Safe Use of Product
- For use on exposed rail track. Skate will not lie flat on rail which is encased in pavement.
- For rail sizes 90 to 155 lbs/yd
- For use on flat track. Not recommended for grades, as skate may not be able to hold the load.
- Rail surface must be clean. Greasy rail can cause a skate to slide too freely.
- Minimum wheel diameter 28”.
- All workers and bystanders must stand well clear of sides and front of railcar or locomotive when wheels are mounting skates. Wheel pressure can suddenly “squeeze” a skate out from under with great force.
- Never use rail skates if one end of the railcar or locomotive is lifted up for inspection or repair. All wheels must remain on the rails.
- Replace skate if tongue is broken or curled.
Special Cautions for Car-Stopping with Skates
- Limit use to 1 to 4 cars at a time, moving at 1-2 mph maximum, on flat track.
- For greater security, install two skates, one on each rail and staggered several yards apart. (It is possible for the wheel to knock a skate off the rail.)
- Customer must provide alternative methods to stop a railcar (or locomotive) if the skate fails to stop the vehicle in time, or if skate is knocked off the rail.
- When freight car comes to a stop, apply car brakes. Depending on track conditions, a steel wheel chock may be needed at the other end of the car.
Special Caution for Chocking Railcars
Roll car slowly up on the skate. Apply car brakes. It may be necessary to install a steel wheel chock at the other end of the car, depending on track conditions.
