Railcar mover daily checklist

8 October 2026

A railcar mover works alone, so a failed hose or worn rail wheel stops the whole siding. A five minute check before the first move catches most of it. This list works for Trackmobile, Shuttlewagon and other makes. Your operator manual and site rules come first.

Before starting

• Walk around: leaks under the machine, damage, loose parts
• Road tires: pressure, cuts, wear
• Rail wheels and guide wheels: flange wear, cracks, flat spots
• Couplers: knuckles, pins, locks, coupler height
• Engine oil, coolant and hydraulic oil levels
• Air reservoir drained, brake hoses and glad hand gaskets sound
• Sand boxes full, sander nozzles clear
• Lights, horn and back-up alarm
• Fire extinguisher in place and charged

After starting

• Gauges and warning lights
• Steering
• Service brake and parking brake
• Train air: the compressor builds pressure and holds it
• Controls for rail wheels and weight transfer

Write it down

Record each check with the date, hours and the operator's name. A defect that affects safe operation is repaired before the machine works.

Who regulates a plant siding

In British Columbia, Technical Safety BC regulates railways that operate only inside the province, including industrial railways and industrial sidings and spurs. It has also issued a safety advisory on car mover weight transfer systems and on employees working between equipment. Other provinces have their own rules, so check which regulator covers your siding.

Parts worth keeping on the shelf

• Engine, hydraulic and air filters
• Air hoses and glad hand gaskets
• Brake shoes or pads
• Coupler knuckles and pins
• Sander hoses and nozzles
• Lamps and wiper blades

Older movers are the hard ones. If the maker no longer lists a part, send the model and serial number with a photo. Railcar mover parts are listed by system, and anything else can be added to an RFQ by description.

Sources

• Railcar mover daily prior-to-use checklist, Mosaic contractor safety form
• Maximize the life of your railcar mover, MH Equipment
• Railways, Technical Safety BC
• Safety advisory: car mover weight transfer system, Technical Safety BC