Sourcing rail maintenance services and equipment - what you need to know

At some point, all railway tracks need maintenance. As a vital infrastructure for freight and commuter transport, it's essential to keep track work in good condition, both for safety reasons and to prolong its service life, which is why various rail maintenance services need to be carried out regularly. From routine cleaning and inspection to more intensive repairs, the type of service required will always vary depending on the state of the track and the level of wear and tear. So when the time comes to source rail maintenance services and equipment, you need to make sure you're engaging the services of the right service provider for your requirements.

At Project Cranes and Rigging, we have years of experience providing clients with quality rail maintenance services, and so have put together a few key points that you should take into consideration before picking up the phone or signing off on a quote.

Not all rail maintenance companies are created equal

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you're working with a reputable and experienced company. There are a lot of fly-by-night operators out there, so it's important to do your homework and make sure you're working with someone who knows what they're doing. Rail maintenance involves much more than just putting down new tracks, and requires a high level of precision with works often needing to be completed under strict time frames. Reading up on a prospective company's reviews or past projects is a great way to get a sense of the quality of workmanship and what previous clients have thought of a company's work.

You'll also want to consider your budget when sourcing rail maintenance services. There are a lot of different options out there, so it's important to find a company that can work within your budget. A good rail maintenance company should have access to a team of skilled professionals who can carry out all aspects of the job from start to finish. This not only saves you the hassle of coordinating different trades, but also ensures that the job is carried out efficiently and to a high standard.

Make sure they have the right equipment to tackle your job

Another important consideration is the type of rail track maintenance equipment they have at their disposal and whether it's best suited to carry out your project requirements. The equipment's size and operating radius should also be taken into account. Quite often, track work is located in areas that are difficult to access and have limited space for the set-up and effective operation of machinery.

If you require work to be completed on sections of track that are separated by some distance, you also need to factor in the time it will take for equipment to be relocated, as you may require machinery with hi-rail capabilities to reach all sections of track within your delivery timeframe.

Do they meet all safety and legal requirements?

It also pays to keep in mind that rail maintenance is a highly regulated industry. Carrying out work on rail lines involves a high level of skill, preparation, and communication and as such there are strict safety standards and procedures in place. So it’s essential to your project that you make sure that the company you're working with is up to date on all the latest regulations and training requirements.

When in doubt, give us a call

With more than 15 years in the industry, Project Cranes and Rigging can provide support to rail maintenance projects of any size or scope. We have a state-of-the-art crane fleet and can tailor our services to meet your specific requirements. So, if you're looking for a reputable and experienced company to assist with your rail maintenance service needs, give us a call today on 0402 306 880.