Another Fantastic Step Forward With A Rail Bull Welding Tractors & Track System

Another fantastic step forward at Wakefield Acoustics Ltd (UK). We are proud to have supported this project with the Rail Bull welding tractors and track system, delivering not only productivity and consistency, but also helping create a safer, healthier environment for the welders on the shop floor.

Where Productivity Meets Health & Safety
This is a major step forward in their manufacturing process with the new track welding plant seeing a significant boost in productivity, but that’s only part of the story. By integrating on-torch fume extraction into their welding process, they are not only improving output but also prioritising the health and wellbeing of the team.

Improved Productivity & Consistency

• Fume Extraction at Source reducing harmful exposure for operators and others in the factory
• Better Ergonomics eliminating the need for awkward bending, supporting long-term operator health

This is a great example of how smart investment in technology can deliver results across performance, safety, and wellbeing. The Rail Bull is a track carriage designed to make butt and fillet welds with or without oscillation. The carriage allows MIG/MAG torches with the handle diameter of 16–22 mm (0.63–0.87 inches). It can work in the following welding positions: PA/1F/1G, PB/2F, PC/2G, PD/4F, PE/4G, PF/3G, and PG/3F/3G. The track is fixed by using magnetic units to ferromagnetic surfaces that are flat or curved with a radius of at east 5 m (16 ft).

Accessories allow, for instance, using torches with the handle diameter larger than 22 mm (0.87 inches) and guiding the carriage on a semi-flexible or rigid track. Using a vacuum track system allows the track to be fixed to surfaces that are non-ferromagnetic.

What It Is Used For

• Some typical applications (from promotional/spec-sheet material) include:
• Large plate welding (ships, storage tanks, pressure vessels) where long continuous welds are required.
• Structural steel, bridges, large fabrications where access may be awkward and repeatability is important.
• Curved surfaces or cylindrical work (pipes, tanks) where the track can be configured to follow the curvature.
• Overlay or hard-facing work, where weaving is important to cover material uniformly.

Key Features & Advantages

• Precision travel: Because the carriage is gear-driven with encoder feedback, speed and positioning are controlled, reducing variation.
• Integrated oscillation: The torch can be made to weave automatically (straight line, trapezoid, triangle patterns) giving consistent weld bead geometry.
• Versatility of mounting: Works on flat or curved surfaces; track options accommodate ferrous/non-ferrous materials; rigid or semi-flexible tracks.
• Reduced operator fatigue & improved environment: By mechanising travel and torch motion, the operator is less exposed to manual travel, fumes, heat etc.
• More consistent weld quality, less wasted filler material, lower distortion: Controlled travel and heat input help with weld consistency and reduce manual error or excess.
• All-position capability: The specification lists the standard welding positions (flat, vertical, overhead).

The JEI range is further enhanced by the Steelbeast® range of fabrication solutions, designed to prepare steel for further processes, with a complete range of solutions for plate and pipe bevelling, punching, sawing, grinding and weld automation.

JEI customers are supported by our highly experienced sales team and technical and service personnel. Our knowledgeable team provides exceptional customer service and is always on hand to assist in finding the perfect solution for your project needs, whether you are based in the UK or elsewhere. Please contact us at sales@jeisolutions.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1706 229490 to discuss your requirements.

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