Hi-Rail with a difference

Numerous companies produce equipment to convert vehicles so that they can travel on both roads (highways) and railroad tracks. Hence the name Hi-Rail. Major railroads have quite a fleet of these adaptations, ranging from pick-up trucks to heavy maintenance vehicles, and private constractors also have this type of equipment.

CN in Halifax is doing right of way brush clearing, using either hired equipment or a contractor with its own equipment. Last weekend there was a variety of hi-rail farm tractor conversions parked in the southend. There was a New Holland TM115, a John Deere 6145R and a John Deere 7430. Farthest from the camera was a Cat wheeled backhoe. All appeared to be fitted with brush cutter equipment.

Hi-rail wheels, mounted front and back are raised and lowered hydraulically, and the tractor's driving wheels propel the units, as they are approximately the same guage as the rail. In operaiton the tractors' front (steering) wheels are usually lifted off the tracks by the front flanged rail wheels.

.