Customized Rail Handling Equipment for Different Rail Profiles and Long Rail Applications
01. Project Snapshot
A Canadian warehousing, transportation, and logistics service provider ordered two multi-rail lifting clamps for use with 115RE and 136RE rails. Each self-locking rail lifting clamp is designed to grip eight 80-foot (24.4-meter) long rails simultaneously—a demanding application for a multi-rail lifting clamp for long rails.
In the initial inquiry, the customer requested that the clamps be compatible with both 115RE and 136RE rails. However, our engineering review confirmed that, due to differences in the head widths of the two rail types, a single clamp could not safely accommodate both. (Comparison of rail cross-sections) The final design was tailored specifically for 115RE rails, and both units were shipped from the Port of Tianjin at the end of July 2026.
About the Order
Early in the project, the customer had hoped that a single clamping fixture could accommodate both the 115RE and 136RE models. During the production drawing verification phase, the engineering team determined that the 115RE rail head is approximately 69.1 mm wide, while the 136RE rail head is approximately 74.6 mm wide—a difference of about 5.5 mm in rail head width and approximately 17 mm in rail height.
Since the jaw opening and engagement depth are pre-set according to specific rail head dimensions, and rail clamp compatibility with rail head width directly determines whether a secure engagement can be achieved, this batch of clamps was ultimately finalized to be compatible only with the 115RE rail type.
For customers using other rail types, Glory Crane can evaluate the corresponding rail dimensions and cross-sectional information to determine whether a custom gripping structure is required.
02. The Challenge
What the customer needs is not just an ordinary, standard rail clamp.
The core requirement is to handle multiple long rails simultaneously during a single lifting operation, while ensuring that the clamp matches the cross-section of the rails actually in use. Therefore, during the equipment selection process, the rail cross-section and clamping dimensions are key factors that must be verified.
For this application, the multi-rail lifting clamp is not a standalone lifting component, but rather an integral part of the entire long rail handling process.
Therefore, the customer’s primary requirements can be summarized in three areas:
- Lifting multiple rails at once;
- Ensuring the clamps match the actual cross-section of the rails;
- Meeting the operational requirements for repeated handling and storage of the rails.
03. Why Rail Profile Matters
A rail lifting clamp is not suitable for all rail types simply because it can “grip the rail.” The contact points and clamping structure of the clamp must be matched to the cross-section of the rail being handled.
Therefore, in customized rail handling projects, rail clamps for different rail profiles and clamps designed for different rail sections are critical considerations.
In particular, the dimensions of the rail head affect the clamping relationship between the clamp and the rail; therefore, before finalizing a solution, it is essential to verify the compatibility of the rail clamp with the rail head width.
Scissor-Type & Self-Locking Structure
This project employs a scissor-type rail lifting clamp design.
The scissor-type design makes contact with the rail through the clamp’s own gripping mechanism. For lifting applications that require the clamp to remain engaged, a self-locking rail lifting clamp design can also be used depending on the actual operating conditions.
For customers with different rail types, the contact dimensions and clamping interface must still be confirmed based on the specific rail cross-section prior to production.
Therefore, a rail handling device should not be simply regarded as a universal component with fixed dimensions, but rather should be tailored to the actual rails and handling conditions.
Adapting to Different Rail Head Widths
The 115RE is just one of many rail profiles. As a rail lifting clamp manufacturer, Glory Crane offers clamps designed for different rail sections, covering major standards such as AREMA, UIC, BS, and JIS. For different rail head widths (such as approximately 69 mm for the 115RE, approximately 75 mm for the 136RE, and approximately 72 mm for the UIC60), we customize the jaw opening, tooth shape, and engagement depth to truly provide rail clamps for different rail profiles and rail lifting clamps for different rail head widths. Whether for single or multiple rails, standard or non-standard cross-sections, we provide custom rail handling equipment and custom rail lifting solutions, including custom multi-rail lifting clamps and custom multi-rail lifting clamps for long rail handling, tailored to on-site conditions and long rail handling requirements.
From Rail Profile Data to Customized Equipment
How do you select a rail lifting clamp for a specific rail profile?
Glory Crane’s approach typically does not begin with selecting a fixed clamping fixture; instead, we start by gathering information about the actual rails used by the customer.
We can determine the clamping structure based on the rail drawings, cross-sectional dimensions, rail head width, and lifting method provided by the customer.
The entire process can be summarized as follows:
Rail cross-section → Dimension verification → Clamping interface → Multi-rail configuration → Production → Inspection
This approach can accommodate both standard applications and customers’ needs for custom rail handling equipment.
Need a Custom Rail Lifting Clamp for Your Rail Profile?
Do you need a rail clamp customized for your rail model?
Whether you need a custom multi-rail lifting clamp, a multi-rail grab, or a complete bulk rail handling system, Glory Crane can confirm a solution based on your rail cross-section and lifting requirements before production begins.
Please provide us with:
Rail drawings + rail head dimensions + rail length + number of rails per lift
Based on this information, our team can evaluate the appropriate clamping structure and custom rail lifting solution for your project.