Synchronised vehicle lifting jacks
Column-type, synchronised lifting jacks used in banks of four, six or eight to raise complete multiple-unit sets. Wireless-controlled variants available.
UK manufactured
Rail vehicle lifting jacks and depot equipment.
Synchronised rail vehicle lifting jacks, pit-mounted scissor lifts, bogie rotators, turntables and supporting depot equipment, engineered for depot overhaul, heavy maintenance and rolling-stock manufacturing.
Rail vehicle lifting is safety-critical, high-visibility depot work. Somers Handling designs and supplies rail vehicle lifting jacks, pit-mounted scissor lifts, bogie handling equipment and broader depot handling systems for UK rolling-stock depots, TOC maintenance facilities, and rolling-stock manufacturers.
From single-jack replacements to complete depot fit-outs
The scope ranges from individual component supply — a single replacement column or a wheelset-handling crane — through to complete depot handling schemes combining:
- synchronised lifting jack banks with wireless operator control;
- pit-mounted scissor lifts for bogie and running-gear drops;
- bogie rotators and turntables tailored to the depot’s rolling-stock class;
- overhead handling (jib cranes, monorails, gantries) integrated with the lifting system.
Every element is designed for depot-cycle duty and supplied with full testing and LOLER documentation. For brownfield depots we carry out access and constraints surveys; for new-build we provide installation drawings, reaction loads and electrical interface specifications to the civil and M&E teams.
Types and configurations
Rail vehicle lifting are supplied in the following common configurations. Bespoke variants are engineered to order.
Pit-mounted scissor lifts
In-floor scissor lifts at bogie-change pits for wheelset and running-gear removal.
Bogie rotators and turntables
Motorised rotators and turntables for bogie access during overhaul — tailored to the customer's bogie frame geometry and load.
Workshop jib cranes and monorails
Overhead handling over bogie bays, traction-motor areas and wheelset cells — integrated into the depot layout.
Bespoke depot handling
Purpose-designed handling solutions for depot-specific constraints — headroom, pit layout, duty cycle or rolling-stock class.
Technical capabilities
Standard capabilities below — higher capacities, longer spans and non-standard finishes available on request.
Standards
- BS EN 1493
- LOLER 1998
- CE / UKCA
| Lifting jack capacity (per column) | 5,500 kg – 50,000 kg |
|---|---|
| Synchronised bank sizes | 4 / 6 / 8 / 12 columns |
| Lifting height | Up to 1,800 mm typical |
| Control | Wired / wireless; synchronisation via PLC |
| Standards | BS EN 1493, LOLER, Machinery Directive CE / UKCA marked. |
| Compatibility | All UK rolling-stock classes |
Industries
Where rail vehicle lifting are specified.
- SectorRail (depot maintenance)
- SectorRolling-stock OEMs
- SectorInfrastructure / PWay
Rail vehicle lifting — frequently asked questions
What capacities are available for rail vehicle lifting jacks?
Somers lifting jacks run from 5.5 tonnes per column up to 50 tonnes per column, used in synchronised banks of four, six, eight or twelve columns depending on the rolling-stock class being lifted. Higher capacities are available for freight-vehicle applications — share the vehicle type at enquiry.
Are wireless jack banks compatible with legacy wired systems?
Yes — we can supply drop-in replacements that interoperate with a mixed fleet of older wired columns, or migrate a depot wholesale over a planned-downtime window.
Do you supply depot handling beyond the jacks themselves?
Regularly. A typical depot project bundles the lifting jacks with bogie turntables, overhead jib cranes, monorail systems and wheelset handling equipment — all designed to work together within the depot footprint.
What inspection regime applies to rail lifting jacks?
Rail vehicle lifting jacks fall under LOLER 1998 and BS EN 1493. Statutory thorough examination is typically on a 12-month cycle, with operational daily-use checks carried out by the depot team. UKAS-accredited load calibration is available.
Need rail vehicle lifting engineered to your application?
Send a short description of your load, environment and duty — a Somers engineer will respond within one working day.