SafeRack Top Loading Arms - SafeRack
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SafeRack Top Loading Arms

SafeRack Top Loading Arms
By Ray Evans Feb 19, 2025 Estimated 3 minute read

SafeRack’s G-Series top loading arm in action at a rail facility

Efficient liquid or dry bulk transfer at industrial rail terminals is important when handling large volumes of material. SafeRack’s railcar loading arms provide a variety of options customized for your facility. Our team can deliver leak-free top loading arms that reduce physical strain and save you time and money.

Why Upgrade to a Railcar Top Loading Arm?

Hoses can be good for short-term use, but they are heavy, difficult to maneuver, and prone to catastrophic failure. A top railcar loading arm can provide a stable transfer of liquids and play a crucial role in rail loading. Several benefits that a top loading arm system provides include:

  • Prevent loss. Railcar loading arms allow for a higher flow rate, and the submerged design prevents loss through droplet loss or vapor generation.
  • Durability. Top loading arms are created with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, which are weather-resistant and durable.
  • Ergonomic design. The ergonomic design of SafeRack equipment allows ease of access to equipment, lowering the stress on workers’ bodies and reducing back strain and injury risk.
  • OSHA-compliant railcar loading platforms. SafeRack designs top-loading arm platforms that include gangways, safety cages, and slip-resistant surfaces that protect employees and are compliant with all OSHA standards.

Types of Railcar Top Loading Arms

SafeRack offers a wide range of configurations to match your facility’s layout, product viscosity, and reach requirements. We can review your worksite and advise on what might work best for your operations. A few types of railcar top loading arms we make include:

Variable Reach Loading Arm

Variable reach loading arms are designed to load multiple compartments at the same time, without the need for repositioning. It offers spring-balanced swivels that allow easy handling and flexible, 360-degree rotation.

Fixed Reach Loading Arm

Fixed reach loading arms are a single-arm solution that is ideal for single-compartment systems and railcar dome loadings with consistent positioning. Its minimal design allows for dependable performance at a rail terminal.

Boom Supported Loading Arm

For heavier loads or longer reaches, the boom-supported top-loading arm can be customized for handling diverse media in complex settings. Its maximum stability can be helpful at high-cycle terminals.

Heated/Jacketed Loading Arm

Heated/Jacketed loading arms are designed to maintain consistent flow at a rail terminal in cold climates. Our equipment offers customizable heating options to align with your needs.

Loading Arm With Vapor Return

SafeRack’s loading arm with vapor return is designed for transporting gasoline, oil, and toxic chemicals that minimizes loss through vapor emissions. These can be essential in minimizing losses, protecting workers, and complying with EPA regulations.

By-Pass Loading Arm

By-pass loading arms are ideal for handling harsh, caustic, or corrosive chemicals. Its design is not only useful for substances such as hydrrohcholic acid, but also useful to maintain food-grade quality when transporting food and beverages that cannot touch metal swivels. The by-pass loading arm acts as a mechanical support, carrying the weight of the hose so the operator doesn’t have to.

Turnkey Integration: The SafeRack Advantage

A loading arm is only one part of the equation. SafeRack specializes in railcar loading rack integration, pairing your top loading arm with our safety cages and gangways to create a seamless, OSHA-compliant station. We coordinate with your civil and electrical teams to ensure the arm fits your specific railcar heights and platform layout.

Contact us today so we can learn the challenges you face at your facility, recommend a railcar loading arm, and help you increase your workplace’s productivity.