Railcar Mover Archives

DJProducts Rail Car Caddy Make Easy Work of Heavy Jobs

Railcars can weigh up to 250,000 pounds, making the job of moving them an intimidating and time-consuming task. Fortunately, you don’t need to put Superman on your payroll. Our Railcar Caddy from DJ Products lets a single employee handle the procedure safely and efficiently.

Electric Caddy vs. Diesel Movers

How are you currently moving railcars around terminals, yards and repair shops? Most workers end up relying on diesel-powered movers, which are expensive, bulky and require extensive maintenance. Burning diesel fuel also creates emissions that are harmful to vegetation and contribute to acid rain.

Our caddy is not dependent on fossil fuels of any kind. It operates on a standard 48-volt, four-battery system. Battery life extends eight hours or more, the length of most work shifts, and the charger can be plugged into a conventional 120/220 AC outlet. In addition, there are no fumes, vibrations or loud noises, making the caddy safe to use in enclosed places.

Ease and Versatility of the Railcar Caddy

Moving a railcar frequently involves more than one person, limiting productivity by pulling employees away from other important tasks. A single person can easily operate our caddy on their own, without any specialized training or license.

The mover comes equipped with a custom coupler that quickly connects to any railcar, and the front hydraulic lift transfers weight to the caddy for superior traction over surfaces such as flush tracks and lightly-packed gravel. Thanks to the unit’s compact size, it can be maneuvered easily, even with the weight of a railcar attached.

Standard and Optional Features

- Low-speed, high-torque motors and transaxle provide adjustable acceleration and braking for maximum control at speeds of 3 MPH in forward and reverse.

- The variable-speed thumb twist grip is ergonomically designed for ease of use with less stress on muscles and joints.

- Customize the caddy with safety horns, flashing pole and light, trojan batteries, enclosed chain guards and dual solid-drive tires.

DJ Products: Your #1 Source for Material Handling Solutions

Want to learn more about the Railcar Caddy and other movers from DJ Products? Call us at 800.686.2651 to chat with our cheerful and expert Sales Engineers.

Featuring the Railcar Mover for Heavy Rail Cars

RailCarCaddy Railcar Mover — Our RailCarCaddy is about one-tenth the cost.

Does your railcar mover seem like it comes with more problems than it solves? The RailCarCaddy from DJ Products is an eco-friendly, heavy-duty mover that outperforms more expensive, high-maintenance units.

Diesel Power Is Not the Answer

Traditionally, rail workers have relied on conventional diesel-powered railcar movers. While they may get the job done, these movers have some serious drawbacks.

*Due to their large, bulky size, diesel-powered movers usually require a dedicated storage space.

*Use of diesel fuel makes for an increased carbon footprint. Diesel-powered movers contribute to both air and noise pollution.

*Between the initial cost and ongoing fuel charges, diesel-powered movers are a sizable investment. In addition, with parts such as gasoline engines and fuel tanks, annual maintenance can eat up a big chunk of your budget.

Why Choose the RailCarCaddy?

Our RailCarCaddy is about one-tenth the cost of a new diesel-powered mover, which results in significant savings right up front. Thanks to its electric motor, there’s no need to worry about fuel sources. All you need to recharge is a standard 120/220 AC outlet.

Another advantage of battery power is that these movers are much quieter. There are also no annoying engine-induced vibrations. You’ll be amazed at how smoothly the RailCarCaddy operates.

The smaller, more compact size makes it easy to store the RailCarCaddy, but don’t be deceived by its looks. Designed specifically to move railcars, the caddy can push or pull railcars weighing up to 250K pounds. Amazingly, any employee can operate our railcar mover with minimal training.

Other features of the RailCarCaddy:

* Front hydraulic lift transfers railcar weight to the mover for superior traction.

*Front coupler can be modified to fit any railcars.

*The 48-volt, 4-battery system provides a long run time between charges.

*Mover can be used indoors and outdoors.

