Railcar Movers – Advantages of Calbrandt Railcar Movement Systems

Calbrandt railcar movers are industrial railcar moving systems that provide precise, repeatable positioning of railcars in loadout and receiving facilities globally. By eliminating reliance on manual methods or locomotive switching, Calbrandt railcar movers improve safety, reduce operating costs, and increase throughput while maintaining consistent, controlled railcar movement.

Key Advantages

• Improved Safety: Operators do not need to be near the cars during hookup or movement, reducing exposure to rolling equipment commonly associated with railcar mover operations.

• Lower Operating Costs: Electric-driven railcar movers eliminate diesel fuel, engine maintenance, and refueling requirements found in mobile railcar mover alternatives.

• Minimal Maintenance: Fewer moving components and no internal engine in the railcar mover design reduces routine maintenance and long-term ownership cost.

• Zero On-Site Emissions: Electric motors serve as the primary mover, producing no exhaust emissions at the facility when operating the railcar mover.

• Always Available in Work Area: Fixed railcar movers are installed at the loadout or receiving area, eliminating delays in shared equipment, and ensuring continuous railcar moving availability.

• Ease of Operation: Simple push button stations, HMI interfaces, or remote-control operation allow intuitive use with minimal training for railcar mover operators.

• Reduce Labor Requirements: A single operator can control railcar movement while managing other equipment simultaneously using one or multiple railcar mover system.

• PLC Controlled & Interlocked: Railcar mover systems can be integrated with existing PLC controls to ensure load spouts, gates, and equipment are clear prior to railcar movement.

• Hazardous Area Rated: Electric railcar movers can be engineered to meet NEC hazardous duty location requirements.

• Quiet Operation: Electric drives significantly reduce noise compared to diesel powered alternatives commonly used as mobile railcar movers.

Operational Value of Railcar Movers

Controlled railcar movement improves spotting accuracy and repeatability, reducing re-spots and unplanned delays. Industry safety analysis identifies switching and unsecured rolling equipment as a leading source of rail yard injuries. All while public rail tariffs show that extended railcar dwell time can increase facility fees. By controlling railcar positioning and cycle time within the facility, Calbrandt railcar movers help facilities improve throughput, enhance safety performance, and limit cost exposure associated with inefficient railcar handling.

See More About Calbrandt Railcar Movers

Complementary Railcar Equipment

In addition to railcar movers, Calbrandt manufactures a full line of railcar hopper gate openers, including portable, track mounted, remote operated, and fully automated options that integrate directly with railcar mover systems.