What is a Hi Rail excavator and how does it differ from a regular excavator?

A Hi Rail excavator is a specialised type of excavator equipped with additional rail wheels that allow it to operate both on railway tracks and standard ground surfaces. The primary difference between a Hi Rail excavator and a regular excavator is this dual capability. While a regular excavator is limited to working on construction sites, roads, and other solid grounds, a Hi Rail excavator can seamlessly transition from rail tracks to off-track work areas. This flexibility makes Hi Rail excavators invaluable in railway maintenance, repair, and construction projects.

How do Hi Rail vehicles work?

Hi Rail vehicles, including Hi Rail excavators, operate by having an additional set of rail wheels that can be lowered onto the railway tracks. These rail wheels are usually hydraulic and can be engaged or disengaged as needed. When the rail wheels are engaged, the vehicle can travel along the tracks, guided by the rails, much like a train. This functionality allows Hi Rail vehicles to move efficiently to different sections of the railway for maintenance or construction work. When the rail wheels are retracted, the vehicle can operate as a standard wheeled or tracked machine, providing versatile functionality for various tasks.

What are the main applications of Hi Rail excavators?

Hi Rail excavators are primarily used in railway maintenance and construction projects. Their main applications include: <ol> <li>Track construction and repair: Hi Rail excavators can handle tasks such as laying new tracks, replacing old ones, and performing repairs.</li> <li>Ballast work: They are used for digging and distributing ballast, the gravel or crushed stone placed beneath and around railway tracks for stability.</li> <li>Vegetation control: Hi Rail excavators can clear vegetation along railway lines to ensure safe and unobstructed tracks.</li> <li>General construction tasks: Beyond rail-specific work, Hi Rail excavators can perform typical excavation tasks in rail-adjacent areas, such as trenching and grading.</li> </ol>

What is the difference between Hi Rail and scale wheels?

Hi Rail wheels are additional rail-compatible wheels attached to vehicles, allowing them to operate on railway tracks. These wheels can be engaged or disengaged as needed, making the vehicle adaptable for both rail and road operations. Scale wheels, on the other hand, are standard-sized wheels that conform to specific industry scales, ensuring they fit properly on railway tracks for precise and safe operations. The key difference is that Hi Rail wheels enable dual operation (rail and road), while scale wheels are primarily designed for rail compatibility and precision.

Can Hi Rail excavators operate on both rail and road?

Yes, Hi Rail excavators are specifically designed to operate on both rail and road surfaces. This dual functionality is achieved through retractable rail wheels, which can be lowered onto the tracks for rail operation and retracted when the excavator needs to operate on roads or other off-track areas. This versatility makes Hi Rail excavators highly valuable for projects requiring frequent transitions between rail and road work, such as railway maintenance and construction projects.

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Hi Rail Excavators for Hire on iseekplant

Hi Rail excavators are specially modified machines designed to operate both on rail tracks and traditional terrains. These dual-purpose excavators are crucial for rail maintenance, construction, and other related projects. At iseekplant, we connect you with top-rated suppliers offering a variety of Hi Rail excavators to suit your specific needs. Whether you are involved in rail track construction, maintenance, or any rail-related project, our platform ensures you find the right equipment quickly and efficiently.

Why Choose Hi Rail Excavators?

Hi Rail excavators provide unmatched versatility and efficiency for rail projects. Their ability to switch between rail tracks and traditional terrain reduces the need for multiple machines, cutting down on costs and project time. These excavators are essential for tasks such as laying new tracks, performing maintenance, and managing rail-related construction projects.

Hi Rail Excavator Hire Rates Guide

Hiring a Hi Rail excavator involves several cost factors, including the machine's size and capabilities, the hire's duration, and whether you opt for wet or dry hire. Below is a guide to help you understand the typical rates for hiring Hi Rail excavators:

Size of Hi Rail Excavator (tonnes)	Maximum Height (m)	Daily Dry Hire Rate (AUD)	Daily Wet Hire Rate (AUD)	Weekly Dry Hire Rate (AUD)	Weekly Wet Hire Rate (AUD)
10T - 15T	6 - 8	$500 - $700	$600 - $800	$2,500 - $3,200	$3,000 - $4,000
15T - 20T	8 - 10	$800 - $1,000	$900 - $1,200	$4,000 - $5,000	$4,500 - $6,000
20T - 25T	10 - 12	$1,200 - $1,500	$1,300 - $1,600	$6,000 - $7,500	$7,000 - $8,500

Note: All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD. Price estimates can vary based on location, model and additional requirements.

Additional Costs When Hiring a Hi Rail Excavator

When hiring a Hi Rail Excavator, there are several additional costs to consider that may not be immediately apparent. These costs can vary depending on the specifics of your project and the hire company's terms:

Additional Cost	Standard Rate (AUD)	Description
Mobilisation and Demobilisation	$50 - $200 per trip	Costs for transporting the excavator to and from the site.
Fuel Charges	$30 - $60 per day	Daily charges for fuel usage during operation.
Operator Fees	$40 - $80 per hour	Fees for professional operators if not included in wet hire rates.
Insurance	$20 - $50 per day	Insurance coverage for the equipment during the hire period.
Maintenance Fees	$100 - $300 per month	Regular maintenance and servicing costs for the equipment to ensure it remains in optimal condition.
Environmental Levy	$10 - $30 per day	Charges for ensuring the project complies with environmental regulations and standards.

To get an accurate quote tailored to your project’s needs, connect with one of our suppliers using our Get a Quote tool. This tool allows you to enquire about potential fees and charges, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the total costs involved in hiring a Hi Rail Excavator. Start planning your project today by clicking 'Get a Quote' and receiving a detailed quote from our trusted suppliers.

