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RailBoss® FAQs
RailBoss rail scale systems provide the accuracy needed for checkweighing, process monitoring, record keeping and maintaining safe loads. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions.
What is RailBoss?
RailBoss is an in-line rail weighing solution consisting of a series of 5-foot, 10-inch rail sections that are installed in an existing rail line. It’s non-Legal for Trade, economical, easy-to-install scale system with full- and double-draft systems available. Typically, RailBoss can be installed in as little as one day to minimize disruption to railroad traffic.
How Does RailBoss Work?
RailBoss replaces rail segments to transform portions of track into a weighing system and is designed to weigh each wheel of the railcar. Each section has a load cell that measures the rail’s deflection, totalizes the signals and provides a weight.
It’s important to maintain good conditions of your yard to ensure accurate scale readings. Rail, ties and ballast should be brought up to main line standards; a maximum of ¼-inch deflection of rail under load. RailBoss does not require a traditional concrete foundation because it’s installed on top of existing rail ties and ballast. However, a concrete foundation is an option to reduce maintenance. A rail maintenance contractor is needed to position the rail ties, cut the existing rail and install the rail sections in accordance with Rice Lake drawings.
The number of RailBoss sections is determined by your unique weighing needs and railcar arrangements. Designed to suit numerous applications, standard RailBoss rail sizes are 90 RA, 100 ARA-A, 115 RE, 132 RE, 133 RE and 136 RE. Custom rail sizes are available if your application requires a different size.
What Is the RailBoss Calibration Process?
Rice Lake has developed a hydraulic calibration and test unit that attaches to the rail, which is available for short-term rental or purchase. RailBoss can also be calibrated and tested using a known railcar weight.
What Size Rail Cars Can RailBoss Handle?
RailBoss sections are designed to weigh railcars with railcar truck centers of 5 feet, 9 inches to 5 feet, 11 inches. Most railcars have a center-to-center wheel measurement of approximately 5 feet, 10 inches, and each rail section has a weighing area of approximately ±4 inches from the center, which is where the wheels will be located. If your application utilizes different car sizes, RailBoss systems can be customized to meet your specific needs.
What Types of Applications Are Ideal for RailBoss?
Any application that needs to verify incoming goods, manage filling operations, control inventory and check under- and overloaded cars. Ideal sites should be level with rail, ties and ballast in good condition and preferably one rail car clearance on each side of the scale.
Is There a RailBoss Repair Process?
Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers a refurbishment program for RailBoss assemblies, providing repair and restoration services for used or damaged units.
What Are the Differences Between a Full-draft System and a Double-draft System?
A full-draft system consists of eight RailBoss sections designed to simultaneously weigh all eight wheels of a railcar. A double-draft system utilizes four RailBoss sections and weighs one end of a railcar at a time.
Reliable Weighing with Heavy-duty Rail Scales
Ready to see how RailBoss can optimize your yard? Contact a heavy capacity expert at 800-472-6703 to learn about customizations or which configuration is best for you.
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RailBoss® Rail Scale
Rice Lake's non-Legal for Trade RailBoss rail scale is less than one-third the cost of other rail scales and typically takes less than eight hours to install.
