Our Rail Division builds a variety of hi-rail units from railgear on pickup trucks, rubber-tired excavators, one off specialized applications to large 230 ton rail crane builds, we really do try and build it all. We live by our moto, “If You Can Think It, We Can Build It”, however we have narrowed down our standard builds to four standard packages. These units are still customizable but they are packages we build often and have perfected. With almost 35 years in the rail industry, we know what works and what our customers require to get the job done effectively, efficiently, and safely. We have broken down our four standard Falcon hi-rail packages, so you can determine what is right for your application and see what each package comes equipped with.

What is a Hi-Rail Truck?

Hi-rail (also known as hi rail, high rail or hy-rail) trucks are trucks that have the ability to go from road to rail. They are equipped with classic rubber tires, as well as rail gear, giving them dual functionality. The railgear is free wheeling and is designed to keep the truck on the rail, while the rubber drive tires propel it down the track. Hi-rail vehicles come in several different shapes and sizes each with their own purpose as laid out below.

Falcon Epsilon Truck

The Falcon Epsilon Truck Package can be either a tandem or tri-drive configuration. It is used primarily in the rail industry for heavy repetitive work, often with high duty cycles, such as rail scrap removal, moving rail material (otherwise known as OTM) and for rail construction. These can often be used as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of units as they are multi purposed.

These trucks are equipped with a Palfinger Epsilon logging style crane, perfect for the duty cycles seen in its typical application. These come with a top seat control, giving the operator great visibility. This work is often fast paced so these cranes have a higher operation speed compared to a conventional knuckleboom. Generally, this package will use either a grapple or magnet system at the boom tip for cleaning or moving rail materials. This crane can be controlled by either remote control or putting an operator in a crow’s nest (also known as the top seat). Top seat drive is a common option on these units, giving the operator the ability to run the truck up and down the track from the crane seat. Interesting fact, Falcon’s first top seat control was designed in 2005 with a good customer and we were one of the first to design and accomplish this.

The truck features an open deck layout, with or without side rails, we offer recessed storage for the crane magnet. It’s also common to equip these trucks with an AAR rail coupler with train air for braking the railcar(s) you are coupled to. Other features and options include, a dual tool circuit with 5gpm/10gpm options, access points in the deck to make service and maintenance easier, rail racks built for use and abuse, and lighting to ensure the job gets down at all hours. Traditionally we utilize DMF or Continental railgear, however, other manufacturers are available on request. All controls are designed for cold weather applications and the layout is intended for ease of use and maintenance. These multi role trucks perform a variety of tasks on main line railways.

Example Crane: Palfinger Epsilon 260L or Palfinger Epsilon M13

Falcon Thermite Truck

The Falcon Thermite Truck Package is a specialized build, generally on a single axle truck, featuring a van-body for storage of thermite tools used by railways and contractors for their welding operations. A corner mount crane is located on the passenger side rear of the unit, and a hydraulic lift gate, water suppression system and roots blower come standard. Typically for this application we use the Palfinger PC3800 crane with remote control, to help on those heavier lifts.

For those unaware thermite welding is a specialty practice using molten metals to join rail segments. It requires specialty tooling, gases, and safety equipment to get the job done.

Example Crane: Palfinger PC3800

Falcon Signals Truck

The Falcon Signals Truck Package is another specialty application truck, generally built on a tandem chassis, used by signal crews. These trucks will utilize a Palfinger knuckleboom crane mounted behind the cab of the truck. The crane will use a hook for lifting the assemblies used by signals crews into place.

The decks can be equipped with side rails for securing cargo. Straps and winches are a standard offering on all Falcon Signals Trucks.

While these are traditionally favored by signals contractors, the crane truck with railgear does lend itself to be useful in a variety of tasks in the rail industry. 

Example Crane: Palfinger PK 26002 or Palfinger PK 22002

Falcon Frog Truck

Last but not least, the backbone of rail maintenance in Canada. The Falcon Frog Truck Package is a specialized, heavy-duty truck, typically built onto an extended cab, tandem or tri-drive chassis. These trucks utilize a heavy-duty deck build with a variety of tool and material carrying options available. Typically, these will feature a rear mounted knuckleboom crane, hydraulic tool circuits, a magnet, an AAR Coupler with train air, rail racks, work light, a good offering of tool storage and safety features throughout.

Rail crews will use these trucks for a variety of maintenance tasks, including replacing rail frogs and rail, making repairs to infrastructure, and moving materials.

Example Crane: Palfinger PK22002 or Palfinger PK26002

After Market Service & Support

As you can see, we are excited about our builds and the customization we can offer but we know building the unit is just the start. Aftermarket service and parts support is crucial to ensuring your big investment makes you money and keeps your customers happy. We work hard to provide support where and when you need it. This is why you may find us asking you a lot of questions at the sales stage, so that we can understand your needs, your requirements and expectations. We know you work hard, and we want to work hard with you to ensure you get a product that you need, that safety is the focus at all stages and so that you can count on your equipment and us as your partner. Relationship is important to us. We know we aren’t perfect; it’s how we work together and find solutions when you need them that count.