Severe Duty Rail Skid (Exposed Rail)

Safe Use of Product

• For use on exposed rail track. Skid 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 skid may not be able to hold the load.
• Rail surface must be clean. Greasy rail can cause a skid 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 skids. Wheel pressure can suddenly “squeeze” a skid out from under with great force.
• Never use rail skids if one end of the railcar or locomotive is lifted up for inspection or repair. All wheels must remain on the rails.
• Replace skid if tongue is broken or curled.

Special Cautions for Car-Stopping with Skids

• Limit use to 1 to 4 cars at a time, moving at 1-2 mph maximum, on flat track.
• For greater security, install two skids, one on each rail and staggered several yards apart. (It is possible for the wheel to knock a skid off the rail.)
• Customer must provide alternative methods to stop a railcar (or locomotive) if the skid fails to stop the vehicle in time, or if skid 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 skid. Apply car brakes. It may be necessary to install a steel wheel chock at the other end of the car, depending on track conditions.