Rail maintenance has always been one of the toughest and most demanding sectors in engineering. Heavy loads, strict safety standards, and limited downtime make efficiency the ultimate goal. So how do modern rail operators manage to lift entire carriages, replace wheelsets, or conduct inspections quickly without compromising safety?
The answer lies in innovation, precision, and experience, and that’s exactly where AJM Engineering comes in. As the exclusive manufacturer and supplier of the ProSTAR lifting range in South Africa, AJM Engineering has redefined what it means to lift, align, and maintain rail equipment with confidence and control.
The shift from manual to modern
In earlier years, rail maintenance relied on manual lifting methods, limited tools, and long repair times. Technicians would spend hours setting up, aligning, and testing, a process that was as labour-intensive as it was risky. Today, technology has changed the game completely.
With ProSTAR lifting jacks and drop tables, what once required extensive manpower can now be completed faster, safer, and more accurately. These systems are designed to handle heavy-duty rail applications with ease, ensuring that every lift is smooth and stable. The result is shorter maintenance windows and higher overall productivity.
ProSTAR Lifting Jacks: Power meets precision
Imagine the weight of a loaded train carriage, now imagine lifting it effortlessly, with full control, and without any risk to workers or equipment. That’s the value of a ProSTAR lifting jack.
Each jack is built with precision engineering and safety at its core. They can be used individually or synchronised for multiple lift points, ensuring perfect balance even with uneven loads. Whether you’re raising a locomotive for inspection or aligning bogies for replacement, ProSTAR lifting jacks deliver the stability and strength required for demanding rail work.
They also allow for customisation, meaning AJM Engineering can tailor lifting solutions to match specific operational needs. For rail facilities dealing with varying vehicle designs or weight capacities, that level of adaptability makes all the difference.
Drop tables: Streamlining wheelset replacement
Ask anyone who’s ever worked in rail maintenance, and they’ll tell you that wheelset replacement is one of the most time-consuming tasks. That’s where ProSTAR drop tables come into play.
These systems are designed to simplify and accelerate underfloor maintenance, especially when removing or replacing wheelsets. The process is no longer a logistical nightmare, with drop tables, technicians can lift and lower heavy components smoothly, without dismantling surrounding equipment or structures.
The benefits are clear: reduced downtime, improved accuracy, and minimal disruption to other repair activities. For companies striving to keep their fleets running efficiently, that kind of time saving translates directly into cost efficiency and reliability.
Safety as the standard
In rail operations, safety is not optional. Every piece of lifting equipment must perform flawlessly under extreme pressure, and ProSTAR products meet that challenge with ease.
Each lifting jack and drop table undergoes strict quality checks and performance testing to ensure compliance with international standards. Operators gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing their tools are engineered to protect both personnel and assets.
AJM Engineering also provides maintenance, servicing, and spare parts support, ensuring that every system continues to perform optimally throughout its lifespan.
Supporting South African rail infrastructure
Since 1997, AJM Engineering has played a vital role in supporting industries that keep South Africa moving. The rail sector, in particular, benefits from the company’s blend of local experience and international-quality products. From design and manufacturing to supply and servicing, AJM Engineering ensures that rail operators have access to durable, reliable equipment built for the demands of real-world conditions.
Final thoughts
Rail maintenance is complex, but with the right equipment, it doesn’t have to be complicated. ProSTAR lifting jacks and drop tables bring efficiency, safety, and precision to the heart of the operation, allowing technicians to work faster and smarter.
At AJM Engineering, innovation isn’t just about creating better tools; it’s about creating better outcomes. By combining expertise with high-performance ProSTAR technology, we’re helping the rail industry lift its standards, one system at a time. Because when it comes to keeping South Africa’s railways running smoothly, every lift matters.