Trackside Gauge Face Lubrication for Freight

Recognized globally as the experts in railroad friction management, we continue to develop innovative products that:

• Reduce wheel and rail wear

• Reduce derailment potential

• Reduce energy consumption

• Reduce Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) development

Gauge face greases

Our gauge face grease portfolio starts with SYNCURVE®, an exceedingly durable all-season rail curve lubricant giving the customer flexibility of either employing a lower application rate for existing spaced lubricators (up to 50% lower) or increasing lubricator spacing using current application rates. SYNCURVE provides excellent protection in the wheel flange/gauge face interface and is ultimately biodegradable.

Along with SYNCURVE, we also provide a full range of high-performance and environmentally friendly gauge face lubricants including:

• DURACURVE® PRO is a highly durable rail curve grease that has extended carry distances and excellent wear protection.  DURACURVE has been formulated to optimize the pumpability, adhesion and water resistance required in the wheel/rail environment. DURACURVE PRO is currently available in a summer grade.

• ALLCURVE® is a cost effective all-season petroleum grease that meets adhesion, pumpability and load carrying requirements at all operating temperatures. ALLCURVE eliminates the need to inventory both summer and winter grades as part of your gauge face lubrication program.

• BIOCURVE® LB2 is a premium quality readily biodegradable rail curve grease formulated with vegetable oils.  BIOCURVE LB2 has exceptional product stability and lower propensity for bar clogging compared to other biodegradable greases.  This product is recommended for locations requiring the highest level of biodegradability, such as near waterways or other environmentally sensitive areas.  BIOCURVE LB2 is an all-season product suitable for year-round use in all climates.

• DURACURVE® CE is a grease specifically designed to provide good wear protection, weather resistance, and effective carry-down at an economical cost.  DURACURVE CE is currently available in a summer grade.

PROTECTOR® application systems

Our next generation PROTECTOR X trackside friction management system includes a heavily-sloped product compartment with the industry’s lowest cavitation level and true first-in, first-out product utilization. This new system allows for longer intervals between tank refills, easier product transitions between seasons, and less track access time required for maintenance.

Combined with our MC-4XL®, MC-5, or MC-4® application bars with GREASEGUIDES® and our next generation Remote Performance Monitoring (RPM), the PROTECTOR system is the most advanced friction management system available in the world.

• MC-4XL (long length) and MC-5 or MC-4 (short length) applicator bars accurately deliver lubricant to wheel flange / rail gauge face. These two bars share our industry-leading channel and port design, providing equal and reliable delivery of grease to each port and preventing clogs.

• L.B. Foster's patented GREASEGUIDE troughs re-direct and guide grease back to the wheel flange where it can carry out its intended purpose — protecting the rail and wheels. GREASEGUIDE technology helps to improve lubricant pick-up, thereby increasing carry-down and reducing waste.

Built on over 40 years of in-service experience and continuous technological innovation, L.B. Foster PROTECTOR systems are known to be:

• Exceedingly reliable

• Easy to maintain

• Consistent and precise in their application rate. Our innovative control system uses proprietary compensation algorithms to seamlessly adapt to changing operating conditions and consistently outputs the correct amount of grease.

Our gauge face lubrication product portfolio

Whatever your gauge face lubrication challenge, we can help. On top of the products showcased above, we offer:

• Our legacy PROTECTOR IV and 761 hydraulic application systems.

• Catch-All and GTP+ track mats and environmental products to keep your application site clean and prevent ballast contamination.