Summer weather pushes railcar movers to their limits, especially in industries where uptime is non-negotiable. Whether your Rail King unit is working in a grain facility, manufacturing plant, or logistics hub, now is the time to ensure it's ready for the season ahead.

Here's a breakdown of the key maintenance checks that will help your unit avoid unnecessary downtime, operate safely, and perform to spec through the summer heat. As always, your local Rail King dealer can inspect, service, and support your machine with OEM parts and certified technicians, no need to go elsewhere.

Watch for Overheating Railcar Movers: Start with the Cooling System

Extreme heat means your railcar's cooling system is doing overtime. An underperforming radiator or low coolant levels can quickly lead to overheating, shutdowns, or engine damage.

What to check:

  • Coolant Levels: Top off with the correct coolant mix recommended by your dealer. Avoid topping off with water alone, which can throw off balance and cause corrosion.
  • Radiator Hoses: Inspect for bulges, cracks, or soft spots. Summer temperatures can accelerate wear and hidden leaks.
  • Cooling Fan & Belts: Ensure the fan engages properly and that belts are tensioned and free of frays or glazing.
  • Radiator Fins: Clean out dust and debris from radiator fins. Airflow is critical in hot weather.

If you haven't had a full coolant system inspection recently, your Rail King dealer can run pressure tests, check thermostat performance, and flush the system if needed. These small steps help prevent overheating and extend your engine's lifespan.

Monitor Railcar Tire Pressure to Avoid Heat-Related Wear

Tires are easy to ignore, until they fail. In summer, underinflated tires flex more, causing heat buildup and faster wear. Over time, that leads to uneven treads, poor traction, and unsafe operation.

Summer tire checklist:

  • Check pressure when tires are cold. Air expands with heat, so you'll get a more accurate reading before the unit has been in motion.
  • Match to OEM-recommended PSI. Don't rely on visual inspections. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your machine work harder and burn more fuel.
  • Look for signs of dry rot, cuts, or embedded debris. Heat exacerbates small defects, especially in aged tires.
  • Track tread wear. Excessive or uneven wear may point to misalignment or suspension issues, your dealer can diagnose and correct both.

Rail King movers are designed to work hard in every season, but keeping tires at proper inflation is essential to reliability and safety.

Let Your Dealer Handle Railcar Mover AC Servicing: It's Not Just About Comfort

An efficient AC system keeps operators cool, focused, and safe. But like any hardworking system, it needs regular attention. Refrigerant can leak, filters clog, and compressors wear down. In the heat of summer, those issues can escalate fast.

The good news? You don't need to send the unit to another shop or vendor. Your Rail King dealer is your one-stop service provider for all climate control needs.

Dealer-serviced AC checklist:

  • Recharge refrigerant if levels are low
  • Replace cabin air filters
  • Inspect compressor and condenser performance
  • Confirm airflow and vent operation

A functioning AC isn't just about comfort, it keeps operators alert and focused through long shifts. Your dealer can make sure your unit is ready for the heat.

Authorized Dealer Inspections Keep Railcar Movers Running Smoothly

Routine maintenance protects your investment, keeps your crew safe, and ensures your Rail King performs when demand is high. An authorized dealer inspection covers more than just basic checks; they're trained to catch the early signs of wear, misalignment, or performance degradation that generic service centers miss.

What your dealer will check:

  • Engine and transmission fluid levels and condition
  • Hydraulic system integrity
  • Brake system responsiveness
  • Fuel system leaks or contamination
  • Electrical system diagnostics
  • Additional checks are performed based on engine hours, ask your dealer for more details

Because Rail Kings are designed and built by us, but serviced through your dealer, you're getting expert-level diagnostics using OEM parts and factory-backed procedures.

Summer Heat Exposes Weak Links: Plan Maintenance Ahead of Time

Even if your unit seems to be running well, hot weather amplifies any underlying mechanical issue. A minor coolant leak that goes unnoticed in spring could sideline your machine in July. A soft tire might make it through a shift today but blow out during peak production next week.

Working with your Rail King dealer now ensures:

  • Maximum uptime
  • Safe working conditions
  • OEM-grade support and replacement parts
  • Optimized performance for summer heat

Don't wait until an issue arises: preventive care is faster, more cost-effective, and gives your team peace of mind.

Comprehensive Support from Your Authorized Rail King Dealer

There's no need to manage maintenance through multiple vendors. Your authorized Rail King dealer is trained and equipped to handle it all, cooling systems, tires, brake and hydraulic inspections and more.

That simplifies your maintenance planning, reduces logistics headaches, and ensures all work meets Rail King's standards for reliability and safety.

Keep Your Railcar Mover Safe and Productive All Season

As temperatures rise, make sure your Rail King unit is ready. A summer service check is more than routine, it's a proactive step toward safer, more productive operations. Contact your dealer today to schedule a comprehensive inspection or maintenance appointment.

When it comes to performance in extreme conditions, even the best equipment needs seasonal care. Your dealer is ready to help.