Hi Rail Excavators vs Other Excavator Types

Hi Rail Excavators offer unique capabilities compared to standard track-mounted excavators. Their ability to operate on rail tracks and conventional terrain makes them indispensable for railway projects. Here’s how they stack up against other types of excavators:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages	vs. Hi Rail Excavators
Amphibious Excavators	Excellent for wetland or soft terrain projects, versatile in waterlogged areas	Lower speed and efficiency on solid ground, more specialised	Not suitable for rail-specific tasks, but ideal for waterlogged or swampy areas where Hi Rail Excavators would struggle
Demolition Excavators	Excavators used specifically for tough demolition tasks	Heavier weight can make transportation and manoeuvrability challenging	More specialised for demolition but less versatile for rail work
Excavator and Truck Combo	Cost-effective for combined excavation and transport tasks, reduces labour	Requires more coordination between machinery, less specialised in each task	Offers integrated excavation and transport but lacks the rail-specific capability of Hi Rail Excavators
High Reach Excavators	Ideal for tall structure demolitions, extended reach for high areas	Limited in compact or confined workspaces	Specialised for height but lacks rail functionality
Long Reach Excavators	Extended reach for deep or high areas	Limited manoeuvrability in tight spaces	Offers reach but less versatile for dual rail-road tasks
Micro Excavators	Compact, ideal for extremely confined spaces	Limited capacity and reach	More suitable for extremely tight spaces but lacks rail functionality
Mini Excavators	Compact, ideal for confined spaces	Limited capacity and reach	More compact for small spaces, but lacks rail capability
Spider Excavators	Capable of tackling uneven and rugged terrains, very flexible	Higher operating costs, more complex to maintain	Better for uneven terrain but not suitable for rail tasks
Track Mounted Excavators	Lower cost, widely available, versatile in general projects	Limited to off-rail tasks, may require additional equipment	Lacks the rail-specific dual function of Hi Rail Excavators
Wheeled Excavators	Highly mobile on paved surfaces, better for urban projects	Less stable on uneven terrain, limited off-road capability	More mobile on paved roads but lacks rail adaptability

Specs, Pros and Cons of Popular Hi Rail Excavator Models

This section provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most popular Hi Rail Excavator models available in the market, helping you decide on your specific needs:

OEM & Model	Quick Specs	Pros	Cons
BTE-313 Hi-Rail	Power: 100 HP (74.6 kW), Weight: 23 tons, Reach: 9 m, Rototilt 360 rotation, Caterpillar dealer network	Flexible performance, easy mobilisation, powerful attachments	Limited to medium-duty tasks, may not handle extremely heavy loads
BTE-325 Hi-Rail	Power: 164 HP (122.3 kW), Weight: 39 tons, Reach: 10 m, Rototilt 360 rotation, Caterpillar dealer network	High lift capacity, versatile attachments, reduced tail swing	Heavier and larger, may require more space for operation
Liebherr A 922 Rail	Power: 163 HP (122 kW), Weight: 21.8 tons, Max. Reach: 9.1 m, Max Speed: 20 km/h	High performance, excellent mobility, strong lifting capacity	Higher initial cost, may need specific maintenance
Doosan DX210WMH-5	Power: 189 HP (141 kW), Weight: 21 tons, Max. Reach: 9.6 m, Max Speed: 20 km/h	Robust construction, advanced hydraulics, high durability	Heavier machine, may not be as fuel-efficient
Caterpillar M323F	Power: 169 HP (126 kW), Weight: 22.5 tons, Max. Reach: 9.4 m, Max Speed: 20 km/h	Superior stability, efficient fuel consumption, high versatility	Higher maintenance costs, requires skilled operators

More Hi Rail Equipment Your Project Needs on iseekplant

For comprehensive railway maintenance and construction, other Hi Rail equipment may be required to complement Hi Rail Excavators. Here’s a list of essential equipment:

Equipment/Service	Description	Application
Hi Rail Telehandler Hire	Versatile lifting equipment for material handling and transport on rail tracks	Ideal for moving heavy materials and equipment along railway lines
Rail Equipment Hire	Comprehensive solutions for rail track maintenance and construction	Suitable for all aspects of railway projects, from installation to maintenance

Other Equipment for Your Rail Construction Project on iseekplant

For a successful rail construction project, various other equipment and services are often required. Below is a list of essential services and equipment:

Equipment/Service	Description	Application
Crane Hire	Cranes for heavy lifting and placement tasks	Essential for lifting and placing heavy components
Excavator Hire	Versatile machines for excavation and material handling	Used for digging, trenching, and site preparation
Compactor Hire	Equipment for soil compaction and preparation	Necessary for preparing the ground for rail installation
Dump Truck Hire	Trucks for transporting materials and debris	Hauling away excavated material and debris
Lighting Tower Hire	Portable lighting for ensuring visibility and safety during night operations	Enhances safety and efficiency during nighttime construction work
Water Cart Hire	Carts for dust suppression and site cleaning	Keeps the construction site clean and suppresses dust
Survey Equipment Hire	Tools for precise measurement and layout of construction sites	Ensures accurate alignment and positioning of rail tracks
Labour Hire	Skilled labour force for various construction tasks	Provides the necessary manpower for efficient project execution

Need Reliable Hi Rail Excavator Hire?

Rail construction can be a tricky undertaking, but it's easier with iseekplant! We connect you with Australia's premier suppliers of Hi Rail excavators and other Hi Rail equipment, ensuring you have the best equipment to meet your project needs. Additionally, we provide access to a wide range of Hi Rail equipment to support your entire project. Whether you need telehandlers, rail equipment, or other construction machinery, iseekplant has got you covered. For any assistance or queries, reach out to us at projects@iseekplant.com.au or call 1300 691 912. Ready to gear up for your rail project? Click 'Get a Quote' to get started today.

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