DMF raildogs are a safety device that
attach to the truck frame of a hi-rail vehicle and clamp to the head of
the track. They are used on trucks that can experience shifting loads
such as a DMF Roto-180 that is dumping ballast or a boom truck doing
heavy trackside picks. In the event of a sudden load shift the raildogs
may prevent or at least minimize the effects of a tipping accident.
DMF raildogs come in both manual and hydraulic versions. The manual
style has a slide collar that is lowered into place and secured by means
of a manually threaded lock screw. They are less expensive, more
lightweight, and take up less space along the truck frame than their
hydraulic counterparts. However, the hydraulic
raildogs
are much quicker and
easier to lock and unlock. They will save a great amount time if the truck must make many
small moves between clamping and
unclamping evolutions.
Safety Notice:
DMF raildogs are NOT designed to be
a stabilization device for regular use and because track is not designed
to withstand strong upward forces the raildogs should never pull against
the track during normal operation. Raildogs are considered a backup
safety device used to minimize the effects of a tipping accident. They
are not a substitute for outriggers and careful operation of on track
equipment. Strong forces transferred to the track by means of raildogs
can damage, misalign and even lift rail in extreme instances.
