Since introduction in 2018, Miner’s FCS™ (Friction Cushioning Systems) have been installed on nearly 10,000 railcars and accumulated a combined 400 million car-miles of service, “revolutionizing railcar cushioning systems by protecting assets, reducing costs and improving operations,” the 127-year-old company reported on Aug. 5. “Now that’s a Miner Milestone.”
“Many railcars are inadequately protected by hydraulic cushioning units,” Miner points out. “Energy is not efficiently managed, and short life cycles lead to costly maintenance, not only for the hydraulic units but also for the assets they were supposed to protect. Miner FCS units utilize Miner’s proven draft gear technology to achieve greater slack management, increased draft protection and better control over run-in and run-out events. This results in significant reductions in train consist restrictions, fewer unplanned service interruptions and improved operations throughout the network.”
The TecsPak®-equipped Miner FCS is a “straightforward application” for box, refrigerated box, coil, bulkhead, centerbeam and general service flat cars that ”provides years of reliable service,” the company notes. “Miner FCS improves operations and provides car owners and operators with a far greater return on their investment. Miner never stops looking for solutions to improve car performance and ownership.”
Miner adds that “another breakthrough innovation in cushioning solutions will be released soon.”
