also provides maximum performance for vehicles that run on rails.
There are a number ways to keep vehicles in top form while they’re at work.
The main benefit of properly managing railroad friction is that you’ll be preserving your equipment without losing revenue. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Let’s explore what you’ll need to maximize your vehicle’s rail performance.
What you’ll need to manage railroad friction
There are a few staples you’ll need to keep things running smoothly and for as long as possible. They are:
- Lubrication
Perhaps the number one tool to consider for managing friction is lubrication. We recommend using InterFlon to protect against dirt and dust damage.
- Rigid molded blocks
Our blocks are non-asbestos treated and are the perfect fit for industrial grade brakes and shoe clutches. Using rigid molded blocks keeps friction smooth and consistent, which increases performance and lifespan.
Usually, the vehicles that benefit most from these blocks are large cranes, lift trucks, tension control vehicles, and mining equipment.
- Geartooth facing
These facings are an option for almost all industrial uses. Shop ID and OD facings to fit your machine.
Most of the time we see facings used in construction or mining machines, brake/clutch systems, winches/hoists, and pumping or irrigation machines.
- Center plate
Center plates for industrial vehicles are a necessity if you want to properly manage friction. The benefits include being self-lubricating and having a high-pressure threshold.
- Snubber
Used predominantly in oil and gas wells, snubbers are used to decrease voltage, which increases lifespan. Snubbers are heavy-duty, so they should only be used for in high-voltage and extremely demanding situations.
How to bring it all together
There are many working parts to a well-managed friction system. You’ll need the details like we talked about above. But, you’ll also need a controlling and tracking device to oversee it all.
Our go-to is the RFM-100 from Elecsys. The RFM-100 will monitor friction and keep track of lubricant levels. Other features include:
- Power status
- Tank levels
- Pump times/revolutions
- Material volume
- Door updates
- Wheel count
- Axle count
A regularly scheduled check-up isn’t enough to keep friction problems at bay. Using a remote control system is the best, most cost-effective way to keep your system on track.
Negative effects on non-equipped vehicles
Without proper management, vehicles can be hit with all types of issues due to high-stress friction, from disablement to complete failure.
The losses of being reactive to these realities can be completely eliminated if companies plan to succeed with proactive management.
Advantages of working with us
As industry leaders, we take innovation seriously. Working with Kor-Pak means working with the best.
For more than 40 years we’ve provided top-notch service and products to major rail companies, worldwide.
We pride ourselves on our ability to customize high-performance, railroad friction products, regardless of the different needs of the companies we work with.
Our pricing is competitive and we get the job done quickly because we know that your time is your money.
If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Feel free to contact our team of professionals anytime.