If your fleet includes hi-rail vehicles—also known as road-rail vehicles—then regular Hi-Rail Inspections are more than just a box to check. They're critical for keeping your team safe, your equipment compliant, and your operations running smoothly on both roads and rails.
What Is a Hi-Rail Vehicle?
A hi-rail vehicle is a truck or utility vehicle equipped with specialized rail gear that allows it to drive on railway tracks in addition to conventional roads. These vehicles are essential for railway maintenance, inspection, and service operations. They provide flexibility and mobility—but only when they are properly inspected and maintained.
That’s where the Hi-Rail Inspections at Scheffer Truck Service come in.
What Are Hi-Rail Inspections?
Hi-Rail Inspections at Scheffer Truck Service are thorough safety and functionality checks that focus on the rail-operating components of a road-rail vehicle. These inspections go beyond standard truck maintenance. They ensure your hi-rail vehicle is:
- Mechanically sound
- Properly aligned
- Safe to operate on rails
- Compliant with industry and federal standards (like those set by the Federal Railroad Administration [FRA])
Why Are Hi-Rail Inspections Important?
Neglecting hi-rail inspections can lead to derailments, equipment failure, or regulatory penalties—not to mention safety risks for your crew and the public. Regular inspections at Scheffer Truck Service help you:
- Prevent accidents and costly downtime
- Meet FRA compliance requirements
- Extend the life of your hi-rail gear
- Ensure accurate performance on railways
- Maintain your company’s reputation and reliability
Hi-rail gear systems are complex and must be in precise condition to operate safely. Even slight wear or misalignment can cause severe issues while driving on rails.
What’s Included in a Hi-Rail Inspection?
When you bring your hi-rail truck into Scheffer Truck Service in Cape Girardeau for service, here’s what you can expect to be thoroughly checked:
1. Rail Gear System
- Rail wheels (flange thickness, diameter, wear)
- Guide arms and mountings (structural integrity and tightness)
- Hydraulic or pneumatic lifting mechanisms (for smooth up/down operation)
- Alignment (must run true on track gauge)
2. Braking System
- Highway brakes (pads, rotors, lines)
- Rail braking system (if equipped) – friction tests and calibration
- Verify dual-mode braking operates safely in both environments
3. Track Gauge and Wheel Spacing
- Ensure rail gear matches standard track gauge (usually 56.5 inches in North America)
- Check wheel alignment to reduce derailment risk
4. Steering and Suspension
- Check for excessive play, worn bushings, or steering drag
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage, especially due to vibration and load
5. Electrical and Safety Systems
- Test rail-specific lights, strobes, and warning beacons
- Confirm interlock systems prevent accidental gear deployment
- Inspect wiring harnesses and safety cutoff switches
6. Chassis and Undercarriage
- Inspect for frame cracks, rust, or structural damage
- Verify fasteners are torqued properly
- Look for any rail gear fatigue or chassis wear caused by on-track travel
7. Operator Controls and Visibility
- Confirm in-cab control switches and indicators function correctly
- Check camera systems, mirrors, and windshield visibility for safety
8. General Roadworthiness
- Tire pressure, tread wear, and wheel torque
- Engine fluid levels, transmission performance, and exhaust systems
How Often Should Hi-Rail Vehicles Be Inspected?
To keep your hi-rail fleet compliant and operating at peak performance, we recommend that you follow this inspection schedule:
- Daily pre-trip visual inspections
- Monthly or quarterly detailed inspections (depending on usage)
- Annual comprehensive inspections by qualified technicians
Some companies and rail authorities require documented inspections before each rail deployment, so having a reliable service provider like Scheffer Truck Service is key.
Choose Our Certified Hi-Rail Inspection Provider
Not every truck repair shop is equipped or qualified to handle hi-rail vehicles but the professional crew at Scheffer Truck Service is. It takes specialized knowledge, calibrated inspection tools, and access to rail-grade equipment parts.
At our shop, we offer:
- Certified Hi-Rail Inspections
- Rail gear adjustments and repairs
- Full documentation for FRA compliance
- Fast turnaround and reliable service
Our technicians understand the unique challenges of maintaining dual-mode vehicles and are trained to keep your equipment safe and legal on the rails.
Trust Scheffer Truck Service for Certified Hi-Rail Inspections
If your business depends on hi-rail vehicles, don’t cut corners on inspections. A certified Hi-Rail Inspection at Scheffer Truck Service can prevent breakdowns, protect your crew, and keep you compliant with rail authorities.
Schedule your next Hi-Rail Inspection with us and keep your fleet on track—literally.
Contact us today to book your appointment or learn more about our hi-rail inspection and repair services.