Rail Lubricator for Track & Wheel Protection
Reduce wear, save energy, and cut maintenance costs with advanced rail lubrication solutions.
What is a Rail Lubricator?
A rail lubricator is a system designed to apply a precise amount of lubricant onto the rail surface where train wheels make contact.
By reducing friction and wear at critical points—especially curves and switches—it ensures smoother train operation, extends rail and wheel lifespan, and minimizes energy consumption.
Why Use Rail Lubricators?
✅ Reduce Rail & Wheel Wear – Less grinding and longer service life.
✅ Lower Energy Consumption – Trains require less traction force.
✅ Decrease Noise Levels – Especially important in urban areas and tunnels.
✅ Cut Maintenance Costs – Reduced frequency of replacements and repairs.
✅ Improve Safety – Stable wheel-rail contact reduces derailment risks.
Wayside (Trackside) Lubricators
Location: Fixed installations at specific, high-friction locations like curves, grade entries, or before switches.
How it works: Activates automatically as trains pass, lubricating the wheels or rails at that precise point.
Pros: simpler installation & maintenance, services all trains passing the point, ideal for targeted problem areas.
Cons: Lubrication is limited to the installation area.
Onboard (Vehicle-Mounted) Lubricators
Location: Installed directly on the locomotive or railcar.
How it works: Applies lubricant to the wheel flanges or track continuously while the vehicle is in motion.
Pros: Continuous and widespread coverage, intelligent adjustment based on real-time speed, no wayside infrastructure needed.
Cons: Higher initial vehicle integration cost and complexity.
Hybrid Systems
Hybrid systems combine the strengths of both trackside and onboard lubricators. They deliver lubricant at critical fixed points along the track while also ensuring continuous application from locomotives or wagons. This dual approach maximizes coverage, improves efficiency, and provides consistent protection for rails and wheels under diverse operating conditions
How Does a Rail Lubricator Work?
The principle is simple: apply the right amount of lubricant, in the right place, at the right time. Modern systems are intelligent and highly efficient.
- Activation: The system is activated by a track sensor, radar, or GPS as a train approaches.
- Metering: A control system commands a pump and metering valve to dispense a precise amount of grease or oil from the reservoir.
- Application: The lubricant is delivered through nozzles directly onto the gauge face of the rail or the passing wheel flanges.
- Distribution: Subsequent wheels spread the lubricant evenly along a stretch of track, creating a thin, protective film.
Smart Control: Advanced systems automatically adjust the lubricant output based on train speed, traffic density, and ambient temperature, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Doesn't lubricating the rail cause wheels to slip?
A: No. Professional systems are designed to lubricate only the gauge face and wheel flanges. The top-of-rail (TOR) surface, which is critical for traction and braking, is never lubricated. Specialized grease has high adhesion to prevent runoff.
Q2: What kind of lubricant is used?
A: High-performance, specialty greases are most common. They are formulated with lithium or complex soap thickeners, extreme pressure (EP) additives, and tackifiers to stay in place and withstand water wash-off and high pressures.
Q3: How often does a lubricator need maintenance?
A: Maintenance frequency depends on usage. Key routines include checking lubricant levels, cleaning nozzles, and inspecting sensors and hoses. Modern systems often feature diagnostic tools to alert operators when maintenance is required.
Get Your Rail Lubricator Solution Today
Investing in the right rail lubrication system is a strategic decision for efficiency and cost savings. Our experts are here to help you find the perfect solution.