Rail Brakes: Application

The main applications of these storm brakes are the cases where the rail sides are not accessible like quays with embedded rails or installation of rails in very small channels.

It is always recommendable the installation at equalizers centre to minimise the vertical floating and to check effects of vertical loads both on the rails and on the crane gantry brakes effectiveness, since the rail brake vertical force will reduce the wheel loads and consequently the limit friction force of braked wheels

Rail brakes are also available in a dynamic version, but, since the rail surface condition can change a lot depending upon the weather conditions, presence of contamination (sand, coal, oil, grease, etc.) we recommend the use as static brake. (For dynamic braking see wheel brakes).