Find the Best Hi Rail Excavators Near You

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.

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.

Hi Rail excavators are primarily used in railway maintenance and construction projects. Their main applications include:

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

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.

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.

Good question. The cost to hire a hi-rail (road‑rail) excavator in Australia depends on size, whether you hire with or without an operator, and how long you need it. Based on iSeekPlant data and typical rates:

• For a 10–15 tonne hi-rail excavator: around $500–$700/day dry hire, or $600–$800/day with operator.
• For 15–20 tonne models: approximately $800–$1,000/day dry, and $900–$1,200/day wet.
• For 20–25 tonne machines: roughly $1,200–$1,500/day dry, or $1,300–$1,600/day with operator.

Important cost factors:

• Transport / mobilisation to the rail site
• Fuel consumption
• Operator fees (if not included)
• Insurance and any rail-specific certification

For an accurate quote, you can use our Get a Quote tool on iSeekPlant.

Yes. Hi-rail excavators are specifically designed to operate on standard railway tracks as well as off-track terrain. They are fitted with retractable rail wheels that allow them to drive directly on the rails, while the standard undercarriage tracks or tyres let them move off the rails for site access.

Key points:

• Rail compatibility: Suited for standard gauge tracks (common in Australia) and sometimes broad or narrow gauge, depending on the model.
• Off-track mobility: Can move on construction sites, embankments, or adjacent terrain without needing the rails.
• Safety & stability: Rail wheels provide guidance along the track, while the undercarriage supports lifting and digging operations.

This dual functionality makes hi-rail excavators ideal for railway maintenance, track laying, and repair projects.

Yes. Hi-rail excavators require specially trained operators because they must manage both standard excavator functions and the additional complexities of operating on railway tracks.

Key points:

• Rail operation training: Operators must understand track safety, signalling, and procedures for working on or near active rail lines.
• Dual operation skills: They need proficiency in switching between rail wheels and standard undercarriage, maintaining stability, and handling loads on tracks.
• Certifications: In Australia, operators often require Rail Industry Worker (RIW) accreditation or equivalent rail safety qualifications.
• Safety considerations: Operators must follow strict protocols to prevent accidents on tracks, including coordination with rail authorities for active lines.

This ensures safe and efficient operation for rail maintenance, track construction, and other rail-related projects.