Rail Sweeper Brush Head
Overview
Our rail sweeper brush heads are purpose-built modules for cleaning railheads, flangeways and track surfaces on mainline, tram, metro and depot maintenance vehicles. Designed for robust debris removal (leaf mulch, rust, grit, ballast fines) and for safe operation on electrified infrastructure, these compact, bolted modules fit a wide range of maintenance-of-way platforms and hi-rail trucks.
Product Range & Typical Configurations
Large — With Grounding
Heavy wire-bristle pack with integrated grounding braid. Best for mainline and suburban services where stray currents must be bled to earth. Strong scraping action for heavy fouling.Large — Standard
High-density brush pack without braided earth strap; superior mechanical cleaning for non-electrified or isolated work sites. Optional copper contact strip for de-oxidation.Small — With Grounding
Compact version for tight spaces, points, and tramlines. Grounding braid fitted for electrified networks.Liquid / Oil Squeegee Module
Pad/squeegee or absorbent module for clearing water, oil and thin liquid films from the rail surface (ideal for depots, workshops, or spill response).Mixed-Action Variants
Combinations of bristle types and a copper/bronze scraping/contact bar are available to balance mechanical scraping with conductive cleaning.
Typical Components & Materials
Mounting Plate / Bracket: laser-cut steel plate with standard bolt pattern; zinc or galvanised finish.
Bristles: spring steel or stainless steel wire bundles (various diameters & densities).
Grounding Braid: braided copper or tinned copper strap with inspection eyelet.
Contact Strip (optional): copper/bronze bar for conductive contact and oxide removal.
Squeegee/Pad: reinforced rubber or absorbent composite for liquid sweep.
Fasteners: grade 8.8 or stainless steel bolts & lock washers.
Typical Specifications
( customizable)
Working width: 120 mm – 400 mm (single unit; units can be ganged)
Overall module depth: 60 mm – 150 mm (depending on bristle length)
Bristle material options: SS304, spring steel (tempered)
Bristle diameter options: 0.20 mm – 0.60 mm
Maximum recommended vehicle speed when sweeping: ≤ 25 km/h (site dependent)
Mounting pattern: standard 4-bolt plate (custom hole patterns available)
Grounding strap length: 200 mm – 600 mm (with M8 eyelet common)
Operating temperature: -20 °C to +70 °C (typical materials)
Note: final dims and materials supplied to match customer mounting and operational specs.
Applications
Autumn leaf fall mitigation on suburban and mainline services.
Depot and workshop rail cleaning (oil/water removal variant).
Tram and light-rail track cleaning in street environments.
Switches, crossings and turnout approach cleaning (use compact module).
Pre-treatment before sanding/grit application or before adhesion improvement measures.
Installation & Compatibility
Verify mounting bolt pattern on vehicle sweep beam or carrier plate.
Fit module to bracket using supplied fasteners; torque to recommended values.
Connect grounding braid to vehicle earth or designated bonding point if “with grounding” model is used. Ensure secure, low-resistance connection.
Adjust lateral position so bristles lightly contact railhead (avoid excessive downforce).
Perform trial run at low speed and inspect for even wear and secure fixing.
Customization & Options
Custom mounting hole patterns and plate dimensions.
Bristle material and stiffness tailored to rail type (hardened rails vs. light-rail).
Copper contact strips for enhanced de-oxidation.
Quick-release variants for rapid swap in the field.
Multiple units mounted in series for wider cleaning heads.
FAQs
Q:How do I choose between the wire-bristle, squeegee and grounded models?
A: Select wire-bristle for heavy fouling (leaf mulch, rust, grit), squeegee/pad for liquids and spills, and grounded versions whenever you operate on electrified infrastructure (overhead or third-rail) or where stray currents and signalling sensitivity are a concern.
Q:How often do the brushes need replacing?
A: Replacement frequency depends on operating hours, abrasive conditions and contact pressure. As a rule of thumb, inspect weekly and plan replacement when ~30% of bristle length/stiffness is lost or when cleaning effectiveness noticeably declines. We can provide a wear-estimate based on expected km of operation.
Q:Are there environmental or temperature limitations?
A: Standard units operate reliably between roughly -20 °C and +70 °C. For extreme climates or chemically aggressive environments (marine spray, de-icing chemicals), request corrosion-resistant materials and special coatings.