DJ Products: Your #1 Choice for Railcar Movers

Find out more about this product and the DJ Products trailer dolly line. We have wheeled cart moving solutions for trailers, cargo trailers, RV’s, semi-trailers, and boat trailers.

Learn more about what makes the RailCarCaddy and our other material handling solutions so cost-effective and efficient. Our friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are standing by to answer all your questions. Call us at 800.686.2651 or contact us via the convenient online chat feature to get started.

The Top Trends We Are Watching in Rail for 2018

Our innovative railcar mover is designed to operate dependably through a wide range of conditions. No matter what changes in the rail industry, you can count on our mover for reliable service.

The past few years have been a time of flux in the rail industry, and 2018 is no exception. Here’s a look at the current trends affecting rail.

Increased Traffic

Declining rail traffic led to its second-lowest total of revenue ton-miles in 2016. But by June 2017, both Class 1 freight and regional railroad volume were showing significant year-over-year growth.

High Demand for Coal Transport

Lower stockpiles, reduced days of burn and higher temperatures combined to drive up the demand for coal at power plants. Coal transport increased by 20 percent over the period of June 2016 to June 2017.

Railroad Stocks on the Rise

Coal exports also increased by 60 percent in 2017, while overall growth in U.S. gross national product (GDP) is driving a greater demand for goods and commodities. As a result, railroad stocks are expected to reap the benefits of these upturns.

Integration of Technology

The rail industry has been behind the curve in adopting cloud computing, Big Data analytics and other high-tech innovations. With costs shrinking as technology matures, more rail companies are investing in these systems.

Transport Management Systems Become the Industry Standard

Early versions of transport management systems (TMS) were too elementary to be cost-effective, but software has progressed to the point where TMS is increasingly seen as a valuable solution.

Increase Safety and Productivity with the Railcar Mover from DJ Products

Moving railcars is a cumbersome operation. With our electric railcar mover, a single employee can easily and safely handle the job. Visit our website for more information.

Rail Freight Growth Trends Stymied by Tariff Implementation

When other uncontrollable factors play a role in your success, bringing in infallible machinery can help the wheels of progress continue rolling smoothly. Without a safeguard against the unknowns, the unexpected can wreak havoc on your business plan.

For some businesses, the state of the economy is a definite profit-maker. For others, getting on board the money-making train is not so simple a feat. Inserting technologically sound solutions into the railroad business, like the addition of a railcar mover, helps you leave worry back at the station.

Are Tariffs Bringing Freight to a Screeching Halt?

After the recent trade tensions and tariff implementations, the bridge to a brighter future for rail freight growth may be suffering under the weight. A railcar mover can bridge the gap between safety and efficiency and provide a buffer against rising concerns. Investing in durability, and products that facilitate a better work environment can assuage many of your worries.

Update your workplace with numerous time-saving machinery solutions and watch other costly expenditures ease. A budget boost can do wonders for those who depend on the transportation industry to take them where they want to go. No matter what the newest industry news brings, you can rest assured that the right preparation allows for a cushion against the unexpected.

The Business in Boxcars

A railcar mover may seem like a simple solution in the grand scheme of things, but simple solutions can solve seemingly insurmountable mysteries. In the railroad industry, every day is a journey! Using a railcar mover and a process that facilitates success, your business won’t be caught up in the economic maelstrom for long. Escape the numbers and the uncertainty by using ingenuity to offset any upset you experience!

Dray Drivers Impacted by ELD Regulations Boosting Rail Use

Dray drivers are feeling the pinch of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, just as truckers grapple with the same. We may even see dray drivers plot a career switch to OTR trucking, causing labor shortages and a spike in drayage costs. Railcar movers look more attractive than ever to help meet the demands of the intermodal supply chain.

As the ELD mandate proves a stumbling block for trucking, the market shifts more toward intermodal. That increases the demand for drayage, but many dray drivers are restricted by ELD rules, which only exempt those who log fewer than 100 air-miles daily. Plenty of drivers move longer distances depending on geography and work loads.

