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Noteworthy - Hudson Ballaster

The Hudson Ballaster

The Hudson Ballaster delivers unmatched mobility and efficiency for modern rail construction and maintenance. Designed for rapid deployment, this innovative ballast car can be transported by truck and moved between sites quickly, making it the ideal solution for dynamic operations.

Versatile and precise, the Hudson Ballaster is perfect for railyard construction, patch or washout repairs, and ongoing track maintenance. With remote controlled hydraulic gates, a single operator can achieve accurate ballast placement, minimize waste and eliminate double handling. This level of precision translates into significant time and cost savings for every project.

Trusted by track construction and maintenance teams, transit agencies, and equipment lessors, the Hudson Ballaster combines durability with simplicity. Built from heavy duty components, including thick steel hopper plates and freight car wheels, it is engineered to withstand years of rigorous use. Low maintenance gating and suspension systems minimize upkeep while standard features such as an air brake compressor, flood lights, large fuel tank, and dual air cleaner system ensure reliable performance in any environment.

For mobility, precision, and low-maintenance reliability, the Hudson Ballaster is the smart choice for all maintenance of way teams.

Performance and Safety Control and Operation Design and Construction Power and Systems Customization

Performance

High track speed capability
Reduced vibration to components and reduced wheel-rail noise
Suspension performance and testing documented at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

Braking System

Fail-safe air brakes applied from tow-vehicle in unison
Brake connections on both car ends; air coils included
Air compressor connected to brake system to enable brake release

Gate Controls and Hydraulics

Four gates: two outside rails and two between rails
Wireless remote control hydraulic bottom gates and optional side gates
Gates controlled individually or all together with a single button
Smooth variable openings and variable open/close speed
Hydraulic cylinders provide power to crush rocks caught in gates
Adjustable relief settings; 1300 psi system; spin-on return filter & suction strainer

Tow Vehicle Connection

Drawbar 6’ square-tube
90,000 lb capacity pintle hooks on both ends

Construction

Welded steel plate ballast hopper
Lift eyes on each top corner
Hold-downs on each lower corner
Fork pockets for forklift or loader transferability
Inspection ladder
Wood plank surround to prevent loading damage

Paint and Finish

Epoxy primer with urethane topcoat
Carbody, custom colour choice
Fuel Tank, green
Hydraulic Tank, blue
Wheelsets, black

Power and Electrical

Diesel engine with key start and pull-start backup
Special dual air-filter system (engine filter + remote-mounted air cleaner)
12 V electrical system with hour meter and master electrical cut-off switch
8-gallon fuel tank

Running Gear and Suspension

Conventional 6x11x33" AAR freight car wheels
Wheelbase 7’-5”, ideal for tight curves
High performance self-steering design to reduce tread or flange wear and wheel-rail noise

Lighting

LED front and rear running lights; separately switched to indicate travel direction
Two bottom LED flood lights for night operations and side illumination
Running and flood lights controlled by wireless remote control

Available Options

Vandal package: protects engine, electrical panels, hydraulic components, fuel tank, lights
Side Chutes: 3rd rail side gating system and chutes (wireless remote controlled)
Hydraulic valve override switches (remote failure backup)

FAQ Documentation

FAQ - Railcar & Locomotive Services

General: What rate does Ronsco charge?

Ronsco’s labour rates are determined by the volume and type of work provided. Please contact us to learn more.

General: Where is Ronsco’s repair facility located?

Our main facility is located west of Montreal in Coteau-Du-Lac. Please refer to our locations and services map.

SPLC Code: 028027000
Shop Mark: XEX
Servicing Railroad: CN, Track Q37

75 Boul. Industrielle
Cedars QC
J0P 1B0
Canada

Railcar: Is Ronsco certified to perform tankcar and valve qualifications?

Yes, Ronsco is certified to perform tankcar and valve qualifications. To view our certifications click here.

Railcar: Does Ronsco offer tankcar cleaning? If so, what commodities are you capable of cleaning?

Yes, we offer thorough tankcar cleaning. Please click here to view our list of commodities.

Railcar: Does Ronsco service Kosher cleaning?

No, not presently.

Railcar: Is Ronsco able to flare tankcars?

No, we currently do have the capability to flare.

Railcar: Does Ronsco offer paint and blast services?

No, we do not have blast and paint capabilities.
However, we do offer major paint touch-up services.

Railcar: What is Ronsco’s standard turnaround time?

We target an average 30-day turnaround time as an industry standard. The flexibility of our services allows us to prioritize programs on an as needed basis. To discuss further please contact us.

Railcar: How do I send bad order railcars to Ronsco’s Coteau-du-Lac facility?

Please contact us and provide details of the bad order. We will review and confirm whether we can accept the work within 24 hours.

Mobile: What is the coverage area for Ronsco’s mobile repair?

Please refer to our locations and services map. to explore the coverage of our services.

Mobile: Does Ronsco offer dedicated on-site operations?

Yes, we offer on-site repair services under contract. Please contact us to discuss further.

Mobile: What rates does Ronsco charge and how are they determined?

Ronsco has a standard hourly labour rate for travel, work time and mileage charge. Per diem costs for meals and accommodations are charged extra when required. Any materials consumed are also charged as extra.