Products

What is weight transfer?

The Trackmobile® Weight Transfer System is a hydraulic system developed to implement this idea in an intuitive and easy-to-use way. By simply raising or lowering the couplers, our machines can gain thousands of pounds for traction. Our system is proven to increase traction, and reduce fuel consumption and track maintenance.

Why is it useful?

Trackmobile® railcar movers have a distinct advantage in that they are compact and agile, on and off the rail. Our ability to borrow weight through weight transfer provides greater flexibility in areas with tight spacing where switching engines or larger machines don’t have the proper clearances. Weight transfer also allows Trackmobiles to have a shorter wheel base, allowing easy maneuvering in curves.

Also, there is no point carrying dead weight when it isn’t needed, such as during road movement or during a portion of the work cycle when only the Trackmobile itself is being moved. During these times, the Trackmobile is moving only its own weight, saving fuel, wear and tear on the tracks and roadbed, and making Trackmobiles easier and less expensive to transport.

How do I use it?

To take weight transfer once coupled to the railcar, and having tested that the coupling is secure, press the left armrest control to raise the Trackmobile coupler and align it with the top of the railcar coupler. Weight transfer will occur when the coupler is allowed to raise approximately 1 inch but no more than 1.5 inches. Once the appropriate lift has been reached, place the rocker switch in the center hold position until weight transfer is no longer needed. Raising the couplers will safely raise the railcar body, adding pressure to the couplers and thus transferring weight to the Trackmobile.

Weight transfer can be performed manually or using our MAX-Tran option (when installed). MAX-Tran is a patented option that automatically calculates the optimal amount of lift required for complete weight transfer to occur. Regardless if you choose manual or MAX-Tran’s automatic weight transfer method, with finger-tip controls, up to 99,000 lbs. (44,906 kg.)* can be added to the weight of the Trackmobile.

*When double coupled. Single coupling adds up to 49,500 lbs. (22,453 kg.)

Seems easy to use, but are there lots of parts and components?

The Trackmobile® weight transfer system has the same basic components found in any hydraulic system: pump, tank, hoses, valves and cylinders. Railcar movers using rubber tires require the use of extra hydraulic guide wheel systems to help keep their machines on the rail. Although both systems utilize the same basic components, guide wheel systems have additional specialized components that require more management, complication, and failure points. Weight transfer does not add any complication to the hydraulic system that is not found in similar heavy duty equipment.

Do I need MAX-Tran to use weight transfer?

No, MAX-Tran is an optional, additional feature for any Trackmobile®. MAX-Tran aids the operator by automatically detecting the optimal amount of weight that can be safely transferred from the coupled railcars. Weight transfer is standard on every Trackmobile, but the automatic features of MAX-Tran are optional.

Keep these key benefits about weight transfer in mind:

• Cost effective and proven method to increase traction
• Uses a simple hydraulic system to raise and lower coupled railcars to gain thousands of pounds of tractive effort
• Reduces fuel consumption and track maintenance expenses

Talk to Gordon Russell to get the full story about weight transfer.