In short, we have fewer dray drivers and drayage is getting busier. The strong market for intermodal leaves many railway fleet managers looking for ways to reduce the workload and increase productivity—which railcar movers can help accomplish.

The Impact of ELD Regulations on Rail Use

Many factors come into play besides the electronic logging, not the least of which is the rise of e-commerce and its effects on rail industry trends.

However, the solutions will have to come from the ground floor up. As industry insiders recently told DC Velocity, “the big will get bigger” and small firms will fight to compete. “Timely and efficient operations” hold the key to success.

DJ Products railcar movers move up to 200,000 pounds at up to 3 mph in forward or reverse. Battery-powered, free of local emissions, and easy for most anyone to use, the equipment even has a versatile coupler to fit all rail cars.

If you need to make drayage more efficient, with fewer employees and better maneuvering in tight spaces, visit DJ Products and request a demo.

Alaska’s Governor Sets Up Task Force to Evaluate Enhanced Rail Usage

Alaska Governor Bill Walker has good reasons for establishing a task force to analyze the possible benefits of a commuter rail service that would connect Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Commuter rail lines reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Cities with commuter rail stations often see economic growth, new businesses, and new jobs. DJ Products helps rail yards operate more efficiently with solutions like our railcar movers. They allow one person to move up to 200,000 pounds simply and safely.

Alaska Commuter Rail Advisory Task Force

According to Railway Age, initial findings of the task force are due to Governor Walker by May 31, 2018. The task force is made up of several mayors and some transportation experts. The commuter rail would connect the two largest population centers in The Land of the Midnight Sun.

The initial costs of commuter rails often lead many to oppose their construction. However, commuter rails are less costly to maintain than highways. Commuter rails decrease traffic congestion, while adding additional highway lanes does not. The sole transportation link that currently connects the two Alaska communities has a daily average of 50,000 drivers.

Other benefits of commuter rail lines

Commuter rails consume less energy per passenger mile than automobiles and it saves time and money for passengers. Both commercial and residential property values typically increase with the introduction of new commuter rail service to communities. In addition to the economic benefits, rail lines are less harmful to the environment than large highways.

Our battery-powered railcar movers are also energy-efficient and economically beneficial. They reduce workplace injuries and workers comp claims. By allowing one person to smoothly move large rail cars, they maximize manpower. Contact DJ Products for more information and a demo.

Weekly Rail Freight Traffic Increases – a Growing Trend

Freight traffic in the U.S. is expected to end 2017 on an upward trend. Railroads moved 463,602 carloads during the week ending November 25. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reports that was a 2.4 percent increase over the same week last year. An improving U.S. economy is credited for much of the increase in rail volume. Railyards managing increased volume can improve efficiency, save time, and prevent injuries by utilizing products like the RailCar Mover from DJ Products.

Key commodity groups

Four of the ten key commodity groups tracked by AAR showed increases: motor vehicles and automotive parts up 12 percent, nonmetallic minerals up 18 percent, metallic ores and metals increased by 8.9 percent. While rail volume increased in some groups, there were significant decreases in grain shipments (16.9 percent); non-grain farm products also decreased by 6.7 percent. Coal shipments typically increase as winter approaches but were down by 2.6 percent for the same time period. According to Railway Age, the cumulative volume of 12,199,607 carloads for the first 47 weeks of 2017 was a 3 percent increase over the previous year.

Industry must embrace innovation

Rail remains the most cost-effective method of moving high volumes of freight across the county. However, it is far from the quickest method. Rail companies must improve efficiency and cut costs in every area possible to remain viable.

One of the best ways to maximize manpower and lower costs associated with workplace injuries is to utilize a battery-powered RailCar Mover from DJ Products. These movers have industry standard rail car couplers that allow one person to pull or push rail cars weighing up to 200k lbs. Contact DJ Products to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales engineers about your equipment needs.