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Trackside Top of Rail Friction Management

L.B. Foster has utilized its extensive knowledge of the wheel/rail interface to develop a broad range of Top of Rail (TOR) friction modifiers and application systems, tailored to meet the unique demands of the rail industry.

A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of purple-grey liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail.

By combining advanced testing capabilities at our state-of-the-art facility with detailed scientific research and rigorous field trials, we deliver innovative Top of Rail (TOR) solutions engineered for exceptional durability and optimal performance on the tracks.

Advanced Railroad Friction Management Solutions

Our commitment to excellence underscores our primary goal: delivering the world’s most advanced friction management solutions that consistently and reliably safeguard the wheel/rail interface. As globally recognized leaders in railroad friction management, we continuously innovate to develop products that:

  • Reduce rail and wheel wear

  • Maintain a controlled intermediate friction level that does not affect vehicle braking or traction

  • Reduce noise and short-pitch corrugations for passenger rail

  • Reduce lateral forces

  • Reduce derailment potential

  • Reduce energy consumption

  • Reduce Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) development

KELTRACK® Water-Based Friction Modifiers

KELTRACK ER Plus and KELTRACK Transit EX are premium, all-season, TOR friction modifiers with extended carry-down capabilities for use in the freight and transit rail environments, respectively. 

With these innovative products, L.B. Foster took our world leading KELTRACK friction modifier technology and developed enhanced formulations that provide increased coverage at all operating temperatures while continuing to provide excellent protection in the wheel / rail interface. 

KELTRACK ER Plus and KELTRACK Transit EX have been designed to have enhanced film durability, improved corrosion resistance, and an exceptionally low freezing point.  

KELTRACK friction modifiers are water-based and contain no oil.

They provide railroads a controlled intermediate friction level which does not affect vehicle braking or traction. On top of what is showcased above, we offer our legacy KELTRACK ER and KELTRACK Trackside Transit friction modifier products that are for use in heavy haul and passenger rail environments, respectively.

A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of purple-grey liquid is shown on an orange foam bar attached to the rail. KELTRACK applied via a trackside application system.

INFINITRACK® Top Of Rail Lubricant

INFINITRACK is an exceedingly durable oil-based, all-season TOR lubricant which provides excellent protection in the wheel / rail interface. INFINITRACK has been proven to carry for over 8 miles under heavy haul conditions.

Developed for territories without significant grades, INFINITRACK can help significantly reduce the cost of a Friction Management program while delivering all of the benefits.

PROTECTOR® Application Systems

Our next generation PROTECTOR X trackside friction management systems include heavily sloped product compartment with the industry’s lowest cavitation levels and true first-in, first-out product utilization.  

PROTECTOR® Application Systems allow for longer intervals between tank refills, easier product transitions between seasons, and less track access time required for maintenance.

Combined with our  TOR Foam application bars and our next generation Remote Performance Monitoring (RPM), the PROTECTOR system is the most advanced friction management system available in the world. 

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. 

Legacy PROTECTOR IV

Our TOR FM product portfolio is designed to address any Top of Rail Friction Management challenge you may face. In addition to the products highlighted above, we also offer our legacy PROTECTOR IV electric application systems, providing proven solutions for your rail friction management needs.

  • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of purple-grey liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail. KELTRACK applied via a trackside application system.
  • A train track with a protective fence and a light, symbolizing safety and guidance in a transportation setting. A PROTECTOR top of rail (TOR) friction modifier application system installed on a passenger railroad.
  • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of clear  liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail. INFINITRACK applied via a trackside application system.
  • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of clear  liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail. INFINITRACK applied via a trackside application system.
  • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of purple-grey liquid is shown on an orange foam bar attached to the rail. KELTRACK applied via a trackside application system.
  • A close-up view of a curved railroad track where a layer of purple-grey material is covering the top of the rail. KELTRACK applied manually to the TOR in curved track.
  • A railroad track with concrete slabs where the rail is supported by fasteners.  Bars with orange hoses are attached to the rails to product to the Top of the Rail. Top of rail (TOR) application bars installed on a passenger railroad.
    • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of purple-grey liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail.
    • A train track with a protective fence and a light, symbolizing safety and guidance in a transportation setting.
    • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of clear  liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail.
    • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of clear  liquid is shown on an orange foam  bar attached to the rail.
    • A close-up view of a railroad track where a puddle of purple-grey liquid is shown on an orange foam bar attached to the rail.
    • A close-up view of a curved railroad track where a layer of purple-grey material is covering the top of the rail.
    • A railroad track with concrete slabs where the rail is supported by fasteners.  Bars with orange hoses are attached to the rails to product to the Top of the Rail.

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